I Drag Raced Buses | Electric vs Diesel | at MCI's Test Track

NEW FLYER and MCI invited me to their bus production plant in Winnipeg Canada to check out how their buses are built. After the tour of the plant, MCI took me out to their bus testing track to drag race a All Electric bus vs a Diesel bus. At the end, there was also a bonus. I got to drive a 60 Articulated New Flyer Transit bus. Something I've Always wanted to do.
Find out who won the race!
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[@camofilms]

As a coach driver in the UK, this video was brilliant! Well done MCI for letting us see all.

[@arfliw]

I especially enjoyed your interaction with Russ. You two are kindred bus spirits!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yes I thought so right off the bat. He is definitely my brother from another mother!

[@man_on_wheelz]

The love they have for you is immeasurable! I'm so glad you had this experienced and shared it with us!

[@vehiclesonajourney]

It's really cool that MCI and New Flyer gave you a tour of their plant and showed how the buses were built and they even let you drag race an all-electric MCI J4500 vs a diesel powered J4500! You even got to drive a New Flyer Articulated transit bus! You can cross that off of your bucket list now! Thanks for sharing this video with us!

[@steventitarniuk3427]

I work at this MCI facility, it's cool seeing my company being cool

[@keonekaleikula-kele3795]

Aloha James... Thank you (Mahalo) for bringing us all on the fieldtrip through MCI's Fort Gary Assembly Plant as well as the drag race(s) between EV and Diesel J Series coaches. Thank you so much, from a Bus Nut, Enthusiast and a Driver for bringing us all on this awesome Bus Vlog. Aloha from Honolulu, Hawai'i 👍

[@jonathankoster547]

I love the differences between the two buses. That last clip with the automatic break test was awesome!

[@threeparots1]

ABS and disc brakes was hot S#it back in 2001. Though the J series was a beautiful space ship just being introduced at that time. Fortunately I missed the G series

[@flh5959]

Dang James, all the manufacturers rolling out the red carpets for you, you're a royalty. Really fascinating to see MCI's facility, thanks for bringing it to us. The only MCI product I ever drove was the MC-9 but got to sit in a Renaissance in their showroom. Wish I got to drive it. Reliving my fond memories through your videos.

[@yungkidnf]

Never in a million years did I ever think I'd see a bus drag race on this channel.

[@Perich29]

they did Bus drag race with the school bus.

[@HackleFlyer]

If you wanna see a transit bus that “talks” to you, take the time to search for WMATA’s New Flyer D40LFRs or C40LFs…the axles we spec’d ours with were audible up to a few blocks away…

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yes we used to have them in the city I live in. I miss hearing the howling from far away. I wish they were still around.

[@_Jin_Kim_]

Thanks for taking us along with you. This was great!

[@dflack8538]

As a former coach operator and current transit operator who have driven the j45 and the new flyers they are great buses. Great job on representing these vehicles. Continue your great work and great journeys!

[@americanrambler4972]

One thing I would like to see on one of your factory tours is what structural changes have been made to the busses to improve crash and impact protections for drivers and passengers. For the most part, these busses structures look a whole lot identical to the MCI coaches built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It looks like only seat belts and windows are about the only chassis and body changes that have been added or changed.

[@AMStationEngineer]

Although I've been to Pembina 3(?) times, to be invited to MCI-Winnipeg, is an honor! Way cool, James! Those Canucks, along with their American Counterparts, know/live/breathe, and are the prime example of quality is 'job only'! My fellow "old farts" will remember the fact that most MCI MC-7's were 'somewhat more powerful', than bus models which followed, with a smaller subset of which, because of their specially geared differentials, (51 and 53 passenger 'special order models', required for passenger compliments of >47 passengers), always had just a bit more "oomph" than everything else on the lot. (PLEASE remember that SAFETY, not speed, was always of utmost priority) But that beast had far more than some serious "zip"!! (the center steering wheel covers were easily removed for cleaning, and for leaving messages written in pencil for the next driver to discover,,,) We had a 1972 MCI MC-7, sporting an 8v71, with "special gearing" because of being a 53-passenger model. Aerodynamically, MC-7's were the fastest among any other brand and/or model of bus (IMHO), but that one 53 - passenger coach, our bus № 42, was the Boeing 757-200 of it's day!!

[@americanrambler4972]

A bus drag race! I’m all in! Heck YEA!

[@chillaxinn]

Enjoyed the tour of the factory, but the shout out to James and all the bus fans before entering the drag strip I really liked!

[@noelgareau5421]

Proud to see my city is finally on the map! Hope you enjoyed our potholes 😂

[@stevedavenport1202]

Would like to visit someday.

[@Daywalker_27]

@@stevedavenport1202 Do it during the summer

[@geraldmiller6679]

Happy to see you enjoying your trip so much! Enjoyed the tour.

[@stevec7793]

I think it is safe to say that you are an overgrown kid when it comes to buses!!!!!!! Love it!!! I live in Orange County CA and we have a lot of New Flyer and Gillig coaches for the local transit and yes, some are articulated

[@buffgawdpmdc9136]

Love the tour and the look at what goes into building these magnificent coaches

[@stevendmitnick]

Your coverage of EV motorcoaches is appreciated. Modern EV cars have been around for just over 10 years, whereas electric motorcoaches have been around for significantly less and the charging infrastructure for such large vehicles is nearly nonexistent. What you are presenting is the beginning of an EV evolution for large vehicles. You are providing a tremendous service by being one of the first to document the beginning of the many challenges that lie in store for large electric vehicles in order for them to become a common daily use vehicle. I've owned EV cars since 2013. The experiences you've incurred are no different then mine. Since then the vehicles and the charging infrastructure has improved. The recent announcements by the OEM car companies to standardize the charging connection ports and to commit to providing a better rapid charging experience will benefit EV vehicles of all sizes. Please keep showcasing the technology and the challenges of EV motorcoaches. Your vlogs with tell us where we are today and where we were yesterday.

[@MaltaMcMurchy]

That was totally epic! 🌟 Thank you so much for sharing this with us, James!

[@I_am_Allan]

As a Canadian, I have to say I'm proud that you chose a 'traditional' poutine. Usually, it's a beef gravy, but duck works too. I am glad they had the national donut there, as well. 🤣

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh yeah I had to try the original thing. It was great I loved it.

[@I_am_Allan]

@@MotorcoachWorldyou can make it down there, but, you need the curds to be UNDER 36 hours old, to get that signature "squeak" and texture, when bitten.

[@I_am_Allan]

I should contact TTC customer support, and have them invite you up here, to do a run on the 54 Lawrence East bus (regular 35' bus), then maybe on one of the routes w/ an artic bus. The 54 route is the longest in the city, and they drivers usually can only get 1 1/2 trips in a day. It's 26.4km (16.4m) from one end to the other.

[@mytube30005]

Really? I thought these busses look very similar from the outside to the Greyhound and Trailways busses from 30 years ago. The European busses look more modern and sleek.

[@jollygreen4639]

I’ve only been around Ontario and Quebec, but I prefer Ashton’s poutine in Quebec. And of course, we have Timmy’s on the US side around the Buffalo area. Home away from home. Try ordering a large double double in Boston, you just hear crickets 🦗

[@PlayWaves1]

That X12 diesel sounds so frkn good though.

[@ka0tyk]

This is such a HUGE deal for you. Congrats on being able to do this, and more importantly THANK YOU for sharing with all of us. Its pretty amazing to see the whole process from start to finish (literally a pile of steel sitting on a shelf to a finished coach driving off the line?!?!#%? SHEEEESH) as an owner of a MCI bus its a really cool treat that I otherwise would never be able to see. I'm just sitting here saying "omg mine is like that!" even though its just a 102el3. I always tell people its such a crazy moment when you spot another MCI on the road and think "wow, I own one of those..." Again thank you for sharing and creating this community. Keep up the great work!

[@josephreed5155]

Thank you James and MCI

[@railvlogger1439]

I have driven hundreds of buses and coaches of all shapes and sizes over the years throughout Australia the UK and Europe, the one that stands out for me as the best coach I have ever driven is the MCI MC9. Back in the day it was the best coach on the road by far in my opinion.

[@turbo8454]

I have an MC8 converted to an RV. My other experiences were MC12's at Greyhound. Pretty much the same bus. Rock solid.

[@billmcdonald0256]

Yes The MCI "9" is the BUS 👍

[@louisimission2153]

Its great to see what these people have built. Brilliant tour, thanks a lot for filming and sharing it 👍

[@Skullitor]

James, This was awsome. Fantastic video. 🎉

[@nicktheomsi2busdriver726]

For a guy that only knows how to drive coaches short master transit, real great. It nailed it like a pro. It takes some time to get used to because it’s definitely different with all the kneeling and the how the doors operate or you nailed it wish you could’ve showed more of the engine compartment.

[@bobsyouruncle1574]

Ha! They let you drive the bendy bus back in... nice people.

[@flembag32]

Outstanding presentation James, thank you so much, always luv your vids :-)

[@toddedeker3528]

Wow, what a FUN SHOW!!!!! Thanks!!

[@thomasmcmanus6575]

Just too Awesome !Keep them coming. Thx James for your time in making the this video for us in you tube land. I enjoyed this video mucho mucho. God bless you and your family. Be safe out there. I was a Motor coach driver for 30 years. I miss the Motor coach so much. Wish I had that time back. Your videos help me remember the good time's Thank you so much. Bye for now from New Jersey. 😊👍👍👍

[@josephheston9238]

It's the wildest show on wheels, wheels, wheels (echo fadeout).

[@bdesalis]

I used to work in the MCI factory - by the way - it is in Fort Garry with two r's. Love seeing how MCI and New Flyer are working together on product development. I was recently in Vancouver and Anchorage and was surprised to see that almost all the transit buses were New Flyers in both cities (diesel and electric trolleys in Vancouver, diesel buses in Anchorage) and most tour buses we saw in Alaska were MCI's.

[@Bus.Chronicles]

I take our NFI XE60s (Alexandria DASH) out every chance I get.... VERY fun buses to drive.

[@JeremyMilligan1024]

Thank you to MCI for this! Big ups to all the drivers and Canadian techs!

[@Tina-ds3pp]

That was awesome James! 12k views and a drag race! I was the 3rd viewer to your channel and I'm seriously impressed my friend! Great job and great fun!

[@michaeldennis1728]

Awesome 👏🏾. Thank you very much indeed.

[@threeparots1]

A most excellent adventure. I am really jealous. I am really glad you got to drive and Arctic too and get to drive it back to the factory. Never got out to MCI when I was in Winnipeg sadly. MCI,Standard Aero and New Flyer really are the big guys in Winnipeg.

[@pbear6251]

Thanks James for the tour and the drag race 🤣. Maybe the next tour should be of the Prevost manufacturing facility, eh? lol

[@jameswang1680]

If they invite me, I will go. lol

[@jouma63]

I hope they will

[@pbear6251]

@@jameswang1680 Good answer!!

[@brunohache268]

Oh yeah, nothing beats Quebec poutine. I'm sure Prevost can accommodate lol 😂

[@jibberism9910]

You know, I'm something of a busdriver myself (best job I've ever had, hands down). Fastest bus I ever drove was MAN Lions City. No idea why it was so fast, but as a noob back then it wasn't the easiest drive. Anyway, nice vid! Safe racing :P PS. As for the "whining noise" - I drive an articulated electric bus through one of our tunnels. Have to use the kickdown system it has to maintain 70 km/h. With the window open it sounds a lot like an airplane engine.

[@Qrail]

Aha! I recognize the Green paint on the coach at 21:41 from a town with 10 letters! Nice video, James

[@vincenthprice2260]

Amazing James to to se production of building a bus from beginning to end and to drag racing a diesel and electric bus racing. Also driving articulate bus which drove for a transit company for many before I retired .Thanks for exciting videos 😊

[@americanrambler4972]

I enjoyed this video. I did not know flyer was still around. Thought they were dead ducks. Glad to see that name is still here.

[@tg9754]

Wow, what a great tour! i've never seen a motor coach assembly process. It resembles the normal car process in many ways. I was really surprised to see the electric version and how much faster it was compared to the diesels. Great story. It was worth watching. Keep up the great work and tours. I'll be back. Stay safe.

[@TylerNally]

Everybody suspects the electric coaches would win in a drag race. What I was hoping to see was the motor coaches stop by drifting sideways. The articulated motor coaches would have been more like a whip.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL Good to hear from you Tyler.

[@IanGouki]

As a 15 year veteran in the business, you completed the last thing on my bucket list: drive an articulated vehicle. So jealous man lol. But glad you had fun!

[@tdhutch]

I like that red interior might be a good look for Peoria Charter

[@mtanyctrainatlantamartatra7164]

Busdriver life would be proud of you for just driving s transit bus, even though you lost. 😊

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I have a great deal of respect for Keywan and what he does. I hope to meet him in person one day

[@Qrail]

@@MotorcoachWorld in the event that ever happens, it might break the bus internet.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@Qrail LOL 😂😅

[@brianb-p6586]

It's good that the electric articulated bus has a drive axle at the rear of the front unit, for more total traction and to eliminate the tendency to jackknife when climbing grades in low-traction conditions (which as been an issue with traditional articulated transit buses, which only drive the axle of the rear unit). The noise is presumably not the motors, it's the gearing that the motors are driving through.

[@crabbymilton390]

Very interesting and informative James. Very shrewd to build the whole line on one basic platform. Glad you had such a good time. I hope they didn’t make you drive that artic to a hotel charge station and maneuver in in and...That food looked great with duck combined with duck. That segment quacked me up. Please keep these videos coming and thanks again James.

[@36thstreethero]

That was awesome. I wonder if theyve converted any to tour buses/campers-just as a proof of concept

[@MotorCoachInd]

MCI steadily produced "shells" through 2010. They had raised roofs for entertainers, private owners, and operators. Many of the D shells were converted by Custom Coach and are still in operation today. The J shells were mainly used in the entertainer market and were also converted by third parties. We still build shells for the tour and charter market when an operator wants to add a special option like a galley or a unique seating configuration. Fun fact: Johnny Cash and John Madden are among the many musicians and stars who owned an MCI coach.

[@DNA_CountryBoi]

Really enjoyed the video James. I really wish my company would consider trying out a couple J4500s as I would love to drive one.

[@jarell1996]

such a cool video you were like a kid in a candy store on the transit bus lol loved this

[@carolinecleaveley]

glad to see you enjoyed the transit bus. Ive been on a merc one in uk.

[@richardeardley2293]

Interesting tour and race. Thanks to MCI and James

[@AMStationEngineer]

Winnipeg deserves a "Buc-ees"!! (but Tim Horton's is the whole nine!!)

[@MicheIIePucca]

The manufacture and assembly is an amazing process. Even the Cummins diesel engine sitting on a pallet is a thing of beauty... to be part of a team that builds these "works of art" coaches would be very cool.

[@SomeTechGuy666]

What a great video. I loved seeing the assembly process. Very labour intensive.

[@jamessowinski1826]

Hi James In case you didn't know this Over in London before they got rid of them because of fare jumpers getting on using the back doors the Articulating busses were referred as Bendy Busses. Enjoy all your videos Thanks for taking the time to make and publish them.

[@vesanikunen5692]

Been to the factory a couple of times great folks working at plant.if you get a chance read the history of mci and how it's still kicking with all the buying and selling of mci over the years.

[@davidcampbell1899]

That was very interesting. I am glad we Canadian's were so nice to you! Reminds me of the time we let price William fly and do a water landing in one of our military sea king helicopters!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks David. I loved Canada and the people I met there were all very friendly. Haha thanks for comparing me to price William.. 😅. I'm much less impressive than him 😂.

[@dth2brny121]

25:18 Heh heh heh... 😁😁😁 25:42 More like, CRICKETS. 🤣☠️ On that note, the J4500 with the Cummins didn't get beaten, it got, well...SHOCKED (pun intended).⚡️ Hope we all get to see the Prevost factory in Ste-Claire soon...

[@nicmac9569]

I'd love this tour, so dope

[@tk9839]

I've noticed people love you wherever you go...

[@RSanjay-tk2sj]

Really interesting video!! I never thought I would be seeing this happen with MCI buses!

[@Emirates_A380]

James Wang Bus drivers rule. Love it Bryan_SFO

[@bingobandit]

The company I worked for Falcon Charter out of San Francisco, in about 1982, ordered several MC9's some auto some stick. The first ones we got had horrible automatic transmissions, they would jerk while shifting, they finally got them working properly. Love the buses as they were solid well-made machines. We mostly had GMC's, there was no comparison to the MCI. We hauled international tourists, many were used to the nice Euro buses, way ahead of us is style and comfort. On of our rivel companies, started buying Prevost, a real jump up from anything. I retired from diving before anything else came along. In our fleet we had some old transits from the 50's, we had some early MCI's a couple of 7's and an 8, just solid buses. Nice video!

[@becausewhynot2661]

I love Leopold’s! They have one in Edmonton too. Amazing!!

[@dabb8145]

25:41 this got me out of guard 😂

[@richardc020]

This is so awesome, love all things vehicular and this was such a new part of the fandom, thanks for sharing!

[@elijahharris6582]

I love riding buses!

[@ianmackenzie686]

Dang it! How did I miss this. Please let us know next time something likethis happens. I've got a commercial license valid in the states. I'll even pay to participate! 😊

[@christopherfarabee9738]

This video is great!!! Thank you. It's nice to know that we bus drivers think a lot alike!!!

[@gradyeilers7533]

Hey! Finally some love for MCI winnipeg! I’m from the peg!

[@llliiihuhiiilll]

never knew id be amazed with buses and all of its new tech... its like im a kid watching... thanks for the tour man!

[@RipRoaringGarage]

Back in the day I tested out a trolleybus vs diesel. If you think the battery ones are torquier, the trolleybus was downright fast. No batteries, just motor. They were rated at 750 max amps at 750V. The diesels of that time (in the 90s) were still 60s era. But gotta say, those old diesels still run today (and they still make the MAN D2156! I get about 20mpg empty with the bus. So makes sense parts of the world will still use it) Hope youre doing well!

[@crabbymilton390]

My late grandpa was a diesel mechanic at the Milwaukee TRANSPORT COMPANY(Now Milwaukee County Transit System). He used to tell me that when they had trackless trolley buses, they were very powerful. Sometimes the drivers would overshoot and disconnect from the overhead wires. Then the driver would have to ask if some of the passengers would get out and push. I guess they would have a vested interest. I was born in 1964 so the last one ran in 1965 or 66 so no memory of them.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@crabbymilton390 I remember pushing my fair share of trolleybuses and buses. Indeed shared interest. You dont push, you didnt get home lol. (In the morning going to school...meh, no so much in a hurry then!)

[@Neojhun]

OMFG 562.5kVA and no battery weight. That's overkill.

[@littlesquirtthefireengine5478]

Every time I see a PCC bus driving around, I always wave at the driver just in case it's you!

[@bryce2680]

Watching you have so much fun running the articulated, you would have loved the Prevost H5-60. I never got to run one, but always wanted to.... Every now and then I'll see one that has been converted to a private coach.

[@crabbymilton390]

I rode in a H3-60 back in 2006 when I took my first and only cruise in Alaska. It was as nice as any H series but one big problem. The engine is in the first section towards the front so much louder.

[@bryce2680]

​ @crabbymilton390 Yeah, and I understand that access to the power train for maintenance was a real problem as well.

[@crabbymilton390]

@@bryce2680 MCTS had 40 CROWN IKARUS articulated buses delivered in 1984-85. They were impressive monsters but they were absolutely crap in just about every level. The engine was in the first section under the floor and no AC so it was rather unpleasant riding. The CUMMINS engine had 350 hp so it was too big for transit in plus it had a unreliable fuel system that caused hard starting if shut down so they had to leave the engine running or risk a breakdown. The bus was mostly built in Hungary so much of the bus had Hungarian instructions in the wiring diagrams and elsewhere. They retired these things in 2000 and they were scrapped because they were in horrible shape and not worth fixing.

[@wilbill9]

Just reading the title made me hit the like button

[@HeCoversMe]

Nice to see a transit bus….it’s hard to believe how filthy they get over the years (speaking as an experienced transit bus driver) We got in a bunch of El Dorados and the build quality has been horrible. The size of the blind spot is soooo dangerous like an accident waiting to happen. Every time I see you, James, in a coach I feel envious. 😂. So clean so professional looking. Trust me you would hate being a transit driver. City drivers constantly pulling in front of you, rude passengers, passengers wanting to fight/argue, pedestrians just walking out in front of you with eyes glued to cell phones, my gosh I could really go on and I haven’t even mentioned the horrible treatment drivers get from management. NO MATTER WHAT ITS ALWAYS YOUR FAULT!! Okay I digress. Blessings to you James I really enjoy the peace I get watching your videos.😊

[@billmcdonald0256]

Sorry to say Your 100% Right 😮‍💨

[@connork5339]

Great content James. Cheers.

[@marcusturner5291]

Nice video keep up the good work fellas

[@billclements3879]

Enjoyed the video 😊

[@Kevinskywest1]

Always great to see your work

[@johnstafford2517]

I’ve drive various J4500s! Great coaches!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yes they are!

[@noisemaker1696]

Such a cool look into things

[@BadByte]

2 Minutes into the video and I am like "damn... I got to hit the gym after this" just from watching that food 🤣

[@MotorcoachWorld]

lol!!

[@michaelquillen2679]

Your videos are always cool. Thanks!

[@carolinecleaveley]

Hi James really updated since i went there in 1984.

[@bobcat18us]

Finally found a channel dedicated to motorcoaches? you earned my sub lol

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks! Welcome aboard. 😊

[@elcamino6699]

Probably the most calm dragrace I've ever seen

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol it's like 2 turtles racing. Zero to sixty in 3 business days.

[@actemple3282]

Great video I love the articulate bus There gorgeous Great job😊

[@isham7920]

You have to try smoke's poutine in Winnipeg. Also go see the CMHR (:

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh that sounds really good!

[@DariusAsignado]

This is amazing. Thank you for posting

[@BillSchlichting]

I've always thought it would be cool to make an articulated bus into a motor home conversion. I can see myself pulling into an RV park and being told they don't have a 60-foot space.

[@brianb-p6586]

Some of the rigs with a heavy-duty truck pulling a large fifth-wheel trailer are that long. You do need to plan where you will stay.

[@jorgemartinez8622]

I knew the power of the electric bus will Win in any race....sadly if you would of go a little further and going up it would of be a different store but im glad u had fun and I too want to drive a articulated bus had a chance a long time ago but was.not able to do it..enjoy james

[@HankSnowgrandslamfishing]

Great video! Thanks for sharing and getting to experience what I do almost everyday and that is drive a 60' bus. They are a lot of fun and easier to drive then the 40' transit buses I normally drive.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I really enjoyed driving the transit bus. I love all the noises and feedback it gives you.

[@HankSnowgrandslamfishing]

@@MotorcoachWorld Yes Sir! you know your driving a bus when your behind the wheel of one of those. Nothing better to move people to where they want to go then a good old 60 footer.