DECEMBER

December 7

Had a great worknight this week at the buseum. We were able to get our newest Mack up onto the lift and see what it looked like underneath — pretty good considering the age and wear and tear. We even found the brake linings to be ok and the air lines in better shape than might be expected. Did find a big hole in the exhaust line.

Ben, Lewis and Russ have scouted out the details for enclosing a workshop area and are planning that construction. We hope to create an area in which to do body work.

 And, on Sunday the 11th, William spent almost all day at the Buseum, getting one airbag on the 62 DC bus and working on the Richmond Metro. We cannot get it started conventionally and need some assistance. Got the RTS started but it blew a transmission hose so we have to do some work on that soon.

NOVEMBER

November 12

On the 2nd of November, the crew led by William and Lewis went to the Virginia Museum of Transportation to get the donated GMC 4104 started, the airbags inflated, and moved to the Buseum. Lewis has declared this as his coach and he drove it home (not permanently!)  It sounds great and seems to be in good condition.

The 53 Mack is now running and moving on its own. William got it running by installing a new air line which makes a huge difference. We hope to get it up on a lift soon and see if all is well. It seems to have good rubber and most of the lights work. Ben, Lewis, Mel and William have all spent a lot of time on this coach. Mel has removed the damaged rear engine door and Keith is working to see if it can be repaired.

We’ve had a nagging problem on the Blacksburg Transit bus but think we have discovered what it is. It appears to be the thermostats and are hopeful that they will be replaced soon. It is a wonderful bus and we appreciate BT and the Town of Blacksburg's assistance in acquiring this coach.

There have been several CC&T coach assisted trips lately including a shuttle on Veterans day for the Town of Rocky Mount. We carried at least 250 folks for that wonderful event. It was an honor to be of help to them.

We have a commitment to the Science Teachers Association of Virginia next Friday the 18th with Karen, Joe and Bev available for that.

We also have been asked to do the Old Southwest Parlor tours on Saturday Dec 3 and Sunday the 4th.

Ben, Lewis and Mel have come up with an idea to change the work space at the Buseum which we will be working on soon. Lewis has gotten us some pallet racks which should really assist us with storage of parts and other items.

OCTOBER

October 30,

We provided three coaches on a wedding trip and one for the dedication of the RAILWALK for the city and Wanderlust at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. What a great group that got all the coaches ready and looking sharp. Thanks to Ed, BT, Kenny, Harry, Russ, William, Ben, Mel, Bev, Freddy, and Karen who have all been helping get things in order. And to all who continue to be there when needed.

William Thompson has joined our group. He has extensive knowledge that was immediately put to use assisting Ben on the 53 Mack. On Saturday, William working with Mel and Ed got the Mack not only running well, but fixed the accelerator and shifter. The Mack now moves under its own power. Lots of effort in searching for the problem took time and ingenuity and the Mack crew did great.

October 11

Thanks to Ben, Ed, Freddy, Harry, Kenny, and Mel for all this week. Harry and Mel cleaned 4 buses and they look great. We got the Gillig started thanks to Mel, Harry, and Kenny, checked out the RTS and the Grumman.Then we made sure the Pumpkin started. They all seem ready to roll for our planned weekend trips. Ben and Kenny worked on the Mack and it turned over but we just do not have enough power in the old batteries to get it started. Have a fuel leak on the 102 that has popped up and we have no clue as to its origin.

There is yet another new bus in the barn—from Blacksburg Transit, Blacksburg,VA. A 40 foot Flxible Metro made in 1987.  It served its life working for the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia carrying Virginia Tech students to and from campus. This bus was also used for special charters and transporting fans at Virginia Tech home football games.  B.T. drove for Blacksburg Transit from 1995 to 1998 and drove 2616 many times during his tenure.  2616 is a good running bus and is a great addition to the CC & T fleet.  Many thanks go to Mike Price, Director of Maintenance for Blacksburg Transit, for getting the bus ready to come to the Buseum and for assisting in the title change-over process.  2616 will be designated by CC & T as the "Hokie Express" and will be a major attraction at the Buseum.  Thanks also go to Freddy Donaher for the fine pictures!