One-Offs
This page details some interesting and unique buses from unknown manufacturers.
Bus Type: 1931 Mack BK Greyhound Lines
Collectible Type: Avon After Shave Bottle
Notes: Though this is an Avon after shave bottle, it is still a pretty passable model of the Mack BK Greyhound coach. Even more, the scale appears very close to 1:48 O gauge and with some detailing this coach could look great on a period layout. The bottle is very common, and can be found continuously on eBay.
Bus Type: MCI Motor Coach Industries MC-8
Collectible Type: Plastic Windup Toy
Notes: This model has only the country of manufacturer marked on the frame. The model appears to be around O gauge, and is the only one I have ever seen.
Bus Type: 1950's Superior School Bus
Collectible Type: Plastic Coin Bank
Notes: Distributed as a promotional item by
Superior Coach Employees Federal Credit Union, a division of
Superior Coach Company of Lima Ohio. Not sure of the exact year this bus was modeled after or the years it was given away. Side reads "Superior Safety Saves".
Bus Type: Electric Mayhem Band Tour Bus
Collectible Type: Wendys Fast Food Toy Premium
Bus Type: Kinsmart
Conventional School Bus Collectible Type: Custom S scale model layout accessory.
Bus Type: Generic Brand International School Bus - Story Book
Collectible Type: Die-cast toy.
Notes: Model appears to be a very close copy of the classic Matchbox MB 47 International school bus casting. Main differences include headlights that are part of the grille instead of the casting and a rear bumper that is part of the casting instead of the frame. I'm not sure who produced this model or what the "Story Book" tampos reference.
Bus Type: ACF Brill IC 41
Collectible Type: Promotional Display
Notes: These were promotional store displays for the Fossil watch company.
Bus Type: International Chasis Bluebird Body School Bus
Collectible Type: Toy
Notes: This generic made in China school bus was found on eBay. It appears to be heavily based upon, or directly copied, in parts, from the well known
Herpa International Bluebird School Bus, primarily distributed by Con-Cor. The body is accurate for HO 1:87 scale layouts, but the toy wheels are much too large for an accurate layout. Features some sort of motor as well, I can't tell what type, but possibly pull back tension.
Bus Type: Vierke Marketing Service - Jagermeister International Chasis Bluebird Body School Bus
Collectible Type: Advertising Promo
Notes: Another model based on the Herpa International school bus with Blue Bird body. This particular variation is almost identical to the original with only minor variances in a number of places (mostly simplifying). The interesting thing about this model is that it features a metal hood. This was probably done so that the model could technically be called die-cast. Unfortunately my hood sits a bit crooked and the paint is not a perfect match to the body plastic.
Special Run & Custom Shingfat RTS Bus Models
Bus Type: GMC RTS-II 04-06 Series (Nova Bus/Millenium)
Scale: 1:60
Original Model: Shingfat RTS
Bus Type: Dallas Dart - Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Collectible Type: Promotional Diecast Toy
Notes: This custom run was produced for DART as a promotional give away. These are quite hard to find.
Bus Type: Illinois State Police Bus
Collectible Type: Custom S scale model bus.
Bus Type: WMATA - Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Collectible Type: Custom model bus.
Notes: This custom painted WMATA bus shows just how accurate these RTS bus toys can look. This particular model features custom wheels, paint, decals, rear vents, side destination sign and even has tiny mud flaps added.
Bus Type: GM PD 4501 Greyhound Scenicruiser
Collectible Type: Customized Toy
Notes: This is a custom restored version of the Tootsietoy GM PD-4501 Greyhound Scenicruiser.
Bus Type: GM Greyhound Bus
Collectible Type: Customized Toy
Notes: This is a custom restored version of the Tootsietoy GM 3751 Greyhound.