Thomas Vista

Thomas Vista
1995-1998 Thomas Vista
Overview
Manufacturer	Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Production	1989–1998
Assembly	High Point, North Carolina
Body and chassis
Class	Type C
Body style	School bus
Layout	Semi forward-control 4x2
Platform	International 3600
Powertrain
Engine	Diesel
Transmission	Allison AT545 4-speed automatic Allison MT643 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Width	96 in (2,400 mm)
Chronology
Successor	Thomas Freightliner FS-65

The Thomas Vista is a school bus that was manufactured by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 to 1998. While considered a cowled-chassis conventional-style school bus similar to the Saf-T-Liner Conventional, the Vista combined design elements of conventional buses and transit-style school buses, as well as those from smaller school buses.

Following the 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses by Freightliner, the Vista was discontinued. While the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 was not intended as a direct replacement, its design would incorporate features previously utilized in the Thomas Vista.

Development

During the early 1980s, school bus manufacturing in the United States underwent a period of relative turmoil. Following a sharp decline in student populations with the exit of the baby-boom generation from the public education system. In addition, the federal government had significantly toughened standards for crash protection in school buses at the end of the 1970s.^[1] While safety had long played a role in the marketing of school buses, designers were taking a new, proactive stance; by increasing the visibility of a driver, the chances of preventing an accident potentially increased.^[1]

In 1985, AmTran/Ward introduced the Ward Patriot, an all-new full-size bus using a modified version of the Chevrolet/GMC B-Series chassis. By shortening the chassis and moving the engine rearward, the Patriot was given a sloped engine hood similar to a delivery van, out of the driver's blind spot. On the inside, the Patriot was configured similar to a front-engine transit bus, with part of the engine cowl next to the driver.

Model History

1989–1991

In 1989, Thomas Built Buses introduced the Vista as its own semi forward-control bus. Using the same shortened Chevrolet/GMC chassis as the Ward Patriot, the Vista introduced several unique design aspects. With a set-forward front axle, much of engine of the Vista sat next to the driver, similar to the Saf-T-Liner EF.^[1]

To improve loading-zone sightlines, the shortened fiberglass hood (designed by Thomas) was designed to maximize forward visibility; for the side loading area, the bodywork ahead of the door was given a loading-zone window, as on the Thomas Minotour.

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.

1992–1998

1994 Thomas Vista

Following the end of General Motors chassis production, Thomas was able to secure a supply of chassis from Navistar International for 1992. As before, the Vista would be based on a modified conventional bus chassis; rather than shortening a chassis, Navistar would design Thomas a completely new chassis for the Vista: the International 3600. While the 3600 was heavily based on the International 3800, it remained a unique design. To showcase the model change, Thomas fitted the Vista with a Navistar hood (cut nearly in half to fit the shortened chassis).

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 4-piece configuration.

Following the acquisition of Thomas in 1998, the Vista was removed from the Thomas product line as it was produced solely on a Navistar chassis. As the Navistar 3600 chassis was designed specifically for the Thomas Vista body, its production ended as well.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thomas Vista buses.