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{{More citations needed|date=June 2016}} |
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{{Infobox automobile |
{{Infobox automobile |
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| name = Thomas Vista |
| name = Thomas Vista |
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| class = Type C |
| class = Type C |
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| body_style = School bus |
| body_style = School bus |
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| platform = [[Chevrolet/GMC B-Series]]<br>[[International 3800|International 3600]] |
| platform = [[Chevrolet/GMC B-Series]]<br />[[International 3800|International 3600]] |
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| related = Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional |
| related = Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional |
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| layout = Semiforward-control 4x2 |
| layout = Semiforward-control 4x2 |
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| engine = Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8<br>International ''[[Navistar DT engine|DT360]]'' I6 <br> International ''DT408'' I6<br>International ''7.3 L IDI'' V8<br>International ''DT466'' I6 <br> International ''[[Navistar DT engine|DT466E]]'' I6 <br> International [[Navistar T444E engine|T444E]] V8 |
| engine = Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8<br />International ''[[Navistar DT engine|DT360]]'' I6 <br /> International ''DT408'' I6<br />International ''7.3 L IDI'' V8<br />International ''DT466'' I6 <br /> International ''[[Navistar DT engine|DT466E]]'' I6 <br /> International [[Navistar T444E engine|T444E]] V8 |
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| transmission = Allison AT545 four-speed automatic<br>Allison MT643 four-speed automatic |
| transmission = Allison AT545 four-speed automatic<br />Allison MT643 four-speed automatic |
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| wheelbase = |
| wheelbase = |
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| length = |
| length = |
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| sp = us |
| sp = us |
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| predecessor = Thomas Mighty Mite |
| predecessor = Thomas Mighty Mite |
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| successor = Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional<br>Thomas Saf-T-Liner FS-65<br>[[Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2]] |
| successor = Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional<br />Thomas Saf-T-Liner FS-65<br />[[Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2]] |
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| model_years = 1989-1998 |
| model_years = 1989-1998 |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Thomas Vista''' is a model line of |
The '''Thomas Vista''' is a model line of buses that was manufactured by [[Thomas Built Buses]] from 1989 to 1998. Produced nearly exclusively as a school bus, the model line was also sold in commercial-use configurations. To improve forward sightlines for drivers, the chassis design of the Vista combines elements of conventional buses and transit-style school buses (as well as those from smaller buses). |
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Following the 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses by [[Freightliner Trucks|Freightliner]], Thomas ended the production of the Vista in favor of the standard Saf-T-Liner Conventional. While the 2004 [[Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2]] was not intended as a direct replacement, elements of its body design incorporated features previously used in the Thomas Vista. |
Following the 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses by [[Freightliner Trucks|Freightliner]], Thomas ended the production of the Vista in favor of the standard Saf-T-Liner Conventional. While the 2004 [[Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2]] was not intended as a direct replacement, elements of its body design incorporated features previously used in the Thomas Vista. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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[[File:Ward school bus Patriot.jpg|left|thumb|Ward/AmTran Patriot, first semiforward-control school bus |
[[File:Ward school bus Patriot.jpg|left|thumb|Ward/AmTran Patriot, first semiforward-control school bus]] |
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During the early 1980s, school-bus manufacturing in the United States underwent a period of relative turmoil, as the exit of the baby boom generation from the public education system created a sharp decline in student populations. In the late 1970s, the US federal government had significantly upgraded crash protection standards for school buses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/t/thomas/thomas.htm|title=Thomas school bus history,Perley A. Thomas Car Works, Thomas Built Buses, Thomas Built Buses div. of Freightliner, Thomas Built Buses div. of Daimler Trucks, High Point, N.C. - CoachBuilt.com|website=www.coachbuilt.com|access-date=2016-03-18}}</ref> |
During the early 1980s, school-bus manufacturing in the United States underwent a period of relative turmoil, as the exit of the baby boom generation from the public education system created a sharp decline in student populations. In the late 1970s, the US federal government had significantly upgraded crash protection standards for school buses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/t/thomas/thomas.htm|title=Thomas school bus history,Perley A. Thomas Car Works, Thomas Built Buses, Thomas Built Buses div. of Freightliner, Thomas Built Buses div. of Daimler Trucks, High Point, N.C. - CoachBuilt.com|website=www.coachbuilt.com|access-date=2016-03-18}}</ref> |
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While safety had long played a key role in the marketing and development of school buses, designers were forced to take a proactive stance to increase innovation to production. By improving the sightlines of the driver, the chances of preventing accidents improved, as well.<ref name=":0" /> |
While safety had long played a key role in the marketing and development of school buses, designers were forced to take a proactive stance to increase innovation to production. By improving the sightlines of the driver, the chances of preventing accidents improved, as well.<ref name=":0" /> |
||
In 1985, [[Ward Body Works|AmTran/Ward]] introduced the Ward Patriot, a semiforward-control body configuration. By reconfiguring the [[Chevrolet/GMC B-Series]] chassis so that the engine was positioned next to the drivers' seat, the front body was modified significantly, with a sloped windshield, with the sloped hood nearly out of view. While similar in layout to a small Type B bus, the design of the Patriot adopted the heavier-duty components of a full-sized Type C bus body design. |
In 1985, [[Ward Body Works|AmTran/Ward]] introduced the Ward Patriot, a semiforward-control body configuration. By reconfiguring the [[Chevrolet/GMC B-Series]] chassis so that the engine was positioned next to the drivers' seat, the front body was modified significantly, with a sloped windshield, with the sloped hood nearly out of view. While similar in layout to a small Type B bus, the design of the Patriot adopted the heavier-duty components of a full-sized Type C bus body design. |
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==Model History== |
==Model History== |
||
Through its production, Thomas Built Buses produced two different versions of the Thomas Vista. From 1989 to 1991, the Vista was built using a General Motors chassis and model-specific bodywork. From 1992 to 1998, the Vista was built on Navistar International chassis, using modified International bodywork. |
Through its production, Thomas Built Buses produced two different versions of the Thomas Vista. From 1989 to 1991, the Vista was built using a General Motors chassis and model-specific bodywork. From 1992 to 1998, the Vista was built on Navistar International chassis, using modified International bodywork. |
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===1989–1991=== |
===1989–1991=== |
||
For 1989, Thomas Built Buses introduced the Thomas Vista as its own semiforward-control bus. Adopting the same reconfigured Chevrolet/GMC chassis as the Ward Patriot, Thomas introduced several new design elements for the Vista. To improve engine access, Thomas designed the bodywork to allow for a larger hood opening than the Ward Patriot. To minimize the blind spots in loading and unloading passengers, the bodywork ahead of the door was given a "loading-zone" window, as on the [[Thomas Minotour]]. |
For 1989, Thomas Built Buses introduced the Thomas Vista as its own semiforward-control bus. Adopting the same reconfigured Chevrolet/GMC chassis as the Ward Patriot, Thomas introduced several new design elements for the Vista. To improve engine access, Thomas designed the bodywork to allow for a larger hood opening than the Ward Patriot. To minimize the blind spots in loading and unloading passengers, the bodywork ahead of the door was given a "loading-zone" window, as on the [[Thomas Minotour]]. |
||
Sharing the General Motors chassis of the Ward Patriot, the first-generation Thomas Vista adopted much of its bodywork from the standard Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional. As with both the Conventional and Saf-T-Liner EF/ER, Thomas built the Vista its own dashboard and control panel, with the Vista receiving a GM-sourced steering column and instruments. The engine of the Vista sat next to the driver (a Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8), similar to the Saf-T-Liner EF.<ref name=":0" /> |
Sharing the General Motors chassis of the Ward Patriot, the first-generation Thomas Vista adopted much of its bodywork from the standard Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional. As with both the Conventional and Saf-T-Liner EF/ER, Thomas built the Vista its own dashboard and control panel, with the Vista receiving a GM-sourced steering column and instruments. The engine of the Vista sat next to the driver (a Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8), similar to the Saf-T-Liner EF.<ref name=":0" /> |
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| Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
===1992–1998=== |
===1992–1998=== |
||
[[File:George M. Carroll Bus 56.jpg|thumb|1994 Thomas Vista]] |
[[File:George M. Carroll Bus 56.jpg|thumb|1994 Thomas Vista]] |
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[[File:Thomas Vista hood closeup.jpg|left|thumb|Closeup of sideview of Thomas Vista hood and windshield |
[[File:Thomas Vista hood closeup.jpg|left|thumb|Closeup of sideview of Thomas Vista hood and windshield]] |
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For 1992, Thomas was able to continue production of the Vista, as it secured chassis supply from Navistar International to replace the General Motors chassis. In place of modifying an existing chassis, Navistar developed a purpose-built chassis (the International 3600) for the Vista. While heavily based on the [[International Harvester S-Series (bus chassis)|International 3800]], the 3600 was a design unique for the Vista. To showcase the model change, Thomas fitted the Vista with a Navistar hood (cut nearly in half to fit the shortened chassis). For the first time, the Vista was available with multiple engines, as Navistar offered both the DT inline-six and IDI V8 diesels. |
For 1992, Thomas was able to continue production of the Vista, as it secured chassis supply from Navistar International to replace the General Motors chassis. In place of modifying an existing chassis, Navistar developed a purpose-built chassis (the International 3600) for the Vista. While heavily based on the [[International Harvester S-Series (bus chassis)|International 3800]], the 3600 was a design unique for the Vista. To showcase the model change, Thomas fitted the Vista with a Navistar hood (cut nearly in half to fit the shortened chassis). For the first time, the Vista was available with multiple engines, as Navistar offered both the DT inline-six and IDI V8 diesels. |
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As before, the driver of the Navistar-chassis Vista was positioned next to the engine, similar to a Thomas EF bus. To eliminate several blind spots on the body, in 1994, the forward body was redesigned; the side window was enlarged and the windshield was changed to a wraparound, four-piece configuration. |
As before, the driver of the Navistar-chassis Vista was positioned next to the engine, similar to a Thomas EF bus. To eliminate several blind spots on the body, in 1994, the forward body was redesigned; the side window was enlarged and the windshield was changed to a wraparound, four-piece configuration. |
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During the mid-1990s, the Vista also served as the replacement for the Mighty Mite, as Thomas expanded the Vista from the full-sized segment into the Type B segment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thomasbus.com/schvista.htm|title=Vista (1997 Thomas website)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970401071355/http://www.thomasbus.com/schvista.htm|archive-date=1997-04-01|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> |
During the mid-1990s, the Vista also served as the replacement for the Mighty Mite, as Thomas expanded the Vista from the full-sized segment into the Type B segment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thomasbus.com/schvista.htm|title=Vista (1997 Thomas website)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970401071355/http://www.thomasbus.com/schvista.htm|archive-date=1997-04-01|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> |
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Following the acquisition of Thomas by Freightliner in 1998, the Thomas Vista was withdrawn in favor of the Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional and Thomas-Saf-T-Liner FS-65. As the Navistar 3600 chassis was designed specifically for the Thomas Vista body, its production ended, as well. |
Following the acquisition of Thomas by Freightliner in 1998, the Thomas Vista was withdrawn in favor of the Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional and Thomas-Saf-T-Liner FS-65. As the Navistar 3600 chassis was designed specifically for the Thomas Vista body, its production ended, as well. |
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 |
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| Thomas Vista | |
|---|---|
1995-1998 Thomas Vista
| |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Thomas Built Buses, Inc. |
| Production | 1989–1998 |
| Model years | 1989-1998 |
| Assembly | High Point, North Carolina |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Type C |
| Body style | School bus |
| Layout | Semiforward-control 4x2 |
| Platform | Chevrolet/GMC B-Series International 3600 |
| Related | Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8 International DT360 I6 International DT408 I6 International 7.3 L IDI V8 International DT466 I6 International DT466E I6 International T444E V8 |
| Transmission | Allison AT545 four-speed automatic Allison MT643 four-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Width | 96 in (2,400 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Thomas Mighty Mite |
| Successor | Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional Thomas Saf-T-Liner FS-65 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 |
The Thomas Vista is a model line of buses that was manufactured by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 to 1998. Produced nearly exclusively as a school bus, the model line was also sold in commercial-use configurations. To improve forward sightlines for drivers, the chassis design of the Vista combines elements of conventional buses and transit-style school buses (as well as those from smaller buses).
Following the 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses by Freightliner, Thomas ended the production of the Vista in favor of the standard Saf-T-Liner Conventional. While the 2004 Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 was not intended as a direct replacement, elements of its body design incorporated features previously used in the Thomas Vista.
During the early 1980s, school-bus manufacturing in the United States underwent a period of relative turmoil, as the exit of the baby boom generation from the public education system created a sharp decline in student populations. In the late 1970s, the US federal government had significantly upgraded crash protection standards for school buses.[1]
While safety had long played a key role in the marketing and development of school buses, designers were forced to take a proactive stance to increase innovation to production. By improving the sightlines of the driver, the chances of preventing accidents improved, as well.[1]
In 1985, AmTran/Ward introduced the Ward Patriot, a semiforward-control body configuration. By reconfiguring the Chevrolet/GMC B-Series chassis so that the engine was positioned next to the drivers' seat, the front body was modified significantly, with a sloped windshield, with the sloped hood nearly out of view. While similar in layout to a small Type B bus, the design of the Patriot adopted the heavier-duty components of a full-sized Type C bus body design.
Through its production, Thomas Built Buses produced two different versions of the Thomas Vista. From 1989 to 1991, the Vista was built using a General Motors chassis and model-specific bodywork. From 1992 to 1998, the Vista was built on Navistar International chassis, using modified International bodywork.
For 1989, Thomas Built Buses introduced the Thomas Vista as its own semiforward-control bus. Adopting the same reconfigured Chevrolet/GMC chassis as the Ward Patriot, Thomas introduced several new design elements for the Vista. To improve engine access, Thomas designed the bodywork to allow for a larger hood opening than the Ward Patriot. To minimize the blind spots in loading and unloading passengers, the bodywork ahead of the door was given a "loading-zone" window, as on the Thomas Minotour.
Sharing the General Motors chassis of the Ward Patriot, the first-generation Thomas Vista adopted much of its bodywork from the standard Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional. As with both the Conventional and Saf-T-Liner EF/ER, Thomas built the Vista its own dashboard and control panel, with the Vista receiving a GM-sourced steering column and instruments. The engine of the Vista sat next to the driver (a Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8), similar to the Saf-T-Liner EF.[1]
After 1991, General Motors entered into a supply agreement to supply the B-Series to body manufacturer Blue Bird Corporation, effectively ending the production of the GM-chassis Thomas Vista.
| Engine | Years produced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 8.2 L V8 | 1989–1991 | Available in turbocharged or nonturbo ("Fuel Pincher") configuration |
For 1992, Thomas was able to continue production of the Vista, as it secured chassis supply from Navistar International to replace the General Motors chassis. In place of modifying an existing chassis, Navistar developed a purpose-built chassis (the International 3600) for the Vista. While heavily based on the International 3800, the 3600 was a design unique for the Vista. To showcase the model change, Thomas fitted the Vista with a Navistar hood (cut nearly in half to fit the shortened chassis). For the first time, the Vista was available with multiple engines, as Navistar offered both the DT inline-six and IDI V8 diesels.
As before, the driver of the Navistar-chassis Vista was positioned next to the engine, similar to a Thomas EF bus. To eliminate several blind spots on the body, in 1994, the forward body was redesigned; the side window was enlarged and the windshield was changed to a wraparound, four-piece configuration.
During the mid-1990s, the Vista also served as the replacement for the Mighty Mite, as Thomas expanded the Vista from the full-sized segment into the Type B segment.[2]
Following the acquisition of Thomas by Freightliner in 1998, the Thomas Vista was withdrawn in favor of the Thomas Saf-T-Liner Conventional and Thomas-Saf-T-Liner FS-65. As the Navistar 3600 chassis was designed specifically for the Thomas Vista body, its production ended, as well.
| Engine | Years produced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTA360 | 1992–1994 | |
| 7.3L IDI (indirect injection) V8 | ||
| DT466E | 1995–1998 | |
| T444E V8 |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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Thomas Built Buses school bus product lineup
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A subsidiary of Daimler Truck North America | |||||
| Type A |
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| Type B |
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| Type C |
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| Type D |
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School bus manufacturers, North America
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| Active manufacturers |
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| Defunct manufacturers (including date of closure or last school bus manufacture) |
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North American school bus chassis, 1980–present
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| Type A (Cutaway van) |
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| Type B (Integrated) |
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| Type C (Conventional) |
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| Type D (Transit-style) |
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