How many Foretravels have been built since the start?
Look for the most recent build number on FT's sales site - most likely around 6600. Build numbers are basically sequential; I don't recall ever reading of any gaps in the numbering.
Here is a link to Jim McNeece's most recent chart showing production per year Need build numbers/build dates for 2003 and later (split from FT production) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23217.msg179882#msg179882)
ETA this excludes the Realm, which has build numbers that start in the 9xxx's, probably to differentiate since they are not on a FT-built chassis.
After a quick Forum search, I found this quote from TulsaTrent, posted about 5 months ago:
"When we took the factory tour last week, 6603 and 6604 were on the main assembly line. I think he pointed out subassemblies for 6605 and 6606, but they were in very early stages in the process.
BTW, he did mention that they were starting a new one every eight days! I'm not sure whether that was IH-45's or included FS6's and other builds. I think he mentioned it took 5 1/2 months for an IH-45. We did see an all white unit that was being built for the Brooklyn FD. The main stairs in the middle of that one were wide and extremely HEAVY duty!"
Did the BFD IH45 have slides? FOT seems to tell everyone that they only come with four slides or maybe if you don't want all four it costs the same. Roger
I wonder if that was one of the Specialty Vehicles they build, not an "IH-45" per se?
Foretravel Conversions : A Division of Foretravel Motorcoach (http://www.foretravel.com/inc/page.php?cat=Coaches&id=107)
We had a member a couple of years ago who had spec'd a FT specialty vehicle for the insurance company he worked for. Seem to recall it was to be a crisis command center. (ETA - first post of the following thread has photos Towing vehicle...help! (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=19621.0) )
Or perhaps one of the Lone Star shells being build for Mobile Specialty Vehicles - Mobile Medical Vehicles | Command Center, Health... (http://www.mobilespecialtyvehicles.com/) ? (ETA - nope, those are 40' front-engine diesel coaches)
Michelle,
I do not remember tying this BFD Foretravel to the IH-45.
I do not know how long it was, nor do I recall if it had any slides. I do remember that it had large external lighting built in to the sides and a humongous external stairs about mid-coach. IIRC they were covered (or constructed) with diamond patterned stainless steel, possibly 4-5 feet wide.
I do not know what its intended purpose was for BFD, but it seemed to be built for heavy duty use.
Trent