Classic Bus Depot > 1957 GM Transit bus - Rochester, New York
1957 GM Transit bus - Rochester, New York
1957 General Motors coach (possibly a TDH-3714) Just shown to the public after over 5 years of restoration by the maintenance staff of Rochester, New York RGRTA/RTS Transit Authority. (Jan. 24, 2008).
This bus is going to be used for educational purposes at local schools to help make children more aware of the level of segregation faced by many just 50 years ago. During the restoration 2 original signs were uncovered directing colored people to sit in the rear of the bus. This bus originally ran in the south possibly South Carolina.
Reader Comments
Dear sirs,
As a transit buff and visitor to Rochester since the late 1940's, I respectfully submit that the restored RTC bus is not a TDH 3714. RTC operated TDH3612's, TDH4509's and 4512's and TDH5106's. Your photos would appear to be a 4512 as only they and the 5106's were painted in thr "new" tri-color paint scheme. I have photos of the 3612's and 4509's in the back lot after they were retired and theey are still in the "superior" red and cream which had been in use since the arrival of the Mack C45DT's in the late 1940's. I was going to forward them to you but was unable to reach you from my address.
Keep up the good work,
Ger
March 16, 2008 2:02:34 PM EDT Gerry Byrne | Jun 24, 10 | 10:15 pm
As a transit buff and visitor to Rochester since the late 1940's, I respectfully submit that the restored RTC bus is not a TDH 3714. RTC operated TDH3612's, TDH4509's and 4512's and TDH5106's. Your photos would appear to be a 4512 as only they and the 5106's were painted in thr "new" tri-color paint scheme. I have photos of the 3612's and 4509's in the back lot after they were retired and theey are still in the "superior" red and cream which had been in use since the arrival of the Mack C45DT's in the late 1940's. I was going to forward them to you but was unable to reach you from my address.
Keep up the good work,
Ger
March 16, 2008 2:02:34 PM EDT Gerry Byrne | Jun 24, 10 | 10:15 pm
Gerry did you work there? I would love to see your photos. I am a mechanic at RGRTA currently, and am fascinated by this old girl. I did not have the good fortune to work on this project but would have loved to. As for the model I could find out from co workers that worked on it. I was only guessing from web photos, I was eager to share the pics I had taken so I did not take the time when posting to verify. You can contact me at glenngosson1@hotmail.com
March 16, 2008 3:10:02 PM EDT jeepfreak123 | Jun 24, 10 | 10:15 pm
March 16, 2008 3:10:02 PM EDT jeepfreak123 | Jun 24, 10 | 10:15 pm
By the way Gerry I have a cd full of pics of this unit a few showing it's conditiond upon arrival. I can copy and send to you if you like. This unit was found in a Pennsylvania junk yard and originally ran in the south, (believed to be in S.C.). It then had a private owner for many years before the bone yard and then our yard. It under went a fairly extensive restoration including the entire floor many body panels recovered seats (JB upholstery Fairport Ny.) Paint Chrome plating suspension and Engine/Trans rebuilding. Every effort was made to bring this unit up to Museum quality standards with only a few exceptions due to parts unavailability, and one piece wheels for safety in lieu of the split rims.
March 16, 2008 3:23:34 PM EDT jeepfreak123 | Jun 24, 10 | 10:16 pm
March 16, 2008 3:23:34 PM EDT jeepfreak123 | Jun 24, 10 | 10:16 pm
I am currently employed as a bus operator in rochester
June 22, 2008 1:55:41 PM EDT terrence l. wright | Jun 24, 10 | 10:17 pm
June 22, 2008 1:55:41 PM EDT terrence l. wright | Jun 24, 10 | 10:17 pm
Great job! Too bad for the derogatory sign, but that was custommary in that time. Glad that such an era is over!
August 16, 2008 12:11:02 PM EDT Juan Romero | Jun 24, 10 | 10:18 pm
August 16, 2008 12:11:02 PM EDT Juan Romero | Jun 24, 10 | 10:18 pm
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