6000-series Flxible - Retirements

[BusHunter]

As retirements are moving along #6000's are starting to retire. This is the start of that retirement list. We all know that #6003, and #6313 are gone. A few more has retired in the last few months they are: #6319, #6315, #6311, #6226, #6115, #6098, #6089 and #6071 ( not 100% sure on that one) We'll have to see if it's on BusTracker next week. If I hear anything else I'll pass it along.

[trainman8119]

As retirements are moving along #6000's are starting to retire. This is the start of that retirement list. We all know that #6003, and #6313 are gone. A few more has retired in the last few months they are: #6319, #6315, #6311, #6226, #6115, #6098, #6089 and #6071 ( not 100% sure on that one) We'll have to see if it's on BusTracker next week. If I hear anything else I'll pass it along.

I thought I have seen 6098 recently at FG, mainly on the 84, as well as parked in the lot there.

[BusHunter]

I thought I have seen 6098 recently at FG, mainly on the 84, as well as parked in the lot there.

When? I know I've thought I've seen #6115 myself, but I was wrong. Both those two buses didn't go through their rehab and most likely never will. Let me know if in fact you do see the bus. I haven't seen it since it was at 103rd.

[Guest]

I thought I have seen 6098 recently at FG, mainly on the 84, as well as parked in the lot there.

I think #6098 is still in service as well, Ill check at FG tonight. I cant believe that the retirement for the 6000s are in the early stages, say it isnt so!! That was the number #2 bus I spent so much time on those buses, almost as much time as I spent driving the MAN Americanas. I drove those buses when they were still new out of Kedzie. I felt so much pride operating those 6000s. When I worked at FG I never wanted to take a Nova, I would always ask for a Flxible because I love the look of the bus especially when it was clean and shiny!. Its a tough looking bus! Its a monster! Everything about the bus is so cool, little details from the headlights to the rims, the straight back, the drivers area, they look way better than the 5300s IMO. What I wish I couldve done was operate the 6300 Cummins, never had the chance to drive one. I remember one day working 77 Belmont, we had a 6300 Cummins working with us out there. I wish some couldve made it to FG. Now that the 6000s are beginning their retirement and the 6300s are less visible to the northside of the city because of the 8 Halsted route transfer, I better get my rides on them now. Thank god to the inventor of the video camera, Im lucky to have taken video aboard some days. I have video my nephew took of me driving #6105 on 56 Milwaukee at Navy Pier and Logan Square, also that was the same day Nova #6801 just arrived from the factory, it still had the interior wrapping and no farebox. I also have video of me driving #6199 back in my rookie days in 97 at Kedzie coming off the #18 16/18. I also have video of Kedzie garage on a sunday, #6185 when I was working the #128 Bears shuttle, #6146 on the 151 Sheridan, my last day at Kedzie July 28, 1999, and some interior Kedzie garage shots. There some video on the 54A at Skokie Crthse and 80 Irving at Cumb. I have lots of video, Ill have to put it all on one dvd.

[nflyer22]

When I worked at FG I never wanted to take a Nova, I would always ask for a Flxible because I love the look of the bus especially when it was clean and shiny!. Its a tough looking bus! Its a monster! Everything about the bus is so cool, little details from the headlights to the rims, the straight back, the drivers area, they look way better than the 5300s IMO. What I wish I couldve done was operate the 6300 Cummins, never had the chance to drive one. I remember one day working 77 Belmont, we had a 6300 Cummins working with us out there. I wish some couldve made it to FG. Now that the 6000s are beginning their retirement and the 6300s are less visible to the northside of the city because of the 8 Halsted route transfer, I better get my rides on them now. Thank god to the inventor of the video camera, Im lucky to have taken video aboard some days.

Yep, I know exactly how you feel, especially for the 5300s for me, and like you said, better ride the 6000s before the majority of them are gone. As for me, I'd like to get some sort of memory of the Flxibles, 5300s and 6000s while they last. I know many of you out there have done it before: taking a picture/video of a bus on board or outside, but for me, I've never had the guts to do it, seeing and hearing all the scary yet unnecessary stuff I've heard about CTA personnel and anti-photography regulations. But somehow, I have to defy the odds and take the chance and capture it on media somehow, since this is a piece of history that cannot fade away, seeing the last group of high floors are about to end forever on the CTA. :(

[Guest]

Yep, I know exactly how you feel, especially for the 5300s for me, and like you said, better ride the 6000s before the majority of them are gone. As for me, I'd like to get some sort of memory of the Flxibles, 5300s and 6000s while they last. I know many of you out there have done it before: taking a picture/video of a bus on board or outside, but for me, I've never had the guts to do it, seeing and hearing all the scary yet unnecessary stuff I've heard about CTA personnel and anti-photography regulations. But somehow, I have to defy the odds and take the chance and capture it on media somehow, since this is a piece of history that cannot fade away, seeing the last group of high floors are about to end forever on the CTA.

Dont let the thought of getting caught scare you. When something means that much to you dont allow anything to stand in your way! Find a way to capture it! Just remember that when these buses are gone youre going to wish you had gotten a photograph or video of them. I take my camera or video whenever I can and when I feel like, I get shots of whatever I can get. My most prized video Ive taken was back in 1994 riding with my dad on the 80 Irving Pk. aboard GMC #9620. I rode with him all the way from Narragansett to the lakefront and back. I captured the sound of the bus and the interior and im so glad I took this video because my dad is no longer with us. I will always have the memory of seeing him behind the wheel of my favorite model bus. I also have a video of him when he drove TMC #4703 on 80 WB to Cumb. and I captured his last day after 27 years of service aboard Flxible #5577. My childhood was spent aboard CTA buses and I enjoyed every chance I got to ride with my dad. This is why video is so important when there is something that means a lot to someone you have to find a way to defy the odds like you say. Dont try to worry yourself about the risks invlolved just grab your camera, be safe, stay out of trouble! I take my cameras with me to Academy because soon the Orion Is will be no more. I like filming the yard at Academy because of the various types of buses that are there. I dont concern myself with filming or photography at Academy, I film aboard when Im on a layover somewhere and I get my video or photo. In regards to CTA, yes I am aware of the risks but at least Ill have the satisfaction that I got it recorded or photographed. Here is something you can do, this is what I plan to do, Go to downtown!. There no one can tell you what to film, so long as youre not caught filming buildings or security related locations, spots around downtown where youre not on CTA property. No one can say anything about what or why youre filming, you have that right. Its the one thing tourists like to do when theyre in Chicago. The best spots I think are either on State St. or along Michigan ave., areas where you would see the most bus traffic and catch a few runbys. There are so many people downtown that no one will pay attention to what youre doing, just protect yourself! I would stay clear of CTA property because then youre asking for trouble. Its difficult to film on the rapid transit because you would have to walk on CTA property to do it and filming from the street isnt always the answer to getting good video. Even though Im a Chicago firefighter I still have to watch myself, I try not to break any rules, it isnt worth it! I too wouldnt want to have to answer to CPD. Ive had to accept the fact that you cant get too close anymore if you want to film something. Ive been challenged in Cleveland, I got caught filming aboard the Red Line back in 2004, I was questioned by Cleveland PD and just last month myself and other busfans were caught filming RMTD in Rockford, across the street off the property, but we still got challenged. But I dont let it discourage me. Heres an idea, find a good, friendly CTA operator and ask him (dont bother with the female operators, too much attitude!) If its ok to film maybe at the terminal. When Im working at Academy I would let any transit fan who approaches me on my Pace bus to film so long as he dosent hold me up when its time to leave! I would allow filming or photo taking because I watch out for my fellow busfans, I understand the interest and because I am a fan myself. Like the old saying, "If you have to ask why then you wouldnt understand" If you see Pace badge #18119 between Rosemont and Schaumburg, come aboard and say hi! Take a pic if you want!

[BusHunter]

It's a little challenging to get good pictures of your favorite bus(es). A good place to take pictures is at the terminals of the routes. You are away from the garage which is ground zero for bus photography. Also at a garage there are alot of eyes to watch you that you can easily miss. At terminals is just you and the operator and maybe a few customers, but they won't report you. Many times operators just abandon their buses to go to the bathroom or to get a snack. This is when you take action. Interior shots are harder to get than exterior shots, but not impossible to get. You can always take a shot and get off the bus if you feel that threatened, but remember an operator can't report you unless he is on the phone. If that happens for your safety get off the bus. Many operators are good kind hearted people that will warn you that you can't do that before turning you in. They know your just a fan. On another beat, I have some good footage myself that is irreplaceable. I have a video that shows a run -by of #5407 when it was new at Lawndale garage. This was one of the first if not the first #5300 at Lawndale. It ran on Pulaski three days straight always at the same time. It seemed to be the same run. Not all of my pictures are in the here and now. The best ones are in my mind. I remember seeing #5499 one of the first #5300's at Fg. It was so new that it was being showcased in front of the watchful eye of the supervisor at Jeff. Pk. It didn't even seem to be in revenue service yet. Good memories. Alot of what you see now is so beat up it's often hard to look at. It's good to have pictures and video to look back on. When you get a whole bunch and put them together it is especially rewarding. You'll be thanking yourself for years to come. I seem to enjoy looking at the interior pictures of buses. There are many little things you can pick up years from now you might have forgotten. I wish I could've got some interior shots of a #3700. That would've been terrific. Right now I need to get a picture of the interior rear of a #5300. I better get to it my time is running out.

[Kevin]

Yep, I know exactly how you feel, especially for the 5300s for me, and like you said, better ride the 6000s before the majority of them are gone. As for me, I'd like to get some sort of memory of the Flxibles, 5300s and 6000s while they last. I know many of you out there have done it before: taking a picture/video of a bus on board or outside, but for me, I've never had the guts to do it, seeing and hearing all the scary yet unnecessary stuff I've heard about CTA personnel and anti-photography regulations. But somehow, I have to defy the odds and take the chance and capture it on media somehow, since this is a piece of history that cannot fade away, seeing the last group of high floors are about to end forever on the CTA.

When you're on the public way (sidewalk/street), you generally have nothing to worry about. In regards to buses, the only encounter I've ever had was with a curious operator of this bus who found it odd, yet also humorous, that I was taking photos of a bus. I simply smiled and went on with my business.

[sw4400]

With Bushunter's permission, I am posting a list of all the 6000's just like I did the 4400's and will subtract those that are retired so you all know what is out there:

6000's(New Changes as of November 16, 2011)

0 Buses Total-All Buses in Non-Revenue Service or Scrapped

6000,6001,6002,6004,6005,6006,6007,6008,6009,6011,6012,6013,6014,

6015,6017,6018,6019,6020,6021,6022,6023,6024,6025,6026,6028,6029,

6030,6031,6032,6033,6034,6035,6036,6037,6038,6039,6040,6041,6042,

6043,6044,6045,6046,6047,6048,6049,6050,6051,6052,6053,6054,6055,

6056,6057,6058,6060,6061,6062,6063,6064,6065,6066,6067,6068,6069,

6070,6072,6074,6075,6076,6077,6080,6081,6082,6083,6085,6086,6087,

6090,6091,6093,6095,6096,6099

[sw4400]

6100's(New Changes as of June 23, 2010)

0 Buses Total-All Buses in Non-Revenue Service or Scrapped

6100,6101,6103,6104,6105,6106,6107,6108,6109,6112,6113,6114,6117,6118,

6119,6120,6121,6122,6124,6125,6126,6127,6128,6129,6130,6131,6133,6134,

6135,6136,6137,6138,6139,6140,6141,6144,6145,6147,6148,6149,6150,6151,

6152,6153,6154,6155,6156,6157,6158,6159,6160,6161,6162,6163,6164,6165,

6166,6167,6168,6169,6170,6171,6172,6173,6174,6175,6176,6177,6178,6179,

6180,6181,6182,6183,6184,6186,6187,6189,6190,6191,6192,6193,6194,6195,

6196,6199

[sw4400]

6200's(New Changes as of November 16, 2011)

0 Buses Total-All Buses in Non-Revenue Service or Scrapped

6200,6201,6202,6204,6205,6206,6208,6209,6211,6213,6214,6217,6218,6219,

6220,6221,6222,6223,6224,6225,6227,6229,6230,6231,6232,6233,6234,6236,

6237,6238,6239,6240,6241,6242,6243,6244,6245,6246,6247,6249,6250,6251,

6252,6253,6254,6255,6256,6258,6259,6260,6261,6262,6263,6264,6265,6266,

6267,6268,6270,6271,6272,6273,6275,6277,6278,6279,6280,6281,6283,6284,

6285,6286,6287,6288,6289,6291,6292,6293,6294,6296,6297,6298,6299

[sw4400]

6300's(New Changes as of November 16, 2011)

0 Buses Total-All Buses in Non-Revenue Service or Scrapped

6300,6302,6304,6310,6316,6322,6324,6325,6326,6327

0 Total Flxibles Remaining

Bus #6000-6304 have a Detroit Series-50 Engine

Bus #6305-6329 have a Cummins M-11 Engine

[jajuan]

6200's(New Changes as of May 15, 2008)

6200,6201,6202,6203,6204,6205,6206,6207,6208,6209,6210,6211,6212,6213,6214,6215,6216,6217,6218,6219,6220,6221,6222,6223,6224,6225,6227,6228,6229,6230,6231,6232,6233,6234,6235,6236,6237,6238,6239,6240,6241,6242,6243,6244,6245,6246,6247,6248,6249,6250,6251,6252,6253,6254,6255,6266,6267,6268,6269,6270,6271,6272,6273,6274,6275,6276,6277,6278,6279,6280,6281,6282,6283,6284,6285,6286,6287,6288,6289,6290,6291,6292,6293,6294,6295,6296,6297,6298,6299

99 Buses Total

Your list for this group jumps from 6255 to 6266. Given that you're saying that only one is retired from this group, you have more buses missing here than you intended.

[nflyer22]

Dont let the thought of getting caught scare you. When something means that much to you dont allow anything to stand in your way! Find a way to capture it! Just remember that when these buses are gone youre going to wish you had gotten a photograph or video of them. I......If you see Pace badge #18119 between Rosemont and Schaumburg, come aboard and say hi! Take a pic if you want!

It's a little challenging to get good pictures of your favorite bus(es). A good place to take pictures is at the terminals of the routes. You are away from the garage which is ground zero for bus photography. Also at a garage there are alot of eyes to watch you that you can easily miss. ......I better get to it my time is running out.

When you're on the public way (sidewalk/street), you generally have nothing to worry about. In regards to buses, the only encounter I've ever had was with a curious operator of this bus who found it odd, yet also humorous, that I was taking photos of a bus. I simply smiled and went on with my business.

Ok, very helpful and encouraging info from all of you fellow bus fans, and I might as well give it a try sometime this Saturday, when I'm free. By the way, I cut out some of yout quotes so that I can fit my comment to all of your posts, so sorry about that. But really, I just wanna say thanks very much for all your help and advice! (And by the way, I'll try to head up to Rosemont to drop a 'hi' to you CTA5750!) :)

[Guest]

Ok, very helpful and encouraging info from all of you fellow bus fans, and I might as well give it a try sometime this Saturday, when I'm free. By the way, I cut out some of yout quotes so that I can fit my comment to all of your posts, so sorry about that. But really, I just wanna say thanks very much for all your help and advice! (And by the way, I'll try to head up to Rosemont to drop a 'hi' to you CTA5750!)

Anytime NFlyer, just so you know right now Im off the job. I got injured on the fire dept. back in March so subsequently I cant work at Pace either until Im back to work. Im doing much better now so I plan to report back to duty by the end of this month, I should be back at Pace around June 2nd, cant wait, I miss the fire dept. but I also miss the bus driving.

[jajuan]

Now that the 6000s are beginning their retirement and the 6300s are less visible to the northside of the city because of the 8 Halsted route transfer, I better get my rides on them now.

You can still get them on the 9 and X9 up to Irving Park of course. Though I do understand what you mean about seeing them less. Even before the 8 Halsted transfer, it became a challenge seeing them on the northside because of the consolidation implementation bringing even more 6000s to 74th. It became more common to see lower numbered 6000s on Halsted or Ashland than a Cummins 6300. Though over the past couple weeks I've been seeing 6300s more on Ashland serving either the 9 or X9.

[nflyer22]

You can still get them on the 9 and X9 up to Irving Park of course. Though I do understand what you mean about seeing them less. Even before the 8 Halsted transfer, it became a challenge seeing them on the northside because of the consolidation implementation bringing even more 6000s to 74th. It became more common to see lower numbered 6000s on Halsted or Ashland than a Cummins 6300. Though over the past couple weeks I've been seeing 6300s more on Ashland serving either the 9 or X9.

Quick question that I've been wondering for a while: Does the Cummins start exactly at 6300 and continue on or do they start at a different number?

[jajuan]

Quick question that I've been wondering for a while: Does the Cummins start exactly at 6300 and continue on or do they start at a different number?

The Cummins 6000s are those buses numbered 6305-6329. 6300-6304 have the standard engines of the other 6000s. According to some of our other members' research, 6311, 6315 and 6319 have already been retired.

[sw4400]

Your list for this group jumps from 6255 to 6266. Given that you're saying that only one is retired from this group, you have more buses missing here than you intended.

Oops!!! Thanks for pointing that big mistake out!!!

[nflyer22]

The Cummins 6000s are those buses numbered 6305-6329. 6300-6304 have the standard engines of the other 6000s. According to some of our other members' research, 6311, 6315 and 6319 have already been retired.

Hmm, thanks for telling me, finally got a long, unanswered question outta my head! But, with that said, it's going to be hard to catch those, seeing there are 22 of the Cummins left (6305 - 6329, that's 25, minus the 3 retired = 22), and most likely they're all spread out in different routes (it's not like one single route consists of all the Cummins! ). With the anticipated 74th and rest of Archer routes except for 170-174 going live on BusTracker this coming Monday, this should make it easier to spot some of the Cummins, and for me to actually ride them for once to see the difference for myself! :P

[mikeymc77]

Was by Perry Scrapyard the other day, #6276 is sitting amongst the scrap, tho the word "scrap" is not on it, it looks pretty rough with a lot of missing parts.. Might be on the dreaded list soon :(

[BusHunter]

I've learned that #6146 was scrapped last month. Again another unrehabbed #6000. I'm getting a strange hunch that when the NF's hit FG or 74th most of these unrehabbed buses will be retired in whole or at least in part. I'm putting out a list for unrehabbed #6000's. Call them the ride it while you can buses. First at FG there are 15 of them they are #6110, #6111, #6114, #6116, #6118, #6123, #6132, #6134, #6136, #6142, #6143, #6149. #6151, #6159 and #6178. At 74th there are more if you count the cummins which could be on the chopping block soon. 74th has #6016, #6050, #6057, #6185, #6198, #6231, #6234, #6276, #6295, #6306 - #6310, #6312, #6314, #6316 - #6318 and #6320 - #6329. #6305 was not included on this list because it has been repainted and appears to be the last #6000 cummins to retire similar to what happened with #5746. According to mikey on the post above mine #6276 already sits at south shops with various parts missing. It's questionable if it's in a rehab process or impending scrap. I think it's been off the streets a while. I don't think I've seen this bus for at least a year. That doesn't mean anything though. #6127 was recently rehabbed at FG and I haven't seen that bus in a year or two. I was so shocked to see it back in service I boarded it to see what's up. The interior was very dusty like it had been sitting in a shop for a while. The engine was running rough pretty bad in fact like a car that hasn't run in a while. Even the tailights were screwed up to only show a cresant moon shape at the tops of the tailights. I was thinking wow this bus needs a little TLC. FG is probably on top of it they have one of the best servicers at CTA according to the bus rodeo competition. I look forward to seeing this bus again and see if it has improved.

[cta5658]

does anyone know if 6093 was rehabbed

[BusHunter]

does anyone know if 6093 was rehabbed

Yes, it was rehabbed in January 2008 when it was still at 103rd.

[Guest]

Yes, it was rehabbed in January 2008 when it was still at 103rd.

Spotted #6093 this morning turning north off of Milwaukee ave to Central to FG.