SEPTA 3420 on rt 66, June 5, 2008

This is an audio clip of a 1989 Neoplan AN440-A "EZ", powered by a 6v92TA engine hooked up to a ZF Ecomat 4HP-590 transmission. This bus is unique - apparently the torque converter doesn't quite kick in at the usual spot. Enjoy and comment!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 3420
• rt
• 66
• 08
• SEPTA
• Neoplan
• Neo
• 6v92TA
• ZF

[PAHSB1]

Are you sure this aZF Ecomat 4HP - 590 transmission, It sounds more like an Allison HT - 747 because the ZF Ecomat 4HP - 590 has that funky jump between first and second gear when you give it gas from a stand still. I could be wrong but I am 99% positive I am right.

[Bastranz]

Thanks for your other comment - accidentally removed it trying to reply :(.

But yeah, this is definitely a ZF Ecomat - but in a special circumstance. I actually rode the bus some time ago where it shifted normally, funky jump and everything. However, something happens, I guess with the torque converter, that makes the transmission shift this way. I have 2 recordings of 3484 like this - one before and one after it started shifting this way.

[Jayayess1190]

Miss them.

[Bastranz]

I miss them too. They were my favorite group of buses. I can't believe they are all gone (and none were saved!)

[MrWdonald61]

this is shit the neoplans were my baby years i used to love those colorful seats the blue and red i ride them when i catch the k now the nabi is gonna retire wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh sobs wahhhhhhhhhhh

[urbancombat1000]

i love the high pitch noise from the end of 2nd gear

[phillyzfynest1]

I loved that "tssssssfhhhh" sound it made when it idled.

[UniqueRON814]

God I miss 3420

[Dmoneydadon55]

omg the memories of this particular neoplan....there were very few that sounded similar to this...mostly coming out of septas midvale and frankford district

[PAHSB1]

@Bastranz Can you post the other one?

[Neo4life08]

the torque converter locks up around 1:20 in this clip, you can hear it.

[bdub215]

i remember this bus. there were a few others that did this and i never (to this day)know why. but always made riding the buses home from school that much more enjoyable. miss these buses..

[techno79]

wow, can you believe I've been on 3420 a billion times from since they were new? Somehow that's the one number I remember. Sad to see them go, a staple of life in Philadelphia.