Ref
Description
Limited
edition
of
237
1954/56
GM PD-4501 Greyhound® Scenicruiser
The
famous Scenicruiser model was a result of Greyhound's efforts to develop
a modern coach in immediate post-World War 2 years. Raymond Loewy was
commissioned to do the styling of the bus and General Motors built a first
prototype at its Pontiac, MI plant in 1953. Deliveries of new coaches,
called PD-4501 by GM (Parlor Coach, Diesel, 43-seat) were started in August
1954 and continued until June 1956, when the last of 1,001 production
Scenicruisers was finished. The deck-and-a-half coaches were 40 feet long
and had standard 96 inches width. The Scenicruisers were equipped with
air ride and dual Detroit Diesel engines were fitted (this engine arrangement
proved to be most troublesome feature of the new coach). The first Scenicruisers
entered service in late 1954 and became Greyhound flagships and were assigned
to the most prestigious routes. All Scenicruisers were rebuilt in 1961-62
by Marmon-Herrington and its two 4-71 engines were replaced by single
new Detroit Diesel 8V-71 engine. In 1970 500 of the remaining Scenicruisers
were rebuilt again and the last of them were retired from Greyhound service
in 1977-78.
The Greyhound name and the Scenicruiser
are registered trade marks and are reproduced with permission from Greyhound
Lines, Inc.
Available options for coach numbers and destination signs.
Scale 1:48
Available NOW
Available through SPTC, U.S.A./Canada
Dealers
237-1
1954/56
GM PD-4501R Greyhound® Scenicruiser - '61/62 rebuilding version.
The
dual-engine arrangement on the original Scenicruiser provided Greyhound
with mechanical problems and when in 1959 the Detroit Diesel announced
its new V6 diesel engine for use in GMC "New look" transit buses,
Greyhound decided to rebuild the Scenicruises with 8V-71 version of this
engine and also incrorporate other changes and improvements at the same
time. When GMC declined the rebuilding contract, Greyhound went to Marmon-Herrington
in Indianapolis, the the whole rebuilding program was done between late
1961 and late 1962. Two 4-71 engines were replaced by single 8V-71, new
standard four speed mechanical transmission was installed as well as new
upholstery, flooring and fixtures. The famous Scenicruiser livery was
also changed with new Greyhound lettering and dog logo plus gold Scotchlite
reflective striping was added. At total, 982 coaches were rebuilt and
they were split between four Greyhound operating companies (Eastern Greyhound
Lines, Central Greyhound Lines, Southen Greyhound Lines and Western Greyhound
Lines).
The Greyhound name and the Scenicruiser
are registered trade marks and are reproduced with permission from Greyhound
Lines, Inc.
Available options for coach numbers and destination signs.
Scale 1:48
Available NOW
Available through SPTC, U.S.A./Canada
Dealers
237b
1954/56
GM PD-4501R Trailways ex-Greyhound Scenicruiser.
A
Scenicruiser replacement finally showed up in 1968 with the appearance
of MCI's new MC-7. Within a year or two after the arrival of the MC-7
coaches, some Scenicruisers were sold to other operators and bus dealers.
A few coaches were sold to Trailways operator in Texas connected with
Greyhound, being repained in the Trailways livery.
Scale 1:48
Available NOW
Available through SPTC, U.S.A./Canada
Dealers
Available on Special Order only.