the mary ellen carter

 
 
 
 
The Mary Ellen Carter is an extensively modified 1950 GMC school bus that now features a superinsulated ,structural plywood box beam body designed and built by Paul. This body was built in the mid eighties and wound up sitting for quite some time causing a substantial amount of deterioration. Most of the trim and body have been restored to their former glory. The powertrain has also been completely modified beyond its original design by Paul . Now running a more powerful 6 cylinder capable of burning gasoline or propane and having such modern amenities as power steering and disc brakes, the evolution of Miss Mary is never ending. She suffered a disastrous cab fire a few years ago that nearly torched her to the ground. A quarter of her structural framework has had to be replaced and a class 1 overhaul of most of the braking system. Powertrain mods for 2010 have included a particularly stubborn conversion to a Roadranger 10 speed transmission with overdrive ( Many thanks to Lester out at Derricks Truck Salvage and Bob Zimmerman at South Winnipeg Technical College for their help and many theory conversations). A bigger , more powerful engine is now in the works for 2012 And for the first time the rear end of Miss Mary is complete! Gaze upon her final finishing. There are many who know all too well how long this was in coming!!

The Official Tour Bus of StillStanding and a living tribute to the late and great Canadian folksinger/songwriter - Stan Rogers!  Looking toward another great festival season in 2012. See you on the road !

     Miss Mary logged some major mileage in 2010. Possibly more than she has done ever! While we are not talking Greyhound bus mileage one does have to remember she is a handbuilt creation that has evolved far beyond her original concept. She took us to all corners of the province and made our shows a lot more comfortable and fun while introducing us to some wonderful folks along the way!

if you would like to learn more about the history and building of The Mary Ellen Carter - Click Here