Quote:
Originally Posted by richard5933
Very cool first coach to drive. Did you ever drive a Buffalo while you were with Greyhound? Something like our coach maybe? I'd love to hear some stories about what they were like to drive in revenue service, especially with the 4-speed and wet clutch.
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Richard, I did drive the "Buffalo". It was phased in as Greyhound phased out the Scenicruiser. Those were built starting in 1954. Originally outfitted with two Detroit 4 cylinder engines. They used dual 4-71 engines, driving through a fluid coupling and a three-speed manual transmission with a two speed splitter. This power-pack, a compromise at best, had continual teething problems which resulted in significant maintenance downtime. With these problems, the decision was made to remove the 4's and install with a six. Many of these were converted to "combo's" The upstairs (upper deck) had the seats taken out and converted to transporting more "Package Express". Not sure how much shipping is still done by Greyhound, but back then we carried a LOT of packages. Most of the Scenicruisers were purchased by Korea.
The Buffalo's came with a 425 Cat. Straight 4 speed. It seems as though all the coaches were a little different regarding shifting. None had syncro-mesh gears. So . . . always had to double-clutch, both up and down through the gears.
After leaving Greyhound for law-enforcement, I found myself pulling over to the right and stopping for railroad crossings. Ha. Finally broke the habit.
I still have my hat and ticket punch.
Ray
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