FLXIBLE HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS Page 3

The War Years (continued)

This new Goodyear contract not only utilized the bulk of Flxibles available floor space, but also gave its skilled workers and engineers an opportunity to use their talents to the best advantage. Additional contracts were entered into with Goodyear & Curtiss Wright for the manufacture of wing flaps for the Corsair, the empennage for the Helldiver and the lower center section of the C-46.

With the war ending in 1945 Flxible soon returned to coach production and developed a more streamlined version of the Clipper, in mid 46 replacing the flat windshields with a curved version. 1947 brought more improvements. 1950 ushered the VisiCoach into production. A heavier duty enlarged version of the famous Clipper, called the VisiCoach with new large passenger windows. This particular "Clipper"was a stepping stone into the production of the larger heavy duty intercity buses.

TWIN COACH ADDED TO FLXIBLE LINE

In 1951 Flxible joined forces with the Fageol Twin Coach Co. in Kent Ohio, , the two companies cooperating in the production of 1,590 "Convertibles" for a contract with Army Ordnance. Convertibles were coaches which could be changed to stretcher carriers to carry wounded. After successful cooperation on the Convertible program the two companies contracted to build 22 deluxe intercity buses for Viacao Cometa S/A, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Shortly after, Twin Coach chose to concentrate all production on trucks and aircraft parts after which Flxible gained sole interest in the city bus product line. The company quickly developed important modifications leading to it's first big city bus contract for 300 buses from the Chicago Transit Authority. Delivery of this order began to flow from Flxibles Loudonville plant in 1954.

MILLERSBURG

Progress brought the expansion to Millersburg where "VisiCoach" shells transported from the Loudonville plant were made into numerous specialty buses, including "The Land Cruiser" (a home on wheels), and the X-Ray bus. This bus did not have the isle way as a standard Clipper and was 6" taller, as was the Post Office bus, the Bookmobile bus and many of the other specialty coaches Flxible built. Coin operated parcel lockers, and cigarette machines were also made at Millersburg. Flxibles resourcefulness in designing, engineering and manufacturing led to a variety of products.

TWO LEVEL BUS

The Introduction of the two level "VistaLiner" VL-100 in late 1954 with first delivery in 1955 to The "Blue & White Lines" in Altoona, PA (sn 10101), offered new comfort for passengers and reliability for operators. It was the "King Of The Highway" with torsilastic springs, independent front suspension, air conditioning, comfortable seating and individual loudspeakers for recorded music, this coach was designed to give operators the vehicle needed to maintain service which could compete successfully with other types of inter-city transportation.


 
 

A lineup of VL-100 s at the Loudonville Factory. *1986 FOI Rally* Photo By Bud Hoover


Continue to NEXT PAGE | FOI HOME