Sunday, March 29, 2009

Today I'd like to talk about the Baran's Bus -- a 1945 Aerocoach Model P45/37.

Mastercraft models of this particular series were built in 1944 and 1945 at a time when most bus production was halted. 338 of this model were built in these two years and many of them saw line service with both Trailways and Greyhound. This one was sold to Robert Merrell, a small operator in New Jersey, as his No. 3. He used it in charter work and often leased it out to Royal Blue Coaches and Edwards Lakes to Sea System, both of which had similar coaches in their fleets (destination signs for both carriers are still on the sign rolls).

John Baran, owner of Baran's Transit Lines, Beaver Meadows, PA, bought this coach in the early 1970's and ran it in charter and some limited local line work until 1999, as the last "seated" Aerocoach in active service. He donated it to the Museum in 2003. ABC Bus, Camden, NJ, under the direction of its Board Chairman, Clancy Cornell, refurbished it for the Museum in March 2006.