MANITOBA TRANSIT HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
1958 Western Flyer Coach model T38/40
This coach was delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force (#119A35-1815) and worked out of CFB Calgary, Alberta. The unit was sold to Northern Bus Lines of Flin Flon, Manitoba in 1973 and became bus #75.
It was purchased in 1996 and restored by New Flyer Industries, then donated to the MTHA in 2009.
Historical Note: Flyer Industries Limited was a bus manufacturer based in Manitoba. It was founded by John Coval in 1930 as the Western Auto and Truck Body Works Ltd.—later changing its name in 1948 to Western Flyer Coach. Previously making intercity vehicles, it first entered the urban transit market in 1968 when it developed its first prototype urban transit bus. The company was acquired by the Manitoba Development Corporation, a provincial agency, in 1971, and changed its name to Flyer Industries Limited.
By 1985, the Manitoba government was looking to divest itself of Flyer Industries. It was anticipated that the manufacturer would have had to cease operation in the near future without a significant investment from the government. An agreement was reached with Den Oudsten Bussen BV of Holland on July 15, 1986. Flyer Industries changed its name to New Flyer Industries.
Royal Canadian Air Force #1191A35-1815 (#75)
Restoration Status
#75 is fully restored. The starter drive needs replacement to return to full operation.
Technical Specifications
Year Built: 1958
Manufacturer: Western Flyer Coach
Model: T38/40
Serial #: RD115412
Powetrain: International Harvester Red Diamond 6-cylinder gasoline engine with a 5-speed transmission.
Length: 35 feet (1,066.8 cm)
Width: 96 inches (243.8 cm)
Capacity: 39 passenger seats, one door
Ownership Overview
Original Owners:
Royal Canadian Air Force
Northern Bus Lines
Acquired From:
New Flyer Industries
Current Livery:
Royal Canadian Air Force