One of a group of 35 New Look transit buses, affectionately known as “fishbowls” due to the unique 5-piece windshield purchased by the Connecticut Railway & Lighting Company during the period of 1962 to 1965, this is an example of a 2nd Generation New Look bus, built by GM Truck and Coach division from 1963-1967. This 35 foot, 45-passenger bus operated in the Bridgeport Division of CR& L until they ceased operations in 1972.

In 1973 the State of Connecticut purchased bus 504 and 506 from the CR&L estate and set them to the Hartford Division to be repainted in the traditional blue and silver livery. The buses renumbered 3001 and 3002 were then operated by the Connecticut Company in Hartford until the State of Connecticut purchased the company and took over operations in 1976. The two buses were then transferred by the State to Northeast Transportation Company for use in Waterbury, CT.

Like many of the buses in the Waterbury area, the transmissions had a “low gear” switch that prevented them upshifting on the many hills in the area. Northeast continued to operate these buses until a new order of buses arrived in 1994, when 3001 and 3002 were
finally retied after 29 years of service. In 1994 the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Historical Commission
agreed to place bus 504/3001 on permeant lease to the Connecticut Motor Coach Museum and it is one of only a few remaining CR&L buses being preserved. The museum repainted this bus back to its original CR&L color scheme and number.

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Mechanical Specifications

Engine - Detroit 6V71

Transmission - 2-Speed Allison VH Hydraulic Transmission

Seats - 45

A/C? - Yes

Length/Width - 35 Feet / 96 Inches