Wanderlodge and its future

[ronmarabito2002]

One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for info on the future
and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".

Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the December 2005 issue of
FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles at one time. The
first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and the second
is "What's New about the New Blue Bird Coachworks?"

With those as a starting point, let's here from those who might have
additional insight as well as those that like what they read and
those that are skeptical.

If what I read is true, then there is light at the end of the tunnel
concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.

Since there are really two subjects for discussion here, let's try
to keep them separate.

The contributions of Topics are beginning to come in steady now, so
we should have a real increase in traffic and information.

Thanks to the contributors.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
Forum Moderator

[erniecarpet@...]

erj9061- can you enlighten us on your insights a little further? And perhaps
to sign your posts so that we can address you properly. Thank you, Ernie
Ekberg 83 pt 40, currently at Lone star birds rally, Boerne, Tx


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[erj9061]

I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the feeling at Coachworks is
that the future is ours to shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
will continue to look for improvements. We have a "civilian" commitee that has
made several suggestions for future models, some of which will be seen in 2007
and beyond models. All suggestions are highly regarded and carefully looked at,
so please feel free.
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002"
wrote:
>
> One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for info on the future
> and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
>
> Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the December 2005 issue of
> FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles at one time. The
> first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and the second
> is "What's New about the New Blue Bird Coachworks?"
>
> With those as a starting point, let's here from those who might have
> additional insight as well as those that like what they read and
> those that are skeptical.
>
> If what I read is true, then there is light at the end of the tunnel
> concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
>
> Since there are really two subjects for discussion here, let's try
> to keep them separate.
>
> The contributions of Topics are beginning to come in steady now, so
> we should have a real increase in traffic and information.
>
> Thanks to the contributors.
>
> R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> Forum Moderator
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[John Suter]

Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of
the group of 6?

Unsigned posts potentially create more questions
than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird
executives would proudly proclaim their name, title
and association with such a fine organization.

John Suter
2000LXi and prior


--- erj9061 wrote:

> I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the
> feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to
> shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
> will continue to look for improvements. We have a
> "civilian" commitee that has made several
> suggestions for future models, some of which will be
> seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are
> highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please
> feel free.
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> "ronmarabito2002" wrote:
> >
> > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for
> info on the future
> > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
> >
> > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the
> December 2005 issue of
> > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles
> at one time. The
> > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and
> the second
> > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird
> Coachworks?"
> >
> > With those as a starting point, let's here from
> those who might have
> > additional insight as well as those that like what
> they read and
> > those that are skeptical.
> >
> > If what I read is true, then there is light at the
> end of the tunnel
> > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
> >
> > Since there are really two subjects for discussion
> here, let's try
> > to keep them separate.
> >
> > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come
> in steady now, so
> > we should have a real increase in traffic and
> information.
> >
> > Thanks to the contributors.
> >
> > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > Forum Moderator
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
>
>




__________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[erniecarpet@...]

Erik, Let me be one of the first for thanking you for joining the forum. We
always like to hear from someone at Bluebird Coachworks. Feel free to give us
any input that you can. Ernie Ekberg-83pt40 in Texas


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[erj9061]

To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a
"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis
construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend to be quite
passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my
home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move around from company to
company, as have I, but have now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that
everyone seems to like the ride and handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one
point in my career I signed on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles
in 5 years, ever since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has
allowed me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a
"good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A
little more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus
conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion
interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have
driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches.
No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior
Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc.
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter wrote:
>
> Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
> executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of
> the group of 6?
>
> Unsigned posts potentially create more questions
> than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird
> executives would proudly proclaim their name, title
> and association with such a fine organization.
>
> John Suter
> 2000LXi and prior
>
>
> --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote:
>
> > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the
> > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to
> > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
> > will continue to look for improvements. We have a
> > "civilian" commitee that has made several
> > suggestions for future models, some of which will be
> > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are
> > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please
> > feel free.
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote:
> > >
> > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for
> > info on the future
> > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
> > >
> > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the
> > December 2005 issue of
> > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles
> > at one time. The
> > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and
> > the second
> > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird
> > Coachworks?"
> > >
> > > With those as a starting point, let's here from
> > those who might have
> > > additional insight as well as those that like what
> > they read and
> > > those that are skeptical.
> > >
> > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the
> > end of the tunnel
> > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
> > >
> > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion
> > here, let's try
> > > to keep them separate.
> > >
> > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come
> > in steady now, so
> > > we should have a real increase in traffic and
> > information.
> > >
> > > Thanks to the contributors.
> > >
> > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > > Forum Moderator
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been
> > removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[John Suter]

Welcome, Eric, to the Forum group. We're delighted
to have your input and feel sure Bluebird is delighted
to have your 24 years of engineering experience. We
owners look forward to your leadership to improve the
handling and overall quality that we have come to
expect over the decades from these great machines.

Happy Holidays,

John Suter
2000LXi



--- erj9061 wrote:

> To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me...
> Actually, I am a "in-the-trenches" Engineer at
> Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis
> construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical
> systems. I tend to be quite passionate regarding the
> future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my
> home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move
> around from company to company, as have I, but have
> now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that
> everyone seems to like the ride and handling
> qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I
> signed on as a professional driver and logged
> 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I have
> become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed
> me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what
> I would consider a "good" ride. I still have some
> things in mind, and they will come over time. A
> little more insight... I have over 24 years in this
> industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a
> great deal about most bus models, and conversion
> interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in
> this business who have driven, lived in, worked on,
> washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No,
> I'm not Executive Management, just a "working
> stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird
> Coachworks, Inc.






__________________________________________
Yahoo! DSL – Something to write home about.
Just $16.99/mo. or less.
dsl.yahoo.com

[mbulriss]

Welcome Erik and thanks for joining!

You stated:
>I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have
>driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and
>coaches.

To many of us, that experience that is as important as your 24 years
of industry experience.

I have long maintained that engineers should not be allowed to design
until they have had to work on the warranty repair line. Coachworks
must be thrilled that you chose to land there.

We look forward to your input on the forum.

Mike Bulriss
1983 PT40 "Stagecoach" - For Sale - Financing Available
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX - dead tired from putting on the largest Lone Star
Birds Rally to date - at a campground now owned by people with no
RVing experience!!


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "erj9061" wrote:
>
> To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a
"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body &
chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I
tend to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since
I have opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to
move around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to
land here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and
handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed
on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever
since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed
me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider
a "good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come
over time. A little more insight... I have over 24 years in this
industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a great deal about most
bus models, and conversion interiors. I am probably one of the few
Engineers in this business who have driven, lived in, worked on,
washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No, I'm not Executive
Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product
EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc.
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter
wrote:
> >
> > Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
> > executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of
> > the group of 6?
> >
> > Unsigned posts potentially create more questions
> > than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird
> > executives would proudly proclaim their name, title
> > and association with such a fine organization.
> >
> > John Suter
> > 2000LXi and prior
> >
> >
> > --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote:
> >
> > > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the
> > > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to
> > > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
> > > will continue to look for improvements. We have a
> > > "civilian" commitee that has made several
> > > suggestions for future models, some of which will be
> > > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are
> > > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please
> > > feel free.
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote:
> > > >
> > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for
> > > info on the future
> > > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
> > > >
> > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the
> > > December 2005 issue of
> > > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles
> > > at one time. The
> > > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and
> > > the second
> > > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird
> > > Coachworks?"
> > > >
> > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from
> > > those who might have
> > > > additional insight as well as those that like what
> > > they read and
> > > > those that are skeptical.
> > > >
> > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the
> > > end of the tunnel
> > > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
> > > >
> > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion
> > > here, let's try
> > > > to keep them separate.
> > > >
> > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come
> > > in steady now, so
> > > > we should have a real increase in traffic and
> > > information.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks to the contributors.
> > > >
> > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > > > Forum Moderator
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been
> > > removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
> > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
> >
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[David Brady]

Welcome aboard Erik. Although I haven't driven one, the
word on the street is that the 450LXi is a notch above the
older LXi's in terms of handling and ride. Way to go! I'm
looking forward to getting some seat time. Suspension systems,
ride, and handling quality are the factors that set Prevost
apart; glad to see that you're focused on catching up.

Of course suspension systems are all about compromise,
with the exception of active systems (which might not be
a bad idea); notwithstanding this, what characteristics or factors
are you looking for in a good ride and handling, and how
might you go about achieving them? Feel free to be technical,
most people on this list are. We also respect your need to
protect Blue Bird proprietary intellectual property.

Congratulations to you and Blue Bird for finding each other!


David Brady
'02 LXi, Smokey, Va

erj9061 wrote:

>To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a
"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis
construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend to be quite
passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my
home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move around from company to
company, as have I, but have now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that
everyone seems to like the ride and handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one
point in my career I signed on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles
in 5 years, ever since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has
allowed me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a
"good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A
little more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus
conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion
interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have
driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches.
No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior
Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc.
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter wrote:
>
>
>>Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
>>executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of
>>the group of 6?
>>
>>Unsigned posts potentially create more questions
>>than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird
>>executives would proudly proclaim their name, title
>>and association with such a fine organization.
>>
>>John Suter
>>2000LXi and prior
>>
>>
>>--- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the
>>>feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to
>>>shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
>>>will continue to look for improvements. We have a
>>>"civilian" commitee that has made several
>>>suggestions for future models, some of which will be
>>>seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are
>>>highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please
>>>feel free.
>>>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
>>>"ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for
>>>>
>>>>
>>>info on the future
>>>
>>>
>>>>and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
>>>>
>>>>Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the
>>>>
>>>>
>>>December 2005 issue of
>>>
>>>
>>>>FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles
>>>>
>>>>
>>>at one time. The
>>>
>>>
>>>>first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and
>>>>
>>>>
>>>the second
>>>
>>>
>>>>is "What's New about the New Blue Bird
>>>>
>>>>
>>>Coachworks?"
>>>
>>>
>>>>With those as a starting point, let's here from
>>>>
>>>>
>>>those who might have
>>>
>>>
>>>>additional insight as well as those that like what
>>>>
>>>>
>>>they read and
>>>
>>>
>>>>those that are skeptical.
>>>>
>>>>If what I read is true, then there is light at the
>>>>
>>>>
>>>end of the tunnel
>>>
>>>
>>>>concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
>>>>
>>>>Since there are really two subjects for discussion
>>>>
>>>>
>>>here, let's try
>>>
>>>
>>>>to keep them separate.
>>>>
>>>>The contributions of Topics are beginning to come
>>>>
>>>>
>>>in steady now, so
>>>
>>>
>>>>we should have a real increase in traffic and
>>>>
>>>>
>>>information.
>>>
>>>
>>>>Thanks to the contributors.
>>>>
>>>>R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
>>>>Forum Moderator
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>[Non-text portions of this message have been
>>>removed]
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>__________________________________
>>Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page!
>>http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.11/191 - Release Date: 12/2/2005

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Eric:

A Warm welcome to the WanderlodgeForum! And a thank you for the insights
offered. We (the owners) are heartened to receive word from the source, so
to speak, from time to time and look forward to future posts.

Happy X-mas to you and yours,

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

At 12:26 PM 12/5/2005 +0000, you wrote:
>To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a
>"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body &
>chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend
>to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have
>opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move
>around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to land
>here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and handling
>qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed on as a
>professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I
>have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed me to shape the
>vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a "good" ride. I
>still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A little
>more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus
>conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion
>interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who
>have driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and
>coaches. No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik
>JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc.
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter wrote:
> >
> > Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
> > executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of
> > the group of 6?
> >
> > Unsigned posts potentially create more questions
> > than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird
> > executives would proudly proclaim their name, title
> > and association with such a fine organization.
> >
> > John Suter
> > 2000LXi and prior
> >
> >
> > --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote:
> >
> > > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the
> > > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to
> > > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and
> > > will continue to look for improvements. We have a
> > > "civilian" commitee that has made several
> > > suggestions for future models, some of which will be
> > > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are
> > > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please
> > > feel free.
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,
> > > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote:
> > > >
> > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for
> > > info on the future
> > > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach".
> > > >
> > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the
> > > December 2005 issue of
> > > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles
> > > at one time. The
> > > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and
> > > the second
> > > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird
> > > Coachworks?"
> > > >
> > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from
> > > those who might have
> > > > additional insight as well as those that like what
> > > they read and
> > > > those that are skeptical.
> > > >
> > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the
> > > end of the tunnel
> > > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks.
> > > >
> > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion
> > > here, let's try
> > > > to keep them separate.
> > > >
> > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come
> > > in steady now, so
> > > > we should have a real increase in traffic and
> > > information.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks to the contributors.
> > > >
> > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40
> > > > Forum Moderator
> > > >
> > >
>
>