Many of these friendly folks own Eagle bus conversions.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
June 2020
Before motorhomes were manufactured, used buses — motor coaches — often were chosen by do-it-yourselfers who wanted an RV. They converted them into homes on wheels all by themselves. Such vehicles were owned by most of the original members of FMCA.
Many bus shell options were available back then. Some people converted school buses, public tran-sit buses, or the kind that typically were more comfy: passenger buses used by Greyhound and its rivals, such as Continental Trailways. A company called Eagle International made buses for the latter.
Today the Eagles International chapter focuses on bus conversions built in the shells of these former road warriors. And if you’re an owner or simply fascinated by the idea of doing a conversion yourself, this is the group to consider. The immediate past president of the chapter, LeRoy Willis, said they welcome all FMCA members to join.
“We have two levels of membership. One is, with an Eagle, you’re a voting member and can hold office. Not owning one lets you be a member and access the newsletter and some things on our website.” He said they also have friends of the club who aren’t chapter members, but they attend Eagles International rallies as FMCA members. “We welcome them open-heartedly,” he added. The majority of the club’s 85 member families do own Eagle conversions, however.
Typically, the chapter’s rally year starts in January as members gather in Quartzsite, Arizona. At press time, the next scheduled rally was June 10-14 at the Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa. Call Mike Brooks for more info: (641) 780-2720. And a two-site rally, starting at Crawford State Park in Kansas, begins October 3; on October 6 the group will caravan to Branson, Missouri, for four days there. Contact Byron Pigg for details at (417) 753-2285.
“When we go to Branson, the women may get a day trip and the men may get a day trip,” LeRoy said. For example, at past rallies, the men have toured a diesel manufacturing facility once used by the military, and the women have been to tea rooms and antiques shops. Each rally takes on the personality of the rally master.”
To get a bigger view of Eagle buses, chapter activities, and more, visit the chapter’s website, www.eaglesinternational.net. Or, contact LeRoy at lrwillis45@gmail.com.