Siblings Reunite

My bus, #85-16, and the one pictured next to it, #85-15, were once sister units in the same fleet.  They were part of a $1.3 million fleet replacement project in my hometown school district. The current fleet had consisted of equipment from the 1970’s, and was desperately in need of some new buses.  Bus #85-16 was finished at the factory in May of 1985, and #85-15 in June of 1985, so they were likely delivered to the district as part of the August batch. They cost about about $48,000 each.  Replacing many Thomas/Fords and Thomas/GMCs with propane engines, these buses could be have been considered quite nice for their time, being equipped with air brakes, automatic transmissions, diesel engines, and post-1977 seating.

After my bus's sale on June 19, 1999, #85-15 had been kept by the district for conversion into the band-equipment bus.  Individual but older photos of 85-15, including its colorful banner, can be seen by clicking here.

Notice the difference in roof caps between 85-15 and 85-16.  I am not aware of 85-15 being in any accidents, so it is peculiar that it has the most recent version of the non-Freightliner conventional roof cap, rather than the swept-back version had by 85-16.
 

Year: 1985 Model: 65-passenger Thomas Conventionals with Ford B700 chassis, 8.2L Detroit Diesel Allison engines with AT545 automatic transmissions, and air brakes. ID: 85-15 and 85-16 Location: Michigan Note: On 85-15, its front warning lights are wired as turn signals, and the rears are controlled separately as loading lights.  Its warning light system serves as evidence that the 8 ways and stop arm on 85-16 are not original equipment.  Photos By: Mike's Bus Yard, 29 August 2007