19:30 White Motor Compan 98 Model 706 |
Imagine this.…. You’re moving along at about 15-18 mph. Hard to believe you are in one of the original 98 Model 706 Buses built by the White Motor Company between 1936 and 1939 for use in Yellowstone National Park. Its interior is really quite simple with four bench leather seats, each with a grab handle and roof bow support bar for passengers to hold as they stand when the canvas top is rolled back. You note that behind the fourth seat, yet separate from the luggage area, are two compartments where the driver can keep tools, personal belongings and blankets. You watch the driver who is a master at double clutching and maneuvering the large steering wheel. You see the effort it takes to turn it as there is no power steering. The instrument panel is fascinating with its few but necessary gauges and controls; certainly far less than what’s in vehicles today. The six-cylinder 318 cubic inch engine purrs as you move along and you are told by the driver that this model was built with an advanced mechanical feature; vacuum assist, hydraulic brakes. You find yourself traveling up one of the most breathtaking routes to Yellowstone National Park; the Beartooth Highway. Named National Scenic Byway’s “All-American Road”, this 68-mile highway stretches from Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City and Silver Gate, ending at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Today you are traveling about 35 miles up this scenic highway, climbing from an elevation of about 5,500 feet at Red Lodge to 10,947 feet at the West Summit of the Pass. As you slowly travel up the road, you marvel at how the lodge pole pine forests lead to an enchanting world of alpine lakes, 20 peaks over 12,000 feet, glacially carved cirques and vibrant wildflowers. It certainly is a sight to behold. You stop along the way to view the ever changing vistas. You’ve packed a picnic lunch and you’ve found a great place to eat it along the highway. You find some time now to look at the bus you’ve been riding in and quickly realize why all those who passed you by were waving, honking, and taking pictures and videos of what they happened upon. It certainly is an iconic beauty with its long bold horizontal black stripe running the entire length of its “Yellowstone” yellow body, black oversized teardrop rear fenders and chrome radiator shell, bumpers, and door handles. So few are left in original operating condition and you realize how fortunate you are to be riding in one. It’s a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list opportunity for sure and a great way to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Beartooth Highway. If you are interested in such a trip, it’s important to know that it is offered by reservation only for families, groups and special events such as weddings, reunions, etc. during the weekends of the summer season when the Beartooth Highway is open for travel. The bus can accommodate 10 passengers comfortably and additional buses can be provided as needed for larger groups. As we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all volunteer organization, donations received for this trip are one of our primary sources of income for our continuing efforts to restore and preserve the historic pre-WWII original operating Yellowstone National Park vehicles and the building in which they reside, and for covering organizational operating expenses. Additional information regarding these trips may be obtained by calling 406-860-5910. Источник : Buses Of Yellowstone Preservation Trust |
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