Amtran/IC flat-front styles...

[Rameses-SKO]

Please forgive me if this's been covered someplace, but I spent quite a bit of time searching for info on it and couldn't find anything. Read wiki pages, everything.

In my bus selection search, I've continually run across two different styles of Amtran flat front buses. I've yet to discern any rhyme or reason as to what dictates the difference in styles. They seem to overlap years, so I don't think it's as simple as a generational/redesign difference.

The are several differences in the two styles, but the most easily recognizable is the angle of the front and rear overhangs. Can anyone provide any insight on this?

 

[Scooternj]

The one on top looks like it has belly storage. Amtran/ICB probably changed the sheet metal so that it wouldn't be so "obvious"

 

[Rameses-SKO]

The one on top looks like it has belly storage. Amtran/ICB probably changed the sheet metal so that it wouldn't be so "obvious"

Belly storage with flat overhangs. No rhyme or reason...

 

[Geo Jeff]

Its all in the wheels. Once your toaster has polished wheels its a whole different machine. That first picture with the angled sheet metal in front and rear does look modern. Id like to see what the drivers side entry door looks like.

 

[Geo Jeff]

Looking at that first bus. notice the rub rail positions and the bumper height to the lower pictured bus. this is just a sheet metal addition. very easy to add to a older bus I think i will do this myself. make it look 10 or more years newer. Plus I think they all need a dragster wing on the roof. or maybe a sprint cup wing. I'm partial to left turns any how.

 

[cowlitzcoach]

The difference is standard depth of side skirts and deep side skirts.

Both styles are still available.

You can see the differences in the Blue Bird and Thomas body buses.

The only bus body makers that didn't have a difference were Crown and Gillig. Standard skirt length was the equivalent of the deep skirt option of the eastern built buses.

 

[Rameses-SKO]

The difference is standard depth of side skirts and deep side skirts.

Both styles are still available.

You can see the differences in the Blue Bird and Thomas body buses.

The only bus body makers that didn't have a difference were Crown and Gillig. Standard skirt length was the equivalent of the deep skirt option of the eastern built buses.

Very interesting. Thank you!

So, was the purpose of the different skirt depth simply to accommodate a larger under-body storage compartment, or was there some other reason for it?

 

[cowlitzcoach]

The deeper skirt depth is there to make it less attractive for a little person to reach under the bus to get something.

When the skirt depth is close to 24" over the ground, someone who is only 36" tall usually wouldn't think it wrong to scoot underneath to get something.

When the skirt depth is only 10" over the ground few littles would consider scooting underneath to get something.

 

[Rameses-SKO]

The collective knowledge of this board is pretty amazing.

I knew somebody would have the answer.

Thanks again!