Saf-T-Liner C2
Encyclopedia
The Saf-T-Liner C2 is a Type C school bus
built by Thomas Built Buses
, introduced in the fall of 2004. It is a replacement for the Thomas Conventional and the Thomas/Freightliner
FS-65 Type C school bus; it also can be viewed as a successor to the Vista
line of Type C buses from the 1990s.
In addition to a unique outward appearance, the C2 makes use of modern manufacturing techniques. Many joints use adhesive
bonding, reducing or eliminating the need for weld
s or rivet
s in many cases. Where required, self-piercing rivets are used, which ideally do not punch through the bottom layer of the metals being joined together, thus reducing the chance that rivets will become the source of leaks in the future.
While the large windshield is an obvious place where there is more window area, other windows have been expanded on the C2 as well, both increasing viewing area and increasing the size of emergency exits which are in removable window frames. The rear windows and rear emergency exit door have also been expanded compared to previous Thomas buses.
Another claimed innovation is the introduction of a multiplexed wiring system, where multiple electrical devices communicate over the same wires, rather than being individually wired. This reduces the number of wires running through the vehicle, which can help reduce maintenance in the future. In the system used in the C2, it also has the advantage that switches on the control panel next to the driver can be rearranged to suit the driver and continue to function without any rewiring or reprogramming.
There have been reports of excessive lube oil usage in 2007 emissions-compliant Mercedes-Benz engines. Apparently, the problem corrects itself after 20,000 miles of service. If the customer does not want to wait or does not see an improvement in oil consumption, they can opt to have the engine repaired with a extended warranty.
.
School bus
A school bus is a type of bus designed and manufactured for student transport: carrying children and teenagers to and from school and school events...
built by Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses
Thomas Built Buses, Inc. is a bus manufacturer based in High Point, North Carolina, United States and a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG. Thomas produces school buses, activity buses/MFSAB , and commercial buses; both small and full-size buses are produced.Thomas traces its roots to 1916, when...
, introduced in the fall of 2004. It is a replacement for the Thomas Conventional and the Thomas/Freightliner
Freightliner Trucks
Freightliner Trucks is an American manufacturer of heavy duty trucks, chassis and semi-trailer trucks in the United States. The company was founded as Freightliner Inc in 1942 and is now a division of Daimler Trucks North America, a subsidiary of the German Daimler AG...
FS-65 Type C school bus; it also can be viewed as a successor to the Vista
Thomas Vista
The Thomas Vista was a school bus built by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 until 1997, on GMC, Chevrolet, and Navistar International chassis. It was unique in that it combined aspects of both conventional and transit style school buses...
line of Type C buses from the 1990s.
Overview
The C2 is unique in that it is available in capacities up to 84 passengers, the largest of any type C conventional school bus in current production. It is visually distinguished from its competitors' type C school buses by its low, sloped hood and a large, curved, bonded windshield, said to resist chips by more effectively deflecting objects. The windshield is sloped back and corners on the bus' front end are smoothed out to produce a more streamlined appearance. Even the flashing warning lights at the top of the vehicle are made flush with the windscreen.In addition to a unique outward appearance, the C2 makes use of modern manufacturing techniques. Many joints use adhesive
Adhesive
An adhesive, or glue, is a mixture in a liquid or semi-liquid state that adheres or bonds items together. Adhesives may come from either natural or synthetic sources. The types of materials that can be bonded are vast but they are especially useful for bonding thin materials...
bonding, reducing or eliminating the need for weld
Weld
Weld most commonly refers to a joint formed by welding.Weld may also refer to:-People:* Weld family, an extended family of New England** Theodore Dwight Weld** Tuesday Weld* Weld-Blundell family* Cecil Weld-Forester, 1st Baron Forester...
s or rivet
Rivet
A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener. Before being installed a rivet consists of a smooth cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. The end opposite the head is called the buck-tail. On installation the rivet is placed in a punched or pre-drilled hole, and the tail is upset, or bucked A rivet...
s in many cases. Where required, self-piercing rivets are used, which ideally do not punch through the bottom layer of the metals being joined together, thus reducing the chance that rivets will become the source of leaks in the future.
While the large windshield is an obvious place where there is more window area, other windows have been expanded on the C2 as well, both increasing viewing area and increasing the size of emergency exits which are in removable window frames. The rear windows and rear emergency exit door have also been expanded compared to previous Thomas buses.
Another claimed innovation is the introduction of a multiplexed wiring system, where multiple electrical devices communicate over the same wires, rather than being individually wired. This reduces the number of wires running through the vehicle, which can help reduce maintenance in the future. In the system used in the C2, it also has the advantage that switches on the control panel next to the driver can be rearranged to suit the driver and continue to function without any rewiring or reprogramming.
Engines
The C2 is offered with two engines; Cummins ISB-07 and the Mercedes-Benz MBE 900.There have been reports of excessive lube oil usage in 2007 emissions-compliant Mercedes-Benz engines. Apparently, the problem corrects itself after 20,000 miles of service. If the customer does not want to wait or does not see an improvement in oil consumption, they can opt to have the engine repaired with a extended warranty.
Manufacturing
The C2 is the successor to the Thomas/Freightliner FS-65 Type C conventional school bus which ended production on December 13, 2006. That model line had a history extending back to 1962, although the FS-65 itself was introduced in 1995. The Saf-T-Liner C2 is built at a $40 million manufacturing facility in High Point, North CarolinaHigh Point, North Carolina
High Point is a city located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. As of 2010 the city had a total population of 104,371, according to the US Census Bureau. High Point is currently the eighth-largest municipality in North Carolina....
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External links
- Saf-T-Liner C2 - manufacturer-created website