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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
 Posted - 02/04/2003 : 2:20:09 PM
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Some school districts came to a "fork in the road" so-to-speak, earlier this year. Since the International/Thomas conventional was no longer available, those school districts were faced with the decision of either going with a Thomas body (Freightliner/Thomas), or continuing with an International chassis (International/Blue Bird or IC CE).
I am curious to know what decision your district made, if your district happened to be faced with this rather tough decision. Or, feel free to tell me what you personally would (or did) choose from the choices mentioned above.
I am sure this was a difficult situation for some districts. For others, it was probably a no-brainer. It all depends on how you look at it.
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 2:24:47 PM
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I would personally choose the Freightliner. While International may be a great chassis, Freightliner can substitute very well. In that case, it would come down to the body and I believe Thomas serves much better in terms of safety and quality. We were primarly Ford (with four IHCs) and when Ford became unavailable we had no problem switching to Freightliner. The drivers also LOVE them.
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60. |
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BlueBird16
Advanced Member
USA
382 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 2:38:23 PM
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One of our districts operated International/Thomas for a while and then switched to Freightliner/Blue Bird. Macon County this year went back to International with a Blue Bird. I believe they ordered 5 for the 03-04 school year.
Jeff Flatt |
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PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 2:42:00 PM
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We stayed with Thomas which means going with Freightliner. Freightliner intergration with Thomas has room for improvement in service and parts.
PHW
Child Check For Life |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 4:02:08 PM
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We bought a few Freightliners, some with Thomas bodies, and we have learned our lesson! No more!! No more Freightliners no more Caterpillar either. We need service and parts and Thomas provides neither very well, but especially the service after the sale! Only if there is nothing else out there!
Joe
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Thomasfan89
Top Member
USA
1155 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 4:11:30 PM
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We are 75% International Thomas and I am 99% sure our four new buses are going to be Freighliners. I would get Freightliners personally for the durability and quality of the Thomas Body!! I also think that is why my district is doing do! We have been buying all Thomas since 1990 with the exception af a few early 1990s Ford Carpenters. I also like the looks and dash setup of the Freighliner.
Greg Hovan
Now is the time of year when all buses have white tops!
Visit the school bus garage: http://www.geocities.com/fordman11189/SchoolBusGarage.html |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 5:02:17 PM
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Unfortunately, some contractors have decided to go with the Freightliner chassis. These contractors had been full International, but from what I have heard have gone with Freightliner since they have had special discounts. All of these are "lot buses"... the dealer seems to be buying many extra buses to give contractors a better deal, or whatever their reasons may be.
One other contractor has purchased new Blue Bird/International's... now I just have to wait for the best buses to come in... IC! 
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School Bus Photos and Links: http://www.geocities.com/bluebird4eversbf
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 7:02:36 PM
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I would go with the IC over the Freightliner. As Wagonmaster stated parts and service! Most Freightliner dealerships do not know how to work on Yellow and Black!
I met a private contractor a few years back that bought a brand new Freightliner and took it to the Freightliner dealer to have some warranty work! The dealer kept the bus for 2 weeks and then called the guy to come pick his bus up. The guy checked his bus out after driving it 2 hours back to his home and he could tell that they had never touched the bus! He was not a happy camper!
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ZZTalon
Senior Member
USA
136 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 7:22:04 PM
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Well, where i work we don't really buy brand new busses, but there are alot more bluebirds now and not a single frieghtliner. (They used to be mostly Thomas, before that Waynes, all internationals)
http://www.nyschoolbus.com |
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 7:47:30 PM
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Richard,
UFORTUNATELY, You are not a bus driver nor a mechanic so you really can't comment on anything other than the ride.
I have heard many complaints about service at dealerships, hopeully they get that straightened out, I feel the Freightliner is a decent chassis.
"I'd rather pull my kids around in a 77 passenger Radio Flyer than drive a Blue Bird." |
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Peter
Top Member
USA
1057 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2003 : 9:00:36 PM
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I would classify the Freightliner as a good road bus and the International as a better urban driving bus. While both handle well, the International seems to roll with the curves and corners better. The Freightliner feels a little more rigid during cornering. I haven't compared turning radius, but have always been satisfied with International's. This could be simply because I started out driving those '88 GMC boats. Anyone compared Freightliner and International for turning radius?
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Skip
Senior Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2003 : 03:57:29 AM
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We are curently running three thomas/freightliner's and two bluebird/freightliners. We had the service problem with our Thomas dealer so after the fist bus we went to BlueBird for two more. When we were faced with the choice of feightliner or International we tried both. The drivers choose the Freightliner. Nothing against the BB body we didnt like the International at all.
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AmTran9442
Senior Member
87 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2003 : 08:58:20 AM
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Deffinately stay with international for your sake of having a good bus I would NEVER have nothing other then a international and that is a rock solid guarentee.
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DeKalb-1634
Active Member
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2003 : 6:12:33 PM
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Hello I'm a new driver on this forum! So far I'm having fun lol!
Well to answer your question, DeKalb the district I work for. We have been with International chassis for 14 some odd years. This year we have gotten 100 something new IC buses. We mostly have Thomas International in our fleet. So I will just have to wait to next year to see if we will be getting any new Thomas Freightliner.
Mary Davis |
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1042
Senior Member
USA
156 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2003 : 6:52:32 PM
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Hey Mary. Welcome to the forum.
And I appreciate your insights about DeKalb.
I've spent a couple of lifetimes there myself before retirement came along. Then I discovered school bus driving!
As to the current topic, I've been in my Amtran FE for a couple of years now. I'll stick with it as long as I can. Give me the transit any time! The Freighliners have have come into our fleet under the state bid program for the last 2 years though.
I've only had a little experience with the Freightliners and although I like them for driver comfort, the turning radius leaves much to be desired when you're used to the transit.
1042 |
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BusDiva
Top Member
USA
609 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2003 : 7:12:21 PM
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This is an interesting topic.
I personally have driven both and much prefer the International IC.
I think the lay out is much better, the ergonomics is much more friendlier.
As far as the chasis and engine, I would leave that up to the mechanics. I persoanlly love Cats and Internationals so both are of equal measures to me.
We run the Thomas Freightliners and they really have not impressed me. It seems as though Thomas has gotten sloppy with their work- caulking, paint, seats flooring material as they do not seem to be built as they were in the early 90's- perhaps savings?
Anyways, from comparing the two- freightliner Thomas and the IC I much rather have an IC.
All buses must meet safety standards so I believe them both to be of high safety standards however, each has strong added points over the other.
Great topic though,.
It's the little things that count |
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Bri98-87
Advanced Member
USA
278 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2003 : 8:49:57 PM
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I currently drive a 98 Bluebird on an International chassis (466e 190 horse, air brakes, spring suspension 71 pass.) on a daily basis. I have also driven a 98 Thomas Freight (65 pass. air all the way around except door and seat)
Now... there are things i like about each bus. As for the International... My 466e runs like a champ and starts up every morning. With the exception of a rear main seal leak a couple of weeks ago, this bus has been great. The bus has 91,000 and some change on it as of this afternoon. I have to admit that i'm kinda hard on a bus and the international has met the challenge of my not so conservative driving habits.
I do miss the freightliner though. The bus that i drove had proven itself to be a great runner also. The feature i liked about the Freight is the air package. When the bus is speced with the air brake package, rear air suspension comes along with it. Also, the air operated tilt-telescope feature is nice too. I feel that the freightliner is a more driver-oriented bus next to the navistar.
It's really a draw between the two as far as i'm concerned. If i could have it all, i would get the Thomas Freightliner with a 466e, and a hood that doesn't shake all over the place.
Brian
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952
Senior Member
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 02/12/2003 : 2:40:52 PM
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Go with the freightliner/thomas
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Mr. International
Active Member
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 05:16:04 AM
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I would for sure buy an IC - the thomas / freightliner seems to be making the Thomas body cheaper.
Ic - corp keeps making improvements to the bus and quality is by far the best.
Mr. International
International #1
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 08:29:07 AM
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It's funny you said that Mr. International!
I ran into a guy that's been buying School Buses for his district for many year now, and he used to love Thomas Built Buses, but lately said that their products have gone down hill, since Daimler Chrysler brought them.
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 08:31:41 AM
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Oh! I forgot to mention that he's been going with IC/CE's and just started buying IC/ER's!
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Thomas00
Top Member
USA
546 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 3:52:16 PM
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It funny that you say that BusBoy cause I know here in Georgia eveyone seem to have the IC fever! They are great buses from what I see and heard. Our 2003 IC buses are here but won't be put on the road until 2003-2004 school year start up. I can't wait though!
Is anyone one eles state going though the IC fever?
~Georgia Drivers Together We Fly High~ |
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 6:06:33 PM
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Are you going to get one of these new IC's?
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 6:07:49 PM
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Sorry! I hit the button twice
Edited by - Busboy on 02/20/2003 6:10:34 PM |
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Thomas00
Top Member
USA
546 Posts |
Posted - 02/20/2003 : 7:48:58 PM
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Hey BusBoy,
Yes I will be getting one of the new IC buses. I will be getting the 72 passenger #612. Right now I drive a 1997 AmTran FE 84 passenger #932
~Georgia Drivers Together We Fly High~ |
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2003 : 05:21:05 AM
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Will it be a CE?
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Thomas00
Top Member
USA
546 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2003 : 9:35:09 PM
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quote:
Will it be a CE?
Yes a 72 passenger CE
~Georgia Drivers Together We Fly High~ |
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952
Senior Member
Canada
102 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 04:21:45 AM
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The Thomas/freightliner seems to be a good quality bus.
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 12:17:39 PM
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quote:
The Thomas/freightliner seems to be a good quality bus.
I'll support that statement!
From rub rail to rub rail, roof cap to roof cap, Thomas Built Buses are built to last! |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 12:55:11 PM
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One of the bus contractors here have dumped Thomas on the curb and has gone with Blue Bird for the International quality chassis! These new buses just arrived yesterday, and are spec'd VERY nicely... the best spec would have to be the DT466.  I'll get more info and pics as time goes by.
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School Bus Photos and Links: http://www.schoolbuscentral.com
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 5:20:57 PM
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Thanks for sharing Richard, a few people have chosen alternate routes since Thomas quit building on the 3800 chassis, unfortunately that was probably the only reason I could see to continue purchasing a 3800, the Thomas body. Quite honestly that chassis is ready for a makeover, If I had to buy an International chassis now, it would be an IC-CE. The hell with the 3800 and expecially the Blue Bird body.
From rub rail to rub rail, roof cap to roof cap, Thomas Built Buses are built to last! |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 5:33:50 PM
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quote:
Thanks for sharing Richard, a few people have chosen alternate routes since Thomas quit building on the 3800 chassis
Bret,
That is exactly the reason. They are VERY satisfied with the Thomas/International, so they decided to stay with the 3800. I think it makes perfect sense, but I would have preferred the CE as well.
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School Bus Photos and Links: http://www.schoolbuscentral.com
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Peter
Top Member
USA
1057 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 5:51:48 PM
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quote:
Quite honestly that chassis is ready for a makeover
Thomas 86,
What needs making over on the 3800 chassis?
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Mr. International
Active Member
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2003 : 6:14:41 PM
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well - just look at what international turned it into. the IC CE
Its a good bus
Mr. International
International #1
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 04:12:35 AM
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I heard that the only updating they plan to do on the 3800 is making the hood look just like the IC/CE.
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thomas86_a
Top Member
USA
4413 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 07:38:16 AM
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Well lets take a look, the hood has nowhere near the slope that a Freightliner has and now the new Blue Bird Vision. The IC-CE could use a little more slope, but even that one has more than the 3800. Another thing they need to address is the dash, once again it's moved up on the Freightliner, Vision, and IC-CE. Don't get me wrong, I drive a 3800 and don't really have a problem with it, I'm just looking at what the others have done and it would be rediculous to continue building a chassis that is outdated.
From rub rail to rub rail, roof cap to roof cap, Thomas Built Buses are built to last! |
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Topic |
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Freightliner vs. International
