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05-31-2007, 07:33

One Moderator's Opinion:

I left work early yesterday, not feeling well, and was offline until
recently. In catching up on the posts from yesterday, I was somewhat
dismayed by this thread in regards to what I perceived as 'piling on'
of accusations and assumptions, rather than simply asking some
questions of the seller - *especially* since he is a forum member. I
think opinions are fine, but unfounded speculation/accusations when a
simple question would suffice are not.

I believe that Ken has openly responded to the posts on this topic in
what can only be described as a polite manner, in view of some of the
tones in the original posts.

If you have any further questions for Ken, feel free to ask them.

If anyone now feels a need to rebut Ken's responses, I suggest it
would be much better to let this thread die and move on to fixing Birds.

Thanks,
Mike Bulriss - Moderator
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Kenneth G Samson"
wrote:
>
> my, my, my. is this what passes for sport around here? I've been a
> member of this and other wanderlodge forums since buying this coach
> last year, but as of late have not been reading the postings. Someone
> alerted me to the beating you folks are putting on my coach, otherwise
> i wouldn't have known. my dad had a name for folks like you, but i'm
> too much a gentleman to repeat it here. I'll just say that a man whose
> comments are full of assumptions such as Tom here, only makes an a**
> of himself.
>
> The Romesburgs of West virginia were the original owners of this
> coach. In fact, their name is still on the front door of the coach,
> and in the paperwork I have, including the original manuals. I've
> never met them, but only know what i was told by the second owner, who
> bought the coach directly from the wife in 2004, and drove it from WV
> to MI, where he spent a couple years getting it ready in anticipation
> of retiring from General Motors. The second owner, as i've stated,
> lost interest in traveling when his wife unexpectedly passed away. The
> man's story was tragic, not something to make a sport about. I spent a
> week with him and his brother in northern Michigan before going to
> Lansing for a couple months.
>
> Mrs. Romeburg informed the second owner that the engine, & trans had
> been rebuilt shortly before her husband took ill, and they never got a
> chance to use the coach much after that. Then the second owner's wife
> died before they could take it out on the road full-time, and it sat
> for a while longer til i bought it from him last year. From the
> information obtained from the second owner, I am guessing that there
> is less than 3000 miles on the engine and trans, even though the
> rebuilds took place several years ago. in the meantime, before the
> second owner's wife got cancer, he had been spending much time and
> money getting the coach ready for their full-timing plans, including
> installing the rebuilt genset he purchased to replace the old one. HE
> is the one that put the new insulation in the doghouse cover and the
> generator compartment before installing the rebuilt genset. But you're
> smarter than anyone, Tom. it's amazing the 'facts' you can generate
> out of thin air without even seeing the coach or asking questions like
> a gentleman.
>
> Speaking of Lansing, you might remember that last summer, i had
> contacted the forum for advice about a situation i had with the mall
> management, who towed my coach away. I was planning to rename my coach
> Bibliolodge, a turn of phrase on the name of my bookstore,
> BiblioMarket. Those are the facts, easily obtained simply by ASKING
> me. But it's so much easier to just make wild assumptions and stick
> your foot in your mouth, isn't it, Tom?
>
> The coach has been at my maryland property in chestertown since early
> winter 2006, where i parked it in front of my barn. The soil here on
> the Eastern Shore is sandy, and the ground was wet from a heavy
> rainstorm when i parked it here. So YES, the tires have made an small
> indentation in the ground. The thing is 15 TONS, Tom. Heavy items DO
> tend to compact sand. Get over yourself.
>
> Just to educate you a little bit, on ebay, when a person lists an item
> with a reserve, and a buy-it-now price, then the buy-it-now price will
> remain vi sable until the reserve is actually met. however, if the
> person lists an item -without- a reserve, as i did, then the
> buy-it-now price disappears upon the first bid, which in my case took
> place 16 hours after i began the listing. that's why there is no
> longer a buy-it-now price. i have not yet modified the website that
> has the description and photos, but the buy-it-now option is indeed
> expired.
>
> the coach is registered in north carolina, my second home. I have not
> taken the coach TO north carolina, however, so i was unable to get a
> current inspection sticker. I have a clear NC title in MY NAME, in MY
> possession. So much for your third party conspiracy theories.
>
> Engaging in character assassination is an ugly, ugly trait to have,
> Tom. I'm glad to never have had the displeasure of meeting you.
>
> Ken
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
> >
> > Just a few comments I feel are necessary to start others checking
> > this coach closely just in case someone on the forum is looking
> > hungrily at this coach and is thinking of bidding. Especially read
> > the comments on Ebay at the bottom where potential bidders ask
> > questions. The pictures of the coach tell me a lot.
> >
> > First I believe this is another one of those 3rd person sales. Check
> > all of the details and you will see why I believe that. Look at the
> > method of payment if you do win the bid?
> >
> > There is a reserve on the coach since the seller has chosen to hide
> > the bidders names and someone supposedly already bid $12,500. He also
> > has a "buy-it-now" price in the description off Ebay but there is
> > nothing on the Ebay listing to verify that.
> >
> > I dont believe anyone drove this coach on a trip in 2006 unless they
> > drove the coach with no registration since the one on the windshield
> > ran out in 2004.
> >
> > I find it hard to believe the engine was "factory rebuilt" since
> > there are no stickers on the valve covers and corrosion and paint
> > missing. I believe the engine is the origianal one.
> >
> > Its hard for me to believe that the engine and generator were rebuilt
> > even a long time ago and surely not by the factory when you look at
> > the pictures of each. The engine and coach has obviously been driven
> > in the salt as there is salt corrosion visible. Look at the
> > adjustment rod and nut on the alternator, its severely rusted and has
> > not been adjusted for a long time.
> >
> > The coach has sit in the same place for quite a while as you can see
> > by the front tires sunken into the ground. The generator insulation
> > was replaced but not recently unless someone could do it without
> > removing the generator.
> >
> > Lots more but what I have described alone makes me suspicious. Of
> > course let the buyer beware. If I am incorrect in my comments of the
> > coach hopefully the seller will give us the details such as copies of
> > the sales receipts for the engine, transmission and generator.
> >
> > tom warner
> > vernon center,ny
> > 1985 PT 40
> >
> >
> >
> > At 11:19 AM 5/30/2007, you wrote:
> > >NO RESERVE! 1976 FC 33 Blue Bird Wanderlodge
> > >
> > >A Rebuilt Cat 3208 Diesel engine, Rebuilt Automatic Allison MT - 640
> > >transmission, Rebuilt Onan Emerald Generator, recently replaced 2-way
> > >full sized fridge/freezer, New upholstery throughout - simply put - a
> > >beautiful coach!
> > >
> > >See all photos and detailed coach information at
> > >
> > >'76 FC33 Wanderlodge
> > >
> > >http://samsonkg.googlepages.com/1976fc33...anderlodge
> > >
> > >Specifications-
> > >
> > > Length: 33'
> > > Model: Side Bath with separate shower.
> > > Suspension: Leaf Spring Suspension
> > > Generator: Emerald III Onan Genset. [newly REBUILT
replacement,
> > >7.5 kw, under 10 hours, separate 30 gallon gas tank for generator
fuel]
> > > Diesel Fuel Capacity: 150 Gallons
> > > Engine: REBUILT Caterpillar 3208-NA - 210 HP naturally
aspirated
> > > Transmission: REBUILT Allison Automatic 4-speed MT-640
> > >4 speed Allison automatic transmission is solid shifting, and can be
> > >manually shifted on mountain passes for more torque if desired. coach
> > >obtains consistent 10 / 11 mpg. in last 1500 miles, i used just one
> > >and a quarter quarts of oil.
> > > doghouse and generator compartment were recently freshly
> > >insulated with heavy duty sound/heat insulation.
> > > brand new fuel filter just installed 20 miles ago.
> > > TWO new full-coach power inverters installed, along with
all new
> > >batteries.
> > > nice aluminum 22.5 Alcoa wheels all around
> > > Full air brakes, recently replaced and professionally
serviced.
> > > 12 gallon water heater, heats by either electric or engine.
> > > [take a 'free' hot shower after your drive!]
> > > Culligan Water Purifier newly installed.
> > > brand new 40 channel CB radio [model TRC-503]
> > >[original CB is still installed, but disconnected.]
> > > Aircraft-Style Overhead Storage Throughout
> > > Fluorescent Direct and Indirect Lighting Throughout with
> > >Incandescent Aircraft-Style Reading Lamps at All Seating Positions
> > > Household-Grade Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures Throughout
> > > 2-way fridge, double bowl sink, microwave with convection,
Insta
> > >Hot water dispenser
> > > high intensity electric remote control searchlight, air horns,
> > >fog lights.
> > > Full Patio Awning [Zip Dee] and bright Patio Lights
> > > large roof mounted storage pod, and two different roof
mounted TV
> > >antennas.
> > > safety rail/rack all the way around the roof. Thick ribbed
> > >Aluminum Deck over Steel Roof
> > > BONUS: a 20 inch Polaroid LCD [HDTV ready] TV will be included
> > >with this motorhome! It is not installed. I had planned to install it
> > >on a ceiling mounted flip-down mechanism, but did not get around to
> > >finding the mount. in the meantime, i simply set it up on top of the
> > >cabinet in the living room and laid it down on a soft blanket
while in
> > >motion. It works great and gives a very nice picture at any viewing
> > >angle.
> > >
> > > Tankage:
> > > Fresh Water- 98 Gallons
> > > Gray Water - 60 Gallons
> > > Waste Water-42 Gallons
> > > LP-45 Gallons [plumbed for external BBQ hookup, too!]
> > >
> > > - Features-
> > > Blue Bird All American Chassis
> > > Dual roof airs, blows very COLD!
> > > 30 amp service.
> > > Engine/Chassis Heaters with Thermostat
> > > three zoned propane heaters
> > > two clothes closets.
> > > nice big heated Ramco remote mirrors [replaced the factory
> > >driving mirrors.]
> > > All Copper Air and Fuel Lines
> > > Urethane Foam Insulation
> > > full sized Bed [has mattress in the coach, i forgot to put it
> > >back in there when i took the photos this afternoon. i had brought it
> > >in the house for a guest to sleep on.]
> > > Standard Gas Eye Level microwave Oven with Range
> > > Nutone food center power unit built in on counter, with
> > > blender and ice crusher attachments for those must-have summer
> smoothies!
> > > built in ice maker and trash compactor
> > >The 2 way refrigerator/freezer is a full sized recent model Norcold
> > >replacement with black front panels.
> > >
> > > -Sound System, Includes:
> > > AM/FM Radio, 8-Track Stereo
> > >
> > > Factory Rebuilt Cat diesel engine and Allison automatic
> > >transmission. There are less than 3,000 miles on this engine and
> > >transmission. i am the third owner. the first owner had just had the
> > >new factory rebuilt engine and transmission installed when he
suffered
> > >a stroke and could not drive the motorhome anymore. it then sat for
> > >about a year until his death. Second owner bought from the original
> > >owner's wife in west virginia and drove it to michigan. Preparing the
> > >motorhome to travel full time with his wife, second owner had all the
> > >upholstery replaced and spent approx. $7500 making upgrades,
including
> > >a replacement fridge/freezer and the Emerald generator [in the
> > >pictures, it appears that the sofa has stains, but it really does
not.
> > > those are just shadows from the fabric, which is a velvety type of
> > >fabric with a slightly raised nap] His wife then found out she had
> > >cancer and she died shortly thereafter. Following her death, second
> > >owner lost interest in the motorhome and it sat in barn storage
at his
> > >brother's farm for a couple years. Last July he sold it to me. I
> > >drove it approx. 1500 miles since then, including a trip to maryland
> > >from michigan. Starts on first roll of the engine every time, and
runs
> > >very strong. I am selling in order to use the cash proceeds to do
> > >repairs and renovations to my home so i can put it on the market. Of
> > >course, I'll be buying another Wanderlodge after i sell my home!
Once
> > >you get a Wanderlodge, you'll never settle for anything less.
> > >
> > > Includes all original owner's manuals for the coach and other items
> > >added to it since then.
> > >
> > > Known defects:
> > > tires need to be replaced. they are weather checked, and
> > >although i drove over 1500 miles on them in this condition, i would
> > >not recommend the new owner drive them like this for much longer.
> > >There are truck tire service centers within 75 miles in any direction
> > >away from my home, including Annapolis, Dover, Wilmington,
> > >Easton/Salisbury, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC areas. I
> > >highly recommend a stop for fresh tires on your way home.
> > > Front roof air is disconnected, and has been for years. it is
> > >unknown whether is was working when disconnected by the first owner.
> > > small stone chip in one of the front windshields. [no cracks,
> > >just the small chip.]
> > > Cruise control is present, but disconnected.
> > > one Propane Heater [out of three] is not working, probably
just
> > >needs cleaning.
> > > speedometer broke during last trip in September 2006. 860
miles
> > >put on since then. [calculated by mapquest when i entered the route i
> > >took during the last trip]
> > > one air vent cover over the kitchen area is broken. fan and
> > >light in that vent still work fine - it's just the plastic lid
that is
> > >broken. replacements are cheap and available on ebay.
> > > rear air conditioner is missing one vent cover. works
perfectly
> > >fine however, and is very cold.
> > >
> > >Terms: non-refundable Deposit [10% of starting bid ] to hold the
coach
> > >is due within 2 days of auction end, either by paypal or overnight
> > >mail. [certified check or money order only] Balance due in certified
> > >funds within 10 days of auction end, whether you pick up the coach in
> > >that time period or not. Winning bidder is responsible for pick
up in
> > >Worton, MD, just outside of Chestertown. If you so desire, I am
happy
> > >to help you arrange storage in Chestertown subsequent to your
> > >purchase, at your expense, if you will be delayed in picking up the
> > >coach.
> > >
> > >As you would expect on a 30-year-old vehicle, no warranty is
expressed
> > >or implied. I have represented the vehicle in what I feel is an
> > >honest fashion through words and pictures. All pictures were taken
> > >May 27, 2007.
> > >
> > >http://samsonkg.googlepages.com/1976fc33...anderlodge
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>