And the next garage to get New Flyers is...

[BusHunter]

Based on this post, I swung around FG. From Armstrong Ave., it sure looks like 1831 and 1833 are sitting in the back of the north lot (as of noon today).

So there are 2 NF's at FG, both in order (as odds) I think cta5750 may be right when he says NF's could be heading to FG. Should be interesting to see where #1835 and #1837 show up.

[jajuan]

So there are 2 NF's at FG, both in order (as odds) I think cta5750 may be right when he says NF's could be heading to FG. Should be interesting to see where #1835 and #1837 show up.

If that turns out to be the case, I find it interesting that that's the next choice after NP when 77th still has TMCs in service. I figured NF deliveries wouldn't go as long at NP as 103rd because NP had a bit less than half the number of 1991 buses in service than 103rd did when simultaneous deliveries began again. I'd think deliveries would have gone back to the one other garage to have 1991 buses outside of Chicago garage, which seems to be able to retire its remaining 5300s without much need for replacements as 3Track winds down. Outside of the minor sidetrack to 74th to alleviate a crunch in operable buses there, the goal should remain get the 1991 buses out first before going back to any garage that doesn't have 1991 buses on its roster, or is FG facing a similar crunch with some of its 6000s that 74th had that brought about a need to divert some NFs there?

[BusHunter]

If that turns out to be the case, I find it interesting that that's the next choice after NP when 77th still has TMCs in service. I figured NF deliveries wouldn't go as long at NP as 103rd because NP had a bit less than half the number of 1991 buses in service than 103rd did when simultaneous deliveries began again. I'd think deliveries would have gone back to the one other garage to have 1991 buses outside of Chicago garage, which seems to be able to retire its remaining 5300s without much need for replacements as 3Track winds down. Outside of the minor sidetrack to 74th to alleviate a crunch in operable buses there, the goal should remain get the 1991 buses out first before going back to any garage that doesn't have 1991 buses on its roster, or is FG facing a similar crunch with some of its 6000s that 74th had that brought about a need to divert some NFs there?

You could fill the void of 1991's at 77th with Novas from FG. It all depends on whether CTA wants 77th or FG to become the Nova garage or it wants to make it more of a split between nova's and NF's at both FG and 77th. As far as 74th they will probably remain with mostly #6000's until the #600's arrive.

[Busjack]

You could fill the void of 1991's at 77th with Novas from FG. It all depends on whether CTA wants 77th or FG to become the Nova garage or it wants to make it more of a split between nova's and NF's at both FG and 77th. As far as 74th they will probably remain with mostly #6000's until the #600's arrive.

Also, the question of where the hybrids (the delivery of which was supposed to start in August, but didn't) are supposed to go. Based on the original description, I still say 77th. The only question is whether they are going to show up by Thanksgiving in enough numbers to retire the 4400s there.

A couple of more things to throw into the calculus:

• Since the 5300s are to be gone by Thanksgiving, maybe the few remaining at Chicago get temporarily replaced by FG 6000s.
  
• With the talk in the Tribune today about CTA being short of equipment (don't set me off on that), maybe retirements are not so quick as we think (especially after 3 track is done).
  

[BusHunter]

Also, the question of where the hybrids (the delivery of which was supposed to start in August, but didn't) are supposed to go. Based on the original description, I still say 77th. The only question is whether they are going to show up by Thanksgiving in enough numbers to retire the 4400s there.

A couple of more things to throw into the calculus:

• Since the 5300s are to be gone by Thanksgiving, maybe the few remaining at Chicago get temporarily replaced by FG 6000s.
  
• With the talk in the Tribune today about CTA being short of equipment (don't set me off on that), maybe retirements are not so quick as we think (especially after 3 track is done).
  

It could end up that the #1320's will be what replaces the 43 #5300's at Chicago. Alot of the time most of these 43 are not even in service so it would be pretty easy to retire them. Chicago does need a few buses for the #132 but that's probably it. As far as the 70 - 80 TMC's that are left. The #1000 deliveries could retire them by Thanksgiving especially if they are coming in at 15 a week. BTW, I agree that 77th will get some #600's but they might have to wait awhile. :P

[Busjack]

It could end up that the #1320's will be what replaces the 43 #5300's at Chicago.

For that matter, looking at BusTracker today, it looks like 1320s at 74th were replaced by 130xs.

[trainman8119]

With the 2 1800's reported at Forest Glen, here is something that will stir the pot a little bit.

On my way to work today at Clark and Ridge, headed southbound was a FG Nova

either 6865 or 6855 (couldn't make out the 3rd number clearly). It was signed as

Clark/Polk and had a P run on it. Still had an F sticker in the window under the run

box. This would give some creedence to the believe that the 2 New Flyers seen at FG are

trainers on loan from North Park, with NP (perhaps) getting a couple of Novas to in trade.

[BusHunter]

With the 2 1800's reported at Forest Glen, here is something that will stir the pot a little bit.

On my way to work today at Clark and Ridge, headed southbound was a FG Nova

either 6865 or 6855 (couldn't make out the 3rd number clearly). It was signed as

Clark/Polk and had a P run on it. Still had an F sticker in the window under the run

box. This would give some creedence to the believe that the 2 New Flyers seen at FG are

trainers on loan from North Park, with NP (perhaps) getting a couple of Novas to in trade.

A few more things to add. #6485 was spotted on the #6 yesterday, so possibly #6481 - #6486 might be leaving FG for 77th. Also #6451 showed up on the #6 as well from Archer. Also 77th keeps receiving #4400's from NP #4550 was on the #3. Just the other day it was at NP. Also #4471 has popped up at 77th. Also on the NF front #1835 was on the #144 yesterday so I guess FG is limited to two NF's.

[Guest]

A few more things to add. #6485 was spotted on the #6 yesterday, so possibly #6481 - #6486 might be leaving FG for 77th. Also #6451 showed up on the #6 as well from Archer. Also 77th keeps receiving #4400's from NP #4550 was on the #3. Just the other day it was at NP. Also #4471 has popped up at 77th. Also on the NF front #1835 was on the #144 yesterday so I guess FG is limited to two NF's.

Were going to see the 1900s at FG.

[wordguy]

Were going to see the 1900s at FG.

That would seem to be a logical assumption, but as Busjack mentioned in a recent message, rmadison seems to be the only regular poster who has access to official information (though I guess maybe Kevin does, too).

In 2002, a couple of Chicago Avenue Novas were loaned to Forest Glen for training a few weeks before FG received its own Novas, so I guess it would make sense. But who knows? I've made seemingly logical assumptions before, but they haven't panned out.

On a positive note, if FG does get New Flyers, then I guess the CTA might be reconsidering their misguided plans for series consolidation. Still, I'm hoping that not all of the remaining 6000s go to 74th Street. It just doesn't make sense to concentrate the oldest buses at one garage, where they'd be needed for base service.

[Guest]

That would seem to be a logical assumption, but as Busjack mentioned in a recent message, rmadison seems to be the only regular poster who has access to official information (though I guess maybe Kevin does, too).

In 2002, a couple of Chicago Avenue Novas were loaned to Forest Glen for training a few weeks before FG received its own Novas, so I guess it would make sense. But who knows? I've made seemingly logical assumptions before, but they haven't panned out.

On a positive note, if FG does get New Flyers, then I guess the CTA might be reconsidering their misguided plans for series consolidation. Still, I'm hoping that not all of the remaining 6000s go to 74th Street. It just doesn't make sense to concentrate the oldest buses at one garage, where they'd be needed for base service.

I was at FG when the Novas arrived there. The borrowed Novas were #6712 and #6758. I took the wheel of Nova #6758 on the 54A Route. As for the rest, there are so many mixed up things going on right now at CTA, now Im hearing 6000s may end up at Chicago ave. Dont know how true this is though. And there are still 150 artics on the way too. So the bus deliveries are really starting to get more interesting.

[wordguy]

There are so many mixed up things going on right now at CTA, now Im hearing 6000s may end up at Chicago ave. Dont know how true this is though. And there are still 150 artics on the way too. So the bus deliveries are really starting to get more interesting.

True. In the meantime, it looks as if some 6000s have migrated from 74th to Forest Glen. 6190 and 6192 showed up on BusTracker earlier this evening. I believe one was operating on Belmont, the other on Central. They're probably filling in for the Novas that appear to be on loan to North Park, as well as 6481-6486, which have returned to 77th Street. (I spotted 6482 and 6486 in Hyde Park this afternoon as well as 4534 operating on Cottage Grove.)

[BusHunter]

Things should get interesting when there around #1875. That's when the TMC's run out at NP if there being exchanged one for one. They still should have #4506, #4507, #4516, #4517, #4525, #4535, #4541, #4543, #4548, #4556, #4557, #4565, #4574, #4579, #4586, #4589, #4591, #4592, #4601 and #4603.

[BusHunter]

For that matter, looking at BusTracker today, it looks like 1320s at 74th were replaced by 130xs.

#1326 is showing up on the #20 on Bustracker right now. The lowest at 74th should be around #1304.

[Busjack]

#1326 is showing up on the #20 on Bustracker right now. The lowest at 74th should be around #1304.

1303 shows up on 53A.

[MVTArider]

No offense guys, but with buses going between garages I have to wonder if someone at CTA reads this thread and then does a little bus shuffling and waits to see when its noticed or something

This is interesting to see how fleets are assigned and reassigned though.

[Busjack]

No offense guys, but with buses going between garages I have to wonder if someone at CTA reads this thread and then does a little bus shuffling and waits to see when its noticed or something

This is interesting to see how fleets are assigned and reassigned though.

They would also be reading, especially from trainman, how wasteful that appears. But that doesn't seem to affect them.

[Guest]

No offense guys, but with buses going between garages I have to wonder if someone at CTA reads this thread and then does a little bus shuffling and waits to see when its noticed or something

This is interesting to see how fleets are assigned and reassigned though.

CTA brass wouldnt be interested in what we talk about here. CTA brass cant interpret what we talk about here.

[ryanbytes]

I did a little recon at Forest Glen.

[sht6131]

About 3:10PM today spotted #1841 in Elk Grove turning from north on Elmhurst to east on 90. There was no destination sign, the bus was empty and I believe a mechanic was at the wheel. The connection could be that there is a state truck testing facility off of Higgins in that area. I have spotted Airport buses in that area also on various days in the past.

[Tamir4317]

I did a little recon at Forest Glen.

Oh snap! 4901 is alive!

Okay, if the glen is about to get some New Flyers, then I hope they will send some of their Flxible 6000s at 103rd to retire most of the TMC's. I mean really, it would be a joy to hear the engines of 6110 & 6090 again.

[BusHunter]

About 3:10PM today spotted #1841 in Elk Grove turning from north on Elmhurst to east on 90. There was no destination sign, the bus was empty and I believe a mechanic was at the wheel. The connection could be that there is a state truck testing facility off of Higgins in that area. I have spotted Airport buses in that area also on various days in the past.

#1837 was on the #36 yesterday.

[tobuadantoq]

Looks likely Chicago will get the rest of even numbered NF when the completion of delivery for 103. Forest Glen will definitely get NF in lieu of North Park. Meanwhile, North Park and 77th will get Novas. My guess.

[jajuan]

Looks likely Chicago will get the rest of even numbered NF when the completion of delivery for 103. Forest Glen will definitely get NF in lieu of North Park. Meanwhile, North Park and 77th will get Novas. My guess.

Chicago can retire what 1991 buses it has with little need for replacement with the winding down of 3Track. The rest about FG getting NFs and 77th and NP getting Novas is definite speculation especially given NP only traded 2 NFs, 1831 and 1833, with FG for 2 Novas, 6858 and one other Nova. What odd numbered NFs that are now here after 1833 are at NP. That's too big of a speculation to make on only a minor 2 bus for 2 swap. Also there's still Huberman's desire to consolidate as few bus models at each garage as possible even if that plan is at best misguided as shown by 74th now having the highest average bus age of all the garages under consolidation. With the 5800s having yet to be retired in any significant numbers, it's not necessarily as likely as one would like to believe there will be an influx of Novas there beyond the 2 now there.

[rmadisonwi]

The truth about the Forest Glen New Flyers:

The roadeo is next week, and the buses are there to allow the Forest Glen contestants to get used to driving one so they won't be at a disadvantage against other garages' operators.

The two Novas at North Park are just to replace the two New Flyers lost, because NP's spare ratio is tighter. The buses will be traded back soon.