Greetings!

[debbiejay4444]

I am wanting to convert a school bus. My preference would be a flat nose, rear engine bus. I don't want a 40 footer. Do they come in a shorter length? I appreciate your help. Thank you. Debbie

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[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by debbiejay4444

I am wanting to convert a school bus. My preference would be a flat nose, rear engine bus. I don't want a 40 footer. Do they come in a shorter length? I appreciate your help. Thank you. Debbie

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Yes. Many shorter buses are front engine, but a few rear-engine ones are out there.

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Yes. Many shorter buses are front engine, but a few rear-engine ones are out there.

Thank you, Brad. I appreciate your response.

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[M1031A1]

There are SOME 36' Thomas diesel pushers that MIGHT still be found in Maryland..... Keep you eye on GovDeals or some of the other auction sites. I know Porkchopsandwiches and another builder got their 36' buses from MD. I'm not sure if anyone built a shorter diesel pusher than Thomas. Please correct me if I'm wrong.....

For what it's worth.....

M

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by M1031A1

There are SOME 36' Thomas diesel pushers that MIGHT still be found in Maryland..... Keep you eye on GovDeals or some of the other auction sites. I know Porkchopsandwiches and another builder got their 36' buses from MD. I'm not sure if anyone built a shorter diesel pusher than Thomas. Please correct me if I'm wrong.....

For what it's worth.....

M [emoji3]

Thank you, M. I'll keep my eye open

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[Johnny Mullet]

Good luck on your search! Took me awhile to find what I wanted.

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

Good luck on your search! Took me awhile to find what I wanted.

Thank you, Johnny. What do you have?


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[Robin97396]

You're looking for one of the unicorn buses. I'm told they're out there. The medium size rear engine (RE) buses, not the unicorns.

You don't want a 40 footer, so possibly a front engine (FE) bus would work. It's much easier to find a medium FE bus. For example I have a 26" Bluebird FE that is amazingly maneuverable. There is an engine housing hump near the front entry door. Some of us don't mind listening to the engine while we're driving.

We've, on this site, had long debates about who has the most floorspace in FE or RE buses. It's a little like comparing apples and oranges, but we each have our preferences.

The dognose buses will be more comfortable for a newer bus driver because of the more normal location of the front axle, but the FE or RE buses will get you more floorspace with a slightly different driving experience.

Good luck.

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

You're looking for one of the unicorn buses. I'm told they're out there. The medium size rear engine (RE) buses, not the unicorns.

You don't want a 40 footer, so possibly a front engine (FE) bus would work. It's much easier to find a medium FE bus. For example I have a 26" Bluebird FE that is amazingly maneuverable. There is an engine housing hump near the front entry door. Some of us don't mind listening to the engine while we're driving.

We've, on this site, had long debates about who has the most floorspace in FE or RE buses. It's a little like comparing apples and oranges, but we each have our preferences.

The dognose buses will be more comfortable for a newer bus driver because of the more normal location of the front axle, but the FE or RE buses will get you more floorspace with a slightly different driving experience.

Good luck.

Thank you, Robin. I'm going look your bus up.

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[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Yes. Many shorter buses are front engine, but a few rear-engine ones are out there.

Thank you, Brad

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[Brad_SwiftFur]

Since I *Needed* a shorter bus (my driveway is not flat, and I cannot get a longer wheelbase bus in it even if it was). I wanted a shorty or medium length IH bus with a DT466. What I ended up with was a BlueBird/IH with a T444E and 5-speed manual (which was preferable for me). While the T444E may be underpowered for a full size bus, I found it moves this "6-window" shorty just fine. (I generally loathe the window designations, as the windows are *NOT* always the same size!) I do prefer a hood, which played into my selection.

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Since I *Needed* a shorter bus (my driveway is not flat, and I cannot get a longer wheelbase bus in it even if it was). I wanted a shorty or medium length IH bus with a DT466. What I ended up with was a BlueBird/IH with a T444E and 5-speed manual (which was preferable for me). While the T444E may be underpowered for a full size bus, I found it moves this "6-window" shorty just fine. (I generally loathe the window designations, as the windows are *NOT* always the same size!) I do prefer a hood, which played into my selection.

Brad, I was gooing by too grey a shuttle bus, when I came across an article helping to decide which bus is best for each person. I like the idea of the storage abilities underneath the bus. And I like the flat nose... we'll see what I end up with

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[cadillackid]

as far as ive seen thomas is the shortest RE busses ive seen.. I like my hooded busses just for ease of working on them and I like the rear door for loading and unloading things.. since I use it as a grocery-getter, hauler, party-bus, and daily driver..

there are advantages to a rear engine.. 2 being Less noise and less engine heat in summer!!
-Christopher

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

as far as ive seen thomas is the shortest RE busses ive seen.. I like my hooded busses just for ease of working on them and I like the rear door for loading and unloading things.. since I use it as a grocery-getter, hauler, party-bus, and daily driver..

there are advantages to a rear engine.. 2 being Less noise and less engine heat in summer!!
-Christopher

Christopher, the two reasons I like them Plus the under storage possibilities. Thank you for taking time to comment. I appreciate it.

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[Robin97396]

Gotta admire that you know what you want. I'v been looking for a short RE for a while. The auction listings aren't always good at reporting length, so you can learn a lot by taking the time to look at lots of buses. Sounds like you have looked already. Yours should be an interesting build.

[Johnny Mullet]

Originally Posted by debbiejay4444

Thank you, Johnny. What do you have?


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The bus I was looking for was a mid-sized front engine bus. Project page in my sig

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Gotta admire that you know what you want. I'v been looking for a short RE for a while. The auction listings aren't always good at reporting length, so you can learn a lot by taking the time to look at lots of buses. Sounds like you have looked already. Yours should be an interesting build.

Robin, it will be a relatively simple build because I will not have all the cabinetry. I am basically a minimalist and want more open space because I'm an artist. I retired in August, and am looking forward to living simple and free

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[Robin97396]

Then you're probably one of the few that will have some appreciation for my build. Minimalist would be a word I could use.

I did opt for insulation following the first winter. Worth it!

[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

The bus I was looking for was a mid-sized front engine bus. Project page in my sig

Found it. I love the remodel process!

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[debbiejay4444]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Then you're probably one of the few that will have some appreciation for my build. Minimalist would be a word I could use.

I did opt for insulation following the first winter. Worth it!

Where can I see your bus, Robin?

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