This is the existing six-station geometry reference, with 2×6 rectangular uprights and 2 inches across the bus. The new lighter-frame comparison explores optimized six-station and four-station truss concepts; the earlier five-station model remains available here.
How full is BAAABS?
Planning estimates · bus not yet weighed
Rough starting range: 12,000–16,000 lb for the build, cargo and people after removing the seats. This scenario starts with a 14,200 lb payload budget.
Your frame allowance is below the current model estimate; the model has not changed.
Gross-weight budget only. Axle/tire limits, load distribution and rooftop stability can become limiting before this gauge is full. Seats coming out do not raise the bus’s rated limits.
Where the estimate comes from
The auction does not provide empty weight or weight ratings. We are assuming a 34,200 lb GVWR, a 22,000 lb full-fluid bus with seats, and 2,000 lb removed: 20,000 lb stripped and 14,200 lb available. The 12,000–16,000 lb range is a planning judgment, not a measured range for this VIN.
For context, a different 2012 All American D3 RE in a federal test weighed approximately 20,384 lb unloaded with full fluids and its seats installed; its GVWR was about 33,000 lb. It carried 47 students plus a driver and is not our donor’s configuration. Period Blue Bird literature advertised ratings up to 36,200 lb; that maximum is not assumed for our bus.
Road width: 102 in maximum · Current study does not meet it
Road mode retains the bus, six station pairs and every fitting left attached. The deck/frame, sheep panels, projecting arms, speakers and event equipment come off. Current stations alone: 102.9 in; with mirrored docking pads: approximately 103.3 in. This is a model result; donor measurements and the complete retained hardware inventory remain unresolved.
The six-station layout uses 2×6 uprights; the five-station comparison retains 3×3 uprights. Both use a provisional ⅛-inch upright wall. Other tube sections, deck footprint and plywood are retained; spans are recalculated. These are not equal-capacity designs. Excludes joints, hardware and equipment. Selecting a layout also updates the steel/floor allowance in the payload gauge.
Loading study model…
Drag to rotate · Scroll or pinch to zoom. Front of the bus is at negative X; rear is positive X. All coordinates and donor dimensions remain provisional.