I am a wannabe

[Don Bradner]

88/89/90 WB models could be considered "transitional" looks - the inset for the
name exists in the fiberglass cap, although not as deeply recessed as the
steel-cap models, and the bumpers are steel instead of being incorporated into
the fiberglass.

On 2/17/2010 at 7:35 PM Pete Masterson wrote:

>Someone already mention VintageBirds.com -- it is an excellent place
>to get the rundown on the various birds.
>
>A couple of high points:
>FC -- forward control or engine in front.
>PT -- pusher with tag axle
>WB -- wide body all wide bodies are PTs
>SP -- single axle pusher. No SPs are WBs
>BMC -- Blue Bird Motor Coach. This had a Blue Bird body with the
>interior built-out by the Wanderlodge factory. To control costs, they
>used a Spartan chassis. It is very much a Wanderlodge, but the Spartan
>chassis was used as a cost savings so the BMC could be offered as a
>lower-priced yet still high-end coach. All other Wanderlodges were
>built on Blue Bird chassis.
>
>The pre WB models used school bus chassis and shared much of the body
>work with the school bus line (although the Wanderlodges were taller
>to accommodate the basement storage). They have a "classic"
>Wanderlodge look with the familiar rear-end shape and destination
>board area above the windshield.
>
>Once the WB model was introduced, it was built on a transit/highway
>coach chassis that Blue Bird manufactured. The WBs share body work
>with the highway coaches (generally sold as luxury tourist coaches or
>airporter service coaches). The WB models no longer carry the
>"classic" look but have a more sleek front end that might be (barely)
>more aerodynamic.
>
>The WB has fiberglas front and rear end caps, consistent with
>practices throughout the bus and coach building industry. Otherwise,
>all Wanderlodges have steel body work. (I believe he BMC has similar
>fiberglas end caps.)
>
>Dates are approximate and some models overlap. e.g. SPs were sold
>after WBs were introduced.
>
>42' (later 43' model introduced in 1995 with DD Series 60 engine.
>Wide body was introduced in 1989
>Air suspension was introduced in about 1980
>
>Pete Masterson
>(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
>El Sobrante CA
>aeonix1@...
>
>
>
>
>On Feb 17, 2010, at 5:46 PM, ronwanabe wrote:
>
>> Hello..
>> I am considering the pursuit of an older Wanderlodge. Finances
>> dictate that.. I have a "
>> "classic" 76 GMC Motor-home currently but am looking for something a
>> bit larger..
>> Could the obvious knowledge of this group please tell me when and on
>> what models a wide body was used? Also what models used a Blue Bird
>> Chassis?
>> I am probably interested in a late 80's to early 90's due to
>> again.... "Finances"...
>> Just new to this group. Thanks for your time..
>> Ron