MCI 102DL3 & D4500

The MCI 102DL3 and MCI D4500 are identical intercity bus models produced by Motor Coach Industries (MCI). It is manufactured at the main plant in Pembina, North Dakota, United States. The 102DL3 was the original designation, used from 1992 through 2001, when the name was changed to D4500. It was the first successful 45 foot coach in service and is among the most popular intercity coaches in North America. The coach uses MCI's special platform integral construction, which has come to dominate the US and Canada markets, allowing high durability and easy maintenance. It has a much longer service life than body-on-chassis coaches. All 102DL3 and D4500 coaches are equipped with diesel engines, except for the hybrid D4500CTH and electric D45 CRTe LE, and are available with full-painted sides or stainless steel lower body.[1]

MCI 102DL3 MCI D4500
Greyhound Lines MCI 102DL3 #6590 before remanufacturing
Overview
Manufacturer	Motor Coach Industries
Also called	Intercity Cruiser Commuter Cruiser Classic American Coach
Production	1992-present
Assembly	Pembina, North Dakota, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Tri-axle coach
Body style	Single-decker coach
Doors	1 sedan door, some have 1 wheelchair lift door
Floor type	High-floor
Chassis	MCI special platform integral
Powertrain
Engine	Detroit Diesel Series 60, Caterpillar C10, Caterpillar 3176B, Caterpillar C12, Caterpillar C13, Cummins M11, Cummins ISL, Cummins ISM, Cummins ISX
Capacity	54-55 (with lavatory), 57 (no lavatory), 50-51 (extra legroom), max 61 (high-density)
Dimensions
Length	45 feet 5 inches (13.84 m)
Width	102 inches (2.6 m)
Height	137 inches (3.5 m)
Curb weight	35,100 lbs, GVWR 44,400 lbs OR 48,000 lbs
Chronology

Development

The MCI 102DL3 was developed from a 1988 Canadian government request to develop a wheelchair-accessible intercity bus. The prototype was apparently developed from the MCI 102C3 with a 102B3 nose and extended to 45 feet 5 inches (13.84 m). A large wheelchair-accessible lavatory was installed in the rear. The prototype was completed in 1990, but couldn't enter service in the US because it was too long, until the 45-foot length was approved in 1991.[2]

Changes were made for the production model. The engine was upgraded to the large new Detroit Diesel Series 60 and received a bigger rear end with powerful radiator and intercooler. The large lavatory and wheelchair lift was removed from the production model, but could still be fitted by request. In the future a lift would be required for ADA regulations.[3]

The production model was named 102DL3 and entered production in October 1992, followed by introduction into service in 1993. Early buyers included Peter Pan Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Horizon Coach Lines. The coach was immediately known for its surprisingly high speed, large size, and the durability of its integral construction. At the time, Greyhound Canada owned MCI, so they tested the model in 1992, but didn't order any until 1995.[4]

Variants

MCI 102DL3

The original version was the 102DL3, entering production in 1992 and entering service by early 1993. The 102DL3 has large, block fender skirts, a rear-mounted radiator fan side-by-side with the intercooler fan, and air intake covered by a large grille, two piece engine door, small headlight/taillights, and a black roof cap. The seating capacity was 54 or 55 passengers, or 57-61 with the high-density configuration. The 102DL3 was renamed D4500 in 2001.[5]

MCI D4500

The D4500 was exactly the same coach as the 102DL3, having been renamed in 2001 to promote a new, simplified designation system. It was replaced by the D4500CL and D4500CT in 2005.[6][7]

A 2002 D4500, #2905, operating for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority

MCI D4500CL

The D4500CL is a less-modified version of the D4500CT, compared to the D4500. It has a modified roof (with no visible rivets) and optional frameless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CL received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity. MCI stopped selling the D4500CL in 2008. [8] [9]

MCI D4500CT

DART First State MCI D4500CT bus 914

The D4500CT was a modernized "contemporary" version of the D4500. It received enlarged headlights similar to those on MCI's G-series buses, a revised roof (with no visible rivets), and optional rimless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CT received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity. [10]

Headlight Redesign

Likely as a request from New Jersey Transit, their 2014 batch of D4500CT coaches were delivered with redesigned headlights. This simplified design has three round LED clusters arranged in a gently curving row. [11]

MCI D4500CTH

The D4500CTH was a hybrid version of the D4500CT. It uses a Cummins engine, with an Allison Transmission hybrid system. It was introduced in 2008. [12]

Commuter Coach

The commuter coach version of the 102DL3/D4500 has a large electronic destination sign replacing the black roof cap and lavatory removed for a seating capacity of 57 passengers. A capacity of 61 passengers can be achieved with "slim line" seating.[13]

Next Generation D-Series

MCI D45 CRT LE

In 2017, MCI announced the next generation D-Series, the D45 CRT LE. This bus was based off the Motor Coach Industries J4500, and has a low-floor section for mobility devices. It is offered with a Cummins engine. [14]

MCI D45 CRTe LE

The D45 CRTe LE is an electric version of the D45 CRT LE[15]

See also

• Motor Coach Industries
• Greyhound Lines
• Intercity bus service

References

1. "MCI History". Retrieved 6 April 2014.
2. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
3. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
4. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
5. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
6. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
7. "MCI official site". Retrieved 5 April 2014.
8. "MCI official site". Retrieved 5 April 2014.
9. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CL". Retrieved 10 June 2020.
10. "MCI official site". Retrieved 5 April 2014.
11. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CT". Retrieved 10 June 2020.
12. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CTH". Retrieved 10 June 2020.
13. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2014.
14. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D45 CRT LE". Retrieved 10 June 2020.
15. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D45 CRTe LE". Retrieved 10 June 2020.

External links

• Media related to MCI D-Series at Wikimedia Commons