Model Diecast Toy Bus > Custom Model Buses > Epoxy Resin > GMC RTS 03 Promotional Bus Model
GMC RTS 03 Promotional Bus Model
Model # / Description...
Model # n/a / Epoxy resin custom made model bus
Custom Model Bus Manufacturer / Country...
General Motors Corporation (promo model) / USA
Custom Model Bus Dimensions and Scale...
it's about a foot long, so given that it's supposed to be a 40' coach (I counted 8 modules by the window frames), my guess is it's approximately 1/40 scale.
Custom Model Bus Description, Bus Collector Value ($US) and Notes...
Finally, an RTS promo bus that's not a bank!
Sometime around 1978-1979, General Motors - GM created a scale model of their 03 series of RTS transit coaches. Made from some form of resin, these models were attached to a wood base, and topped with a clear plastic cover.
For the most part, the majority of these were only received by executives of either GM or RTS-buying transit properties. The latter people often received theirs painted in their fleet's paint scheme.
I received mine from a former service/sales executive, who'd kept this one in a desk drawer for many years. Overall, it's in decent shape, with the occasional paint chip, sun fading on the roof, and one missing mirror (the other is present, just broken). Interestingly, it appears most of the details (emblems, lamps, plates) were hand-tampoed onto the bus - giving it a not quite perfect appearance.
I've no real price estimates on this model, but seeing as they were only given to select individuals, I'm guessing it's quite rare, and I don't plan on re-finishing the bus any time soon.
YOUR COMMENTS
Thank you for submitting photos and info on your GMC RTS model bus. It is beautiful and I'm extremely jealous :-) I really think the RTS was a worthy successor to GM's fishbowl new looks which it replaced.
I would agree and say it is very rare and should go for some serious money... upwards of several hundred dollars. Hold on to it and pass it down to your kids.
If anyone has more info on this RTS model please post here.
The RTS was the first attempt by Gm to build a bus to conform to the new ADA rules for accesability to wheelchair and other physically challenged people. The wheel chair lift was at the center exit door with room for one chair. The operator of the bus would have to get out of his seat and go to the center door to operate the chair lift. The stairs would unfold to form a platform, the operator would then lower the platform and the wheelchair or the person would board the ramp. The operator would then raise the platform to floor height and the chair would be secured in an area across from the door where a double seat had been raised. The operator would then reverse the step operation of lowering the platform into the step position. It was a high maintanence vehicle and poor on fuel mileage. The government designed the bus and GM built it.
"It was a high maintanence vehicle and poor on fuel mileage. The government designed the bus and GM built it."
Not quite.
If that were the case, we would have had the tri-axle RTS-3T Transbus instead of the RTS-II.
The bus was designed to be a modern forward looking futuristic vehicle. The concept was good but the engeneering was a bit off. It was suppose to be a light weight bus of fiberglass and other light weight material. Unfortunately to accomidate the passenger seats, they had to add steel beams along the inside side walls to support the seats.This added extra weight to the overall bus. The origenal brake system was too light and the brake pads had to be replaced about every 20 to 25 thousand miles. Eventually the system was changed and the mileage increased. The lift steps were operated by sensors and depending the type of weather you operated these buses, the sensors would fail.
Understood. You talk of the bus as if it had no positive merits altogether.
Keep in mind New Looks had their failings as well. No bus - regardless of era or manufacturer - was perfect.
It'd be nice to hear at least some positives on it. I think I see where you're biased.
And besides - isn't this place to talk about the Model?
The bus was made by Advance Air Jet in Miami in the very early 80's and commissioned by GM. AAJ made very hi-quality model airplanes, notably the very large ones displayed at travel agencies and airline offices.
I'm fortunate to have three of these RTS models, in the box, untouched on the display base with the plexiglas cover. VERY well-made and highly detailed. Hope this helps.
JRG
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