'THE SPECIAL GM TDH 4510'

[Mr. Linsky]

Shown below (top) in a factory photo is fleet number 2700 - a 1948 GM TDH 4510 and the only one of its kind that operated for the Pacific Electric Railway Company of Los Angeles, California.

The 4510 and 4511 were the only two 45 passenger 'Old Look' transit models ever built by GM in a 102 inch width with 500 4510's going to New York City and 120 4511's going to Milwaukee.

Pacific Electric number 2700 (also built to NY specs) was the only 4510 demonstrator and traveled the country for two years stopping at a number of major cities for trials before finally arriving at Los Angeles in June of 1950.

Apparently the bus was very well received in L.A. and the company purchased it which started it on a long career through a number of operator name changes and liveries until it became RTD number 6500 (as also seen below).

Some modifications were made along the way which included updated signals, the addition of tow hooks and the elimination of the ornamental bright work under the belt line.

Records show that 2700 has been restored to original and is now preserved by Scot Richard's Regional Transit of Riverside, California.

Photos courtesy of NorCal Photo Gallery.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY

[Bentley]

Is RTD 6500 in the Georgia Peach livery? If so, how many other RTD buses got that livery?

[Mr. Linsky]

Is RTD 6500 in the Georgia Peach livery? If so, how many other RTD buses got that livery?

That's a very good question for which I have no answer.

However, I would have to imagine that the peach color was the livery of the day and that it may have encompassed the entire fleet.

That's only an educated guess though so I will consult the specialists at NorCal Bus Fans for further information.

I'll get back to you on that.

Mr. 'L'

[Stevep]

Really enjoying your posts, Mr L! Started to go back to some of the earlier ones and the photos don't load I wish I'd looked at some of this forum before....

[EBL]

Having grown up in the San Fernando Valley---and being a real bus nut---I remember very well those old all-white GM buses that arrived about the time I was 15 or so (we called 'em "Whiteys"). There were some "Peaches and Cream" buses that the then RTD picked up from some other transit agency as a quick fix to supply buses on the new GRID system. From what I recall, those were numbered in the 2200 series.

Sadly, I wasn't taking pictures then. I missed out on some great shots by not doing so.

[Bentley]

What was the GRID system?

[EBL]

^ I guess I should come here more often.

The RTD's "GRID" system was a complete rerouting and renumbering of bus lines throughout the San Fernando Valley in early 1975. Buses ran on lines that were basically straight lines along major streets, east/west and north/south; that is, on a grid (hence the name). This way, a bus line was no more than about a half mile from most residents. Most trips required no more than one transfer.

Another GRID system was set up in South L.A. later on.

I hope I answered your question.

Eric