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Foremost Terra Bus; Casting overview
Topic Started: Aug 25 2014, 08:18 PM (2,413 Views)
Stampede
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Team Canada
The Terra Bus is a specialized transport designed to carry passengers (and equipment) in Arctic Climates by the manufacturer Foremost, based in Calgary, Canada. There were 23 Terra Buses produced, with 22 in use by Brewster Co. for their 'Glacier Adventure' tour, and one modified Terra Bus is used by the United States Government for their Antarctic program. Each bus costs $750,000 at purchase, and many have been refurbished in order to ensure their longevity. The Terra bus that I traveled on was recently refurbished, and the value of the refurbishment was $800,000 (greater than the original cost), making the Terra Bus worth $1.5 million (not counting depreciation). Terra Buses in use by Brewster Co. seat up to 56 passengers (known as the Sno-Coach), while the Antarctic version seats 10 (the rest of the space is used for storing various equipment).

A picture of the real Terra Bus (my dad took this picture, so picture credits to him!). This bus is actually the exact bus that the model is based on, a pleasant surprise!

Posted ImageDSCN5302 by Terence, on Flickr

For more information, click here.

This diecast model is very prevalent around the gift shops of Jasper and surrounding areas, since almost everyone who goes to Jasper National Park rides the bus. In a way, it is iconic to the park, and so, it is actually a bit expensive (normal retail value is around $28). I was lucky enough to get this copy on sale, for $21, and I did hesitate for a little bit, due to the cost. However, the uniqueness of the model (plus the experience) won me over and now I have it in my collection!

Posted ImageDSCN6233 by Terence, on Flickr

Here is the model, in it's blistered/boxed glory! I should also add that there is no manufacturer listed for this model, not on the base nor the box.

Posted ImageDSCN6194 by Terence, on Flickr

Starting at the front, the 'Columbia Icefield' emblem is clearly printed on, and the number (40, in this case) depicts the vehicle number (although there isn't 41 vehicles in the Sno-Coach fleet), and the windshield wipers are very clearly shown. However, the vehicle branding, 'Foremost' is not there on the real bus, and the upper portion of the bus is supposed to be matte black. Do you think I should paint it, or leave it as-is?

Posted ImageDSCN6244 by Terence, on Flickr

The doors open, for play value!

Posted ImageDSCN6245 by Terence, on Flickr

Onto the side, and right away one can see the divide between plastic and die-cast. Yes, the bottom half of the model is plastic, a little bit to obviously. The details are there, such as the black frame around the windows, the Columbia Icefield badge, maple leaf, and the 'Ice Explorer' and 'Brewster' brandings. There is one error though, and that is the size of the maple leaf. In the picture above, one will notice that the maple leaf extends all the way to the bottom of the bus, however on the model is only extends to the center-point of the model, where metal and plastic meet.

Posted ImageDSCN6243 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted ImageDSCN6243 by Terence, on Flickr

Close-up of the badge:

Posted ImageDSCN6240 by Terence, on Flickr

The forward-left side of the model features an immobile staircase, for passengers entering and disembarking. In real life, this staircase folds up and down, depending on the situation. There is detail on the staircase, such as real 'steps', and color that make sense (no red staircase).

Posted ImageDSCN6248 by Terence, on Flickr

Close-up of part of the interior:
Posted ImageDSCN6246 by Terence, on Flickr

The rear of the casting is simple, with the vehicle number, tailights and exhaust pipe. Again, the black window frames are there, which is great!

Posted ImageDSCN6241 by Terence, on Flickr

Once you look at this model (and even its real-life counterpart), the size of the tires are the most noticeable features. In order to displace the weight of the bus over a large area (so that the bus doesn't sink into the snow or ice), extra large, low pressure tires are needed, and are only filled to about 30PSI, almost the same as some cars. The tires on this bus are made of rubber, and the rims are plastic.

Posted ImageDSCN6247 by Terence, on Flickr

The bottom of the model is red, and there are markings for the axles, etc. Finally, the model is screwed together, not riveted, so it can be taken apart with relative ease if one wants to.

Posted ImageDSCN6283 by Terence, on Flickrg]

While it is listed on the box that this model is 1/64 scale, after some calculations, I determined that this model is 1/83 scale, close to HO scale.

Two more pictures of the Terra Bus, in it's home environment (ignore the Palm trees :D)

Posted ImageDSCN6260 by Terence, on Flickr

Posted ImageDSCN6261 by Terence, on Flickr

The bottom line is that it is a good model for collectors who just want something out of the ordinary. It is a toy that is aimed towards children, but it certainly is good enough for collectors. I hope that you enjoyed this overview, and the pictures of this really unique model! :wave:
Edited by Stampede, Aug 13 2017, 01:00 AM.
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Guntownal
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Minivan
That's a very cool bus...I want one now. Thanks for sharing that!
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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
Wow! While I don't collect bus models I would find this one very tempting to get if I had spent time touring the Columbia Ice Fields - it makes for a nice souvenir reminder of a fun and awesome trip. I have done that on a number of trips. I picked up one of the tracked Kinze grain carts when I toured their plant in Iowa a couple of years ago (of course it is also where my son-in-law works) and I picked up a special Waterloo edition John Deere tractor when I toured the John Deere factory with my son-in-law.
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HWJOE
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Fullsize
That is an AWESOME casting!
I have a sweet spot for buses and [for me] that one is one of the BEST I have ever seen! :thumbup:
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W Gee
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Station Wagon
Great to see a great casting for such a unique vehicle
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Stampede
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Team Canada
Really appreciate the comments, everyone! I just had to make a review of this bus once I got home from my trip, and I'm glad that you guys like it!
Edited by Stampede, Aug 26 2014, 01:28 PM.
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cody6268
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Minivan
I really like this casting.

Did you notice that the tires look like they are installed backwards when compared to the real one?
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Stampede
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Team Canada
cody6268
Aug 26 2014, 04:46 PM
Did you notice that the tires look like they are installed backwards when compared to the real one?
I just took a close look at my model, and you're absolutely right! Interesting....
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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fantastic souvenir, and a great diecast score!
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Sergoids
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Fullsize
That is one cool casting ! Thank you for sharing and for the info.
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SeberHusky
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Station Wagon
If it was me, I'd buy a 2nd one to totally customize and make it look like a 1-to-1 of the actual bus, while still keeping the other one MIP.
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SeberHusky
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Station Wagon
Stampede
Aug 26 2014, 06:46 PM
cody6268
Aug 26 2014, 04:46 PM
Did you notice that the tires look like they are installed backwards when compared to the real one?
I just took a close look at my model, and you're absolutely right! Interesting....
That kind of thing would drive me nuts! On models that have removable tires, I always flip the wheels around when that happens.
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Stampede
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Team Canada
SeberHusky
Sep 8 2014, 09:56 PM
If it was me, I'd buy a 2nd one to totally customize and make it look like a 1-to-1 of the actual bus, while still keeping the other one MIP.
That's a great idea, but the only setback is the cost of the model. If it was under $10, I might have given it a go, but it was $20 (and it was the cheapest price at any shop).

I tried EBay but oddly enough I couldn't find another model. Bit aside from the size of the maple leaf and the black window frames at the front and back, it is basically perfect.
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