Wayne Bus Identification
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: Old Bus has taken on the task of trying to identify this Wayne Bus on a volunteer basis. Old Bus does not imply or claim to be an expert. The analysis below is based purely on images and information that could be found online. Also by our personal experience with Wayne buses of this era.
About Bus Manufacturers:
It is proper to call a school bus by the maker of the particular bus body used, rather than calling it a "Ford" or "Chevy" or whatever type of chassis ( and front end) the bus body happens to be sitting on. Some of the manufacturers at the time included Wayne Works, Superior, Ward, Thomas, Carpenter and others. Each has it's own distinct styling.
Subject Bus: Body By Wayne Works:
Our goal was to try and identify the bus body manufacturer, approximate year and hopefully the chassis used on a subject bus from some old black and white newspaper pictures, taken in 1958 at the scene of a terrible accident. This particular bus claimed the lives of 26 school children and the driver in 1958.
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Wayne Identifier 1: Rooftop drains
Wayne had a unique ventilation system which consisted on slits over the driver head, designed to let hot air out. Unfortunately, this also let water in. A forward slanting pan in built into the roof is designed to collect the incoming water and channeled it out through a number of pill shaped drain holes located directly in front of the slits.
We looked at Wayne images from 1941 to 1957. Early Waynes had just 2 drain holes over the windshield. In 1952 we started seeing the number of drain holes increasing to 6. According to a brochure we found, Wayne made some more improvements to the bodies in 1952.Our subject bus ( see image to left) definitely has 6 drain holes similar to those built in 1952 and later Waynes.
To the right, and also featured in the gallery is a 51 Wayne Ford with 2 drain holes, and 53 Chevy short bus with 6 drain holes.
We personally own both a 54 Wayne Chevrolet and a 55 Wayne Ford, both of which have 6 drain holes over the windshield.
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In 1952, the shape of the front windshield took on a slightly different shape, much like that seen on the wrecked bus ( see b/w image directly left, and image directly above it). Pre-52 versions were more tapered in design, taking on a more "v" like shape at the left and right edges of the windshield. On the other hand, the 1952 and later Waynes stay more vertical at the far left and far right edges. Both windshield designs taper upward in the center, which is classic Wayne styling.
Also notice that that there is no post in the center of the windshield of our subject bus, designed to separate the two glass panels. Wayne's from 1941 to 1953 have a metal vertical strip that separates the left and right windshield. The subject bus appears to have none. In 1954 and later buses, this metal strip was replace by a rubber piece.
We personally own both 1954 and 1955 Waynes, both of which have a rubber center windshield sections.
We suspect that this rubber section was knocked out along with the glass either during the accident, or by the rescuers. Given the "newer" shape of the windshield ( as seen on 1952 and later Waynes) and on the subject bus, we do not believe the wrecked bus ever had a metal strip between the two front pieces of windshield glass. .
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Wayne Identifier 3: Rear Windows
Wayne buses, from 1941 to 1957 used a rear window arrangement with a rectangular window on the rear emergency door, with almost triangular-like shaped windows on either side. The image at the right is a prime example. Our subject bus, as shown in the image to the left, has the same type of windows.
In 1952 Wayne introduced their new “Curv-a-Corner” rear windows that offered 156% more rearward vision than competing designs and gave the bus driver a “panoramic” view of the road.
However, this must have been an option since we have pictures of Wayne's up to 1955 that still have the older style windows, as featured in this picture to the upper left.
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Wayne Identifier 4: Side Impact Beams
The layout of the side impact beams on this era of Waynes remained pretty much unchanged for many years between 1941 and 1955. In 1954 Wayne offered the Wayne Panoramic Super Custom, as seen above ( yellow/black bus) which was a safer design that included impact beams that wrapped around the back.
However, Wayne apparently offered both designs ( the more classic design with side beams only along with the Super Custom), since we we have seen post 54 Waynes with the old style impact beams on the sides.
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Determining The Year: Wayne Windows Types
At the right is a picture of a 1950 Wayne GMC short bus with the newer style rear side windows. From pictures available, it is apparent that Wayne decided to change the side rear windows some time in 1949, possibly mid-year. ( In gallery is picture of a 49 Chevy short bus with newer style rear side window).
Given the image to the right, it is apparent that the subject bus we are attempting to ID ( extreme left) was built in or after 1949 since it has the later designed windows.
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Conclusion:
- Side rear window design is that of Waynes buses built in or after 1949
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Shape of windshield is that of a 1952 or later Wayne bus.
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Absence of vertical metal strip in the center of the windshield suggests that the wrecked bus was built in or after 1954.
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Subject bus was built by Wayne Works. It was either a 1954 or newer model, most likely on either a Chevy, GMC or Ford chassis. ( unable to determine due to the badly wrecked (and missing) front end. I would say Chevy, if anything, possibly like the picture of the yellow 54 above. Note: The 55 Wayne Chevy ( series 1) looked the same.
Personal note:
I do not know the full details of this accident, so I can only make assumptions. Given the amount of front end damage that this bus suffered, all I can figure is the impact with what ever it hit was tremendous. From the pictures it looks like the front leaf springs were knocked off the perches, as the axle looks bent.
These buses are on a 2 ton chassis. They have very heavy duty frames, stiff springs, usually big two speed rear ends. Drum brakes all around. No seat bents. The seats frames are made of metal and are notorous for chipping/knocking out teeth. Unfortunately, most of the kids probably went flying upon impact. Many were probably rendered unconscious.
This buses were equipped with a power assist unit on the brakes ( known as a hydrovac). It makes braking noticable easier. However, if the hydrovac fails, it becomes noticable more difficult to stop these buses. I have 2 such Waynes that are 20-22 feet long ( shorter than subject bus). My 54 Wayne's hydrovac is not working. It's very hard to stop even at relatively slow speeds.
I hope this information has been helpful to you.
This bus ID made courtesy of Old Bus
George Hummer/ Editor