| A little bit of a GMC's History [message #71396] |
Thu, 21 January 2010 10:05  |
seven
Messages: 322
Registered: July 2008
Location: Calgary Canada
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I work as a salesman at Canada's Largest Motorcycle dealership, That's were I run my National Race Series and Promote GMC Motorhomes, (Oh and somehow sell over 400 units yearly) Last week at my desk on the sales floor (The Norm) was running someone through my pics of my three coach's, When this man walked up and said that used to be my work truck, Story and pictures Enjoy:
Jay:
Here's the quick history. A fleet of GMC Transmodes were outfitted by the Federal Gov't in the late 70's in response to rising energy costs/shortages. The vehicles were outfitted as rolling offices/boardroom complete with mini-computers, workstations, printers, storage for measuring instruments and books. The vehicles were offerred to provinces who participated in a joint cost share 3 year program, at the end of which vehicles were handed over to the provinces and fully funded by the provinces. The transmodes became more commonly known as "Energy Buses".
Alberta's started up in the early 80's, around 1981. I began my career in energy management working on the Energy Bus from start to finish (when the Energy Efficiency Branch was closed under minister of Pat Black and premier Ralph Klein in 1994). The Energy Bus was used continously from 1981 to 1994, when the program ended.
The Energy Bus was manned weekly by rotating crews of 3 (2 technologist's, 1 engineer). Thousands of commercial, industrial and institutional facilities were visited. Complete detailed energy audits were performed, complete with computerized reports and on-board presentations showing where energy costs were going and how to save. Millions of $$$ savings were identified and implemented by customers. The service was free.
The original layout and exterior paint was modified once over the lifeftime. The mini computer, workstations and printers (NOVA) were replaced with PCs and dot matrix printers, additonal workstation office style desk at the front, more custom storage for books, and instruments. The exterior was repainted white, stripes added, any federal logos removed, Alberta logos added, and additional window added.
Attached is original brochure, and a photo of the bus on the runway at CFB Cold Lake with jet fighters. I would have to dig deeper for more photos.
Side notes:
1) Gill at Arena Automotive in Edmonton did all our mechanical work,
2) The original air compressor was replaced in favour of fixed system using schrader valves and small compressor on board,
3) I can give you additional contacts if you want who may have more photos and info.
4) Two 26' transmodes were operated, the bus from B.C. was given to Alberta, I am unsure of which one we parked, and used for parts as we assessed and took one off the road and used for parts and back-up if needed.
5) Alberta Environment also used a transmode for polution monitoring, I have no idea what they did with theirs.
Hope this is of interest, it sure brought back alot of memories, as I spent alot of time working out of it.
Thanks
Dave Whitfield.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=32302&title=jay-27s-coach-27s&cat=7
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=32303&title=jay-27s-coach-27s&cat=7
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=32304&title=jay-27s-coach-27s&cat=7
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=32306&title=jay-27s-gmc-27s&cat=500
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=32305&title=jay-27s-gmc-27s&cat=7
Jay Fox
Calgary AB
73 Painted Desert (Turtle)
78 Transmode (Trailer Donor)
[Updated on: Thu, 21 January 2010 10:19] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: A little bit of a GMC's History [message #71416 is a reply to message #71396] |
Thu, 21 January 2010 13:39  |
WayneB
Messages: 233
Registered: July 2008
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Great post Jay, I found it very interesting. 
The photo of the Transmode next to the CF18 is beyond cool.
We used to be able to get closer to the aircraft at CFB Trenton, but over the last few years security means you have absolutely no chance of parking a civilian rig up next to an aircraft for a photo like that.
The best I could do was to park underneath one of the old Golden Hawks Canadair Sabres mounted on a pole outside of our towns hockey arena.
It would be great to see photos of other GMC's next to aircraft.
1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
[Updated on: Sat, 23 January 2010 11:36] Report message to a moderator |
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