The Wild Bigfoot Project
The guys at PME are undertaking a side-project of massive proportions. The aim is to recondition a decommissioned RFW Bigfoot 4x4 tour bus and make it disability friendly. When completed, the plan is to take the bus on a tour of outback Australia.
The Bigfoot was Originally built for tour bus operator Denis Hutchinsen for 4x4 outback tours in Queensland by Sydney specialist builder Bob Whitehead of RFW.
RFW build specialised vehicles for heavy operations and the bus was custom made for strength from the ground up with a full length chassis and side frames from front to back bumper.
With a cummins 8.3 litre 6 cylinder 220hp turbo diesel and an allison automatic gearbox sitting behind the rear axle, and front, rear and centre diff locks, they made sure that this massive beast is capable of going just about anywhere.
It is not without its comforts however, with air suspension for a superb ride over all terrain, light steering even with large tyres thanks to the sheppard hydraulic power steering, 27 seats with individual viewing windows, plenty of storage and a double bunk for the cold desert nights.
After changing hands, the bus ended up as an offroad adventure tour bus for Pinnacle Tours; cruising the dazzling white sand dunes and deserted beaches of the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia. The bus was eventually retired from the 12hr, 500km tours after sand, saltwater and neglect meant that it had to be decommissioned.
It then made its way to the owner previous to PME that had the same intentions of returning the 27 seater tour bus to its former glory. He, however, decided that the job was too big. He wasn't wrong, after the years of neglect it has become a big job; the engine and the drive train all need to be removed and overhauled, and the body is rust riddled but we wont be giving up that easily!
After stripping it back to the bare essentials and removing any and all rust, just about every body panel is being replaced. The interior will be removed and this will make way for the new internal wheelchair accessible motor home design. A PME custom driving control configuration will be installed and a custom wheelchair lift will be fabricated to assist with the massive 1.4m first step.
The RFW Bigfoot 4x4 bus can be seen at the PME workshop. Keep an eye on the news section for updates on the progress of this project.
Source: PME
Posted: Wednesday 19th August, 2009
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