BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

NOT your average Fishbowl*, for sure.......(!!)

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?10980

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?10981

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?10979

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

*A similar railbus experiment was also conducted on the Red Arrow Lines (there is one photo of the Red Arrow Fishbowl railbus at NewDavesRailpix, on the "Philadelphia Suburban" page, under "misc")

["Railbus"]

[Cyberider]

The only thing better would be an Old Look on flanged wheels. That would look kind of like a PCC!

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Some VERY interesting (and unorthodox!) "buses" here.........

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railbus

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Interesting to note that, when PSNJ's revolutionary dual-powered ASVs entered revenue service in 1935, they were indeed considered highly "unorthodox", as they were then the only dual-powered trolley buses in the world.......

"NYO"

["21 WEST NEW YORK"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Perhaps the most "unorthodox" double-deckers of all..........

In Chicago, one of the reasons why (at least early on) the upper decks of double-deckers were not enclosed was the many 'L" trestles and viaducts; the buses were quite high, wjile many viaducts were quite low.

In one "on-off" experiment, involving several CMMCo open-toppers, roof panels were installed over each row of passenger seats, while over the aisle, there was an open space.

This experiment was not successful.

In standard practice, when an ope-top bus approached an "L" structure or a viaduct, the conductor would mount the curved stairwell to the upper deck, and instruct the passengers to remain seated.

Eventually, all of the open-top buses had the upper decks enclosed, using lower windows and a lower-profile roof.......

"NYO"

["53 WILSON AVENUE"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"Tree-loppers"...........

In both London and Baltimore, older, retired open-top double-deckers were often converted into "tree loppers".

Work crews would ride on the upper decks and trim overhanging tree branches, along routes where double-deckers operated.

The lower deck seats were removed, and the former passenger area used for tools and other work-related equipment...........

"NYO"

["BTC"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Preserved Fishbowl railbus...........

Though I had mentioned the Fishbowl railbus experiment earlier here, I just learned today that, a number of years back, that CONNECTICUT COMPANY Fishbowl #1712 (which could also operate as a railbus) was obtained by the Connecticut Trolley Museum,for restoration and eventual operation.

Originally, 50 such rail/highway Fishbowls were to have operated in the Hartford area; however problems with funding, union issues, etc, stopped this ambitious program in its tracks (pun intended!)

Good to know that this lone, quite unique Fishbowl was spared the scrappers......

"NYO"

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?10979

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?10980

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["1712"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

See also........

https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=27515

https://www.ctfiremuseum.org/motorcoach/1712

["RailBus"]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

PSNJ "camel back" buses......

From 1928 through the 1930s, PSNJ operated a number of front-engined "suburban/highway" buses which featured a pronounced "hump" over the aisle, to increase headroom.

Built by "YELLOW", these unusual buses seated 26 passengers, and also featured rooftop luggage racks.

These buses (brutes to handle!) were used heavily on PSNJ's Atlantic City routes, from New York, Jersey City, and Newark......

'"NYO"


["ATLANTIC CITY"]

[Cyberider]

Are there any photos of these buses?

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

[Cyberider]

Hopefully some photos will turn up eventually.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]