TMC-RTS-08 Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I guess I'll have to focus my searches to the North and South sides, but it seems 103rd might have the most and possibly the most out running on weekends. Patience is virtue and hope that it isn't all New Flyers. Time is certainly running out to see these TMCs as their running on their last legs with the CTA. Anyone want to join me for some RTS hunting and fanning this saturday? qwantae, did you get my PM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I guess I'll have to focus my searches to the North and South sides, but it seems 103rd might have the most and possibly the most out running on weekends. Patience is virtue and hope that it isn't all New Flyers. Time is certainly running out to see these TMCs as their running on their last legs with the CTA. Anyone want to join me for some RTS hunting and fanning this saturday? qwantae, did you get my PM? I spent the day in downtown today and I found quite a bit of TMCs running up and down Michigan Ave. I counted probably about 7 or 8. But downtown now looks all New Flyers, Novas and NABIs. I spotted Flxible #5417 operating as an Instruction bus. What was weird is I did not spot one Flxible 6000 in downtown, not a single one!. I did see New Flyer #1730 in one hell of a hurry on the 151 Sheridan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC-RTS-08 Posted June 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I spent the day in downtown today and I found quite a bit of TMCs running up and down Michigan Ave. I counted probably about 7 or 8. But downtown now looks all New Flyers, Novas and NABIs. I spotted Flxible #5417 operating as an Instruction bus. What was weird is I did not spot one Flxible 6000 in downtown, not a single one!. I did see New Flyer #1730 in one hell of a hurry on the 151 Sheridan. I see the 6000 Flxibles along 9 Ashland and some on the 152 Addision any given time whether its the weekday or weekend. Know if there would be TMCs running around the north or south side on weekends since thats the only time I am able to bus hunt. I'd like to see as many as you saw in one day. That would at least make me happy.:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I see the 6000 Flxibles along 9 Ashland and some on the 152 Addision any given time whether its the weekday or weekend. Know if there would be TMCs running around the north or south side on weekends since thats the only time I am able to bus hunt. I'd like to see as many as you saw in one day. That would at least make me happy. If your visits can only be made on the weekends, then stick with routes on the south side assigned to 103rd garage or 77th garage. Stick with the routes from those garages that don't operate downtown for more views. Though 29 State from 103rd garage may be an exception. North Park garage on the north side rarely uses its TMCs on the weekends. Btw 9 Ashland is assigned to 74th garage and 152 Addison to Forest Glen, neither of which has TMCs. The garage page will give you a better idea of which routes are assigned where. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusHunter Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 4444 was reported as waiting to be scrapped as of April 11th in the 'What's left for 4400s' thread. 4485 was one of the former NP buses transferred to Kedzie on March 23rd. Bushunter reported it as still being there as late as June 12th, but of course with NFs quickly rolling in and replacing what's left of Kedzie's TMCs that could have changed fast. It may be either transferred out or on the scrap heap now. No one has given any info of which is the case. Actually #4485 was at the designline press conference at 74th on June 17th. I said before it was #4488 ( I goofed ) #4488 was retired in late April. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 Actually #4485 was at the designline press conference at 74th on June 17th. I said before it was #4488 ( I goofed ) #4488 was retired in late April. Oh I know. I said you had it among the last of Kedzie's TMCs as of your latest count this month. I was just saying what happened to it after that was yet unknown since no one had any updates about it. But thanks for today's update on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 I see the 6000 Flxibles along 9 Ashland and some on the 152 Addision any given time whether its the weekday or weekend. Know if there would be TMCs running around the north or south side on weekends since thats the only time I am able to bus hunt. I'd like to see as many as you saw in one day. That would at least make me happy. After all the equipment I spotted yesterday, I realized that my idea of filming downtown is a very good one. I didnt have the cam with me but if I had, I wouldve captured so much in so little time. I stood out on State st. and there was plenty to see, within a span of ten minutes I had to have seen more than thirteen buses passing at State and Adams, I even wouldve captured a New Flyer blowing a red light at high speed at that intersection, I still cant believe how careless that driver was. Aside from that there was lots of buses to film and I will be planning my shots for my next trip downtown in about a week or two. Ill definitely be filming along Michigan av. and along State st., just on Dearborn st I spotted three RTS buses on 36 Bway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buslover88 Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 After all the equipment I spotted yesterday, I realized that my idea of filming downtown was a very good one. I didnt have the cam with me but if I had I wouldve captured so much in so little time. I stood out on State st. and there was plenty to see, within a span of ten minutes I had to have seen more than thirteen buses passing at State and Adams Glad to hear you had a great time. I even wouldve captured a New Flyer blowing a red light at high speed at that intersection, I still cant believe how careless that driver was. Were you able to catch the buses' number or anything? If I were there, I would have reported it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUSANGEL#1 Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 4485 is @ 103rd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwantae Posted June 25, 2008 Report Share Posted June 25, 2008 If your visits can only be made on the weekends, then stick with routes on the south side assigned to 103rd garage or 77th garage. Stick with the routes from those garages that don't operate downtown for more views. Though 29 State from 103rd garage may be an exception. North Park garage on the north side rarely uses its TMCs on the weekends. Btw 9 Ashland is assigned to 74th garage and 152 Addison to Forest Glen, neither of which has TMCs. The garage page will give you a better idea of which routes are assigned where. Last weekend was pretty crappy for TMCs, I was at Rogers Park, Howard Station and Skokie, plus via #147 to Downtown, I never saw any TMCs, So North Park would not be a good garage to find a TMC on Weekend since it isnt too many of them left, I dont even see a 5800. And then I've spent rest of Saturday in DOwntown on N.Mich and S. State, I never seen TMC there either, but I didnt go to South Side yet, didnt have time to do it, I was stuck on my homework. I'll check both between 95th/Red Line and Downtown this weekend, I bet it is going to be a good weekend for TMC because of the "Taste Fest" They will be adding extra trips on selected routes so keep it in mind and pray for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC-RTS-08 Posted June 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2008 Last weekend was pretty crappy for TMCs, I was at Rogers Park, Howard Station and Skokie, plus via #147 to Downtown, I never saw any TMCs, So North Park would not be a good garage to find a TMC on Weekend since it isnt too many of them left, I dont even see a 5800. And then I've spent rest of Saturday in DOwntown on N.Mich and S. State, I never seen TMC there either, but I didnt go to South Side yet, didnt have time to do it, I was stuck on my homework. I'll check both between 95th/Red Line and Downtown this weekend, I bet it is going to be a good weekend for TMC because of the "Taste Fest" They will be adding extra trips on selected routes so keep it in mind and pray for it. You going solo? You get my PM about meeting up to go TMC hunting this Saturday? I am planning on going to the Taste of Chicago on Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busfan4022 Posted June 27, 2008 Report Share Posted June 27, 2008 I've seen a TMC on the south chicago route, 28, downtown, and on 87th. I even seen number 5449 on the number 15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC-RTS-08 Posted June 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 I just got back from my weekend in Chicago. Total TMC sightings this weekend 4 + 2. Friday night, I see two TMCs on Michigan Ave, one running 151 Sheridan with the Jimmy Johns advertisment wrap on it and another one, but I wasn't sure of that other one's route and I didn't get the numbers of both of those. Saturday, I visited the Taste of Chicago and Navy Pier with friends. I also went TMC hunting and I took the red line all the way to the end at 95th/Ryan and sure enough I saw a TMC #4852 working the 95E route. I took this to the end of the line. I then walked rom 92nd to that junk/scrapyard on Ewing. I see there TMCs #4422 and 4647, also saw some other TMCs and Flxibles, but I was unable to get their numbers. Then I walk back to 92nd and Baltimore and I see TMC #4617 running the 95E as well. I was able to get pics and vids of all of these TMCs. Too bad the 4852 ride video I recorded, the air conditioning sound obstructs the noise of the engine. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 I just got back from my weekend in Chicago. Total TMC sightings this weekend 4 + 2. Friday night, I see two TMCs on Michigan Ave, one running 151 Sheridan with the Jimmy Johns advertisment wrap on it and another one, but I wasn't sure of that other one's route and I didn't get the numbers of both of those. Saturday, I visited the Taste of Chicago and Navy Pier with friends. I also went TMC hunting and I took the red line all the way to the end at 95th/Ryan and sure enough I saw a TMC #4852 working the 95E route. I took this to the end of the line. I then walked rom 92nd to that junk/scrapyard on Ewing. I see there TMCs #4422 and 4647, also saw some other TMCs and Flxibles, but I was unable to get their numbers. Then I walk back to 92nd and Baltimore and I see TMC #4617 running the 95E as well. I was able to get pics and vids of all of these TMCs. Too bad the 4852 ride video I recorded, the air conditioning sound obstructs the noise of the engine. It's good that you got to find some TMCs over the weekend. I see you stuck with our suggestions of starting your visit on a Friday to increase you chances of downtown sightings and stuck with the south side on Saturday to increase your overall chances of Saturday sightings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIPTA42 Posted July 3, 2008 Report Share Posted July 3, 2008 It is shocking because I see that Los Angeles LACMTA still have some of their 1981-82 model GMC RTS with new Orange paint logo "Rapid Local". New York City MTA Bus still have some of their 1988-90 TMC RTSes too. I think the oldest RTSes still running in Los Angeles are 1988 TMCs (2000s). The oldest in New York are 1990 (8000s). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwantae Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Does anyone spot any TMC on weekends lately?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Does anyone spot any TMC on weekends lately?? Outside of a sighting here and there some Saturday mornings on the 29 State, no. As has been talked about in other posts in this thread, 103rd seems to be anyone's best chance of spotting TMCs assigned to weekend runs on any route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordguy Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Does anyone spot any TMC on weekends lately?? Believe it or not, yes. Last Saturday evening about 10:30, I was waiting for a #22. Lo and behold, TMC #4535 appeared! That bus ran flawlessly: smooth acceleration and shifting, noiseless braking (unlike many of North Park's 1000s) AND working AC. Not a trace of smoke either. I wouldn't be surprised if the operator requested it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC-RTS-08 Posted July 30, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Does anyone spot any TMC on weekends lately?? Thanks qwantae for bring my thread back. I've been wondering the same question too as I am planning on visiting Chicago in September again. I hope that the RTS retirement doesn't decrease enough that weekends that it will be rare sightings for RTSes from 103rd routes. When I go back I'll be going to 95/Ryan again and wait for a RTS and ride it. Last month I was lucky to get off the L and have #4852 on the 95E Buffalo route waiting for me outside. I want to record and hear the sound of the Detroit Diesel 6V92TA!!! Hopefully I can get the engine sound with the A/C off or not running at full blast. I was in Decatur last weekend to do some RTS fanning and rode a 1994 RTS-06 35 footer on the 51 Jasper route. The bus was #9346, it engine ran fine, but the tranny shifted rather hard into second gear, about everytime it was a hard thump when it shifted. The driver told me that after he drops everyone off at the transfer station he was going switch buses. Is the tranny going bad? Also, went to Springfield, IL last weekend to ride and take pics of SMTD's RTS-06s with 6V92TAs! I still want to check out Gary's GPTC or Dubuque's Keyline Transit shortbus style RTSes and does anyone know if Belle Urban Systems in Racine or Kenosha still use their RTSes? I went to Kenosha back in May and saw mainly Nova LFS and Gillig Advantage, but didn't stay long enough to see RTSes. I would like to journey upto those places as well. Whether DDs or Cummins engines are in an RTS, its still an RTS on the outside! Next month, I am going back to Taiwan to see my relatives, but I'll also be touring Japan as well. I might as well do some transit fanning at these two countries. JR Trains, Hino buses, Isuzu buses in Japan, while Taiwan I will see Isuzu buses, Neoplan buses, Scania buses, Siemens and Kawasaki trains on Taipei's MRT..... qwantae you get your cellphone working again, interested in going RTS fanning with me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nflyer22 Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Thanks qwantae for bring my thread back. I've been wondering the same question too as I am planning on visiting Chicago in September again. I hope that the RTS retirement doesn't decrease enough that weekends that it will be rare sightings for RTSes from 103rd routes. When I go back I'll be going to 95/Ryan again and wait for a RTS and ride it. Last month I was lucky to get off the L and have #4852 on the 95E Buffalo route waiting for me outside. I want to record and hear the sound of the Detroit Diesel 6V92TA!!! Hopefully I can get the engine sound with the A/C off or not running at full blast. I was in Decatur last weekend to do some RTS fanning and rode a 1994 RTS-06 35 footer on the 51 Jasper route. The bus was #9346, it engine ran fine, but the tranny shifted rather hard into second gear, about everytime it was a hard thump when it shifted. The driver told me that after he drops everyone off at the transfer station he was going switch buses. Is the tranny going bad? Also, went to Springfield, IL last weekend to ride and take pics of SMTD's RTS-06s with 6V92TAs! I still want to check out Gary's GPTC or Dubuque's Keyline Transit shortbus style RTSes and does anyone know if Belle Urban Systems in Racine or Kenosha still use their RTSes? I went to Kenosha back in May and saw mainly Nova LFS and Gillig Advantage, but didn't stay long enough to see RTSes. I would like to journey upto those places as well. Whether DDs or Cummins engines are in an RTS, its still an RTS on the outside! Next month, I am going back to Taiwan to see my relatives, but I'll also be touring Japan as well. I might as well do some transit fanning at these two countries. JR Trains, Hino buses, Isuzu buses in Japan, while Taiwan I will see Isuzu buses, Neoplan buses, Scania buses, Siemens and Kawasaki trains on Taipei's MRT..... qwantae you get your cellphone working again, interested in going RTS fanning with me? That's awesome, I would love to see Taiwan myself, besides seeing it on the news here in Hong Kong all the time When are you going to Taiwan, 'cause I'd love to follow with you to ride on some TMCs the day that I'm back (8/12), if you don't mind (or any day that you're free); really miss riding buses in Chicago . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jajuan Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Thanks qwantae for bring my thread back. I've been wondering the same question too as I am planning on visiting Chicago in September again. I hope that the RTS retirement doesn't decrease enough that weekends that it will be rare sightings for RTSes from 103rd routes. 103rd and North Park garages are both now in the process of receiving their second batch of 1000 series New Flyers. So it's probably a good chance that by September there won't be many TMC RTS buses left at either garage if any. North Park only had about 40-some left before this second round of New Flyer deliveries and 103rd between 60 and 70. 103rd may have a few left by then because there are also Flxible Metro 5300s to also retire there, but North Park will most likely have no RTS's left by September. It's probably better to try to get here a weekend in August if possible. The New Flyers have been getting delivered at a pretty good clip so RTS's at North Park and 103rd may be disappearing fast as September gets closer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMC-RTS-08 Posted August 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 That's awesome, I would love to see Taiwan myself, besides seeing it on the news here in Hong Kong all the time When are you going to Taiwan, 'cause I'd love to follow with you to ride on some TMCs the day that I'm back (8/12), if you don't mind (or any day that you're free); really miss riding buses in Chicago . I am leaving Tomorrow morning and flying to Japan. I will be there for a week visiting various places. I will ride the bullet train and some JR trains as well. After the week in Japan I head to Taiwan on 8/13. I will be in Taipei until 8/28, then I return to the US. Its nice I get to go back home to Taiwan and eat all the good food that I miss and also see my friends and relatives there! Last time I went (2005) I didn't have time do much bus fanning. The buses I remember in Taipei are old and beatup and quite ugly looking, their also in worse shape than CTA's retiring TMCs and Flxs. I did take a lot of pics of Taipei's MRT though. MRT's trains consist of Kawasaki, Siemens and Bombardier products. September, I will be making a trip upto Chicago again to do some TMC fanning, even see if I can ride a 5300 Flx as well hear those 6V92TA! Gotta rid and get sound recordings before their gone by Thanksgiving. You interested in joining me, nflyer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cta5658 Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 i saw #4711 at 103rd Garage going out and back in this past saturday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nflyer22 Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 I am leaving Tomorrow morning and flying to Japan. I will be there for a week visiting various places. I will ride the bullet train and some JR trains as well. After the week in Japan I head to Taiwan on 8/13. I will be in Taipei until 8/28, then I return to the US. Its nice I get to go back home to Taiwan and eat all the good food that I miss and also see my friends and relatives there! Last time I went (2005) I didn't have time do much bus fanning. The buses I remember in Taipei are old and beatup and quite ugly looking, their also in worse shape than CTA's retiring TMCs and Flxs. I did take a lot of pics of Taipei's MRT though. MRT's trains consist of Kawasaki, Siemens and Bombardier products. September, I will be making a trip upto Chicago again to do some TMC fanning, even see if I can ride a 5300 Flx as well hear those 6V92TA! Gotta rid and get sound recordings before their gone by Thanksgiving. You interested in joining me, nflyer? If it's September, it can only be a weekend probably; gonna start school on Sept. 2, after such an awesome vacation. I'll see how everything works out; if my schedule (and homework ) permits, I'll be happy to follow you around on a TMC and perhaps a Flx; haven't been on one of either type for ages! Thanks so much! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buslover88 Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 If it's September, it can only be a weekend probably; gonna start school on Sept. 2, after such an awesome vacation Yep, that time's coming again . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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