Does anybody recognise the bus model in the image & have any advice on driving it?
It has Bluebird badge.
I know it is auto & has one enormous rear overhang.
Obviously LHD.
Seems handbrake on position is opposite to UK trucks?
Anything else of worth to note?
It is not quite the Scania Ultimate I was looking to drive to bring me out of early retirement but for an interesting job I guess it will be hard to beat.
I will be driving it tomorrow so hopefully advice will come quickly!
With or without advice I will be there - just hoping to get back safely.
If it is anything like the last American Truck I drove (Kenworth) be prepared for a maximum lock of 30degrees or so.
American vehicles are not designed to go round corners
whisperingsmith:
If it is anything like the last American Truck I drove (Kenworth) be prepared for a maximum lock of 30degrees or so.
American vehicles are not designed to go round corners
Oh dear.
I was hoping as a bus it would have a good turning circle but it makes sense now you point it out - not something they need, just us.
Prob have to position it like an 8 legger then rather than a UK 4X2.
Thanks.
Thanks.
I’m sure the actual bus will be in one of those photo’s as there are so many.
I’ve seen some videos of them being driven now so I know to expect a lot of switches, lots of rattling but luckily no noisy kids (whilst travelling at least).
Also I’m embarrassed to say that what I thought was the handbrake (as I’d seen in an offset picture) is actually the auto box gear lever.
Their handbrakes are push/pull switches like our trailer shunt buttons.
I’m sure there will be more to learn that was not covered on my DCPC courses
Due to a lack of significant experience on rigids (I didn’t go through the classes), limited LHD experience, & no bonneted truck experience my driving looked a bit amateur today.
Over 20 years artic experience does not make you a skilled rigid driver (though I already knew that).
The bonnet required more attention than I would have liked & the more forward location of the front wheels requires getting used to.
Fortunately the lock was reasonable so I could get around corners even though I made it look ungainly most of the time.
Although the mirrors on the front of the bonnet are necessary they stick out so far as to actually extend the length of the vehicle. This was an issue due to many tight manoeuvres being required.
It was all local & back roads driving so I’ve no idea what it is like at anything over 40 MPH yet.
In this case I was pleased it was an auto box to give me more time to spend on the road craft.
Despite all that, through care & consideration (including from my fellow motorists!) I got through unscathed.
It was a genuine time served New York City School bus with those flip out flashing side lights amongst the features.
I have much respect for those who are crazy enough to be driving American bonnetted artics on UK roads. Probably just as bad with UK versions too I guess.
According to my partner, driving a big yellow American bus did nothing to help me keep a low profile as I normally like to do.
Apparently most of those allowing me generous right of way over them & slowing down around me was because many were taking the opportunity to film the bus.
I was too busy concentrating on not dragging them along for the ride to notice anything of their interior goings on.
I will be back on the bus again tomorrow to hopefully expand my driving abilities a bit more.
remy:
Turn them orange and red flashing lights on and you’ll get through traffic quicker.
And about the switches, up is on and down is off though you probably found that out already.
Tempting. May have to try that on a night drive for extra effect.
It’s a shame the stop arms are on the nearside.
Went very well today & I started to relax behind the wheel due to getting more miles in.
Looks like I have got the gig for a while as I’ve been given the keys to hold on to.
Partner enjoys it so much too, so I can’t say no.
