Thomas Built Buses FS-65
| Thomas Built Buses FS-65 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Years of manufacture | 1997 to 2006 |
| Length | |
| Width | 96 inches |
| Power/Fuel | Diesel |
| |
In May 1996, Freightliner introduced their new type-C school bus chassis, known as the FS-65. Freightliner had worked with Thomas Built Buses to develop a chassis/body combination that boasted a larger windshield, a raised driver's platform, and a sloping hood, all leading to better visibility. Production was expected to begin in mid-1996.[1] The first bus was completed and delivered to John T. Cyr & Sons in January 1997.[2]
When launched, the FS-65 chassis was also available to other body manufacturers, including Blue Bird, Capenter, and Corbeil. By the end of 2002, Blue Bird had designed their own type-C chassis, Carpenter had ceased operation, and Corbeil focused solely on producing type-A buses. At this time, Thomas, which had become a subsidiary of Freightliner in 1998[3], produced their type-C buses exclusively on the FS-65 chassis.
On December 13, 2006, Thomas delivered their last FS-65 school bus. The FS-65 was succeeded by the Saf-T-Liner C2, which was launched two years earlier. A total of 62,764 Freightliner FS-65 chassis were produced, and nearly a quarter of a million FS-65 conventional bodies were produced.[4]
Other Photos
A shorter, low-roof Freightliner model of the FS-65.
Specifications
| Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase: 150" to 276" | ||
| GVWR: 18,000 to 35,000 lbs | ||
| Engine | Emissions | Availability |
| Caterpillar 3126 7.2 litre | 1997-2004 | |
| Caterpillar C7 7.2 litre | EPA 2004 | 2004-2006 |
| Cummins ISB 5.9 litre, 185-250 hp | 1997-2006 | |
| Mercedes-Benz MBE904 4.3 litre, 170-190 hp | EPA 2004 | 2002-2006 |
| Mercedes-Benz MBE906 6.4 litre, 185-250 hp | EPA 2004 | 2002-2006 |
| Transmission | Availability | |
| Allison 2000 Series | ||
| Allison AT-545 | ||
| Allison MD3060 | ||
| Fuller 5 speed manual | ||
| Front axle | ||
| FC-941 8000 lb. | ||
| FF-961 12,000 lb. | ||
| Rear axle | ||
| RS-13-140 13,000 lb. | ||
| RS-23-160 23,000 lb. | ||
| Suspension | ||
| 6,000 or 12,000 taperleaf | ||
| 12,000 taperleaf and 23,000 lb. Airliner | ||
| Brakes | ||
| Bosch hydraulic disc brakes 16-1/2" x 5" front and 16-1/2" x 7" rear air brakes | ||
Operators
Canada 
- A1 Bus LTD - Vernon, BC
- Academia Bus Company - Vancouver, BC
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Cardinal Coach Lines (FirstGroup plc) - Calgary, AB
- Dannel Transportation - St. Catharines, ON
- Elk Island Schools - Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Counties of Strathcona, Lamont, and Minburn, AB
- Farr's Coach Lines - Dunnville, ON
- Golden Arrow School Buses - Edmonton, AB
- Red Arrow Student Transportation Services (now Southland Transportation) - Edmonton, AB
- Southland Transportation - Calgary, AB
- Wills Bus Lines - Binbrook, ON
United States 
- Trinity Transportation - Wyandotte, MI
- UConn Transportation Services - Storrs, CT
References
- ↑ Freightliner enters school bus market. 15 May 1996. Press release. Freightliner Corporation.
- ↑ First Freightliner school bus completed and delivered to largest contractor in Maine. 09 January 1997. Press release. Freightliner Corporation.
- ↑ Press release. 06 October 1998.
- ↑ Thomas retires the FS-65, thomasbus.com, retrieved 09-06-30