M.A.N Americana

[MetroShadow]

Np artics have been on the #152 since at least the mid 1980's. My first rides ever on these were on here. Addison has a lot of history with the artics. It even had a New Flyer artic demonstrater on it in 1997.

Are you including school and Wrigley Field Trippers? Other than that, you're right about the Artics being on the 152. I recall a 7100 on this route during the summer of 1990 (a saturday evening), being my first experience ever on an artic .

[Busjack]

In late april or early May of 2002 I spotted #6658 on the #54A. This was the first Nova that I know of at the Glen. This was a chicago bus probably used for training of the operators for the arrival of new equipment.

When the 2002 deliveries started, I did see 6712 and 6715 on Elston in the vicinity of FG, and they had C stickers and Instruction Bus cards. Their having orange LED signs was also notable at the time.

I guess I needed some correction on the Addison articulated question.

[Guest]

FG Flyers were retired around 9/11/2001 from the street. #1620 was the last one I ever seen on this date in service. It was on the #152. A couple FG Flyers remained at FG (#9897, #9934) until they were towed to south shops by truck 270. (a wrecker truck) This happened on 4/12/2002. I believe this was done to clear space for arrival of the #6700's and #6800's. In late april or early May of 2002 I spotted #6658 on the #54A. This was the first Nova that I know of at the Glen. This was a chicago bus probably used for training of the operators for the arrival of new equipment. On 5/13/2002 the first group of Novas hit the glen. The first I saw was #6762 on the #85 on this date. The last delivered #6883 around 9/29/2002. Now the Americanas. I would say 57 buses were at NP before there retirement. News reports say 65 though I never counted that many. Final bus numbers ranged all over from #4004 to #4355 which had come from the glen and 103rd. As far as Forest Glen #4113 was the among the first Americanas at the Glen. This happened around june 2001 as retired Flyers went away Americanas came in. I have complete lists of all 57 buses at Np as well as Delivery schedules of all Novas,Nabi's, New Flyers and a partial list of final Forest glen Flyers,(including what archer and 77th Flyers were transferred) and Americanas. If I can figure out how to post a picture I will provide them to you.

My first time operating a Nova in service was #6658 on the 54A around this time. #6658 was used for a couple of weeks at FG to train operators, I was one of them. I remember very well because it was about the time I was certified as a Line Instructor. Of the MANs we had mostly 4300s and a few 4100s. They were great buses all the way to the end. In my 7 years working at CTA I spent more time on the MANs than any other bus in the fleet at that time between 1997 and 2002. I loved that european style of the bus. The way the bus handled, the sound of the engine, the steering wheel with the MAN logo on it. I wish I could take the wheel of one just one more time! I operated the bus out of the three garages I worked at. They were a familiar fixture on Addison, I had them all the time. One day on Addison I also drove a 4900 TMC #4908. I have video I took on board the MANs, my nephew took video if me driving on the 152 just before the buses were retired.

[BusHunter]

Are you including school and Wrigley Field Trippers? Other than that, you're right about the Artics being on the 152. I recall a 7100 on this route during the summer of 1990 (a saturday evening), being my first experience ever on an artic .

In my life I've always lived around Addison so I've seen alot on that street. I'm a Lane Tech Alum from the early 90's. I rode artics practically every day. I've seen alot of NP artics in my time. Now that I'm thinking of it didn't #7100 have a weird sound to it. I used to ride it and noticed that it's transmission sounded like an old #9800. Even responded like a Flyer. I swear if you were blind you would think you were on a flyer bus.

[Danielsmusic]

My first time operating a Nova in service was #6658 on the 54A around this time. #6658 was used for a couple of weeks at FG to train operators, I was one of them. I remember very well because it was about the time I was certified as a Line Instructor. Of the MANs we had mostly 4300s and a few 4100s. They were great buses all the way to the end. In my 7 years working at CTA I spent more time on the MANs than any other bus in the fleet at that time between 1997 and 2002. I loved that european style of the bus. The way the bus handled, the sound of the engine, the steering wheel with the MAN logo on it. I wish I could take the wheel of one just one more time! I operated the bus out of the three garages I worked at. They were a familiar fixture on Addison, I had them all the time. One day on Addison I also drove a 4900 TMC #4908. I have video I took on board the MANs, my nephew took video if me driving on the 152 just before the buses were retired.

Can you please post the video somewhere?

[Danielsmusic]

FG Flyers were retired around 9/11/2001 from the street. #1620 was the last one I ever seen on this date in service. It was on the #152. A couple FG Flyers remained at FG (#9897, #9934) until they were towed to south shops by truck 270. (a wrecker truck) This happened on 4/12/2002. I believe this was done to clear space for arrival of the #6700's and #6800's. In late april or early May of 2002 I spotted #6658 on the #54A. This was the first Nova that I know of at the Glen. This was a chicago bus probably used for training of the operators for the arrival of new equipment. On 5/13/2002 the first group of Novas hit the glen. The first I saw was #6762 on the #85 on this date. The last delivered #6883 around 9/29/2002. Now the Americanas. I would say 57 buses were at NP before there retirement. News reports say 65 though I never counted that many. Final bus numbers ranged all over from #4004 to #4355 which had come from the glen and 103rd. As far as Forest Glen #4113 was the among the first Americanas at the Glen. This happened around june 2001 as retired Flyers went away Americanas came in. I have complete lists of all 57 buses at Np as well as Delivery schedules of all Novas,Nabi's, New Flyers and a partial list of final Forest glen Flyers,(including what archer and 77th Flyers were transferred) and Americanas. If I can figure out how to post a picture I will provide them to you.

PLEASE, PLEASE post the lists!

[jajuan]

I agree with the above posts about the FG Americanas. The first ones I remember were 4300s from 103rd after the old 6 Jeffery Express became accessible. As a matter of fact, I remember the day the 4300s went to the Glen. I was waiting for a Blue Line Forest Park train at the time. It was a Friday afternoon. I saw this line of 4300s speeding along westbound on the Eisenhower. I remembered thinking to myself why were so many of 103rd's Americanas going down the Ike. I got my answer when I saw one on 152 the following week sporting an F sticker. At that time, I remember some of you guys posts that mentioned there were only 4 Americanas left at 103rd, 4100s if I remember right. I remember seeing the last remaining 4100s from 74th, basically what was left after 4097-4108 went to Kedzie and a few 4110s in no apparent order went to NP for a brief time, operating at the Glen a week after that as the 44 and and a short time later 48 became designated as accessible. Those 4110s and a few 4140s and 4150s from NP had also wound up at FG for a time. I believe around this same time what Americanas remaining at Kedzie numbered 40xx and those left from 4097-4108 went to NP in place of Americanas numbered 4241-4260s and I think a few 4280s and maybe one of our members favorite 4290. Needless to say the Americanas were really mixed up from numerous transfers of remaining buses after the start of the Novas.

[qwantae]

I remember back in 1992-1993, When I've rode few Americanas on 71st route with GMC Fishbowl, so which ones (Number of series) that were at 77th? I was supposed that they were transferred to North Park for their Flyers when the 6000s came in 1995.

[Danielsmusic]

I remember back in 1992-1993, When I've rode few Americanas on 71st route with GMC Fishbowl, so which ones (Number of series) that were at 77th? I was supposed that they were transferred to North Park for their Flyers when the 6000s came in 1995.

I don't think NP had Flyers.

[Busjack]

I remember back in 1992-1993, When I've rode few Americanas on 71st route with GMC Fishbowl, so which ones (Number of series) that were at 77th? I was supposed that they were transferred to North Park for their Flyers when the 6000s came in 1995.

The only transfer involving NP when the 6000s came, was that the 5800s came at about the same time, and 74th got about 65 of NP's TMCs in return.

Bill V. reports that there were some bus swaps involving 77th when Beverly moved to 103rd. Maybe that is what you mean.

[Chicago80]

Sometime in 2001.

Me thinks they were whatever 4000's were left.

2004, when the final arrivals of the 7500's appeared.

4150-4300 (give or take a few)

2001-02, and they were the ones with the single seats on the right side (9800's?)

It was 4000-4361.

[Busjack]

It was 4000-4361.

No, that was the numbers of all the Americanas, not the 55 or so at FG.

[Danielsmusic]

No, that was the numbers of all the Americanas, not the 55 or so at FG.

Exactly!

[Danielsmusic]

TOTALLY DIFFERENT SUBJECT, BUT FOR ANYONE WHO LOVED THE MANS (ARTICS AND AMERICANAS), SF MUNI DONATED A 3-DOOR 60-FOOT ELECTRIC TO IRM.

3-Door 60-Foot Electric donated to IRM from SF MUNI.

[jajuan]

TOTALLY DIFFERENT SUBJECT, BUT FOR ANYONE WHO LOVED THE MANS (ARTICS AND AMERICANAS), SF MUNI DONATED A 3-DOOR 60-FOOT ELECTRIC TO IRM.

3-Door 60-Foot Electric donated to IRM from SF MUNI.

Did this bus serve in Seattle at some point? The colors are identical in appearance to some of the 7300s CTA got from Seattle.

[rmadisonwi]

Did this bus serve in Seattle at some point? The colors are identical in appearance to some of the 7300s CTA got from Seattle.

Not only the colors, but the fleet numbering scheme as well (Seattle's MAN trolleys were in the 4000 series). I'd say perhaps someone got their west coast cities confused.

[Busjack]

Not only the colors, but the fleet numbering scheme as well (Seattle's MAN trolleys were in the 4000 series). I'd say perhaps someone got their west coast cities confused.

Yep. From BusExplorer: SF had Flyers and the striping was more orange. Also, the front would have said "muni," not "metro." See also this picture of a MAN trolley bus being delivered to Seattle.

For that matter, the first page of http://www.busdude.com/ says "King Co. Metro: ... MAN SGT310 4020"

I think our reporter just goofed.

[BusHunter]

PLEASE, PLEASE post the lists!

Okay,I'll give you the complete retirement of the Americanas from start to finish as I know it. Americanas were first received at Kedzie on June 11, 1985. All were known to exist until the cuts of 1997 or 1998 ( I forgot the year, you know when Elston was cut.) At this time(1997 or 98) it was reported there were 337 buses left. I counted 334 buses left as of 2000. 28 were retired they were #4015, #4030, #4031, #4110, #4116, #4139, #4163, #4168, #4190, #4192, #4193, #4219, #4285, #4286, #4295, #4312, #4322, #4327, #4331, #4332, #4337, #4339, #4341, #4342, #4345, #4346, #4356 and #4360. 334 buses existed until the Novas were received. The Novas retired all of the 334 (except for 57 Americanas) along with 114 Flyer buses that were also a result of the cuts of 1997 or 98. (did I mention I have the 114 Flyers list too!! ) Americanas existed at Forest Glen in total from June 2001 - August 2002 Then the Americanas left Fg. The 57 Americanas ended up at two final garages Kedzie and North Park. 51 at North Park 6 at Kedzie (the Kedzie ones were #4241, #4253, #4259, #4264, #4288, #4330.) These final 6 buses at Kedzie existed until around July 2003 when they were given to North Park the final garage with Americanas. The final 57 Americanas at North Park were #4004, #4017, #4020, #4028, #4029, #4053, #4062, #4065, #4069, #4070, #4079, #4117, #4144, #4145, #4146, #4147, #4148,#4149, #4150, #4157, #4165, #4169, #4174, #4175, #4176, #4180, #4186, #4191, #4195, #4200, #4205, #4206, #4209, #4218, #4221, #4223, #4232, #4233, #4239, #4241, #4253, #4256, #4257, #4259, #4264, #4277, #4280, #4284, #4288, #4291, #4294, #4307, #4310, #4330, #4335, #4351 and #4355. These final 57 buses existed until the delivery of the NABI artics. The final 57 buses started to dwindle down after the first NABI's hit North Park on 11/13/2003. By 5/28/2004 61 buses had been delivered to North Park. On this date 2 final buses were sighted by me #4180 and #4335. These 2 buses stuck around until 7/7/2004 when all Americanas were retired. :(

[Danielsmusic]

Okay,I'll give you the complete retirement of the Americanas from start to finish as I know it. Americanas were first received at Kedzie on June 11, 1985. All were known to exist until the cuts of 1997 or 1998 ( I forgot the year, you know when Elston was cut.) At this time(1997 or 98) it was reported there were 337 buses left. I counted 334 buses left as of 2001. 28 were retired they were #4015, #4030, #4031, #4110, #4116, #4139, #4163, #4168, #4190, #4192, #4193, #4219, #4285, #4286, #4295, #4312, #4322, #4327, #4331, #4332, #4337, #4339, #4341, #4342, #4345, #4346, #4356 and #4360. 334 buses existed until the Novas were received. The Novas retired all of the 334 except for 57 Americanas along with 114 Flyer buses that were also a result of the cuts of 1997 or 98. (did I mention I have the 114 Flyers list too!! ) Americanas existed at Forest Glen in total from June 2001 - August 2002 Tne Americanas now left from Fg. The 57 Americanas ended up at two final garages Kedzie and North Park. 51 at North Park 6 at Kedzie they were #4241, #4253, #4259, #4264, #4288, #4330. These final 6 buses at Kedzie existed until around July 2003 when they were given to North Park the final garage with Americanas. The final 57 Americanas at North Park were #4004, #4017, #4020, #4028, #4029, #4053, #4062, #4065, #4069, #4070, #4079, #4117, #4144, #4145, #4146, #4147, #4148,#4149, #4150, #4157, #4165, #4169, #4174, #4175, #4176, #4180, #4186, #4191, #4195, #4200, #4205, #4206, #4209, #4218, #4221, #4223, #4232, #4233, #4239, #4241, #4253, #4256, #4257, #4259, #4264, #4277, #4280, #4284, #4288, #4291, #4294, #4307, #4310, #4330, #4335, #4351 and #4355. These final 57 buses existed until the delivery of the NABI artics. The final 57 buses started to dwindle down after the first NABI's hit North Park on 11/13/2003. By 5/28/2004 61 buses had been delivered to North Park. On this date 2 final buses were sighted by me #4180 and #4335. These 2 buses stuck around until 7/7/2003 when all Americanas were retired.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[Danielsmusic]

(did I mention I have the 114 Flyers list too!! )

If it doesn't take too long, could you PLEASE PLEASE post these?

[qwantae]

The only transfer involving NP when the 6000s came, was that the 5800s came at about the same time, and 74th got about 65 of NP's TMCs in return.

Bill V. reports that there were some bus swaps involving 77th when Beverly moved to 103rd. Maybe that is what you mean.

Yes I guess, Thanks!

[Danielsmusic]

28 were retired they were #4015, #4030, #4031, #4110, #4116, #4139, #4163, #4168, #4190, #4192, #4193, #4219, #4285, #4286, #4295, #4312, #4322, #4327, #4331, #4332, #4337, #4339, #4341, #4342, #4345, #4346, #4356 and #4360.

Do you know which ones of these were retired in 97/98, and which were retired in 2001?

[BusHunter]

Do you know which ones of these were retired in 97/98, and which were retired in 2001?

The cuts of 97/98 is when I believe they all were retired. I've never seen those buses again since then. 2000 is just when I can say for sure according to the Chicago Tribune's fleet count of 2000. This was in the paper in January 6th 2000. Hey listen up, I'm sorry about 2001 that's my mistake. Those buses were gone by 1/6/2000.

[Danielsmusic]

The cuts of 97/98 is when I believe they all were retired. I've never seen those buses again since then. 2001 is just when I can say for sure according to the Chicago Tribune's fleet count of 2001. This was in the paper in January 2001.

I think you misunderstood me. I meant the Americanas, not the Flyers.

[BusHunter]

If it doesn't take too long, could you PLEASE PLEASE post these?

I'll post them tomorrow okay. I'll put them under a new post "History of Flyer buses (#9800's)" I will give you complete retirement info on these as well as the garage assignments post 1997-98 okay. You know I really like your paper buses Dan. If you could put a few more out like the #9800's or anything I would like this very much. I have several lists I'd be happy to pass along here on my end. I'm not a good artist like you or jesi2282. could you PLEASE PLEASE make me more paper buses?