BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2026 9:31 am Post subject:

Curious........

What were the dimensions on the side signboxes used on the "batwing" Fishbowls?

From looking at photos, it appears that these signboxes were roughly the same dimensions as the bulkhead signs used on the subway rolling stock then in use.......

"NYO"

["BUS-O-RAMA"]

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2026 8:23 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2026 9:21 am Post subject:

W.B,:

Thanks; let me know what you find.

Those side "batwing" sign boxes always reminded me of those used on center entrance streetcars, in certain cities.

I still remember how the "batwing" PSNJ/TNJ Fishbowls lacked offside sign boxes.............

"NYO"

["21 WEST NEW YORK"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2026 4:29 pm Post subject:

Comparisons (TNJ/MTA)..............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?154505 (Note TNJ Fishbowl is a "Jetson")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?154665

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["44 PARK AVE."]

Cyberider · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 1527 Location: Tempe, AZ

Always wished I had a sign box to install my SCRTD rollsigns in. The best I did after getting them about 50 years ago was to cut one up and install it on pull down window shades. It looked good when it was light outside!

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2026 7:23 pm Post subject:

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:11 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2026 10:40 am Post subject:

W.B.:

I've long wondered why PS/TNJ's "batwing" Fishbowls only had nearside rear sign boxes......an economy move, perhaps?

"NYO"

["19-26 UNION CITY"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:50 pm Post subject:

An offside view of a PSNJ/TNJ "batwing" Fishbowl at the Oradell garage, back in '74............

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155350

(courtesy: nucsubway.org)

["TRANSPORT OF NEW JERSEY"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2026 12:10 am Post subject:

Back in 1974, we see a PSNJ/TNJ "batwing" ("Bullet") at the former City Subway terminal at Franklin Avenue (a PCC can just simply be glimpsed)

I took many photos at this humble station, over 50 years ago; sadly, the PCCs, the Fishbowls, and even the station itself are now long gone...... Sad

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155377

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

["6 CROSSTOWN"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2026 3:34 pm Post subject:

I'm sure this was addressed long ago here, but, anyway.........

What led to the decision to the removal of the side sign boxes over the rear doors of batwing Fishbowls?

Was there a particular reason behind the removalof these prominent signs?

They always reminded me of the large side signs carried by many center entrance streetcars in other cities, way back when........

"NYO"

["ta"]

["OA"].

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2026 3:59 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2026 6:03 pm Post subject:

Random views.........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155498 ("Lone Wolf")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155889 ("How The Mighty Hath Fallen")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?154036 ("Batwing Bomber")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155705 ("OA")

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?154201 ("BUS-O-RAMA")

(courtesy:nycsubway.org)

["BUS-O-RAMA"]

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2026 4:48 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2026 10:17 am Post subject:

....to this day, I still like picturing an NJDOT transit "Dangerfield" sporting batwings; ditto the now-classic Metro "B"....... Wink

"NYO"

['NJDOT"]