Greyhound GM PD 4105 Scenicruiser by Corgi

Fine models, David.  I congratulate you on acquiring them.  While I have a few buses, mine tend to be older and more toy-like.  Here's an example;

That cast iron bus, almost 100 years old, is a real treasure David. It’s amazing what toys were like in those days. Were there collectors then like us today?

@david-knight, as long as there are wheels, there will be collectors! 😊

Thanks David, for the history & realistic pics (that could probably fool a few folks 😉). 

After about 5-6 years of service with the original twin Detroit Diesel 4-71 engines which were problematic  and resulted in post production modifications to the clutch operation,  Greyhound sent all the remaining buses to Marmon Herrington who re-engined them with the then available GM 8V-71 engine and a Spicer four speed non synchromesh gearbox.  This also included some redesign of the engine access and venting on the rear panel.   I believe the models show the early design.   At the time these buses were designed and launched the largest GM 71 series engine was an inline 6-71 (the 71 designating capacity of one cylinder) and this engine was deemed in adequate for the size and weight of this new bus.   The original design with the twin 4-71 engines drove through a fluid coupling to a three speed gearbox with a two speed splitter which gave 6 speeds.   Drivers disliked this system as it was different from other GM powered buses.   Circa 1960-61 this power train was replaced by Marmon on all 979 remaining of the 1001 built , some had been written off due to accidents in the  preceding 6 years.

Thanks, John. That’s an excellent description. The Corgi models do show some of the changes included in the engin swap. I’ll try to get some pictures.  In the meantime here is another comparison showing what was, I think the 2nd rebuild. It had the red stripe.

@david-knight  Thanks,  David.  I failed to mention that after the re-engine project they were re-badged as Super Scenicruisers on the side.  One of your pictures shows that.   Photos of the rear of the early version are hard to come by which would show the differences.  I believe this photo is before re-engining.

@john-quilter 

Thanks, John, for citing that after re-engineering these buses were designated SUPER SCENICRUISER as shown here:

Original

After first re-engineering

Original venting with the dual engines

Venting after first re-engineering

Now for a mystery.  What’s with that left side rear window that looks like a possible emergency exit! Quite a leap to the ground!  Haven’t seen that on any other PD 4105.

@david-knight  My Scenicruiser reference book does show the left side rear emergency exit photos but this was apparently eliminated as most production buses do not show this feature.    And the buses with the twin rear grills (pre re-engining) had twin swing out radiators!   Who makes the single rear grill bus model?

John, these three versions were made by Corgi. I wonder if you and I are the only two on this terrestrial ball who are interested in these details  of  the PD 4501.

@david-knight  David,  well I have learned something new from you!  I did not know that Corgi made more than one version of this bus (other than maybe the destination sign or side livery).  In checking my Greyhound shelf I see that mine is the early version with the two grills in the rear.    Seems strange they would have gone to the effort of making more than one casting of this bus but apparently they did!  Are you aware of the Pacific Bus Museum of which I am a member.  https://pacbus.org/   They have recently completed a magnificent restoration of a PD4501,  right down to NOS seat upholstery!