Greyhound bus 1980's South Africa (not car related sorry!)

[TonyRPH]

First off; sorry this isn't car related, but someone on here may well have the answer. (or tell me where to go to find it!)

As a 'youngster' back in the 1980's in South Africa, I remember Greyhound (latterly Translux I think) busses that ran intercity.

These were the most awesome sounding things I have heard, and I've not heard anything like it since.

I'm guessing they were powered by some kind of massive Detroit diesel, and it certainly had that characteristic 'V' rumble to it.

So, can anybody tell me a) what engines these were and b) tell me where I can find a video or even audio recording of one of these beasts?

I have tried 'Googling' but to no avail - I clearly don't know what to search for!

MODS: I did contemplate posting this in the South Africa section, but it seems to be pretty dead there - and I know there are quite a few people from SA on here..

TIA.

[Lucas CAV]

Detroit diesels
Noisy and powerful and thirsty
Tons of clips on youtube (which I can't access from here or I'd give you the links)

[petrolsniffer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsgyNvaAv3M this any help?

[TonyRPH]

Thanks guys - that's exactly what I was looking for!!

Now off to search for a high quality recording that captures the essence of that sound.

P.S. I'm not a diesel fan - but these can sound good! Just like some of those older diesel locos that British Rail used to run a few years back!

[lance1a]

Jeeze....brings back memories. I rode one right through the Transkei about twenty odd years back. Great sounding engines.

[TonyRPH]

lance1a said:

Jeeze....brings back memories. I rode one right through the Transkei about twenty odd years back. Great sounding engines.

I lived in East London - so you probably passed through there.

I remember these busses pulling away through town, and the sound reverberating off the buildings - awesome sound!!

ETA: corrected live -> lived !!

Edited by TonyRPH on Saturday 5th March 22:19

[Pints]

I took a Translux from East London to Cape Town about a decade or so back. I normally struggle sleeping in a vehicle, but that engine rumble is so hypnotic it didn't take me long to nod off.

[lance1a]

Back then it was SAR...the railways bus line. Talking about the eighties.