Wanderlodge and its future
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12-01-2005, 14:21
Post: #1
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Wanderlodge and its future
One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for info on the future
and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the December 2005 issue of FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles at one time. The first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and the second is "What's New about the New Blue Bird Coachworks?" With those as a starting point, let's here from those who might have additional insight as well as those that like what they read and those that are skeptical. If what I read is true, then there is light at the end of the tunnel concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. Since there are really two subjects for discussion here, let's try to keep them separate. The contributions of Topics are beginning to come in steady now, so we should have a real increase in traffic and information. Thanks to the contributors. R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 Forum Moderator |
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12-02-2005, 04:31
Post: #2
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Wanderlodge and its future
erj9061- can you enlighten us on your insights a little further? And perhaps
to sign your posts so that we can address you properly. Thank you, Ernie Ekberg 83 pt 40, currently at Lone star birds rally, Boerne, Tx [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-02-2005, 06:24
Post: #3
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Wanderlodge and its future
I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the feeling at Coachworks is
that the future is ours to shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and will continue to look for improvements. We have a "civilian" commitee that has made several suggestions for future models, some of which will be seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please feel free. --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for info on the future > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the December 2005 issue of > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles at one time. The > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and the second > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird Coachworks?" > > With those as a starting point, let's here from those who might have > additional insight as well as those that like what they read and > those that are skeptical. > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the end of the tunnel > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion here, let's try > to keep them separate. > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come in steady now, so > we should have a real increase in traffic and information. > > Thanks to the contributors. > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > Forum Moderator > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-02-2005, 10:57
Post: #4
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Wanderlodge and its future
Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the
executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of the group of 6? Unsigned posts potentially create more questions than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird executives would proudly proclaim their name, title and association with such a fine organization. John Suter 2000LXi and prior --- erj9061 > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and > will continue to look for improvements. We have a > "civilian" commitee that has made several > suggestions for future models, some of which will be > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please > feel free. > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, > "ronmarabito2002" > > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for > info on the future > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". > > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the > December 2005 issue of > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles > at one time. The > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and > the second > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird > Coachworks?" > > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from > those who might have > > additional insight as well as those that like what > they read and > > those that are skeptical. > > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the > end of the tunnel > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. > > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion > here, let's try > > to keep them separate. > > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come > in steady now, so > > we should have a real increase in traffic and > information. > > > > Thanks to the contributors. > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > Forum Moderator > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > __________________________________ Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs |
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12-04-2005, 19:48
Post: #5
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Wanderlodge and its future
Erik, Let me be one of the first for thanking you for joining the forum. We
always like to hear from someone at Bluebird Coachworks. Feel free to give us any input that you can. Ernie Ekberg-83pt40 in Texas [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-05-2005, 00:26
Post: #6
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Wanderlodge and its future
To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a
"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a "good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A little more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc. --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter > > Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the > executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of > the group of 6? > > Unsigned posts potentially create more questions > than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird > executives would proudly proclaim their name, title > and association with such a fine organization. > > John Suter > 2000LXi and prior > > > --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote: > > > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the > > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to > > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and > > will continue to look for improvements. We have a > > "civilian" commitee that has made several > > suggestions for future models, some of which will be > > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are > > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please > > feel free. > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, > > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote: > > > > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for > > info on the future > > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". > > > > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the > > December 2005 issue of > > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles > > at one time. The > > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and > > the second > > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird > > Coachworks?" > > > > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from > > those who might have > > > additional insight as well as those that like what > > they read and > > > those that are skeptical. > > > > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the > > end of the tunnel > > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. > > > > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion > > here, let's try > > > to keep them separate. > > > > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come > > in steady now, so > > > we should have a real increase in traffic and > > information. > > > > > > Thanks to the contributors. > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > Forum Moderator > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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12-05-2005, 01:34
Post: #7
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Wanderlodge and its future
Welcome, Eric, to the Forum group. We're delighted
to have your input and feel sure Bluebird is delighted to have your 24 years of engineering experience. We owners look forward to your leadership to improve the handling and overall quality that we have come to expect over the decades from these great machines. Happy Holidays, John Suter 2000LXi --- erj9061 > To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... > Actually, I am a "in-the-trenches" Engineer at > Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis > construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical > systems. I tend to be quite passionate regarding the > future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my > home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move > around from company to company, as have I, but have > now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that > everyone seems to like the ride and handling > qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I > signed on as a professional driver and logged > 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I have > become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed > me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what > I would consider a "good" ride. I still have some > things in mind, and they will come over time. A > little more insight... I have over 24 years in this > industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a > great deal about most bus models, and conversion > interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in > this business who have driven, lived in, worked on, > washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No, > I'm not Executive Management, just a "working > stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird > Coachworks, Inc. __________________________________________ Yahoo! DSL â Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com |
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12-05-2005, 02:39
Post: #8
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Wanderlodge and its future
Welcome Erik and thanks for joining!
You stated: >I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have >driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and >coaches. To many of us, that experience that is as important as your 24 years of industry experience. I have long maintained that engineers should not be allowed to design until they have had to work on the warranty repair line. Coachworks must be thrilled that you chose to land there. We look forward to your input on the forum. Mike Bulriss 1983 PT40 "Stagecoach" - For Sale - Financing Available 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan" San Antonio, TX - dead tired from putting on the largest Lone Star Birds Rally to date - at a campground now owned by people with no RVing experience!! --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "erj9061" > > To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a "in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a "good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A little more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc. > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter > > > > Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the > > executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of > > the group of 6? > > > > Unsigned posts potentially create more questions > > than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird > > executives would proudly proclaim their name, title > > and association with such a fine organization. > > > > John Suter > > 2000LXi and prior > > > > > > --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote: > > > > > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the > > > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to > > > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and > > > will continue to look for improvements. We have a > > > "civilian" commitee that has made several > > > suggestions for future models, some of which will be > > > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are > > > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please > > > feel free. > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, > > > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote: > > > > > > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for > > > info on the future > > > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". > > > > > > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the > > > December 2005 issue of > > > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles > > > at one time. The > > > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and > > > the second > > > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird > > > Coachworks?" > > > > > > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from > > > those who might have > > > > additional insight as well as those that like what > > > they read and > > > > those that are skeptical. > > > > > > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the > > > end of the tunnel > > > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. > > > > > > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion > > > here, let's try > > > > to keep them separate. > > > > > > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come > > > in steady now, so > > > > we should have a real increase in traffic and > > > information. > > > > > > > > Thanks to the contributors. > > > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > Forum Moderator > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! > > http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > |
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12-05-2005, 03:55
Post: #9
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Wanderlodge and its future
Welcome aboard Erik. Although I haven't driven one, the
word on the street is that the 450LXi is a notch above the older LXi's in terms of handling and ride. Way to go! I'm looking forward to getting some seat time. Suspension systems, ride, and handling quality are the factors that set Prevost apart; glad to see that you're focused on catching up. Of course suspension systems are all about compromise, with the exception of active systems (which might not be a bad idea); notwithstanding this, what characteristics or factors are you looking for in a good ride and handling, and how might you go about achieving them? Feel free to be technical, most people on this list are. We also respect your need to protect Blue Bird proprietary intellectual property. Congratulations to you and Blue Bird for finding each other! David Brady '02 LXi, Smokey, Va erj9061 wrote: >To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a "in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to land here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and handling qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed on as a professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed me to shape the vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a "good" ride. I still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A little more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who have driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and coaches. No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc. >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter > > >>Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the >>executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of >>the group of 6? >> >>Unsigned posts potentially create more questions >>than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird >>executives would proudly proclaim their name, title >>and association with such a fine organization. >> >>John Suter >>2000LXi and prior >> >> >>--- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote: >> >> >> >>>I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the >>>feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to >>>shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and >>>will continue to look for improvements. We have a >>>"civilian" commitee that has made several >>>suggestions for future models, some of which will be >>>seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are >>>highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please >>>feel free. >>>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, >>>"ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote: >>> >>> >>>>One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for >>>> >>>> >>>info on the future >>> >>> >>>>and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". >>>> >>>>Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the >>>> >>>> >>>December 2005 issue of >>> >>> >>>>FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles >>>> >>>> >>>at one time. The >>> >>> >>>>first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and >>>> >>>> >>>the second >>> >>> >>>>is "What's New about the New Blue Bird >>>> >>>> >>>Coachworks?" >>> >>> >>>>With those as a starting point, let's here from >>>> >>>> >>>those who might have >>> >>> >>>>additional insight as well as those that like what >>>> >>>> >>>they read and >>> >>> >>>>those that are skeptical. >>>> >>>>If what I read is true, then there is light at the >>>> >>>> >>>end of the tunnel >>> >>> >>>>concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. >>>> >>>>Since there are really two subjects for discussion >>>> >>>> >>>here, let's try >>> >>> >>>>to keep them separate. >>>> >>>>The contributions of Topics are beginning to come >>>> >>>> >>>in steady now, so >>> >>> >>>>we should have a real increase in traffic and >>>> >>>> >>>information. >>> >>> >>>>Thanks to the contributors. >>>> >>>>R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 >>>>Forum Moderator >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>>[Non-text portions of this message have been >>>removed] >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >>__________________________________ >>Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! >>http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs >> >> >> > > > >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.11/191 - Release Date: 12/2/2005 |
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12-05-2005, 05:11
Post: #10
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Wanderlodge and its future
Eric:
A Warm welcome to the WanderlodgeForum! And a thank you for the insights offered. We (the owners) are heartened to receive word from the source, so to speak, from time to time and look forward to future posts. Happy X-mas to you and yours, Safe travels, Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm At 12:26 PM 12/5/2005 +0000, you wrote: >To All, I'm new to posting, so bear with me... Actually, I am a >"in-the-trenches" Engineer at Coachworks. I am responsible for body & >chassis construction, axles & suspension, and mechanical systems. I tend >to be quite passionate regarding the future of Coachworks, since I have >opted to make my home here. Many folks in this industry tend to move >around from company to company, as have I, but have now chosen to land >here. I am glad to here that everyone seems to like the ride and handling >qualities of the 450LXi. At one point in my career I signed on as a >professional driver and logged 800,000 miles in 5 years, ever since then I >have become quite picky about R & H. Bluebird has allowed me to shape the >vehicle characteristics towards what I would consider a "good" ride. I >still have some things in mind, and they will come over time. A little >more insight... I have over 24 years in this industry, mostly with bus >conversions. I know a great deal about most bus models, and conversion >interiors. I am probably one of the few Engineers in this business who >have driven, lived in, worked on, washed, dumped, fueled, etc., R.V's and >coaches. No, I'm not Executive Management, just a "working stiff". Erik >JohnsonSenior Product EngineerBluebird Coachworks, Inc. >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter > > > > Forgive my ignorance, but is ERJ9061 a member of the > > executive team of Bluebird Coachworks, Inc.? One of > > the group of 6? > > > > Unsigned posts potentially create more questions > > than they provide answers. I would hope Bluebird > > executives would proudly proclaim their name, title > > and association with such a fine organization. > > > > John Suter > > 2000LXi and prior > > > > > > --- erj9061 erj9061@y... wrote: > > > > > I believe I can offer some insight. At present, the > > > feeling at Coachworks is that the future is ours to > > > shape. We now have a good platform in the 450LXi and > > > will continue to look for improvements. We have a > > > "civilian" commitee that has made several > > > suggestions for future models, some of which will be > > > seen in 2007 and beyond models. All suggestions are > > > highly regarded and carefully looked at, so please > > > feel free. > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, > > > "ronmarabito2002" remarabito@a... wrote: > > > > > > > > One of the requests on Topics was "Looking for > > > info on the future > > > > and survivability of the Blue Bird Coach". > > > > > > > > Lo & behold, we have two good articles in the > > > December 2005 issue of > > > > FMCA Magazine, we have some insight. Two articles > > > at one time. The > > > > first is about the "The Wanderlodge 450 LXi" and > > > the second > > > > is "What's New about the New Blue Bird > > > Coachworks?" > > > > > > > > With those as a starting point, let's here from > > > those who might have > > > > additional insight as well as those that like what > > > they read and > > > > those that are skeptical. > > > > > > > > If what I read is true, then there is light at the > > > end of the tunnel > > > > concerning the future of Wanderlodge Coachworks. > > > > > > > > Since there are really two subjects for discussion > > > here, let's try > > > > to keep them separate. > > > > > > > > The contributions of Topics are beginning to come > > > in steady now, so > > > > we should have a real increase in traffic and > > > information. > > > > > > > > Thanks to the contributors. > > > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > Forum Moderator > > > > > > > > > |
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