Thomas bus questions

[BlueFish-SKO]

I'm getting closer to narrowing down what I am looking for in a Thomas bus.

Which buses have high ceiling without roof raise? Are there models that are more likely to have high top or activity bus?

Is a flat front or conventional easier to drive?

I'm leaning towards a conventional so I could cut rear of bus to have porch and/or vehicle hauling. I could also pull a trailer I guess too. So it’s not a must have.

I’m not sure which engines are available in Thomas? Which engine is preferred?

Cummins 8.3
DTA466
DT466
DT466E
T444E Powerstroke in f250+ Ford Trucks
Cat 3126
Cat C7

Which Allison is preferred?
Allison - Automatic
545
645
A2000
MD3060

So many choices... I just need more than 10 or so rows.

Thomas - pre 2004
Safe-T-Liner FS-65 conventional dog nose
International conventional dog nose
Freightliner conventional
Safe-T-Liner HDX Rear Engine Flat Nose
WestCoastER Rear Engine Flat Nose
Safe-T-Liner ER Rear Engine Flat Nose
Safe-T-Liner HD/HDX Rear Engine Flat Nose
Ford B700

Thanks!

 

[BlueFish-SKO]

I talked to a guy offline and he was saying I can't get a Cummins 8.3 on one of the older Thomas buses. Maybe the wise choice is DT466 vs Cat or Cummins 5.9.

 

[BlueFish-SKO]

I'm reading other threads and getting answers.

It looks like Cummins 8.3 or DT466 for my purposes such as some towing.

Which Allison is preferred? Lower on the list is better.
Allison - Automatic
645
A2000
MD3060