Our Tour Bus
In April of 2008, Welsh Sound increased its vehicle fleet with the addition of a 1968 GMC Tour Bus. Usually known as a “Buffalo Bus” due to its unique window hump to offer riders a better view, the bus was converted to a 7 bunk tour bus in the early 1990’s.
Originally delivered from GMC Bus and Truck Division at Bus # 174 (frame serial number) to Red Arrow Bus Lines, of Allentown, PA, the bus was renumbered 800 and served standard passenger service until the late 1980’s. As delivered, the bus sat 48 people, was air conditioned, and a lavatory at the end. The bus runs on a Detroit Diesel engine and links to a 4 speed manual Allison transmission. The bus has an aluminum body and 3 cargo bays.
In the early 1990’s the bus was sold to a church in PA where it continued to serve as a passenger bus for a number of years, however, as their ministry changed, the bus was converted into a multi-bunked tour bus. In early 2006, the church sold the bus to Cross Cut Saw, www.crosscutsaw.com a Leesburg VA based Southern Rock Band. The band toured with it for the next two years and decided to sell it as the band became more locally based.
Welsh Sound has purchased the bus for a number of reasons, primarily to try to offset the fuel prices of having multiple cars needed at each event and to provide on site hospitality for the crews. In the current configuration, the bus is divided into three areas, the main seating/TV area, the bunk section, and the rear bath and kitchen area. The bus currently has 6 bunks and two couches in the main section that can serve as bunks. Additionally, it has a shower, small kitchen, and single toilet.
The bus will be undergoing major renovations over the upcoming summer and will make its first public appearance in August at the Jefferson County Fair.