What's up with Bluebird? - Printable Version +- Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum (http://www.wanderlodgegurus.com) +-- Forum: Yahoo Groups Archive (/forumdisplay.php?fid=61) +--- Forum: WanderlodgeForum (/forumdisplay.php?fid=63) +--- Thread: What's up with Bluebird? (/showthread.php?tid=4250) |
What's up with Bluebird? - scoggins_jim - 02-05-2007 13:52 Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? Anyone out there have any details? By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. Regards, Jim Scoggins 04M380 What's up with Bluebird? - Ernest Ekberg - 02-05-2007 14:04 Jim, perhaps Ronnie Lamb who just joined our forum can chime in on this? Ernie Ekberg-83PT40 in Montana > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > What's up with Bluebird? - Leroy Eckert - 02-05-2007 14:20 I haven't seen or heard anything about moving. However, with new owners nothing can be ruled out. It is about profitability. Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta keep my bus running. <> It could ultimately have a positive or negative affect on all BB owners. It depends on what the company does. Be careful now, in this electronic world a double agent could be listening. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" Niceville, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: scoggins_jim To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? Anyone out there have any details? By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. Regards, Jim Scoggins 04M380 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] What's up with Bluebird? - scoggins_jim - 02-05-2007 14:41 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert" > >> Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta keep my bus running. <> > > Leroy; Don't know any moles--just employees talking and wondering about the future. First heard this about a month ago, but was down at the factory this last week and was just trying to learn what was going on. I gather everything is up in the air. I think your concerns are real--repairs, warrantees, etc. Jim > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > What's up with Bluebird? - Tom Warner - 02-05-2007 14:51 With all of the uncertainty at BB over the last several years I thought long and hard about buying another bluebird. After a lot of thought I decided to keep the 1982 FC35 that I had spent so much time on since if BB were to stop making motorhomes I knew I could get all of the parts thru other manufacturers except the bumpers and body panels. I found out however that I could get any body panel and bumpers thru my local Bluebird School bus company here in Chittenango, NY. In fact when I got in the accident with the FC35 in Nashville, I found out that bluebird did not have the battery compartment door etc to repair it. The bus company in Chittenango however told me they could make any one of the panels since they had a complete body and fabrication shop and regularly did that kind of work, and in fact they totally repaired and painted it to like new. They also made me a new generator compartment door for $60 not including the paint. I had previously decided that if I were to get a PT then it would be restricted to the 1985-1987 PT models. So when the 1985 PT 40 became available from Paul Davis I grabbed it up knowing that there would not be a problem getting any parts I needed even if BB were to go under. Many of you know that I have been saying BB would not last after touring the factory several times over the last 6 years. I believed that the motorhome business would not be sustainable there with the corporate changes that I saw, such as the reduction of wages, elimination of many long time employees and poor quality control. I have witnessed several other long time extremely strong companies, Revere Ware in Rome NY and Oneida Ltd in Sherrill ny for instance that quickly went under when management made changes that were deterimental to their marketing model specifically the elimination of salesmen and reduction of quality control. When BB started making larger and heavier motorhomes with a market cap of less then 40 a year and lost their major marketing arm specifically Buddy Gregg I believe the end result was inevitable. Therefore I believe this forum will be a great assett to those keeping their BB thru the sharing of ideas and parts sources. tom warner vernon center,ny 1985 PT 40 At 09:20 PM 2/5/2007, you wrote: >I haven't seen or heard anything about moving. However, with new >owners nothing can be ruled out. It is about profitability. >Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the >information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta >keep my bus running. <> >It could ultimately have a positive or negative affect on all BB >owners. It depends on what the company does. >Be careful now, in this electronic world a double agent could be >listening. > >Leroy Eckert >1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" >Niceville, FL > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > What's up with Bluebird? - ernieekberg@...> - 02-05-2007 14:52 Mike Martinkus, is also a member-- hey Mike- have you heard anything lately? Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Livingston,Montana ----- Original Message ----- From: scoggins_jim To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:41 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: What's up with Bluebird? --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert" > >> Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta keep my bus running. <> > > Leroy; Don't know any moles--just employees talking and wondering about the future. First heard this about a month ago, but was down at the factory this last week and was just trying to learn what was going on. I gather everything is up in the air. I think your concerns are real--repairs, warrantees, etc. Jim > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] What's up with Bluebird? - ernieekberg@...> - 02-05-2007 15:13 When it comes time for us to get a newer model Bluebird- I would make that purchase, even if Bluebird company went south. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Livingston,Montana ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Warner To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:51 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? With all of the uncertainty at BB over the last several years I thought long and hard about buying another bluebird. After a lot of thought I decided to keep the 1982 FC35 that I had spent so much time on since if BB were to stop making motorhomes I knew I could get all of the parts thru other manufacturers except the bumpers and body panels. I found out however that I could get any body panel and bumpers thru my local Bluebird School bus company here in Chittenango, NY. In fact when I got in the accident with the FC35 in Nashville, I found out that bluebird did not have the battery compartment door etc to repair it. The bus company in Chittenango however told me they could make any one of the panels since they had a complete body and fabrication shop and regularly did that kind of work, and in fact they totally repaired and painted it to like new. They also made me a new generator compartment door for $60 not including the paint. I had previously decided that if I were to get a PT then it would be restricted to the 1985-1987 PT models. So when the 1985 PT 40 became available from Paul Davis I grabbed it up knowing that there would not be a problem getting any parts I needed even if BB were to go under. Many of you know that I have been saying BB would not last after touring the factory several times over the last 6 years. I believed that the motorhome business would not be sustainable there with the corporate changes that I saw, such as the reduction of wages, elimination of many long time employees and poor quality control. I have witnessed several other long time extremely strong companies, Revere Ware in Rome NY and Oneida Ltd in Sherrill ny for instance that quickly went under when management made changes that were deterimental to their marketing model specifically the elimination of salesmen and reduction of quality control. When BB started making larger and heavier motorhomes with a market cap of less then 40 a year and lost their major marketing arm specifically Buddy Gregg I believe the end result was inevitable. Therefore I believe this forum will be a great assett to those keeping their BB thru the sharing of ideas and parts sources. tom warner vernon center,ny 1985 PT 40 At 09:20 PM 2/5/2007, you wrote: >I haven't seen or heard anything about moving. However, with new >owners nothing can be ruled out. It is about profitability. >Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the >information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta >keep my bus running. <> >It could ultimately have a positive or negative affect on all BB >owners. It depends on what the company does. >Be careful now, in this electronic world a double agent could be >listening. > >Leroy Eckert >1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" >Niceville, FL > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] What's up with Bluebird? - Leroy Eckert - 02-05-2007 15:25 I am not surprised. If it turns out to be true, I feel for the folks who have built our fine machines over the years. Their families also. I have been in their position. You do not have a warm fuzzy feeling over the bowl of cornflakes knowing you may not have a job tomorrow, or you may be given the "opportunity" to relocate. That means take the relocation offer or get another job! If BB pulls camp at Fort Valley, where are they gonna get a job? Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" Niceville, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: scoggins_jim To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 8:41 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: What's up with Bluebird? --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert" > >> Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta keep my bus running. <> > > Leroy; Don't know any moles--just employees talking and wondering about the future. First heard this about a month ago, but was down at the factory this last week and was just trying to learn what was going on. I gather everything is up in the air. I think your concerns are real--repairs, warrantees, etc. Jim > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] What's up with Bluebird? - Leroy Eckert - 02-05-2007 15:47 I agree, there are ways to keep our coaches running, and we will without kneeling down. The average age of a private aircraft is 35 years old. I own a 1963 Cessna 205 that is better than a new factory model because I rebuilt it myself along side of a licensed A&P, skin, rivets and the whole nine yards. I drive a 1973 Volvo 1800ES that is better than a new $40,000.00 plastic model. It can and will be done, with or without factory support. It is the American spirit. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" Nicevile, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Warner To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 8:51 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? With all of the uncertainty at BB over the last several years I thought long and hard about buying another bluebird. After a lot of thought I decided to keep the 1982 FC35 that I had spent so much time on since if BB were to stop making motorhomes I knew I could get all of the parts thru other manufacturers except the bumpers and body panels. I found out however that I could get any body panel and bumpers thru my local Bluebird School bus company here in Chittenango, NY. In fact when I got in the accident with the FC35 in Nashville, I found out that bluebird did not have the battery compartment door etc to repair it. The bus company in Chittenango however told me they could make any one of the panels since they had a complete body and fabrication shop and regularly did that kind of work, and in fact they totally repaired and painted it to like new. They also made me a new generator compartment door for $60 not including the paint. I had previously decided that if I were to get a PT then it would be restricted to the 1985-1987 PT models. So when the 1985 PT 40 became available from Paul Davis I grabbed it up knowing that there would not be a problem getting any parts I needed even if BB were to go under. Many of you know that I have been saying BB would not last after touring the factory several times over the last 6 years. I believed that the motorhome business would not be sustainable there with the corporate changes that I saw, such as the reduction of wages, elimination of many long time employees and poor quality control. I have witnessed several other long time extremely strong companies, Revere Ware in Rome NY and Oneida Ltd in Sherrill ny for instance that quickly went under when management made changes that were deterimental to their marketing model specifically the elimination of salesmen and reduction of quality control. When BB started making larger and heavier motorhomes with a market cap of less then 40 a year and lost their major marketing arm specifically Buddy Gregg I believe the end result was inevitable. Therefore I believe this forum will be a great assett to those keeping their BB thru the sharing of ideas and parts sources. tom warner vernon center,ny 1985 PT 40 At 09:20 PM 2/5/2007, you wrote: >I haven't seen or heard anything about moving. However, with new >owners nothing can be ruled out. It is about profitability. >Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the >information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta >keep my bus running. <> >It could ultimately have a positive or negative affect on all BB >owners. It depends on what the company does. >Be careful now, in this electronic world a double agent could be >listening. > >Leroy Eckert >1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" >Niceville, FL > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] What's up with Bluebird? - Leroy Eckert - 02-05-2007 15:53 Ditto! Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" Niceville, FL I'll probably keep mine 'till I croak. I'll leave it to the step-grandson, then ya'll can deal with him and his sister. lol, lol ----- Original Message ----- From: ernieekberg@... To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 9:13 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? When it comes time for us to get a newer model Bluebird- I would make that purchase, even if Bluebird company went south. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Livingston,Montana ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Warner To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:51 PM Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? With all of the uncertainty at BB over the last several years I thought long and hard about buying another bluebird. After a lot of thought I decided to keep the 1982 FC35 that I had spent so much time on since if BB were to stop making motorhomes I knew I could get all of the parts thru other manufacturers except the bumpers and body panels. I found out however that I could get any body panel and bumpers thru my local Bluebird School bus company here in Chittenango, NY. In fact when I got in the accident with the FC35 in Nashville, I found out that bluebird did not have the battery compartment door etc to repair it. The bus company in Chittenango however told me they could make any one of the panels since they had a complete body and fabrication shop and regularly did that kind of work, and in fact they totally repaired and painted it to like new. They also made me a new generator compartment door for $60 not including the paint. I had previously decided that if I were to get a PT then it would be restricted to the 1985-1987 PT models. So when the 1985 PT 40 became available from Paul Davis I grabbed it up knowing that there would not be a problem getting any parts I needed even if BB were to go under. Many of you know that I have been saying BB would not last after touring the factory several times over the last 6 years. I believed that the motorhome business would not be sustainable there with the corporate changes that I saw, such as the reduction of wages, elimination of many long time employees and poor quality control. I have witnessed several other long time extremely strong companies, Revere Ware in Rome NY and Oneida Ltd in Sherrill ny for instance that quickly went under when management made changes that were deterimental to their marketing model specifically the elimination of salesmen and reduction of quality control. When BB started making larger and heavier motorhomes with a market cap of less then 40 a year and lost their major marketing arm specifically Buddy Gregg I believe the end result was inevitable. Therefore I believe this forum will be a great assett to those keeping their BB thru the sharing of ideas and parts sources. tom warner vernon center,ny 1985 PT 40 At 09:20 PM 2/5/2007, you wrote: >I haven't seen or heard anything about moving. However, with new >owners nothing can be ruled out. It is about profitability. >Do you know an insider (a mole) that is supplying the >information? Yes or No would be more that adequate, because I gotta >keep my bus running. <> >It could ultimately have a positive or negative affect on all BB >owners. It depends on what the company does. >Be careful now, in this electronic world a double agent could be >listening. > >Leroy Eckert >1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors" >Niceville, FL > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: scoggins_jim > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, February 05, 2007 7:52 PM > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What's up with Bluebird? > > > Talk around the plant has it the parts bunch is moving to Dayton > (Ohio?) with a body works going to Anniston, AL. Further, there is > some speculation that Wanderlodge will not be built under the > auspicies of Bluebird (bought by someone else?). > I have seen no other comments on this on the collective bird websites. > Do you all know something I don't and am I just now finding out? > > Anyone out there have any details? > > By the way, Jessie is now at Bennie's old job and answering up. > > Regards, > Jim Scoggins > 04M380 > > > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |