Twin City Lines Bus No. 1399

Twin City Lines bus No. 1399 is a GMC model TDH-5105 built in May 1955 for the Twin City Lines, serial number 866. It was donated by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (successor to the TCL) in 1976. Until recently, No. 1399 was the Museum's main operating bus and was available for charters.

In 2001, a coolant hose broke. But because of a burned-out warning light the problem was not detected until it overheated, stalled, and wouldn't start again. This put a crimp in the Museum's classic bus demonstrations and a search for "ways to get things started again" began. In November 2002, near-operable Twin City Lines 1364 was purchased along with extra parts for No. 1399. At the same time, the mechanics were surprised when another bus, Twin City Lines No. 1303, stored for parts, started and ran! The mechanics also discovered No. 1399's engine was perhaps not as badly damaged as had been believed. In December 2002 a third near- operable bus, Twin City Lines No. 1171, was donated. All four buses are General Motors model TDH-5105, built in the mid-fifties for the Twin City Lines. The museum mechanics have been busy working on all four buses and will have them ready for charters in 2005.

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