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Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges
02-20-2006, 03:33
Post: #4
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges
Go to http://www.VintageBirds.com, lots of history info there.

I'm no expert, but here's a brief brreakdown for you:

-Blue Bird started making school busses in the early 1900's.

-In the late 60's, they began building the Wanderlodge on the Forward
Control ("FC") chassis. "Forward Control" refers to the flat-nose
bus with a front engine. Over the years, FC's were produced in 31,
33, and 35 foot lengths.

-Starting in '82, they also produced "pusher" (rear engine) models in
lengths from 36-40 feet. There were two models, the SP (Single
Pusher-single rear axle) and the PT (Pusher Tag, has rear tag axle).
All models are 96" width.

-In '88, the WB (Wide Body) was introduced on 38' and 40' pushers.
102" width.

-In '89, the FC was discontinued, and in '92, the SP was killed,
making all coaches after that rear-engine tag-axle models.

-From '94-'97, the BMC (Blue Bird Motor Coach) was produced. This
was a coach built by BB Coach Works on an outsourced chassis. It was
a less expensive coach and designed to give BB a lower-cost "entry
level" coach. The BMC's, while fine coaches, are generally
considered to be inferior to the true Wanderlodge. The heavy frame
construction is a big part of what makes the WL great.

-'98-up is basically the modern WL you can buy new today. Lengths 38-
45 feet.

BB made equipment changes and upgrades every year from the
beginning. Vintage Birds can give you more details, pictures, etc.

Hope you find this helpful.

Scott Forman
82 FC35RB
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "David Scott"
wrote:
>
> I'm pretty much completely confused now, and feel pretty much like
the
> guy who asked which came first the chicken or the egg?
>
> If anyone can point me toward a reference that gives a history [I've
> looked at several already and am still not clear]; before there was
> ever an RV aspect there were BlueBird busses right? Like I rode on
to
> school? What came next a purposefully built motorhome or did someone
> start living in a bus and the idea caught on and people started
> converting them into "motorhomes or RV's" and then there were
> Wanderlodges made by Blue Bird, followed by BlueBird motor coaches
> that got converted into RV's/motorhomes?
>
> Now I'm dizzy, going to go lay down.
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbulriss" <mbulriss@>
wrote:
> >
> > David,
> >
> > A BMC was built by BB, but it is not a Wanderlodge. I know they
> > listed it that way on the eBay listing, but BMCs were an entry
level
> > coach attempt by BB and were not labeled or intended as
Wanderlodges.
> > The BMC is not built on a BB chassis. I believe they were built
on a
> > Spartan chassis(?) rather than a BB chassis. The BMC (Bluebird
Motor
> > Coach) was only built from 1994-1997. The 1996 was the first
year for
> > the 40' model with a tag axle. You can get more info on them at
> > Vintagebirds.com as well as review all the Wanderlodge model
> information.
> >
> > While they are nice coaches, they are not Wanderlodges.
> > Birdconnection.com has three 1996 BMCs listed right now, starting
at
> > $139,900, so my reaction is that this one is priced at a premium,
> > unless you value the trailer at $25k (I think not).
> >
> > As you check eBay, remember to search on Wanderlodge and
Wonderlodge
> > (a common error among the less 'knowledgeable' owner/sellers).
> >
> > Please sign your name and location in your posts. Someone may
know of
> > a Bird near you for sale.
> >
> > Good luck in your hunting.
> >
> > Mike Bulriss
> > 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> > San Antonio, TX
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "David A. Scott"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I'd like to hear reactions to this Wanderlodge which is for sale
> on eBay
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-BMC-...-matching-
cargo-traile
> > > r_W0QQitemZ4613339301QQcategoryZ50056QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>
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Messages In This Thread
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - David A. Scott - 02-18-2006, 16:20
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - mbulriss - 02-19-2006, 05:28
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - David Scott - 02-19-2006, 18:14
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - Scott Forman - 02-20-2006 03:33
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - George Lowry - 02-20-2006, 04:14
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - Jeff Miller - 02-20-2006, 05:15
Since I don't know much about Wanderlodges - Joe Hagan - 02-20-2006, 11:02



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