As of today I’m officially a Class B Motorcoach/School Bus driver just got my license this afternoon and am excited and privileged to be part of it

@JWangvlogs

9 ай бұрын

Congratulations! Safe travels.

James. Driving a large Mercedes Benz coach is my biggest dream. And you literally living it. Thank you for bringing us the tourrider contents

I love the videos and the music is amazing thanks for sharing 🙂

@JWangvlogs

3 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Excellent video

Great video , thanks for your passion 🚌❤and beautiful coach 😍👌, i really like this Tourrider , Mercedes-Benz THE BEST OR NOTHING ♥️👌

Love this video, James. You’re a great representative and sportsman for the private charter bus industry. Can’t wait to see your next video!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Appreciate the kind words

Hey, nice to see a couple of new videos! Rest in peace Kiska, love from Sweden

Those buses look so good. The biscuits and gravy however..did not look good. 😂

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

LOL I completely agree with your assessment. I don't know what they did with that gravy but it was some weird consistency that I've never experienced before. I thought people in the south were supposed to make Biscuits and Gravy better than folks up north? Isn't that a southern food?

@BusDriverLife

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs Well to be fair.. it was a hotel. Lol

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@BusDriverLife yeah true that. No one should just a regions food based on hotel lobby food. Lol

So cool to bring them home with you.🎉

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Cindy. Love seeing your comments on my videos. 😊

More Videos We Miss you!

It’s pretty cool to see how nimble those busses are in a tight parking lot

I love how you chronicle some of little and humorous things. It will be interesting how these will hold up in a few years then you can let us know. Please don’t stop paying tribute to. Kiska(sp?) She was a special cat for you.

Thanks, James, for living my dream and taking us along. I was born about 45 years too soon and drove back in the ‘70’s after graduating from the U of I. 😊

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Hey fellow alumni! I graduated from U of I too. We have some drivers in their late 70s. I'm sure you could still drive a coach if you wanted to

@saintmarycentralia

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs , don’t temp me!! I will be 70 in December, so maybe there is a chance! 😉 P.S. Ever drive (or even SEE) a GMC 4103? Four on the floor, no power steering. ‘76 Illinois grad.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@saintmarycentralia No Ive never driven one of those. I would love to though. That would be a real treat!

@saintmarycentralia

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs If I was closer, I’d give it a shot, might still anyway, but I’m about two hours south of Chambana in Beck Bus and West Bus territory. 🙃

Im loving these its been long since i last Saw a video on this channel

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

I'm sorry it took a while. Thanks for sticking with me 😊

Hi James, it sounds simple, but being from upstate NY, biscuits and gravy are not a staple. However I just buy a container of biscuits and a can of gravy, cook up the biscuits and place the gravy on the side.

Sorry to hear about Kiska, hope you're doing well.

Haven't watched your videos for awhile, I usually watched your videos when I have a chance to relax, and that's what I'm doing right now brother. 😉

Love the photos at the end of Kiska & the ones after of your adventures. Appreciate your channel so much because (as a part-time driver), I get to live vicariously through you.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Beaver nuggets are awesome! Haven’t had the brisket sandwich but the pulled pork is pretty good. That drivers window is huge! I remember the little ones on the Eagles and the 80s MCIs. Wonder what my dad would think of a Mercedes bus! At first I was not crazy about the body style - I still prefer the J4500 - but the more I see it in your videos, the Tourrider is growing on me. It will look good in the Peoria livery. PS - belated welcome to Georgia!

j wang i love your videos

Super exctited for the Peoria Charter team! hopefully we get to see you run a trip or two with the Tourriders! I also noticed that the brake lights on Dennis's coach pulsing like they do on cars coaches and bus's in Europe.. now i dont know if that was KZread Compression doing its thing or they actually pulsated under heavy breaking.. but its still cool to see European influences like that in the US..

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Yes it was definitely a safety feature of the coach to have the 4 ways flash like that. I thought it was really cool that the TourRider did that. Thanks for the comment.

Thanks for the ride James, looking forward to the next leg of the trip.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

More to come!😊❤

I went to that same buc-ees not so long ago when I was helping moving my sister from NC to CA, first time there, I was severely impressed with the sheer size of the place and how many choices of food and other stuff that was there.

Hey James I saw you guys on your way back we passed your busses so cool!!! RIP Kiska❤

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Wow that's awesome. If I would have known I would have waved lol😅. What were you driving?

@christophergamingofficial

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogsit was like a newer ford pickup truck blue

@christophergamingofficial

Жыл бұрын

It was blue

@christophergamingofficial

Жыл бұрын

Also, it’s my mom‘s birthday on the Fourth of July. She’s so lucky lol.

You are brave to drive thru Atlanta during the day. I only do so in the middle of the night and traffic is still bad. Great video!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Haha thank you. Dennis was a bit nervous about driving through Atlanta but we got lucky.. it wasn't that bad this time.

Hi James, I Love the Journey that You & Dennis do, as for going to Marietta, Georgia...Bryan`s sister Lisa Olejniczak lives there! Thanks for telling Us what Beaver Nuggets was, I was curious! That Bucees was a Huge Store!! The Mercedes Tourrider sure handles Great, feels like I`m sitting there on Your Trip!! Can`t wait to see the Next Video!! Take care & Be safe You & Dennis!! Love Barb from Rantoul, IL.

Nice looking coaches. I am enjoying your trip and look forward to the other ones. Thanks for sharing.

I think that I stayed at that same hotel when I was in Lake City. And I’ve been to that Buc-ee’s in Warner Robins a few times.

Did like your videos, now I know you are awesome- you are a cat person!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Here's to fellow cat lovers! ❤️

@ianstevenson9844

Жыл бұрын

Used to be coach/bus driver here in the UK. Handed my large vehicle back last year as at 65 I am going to enjoy retirement. Really miss driving big vehicles.

Your vlogs give me so much good vibes! Safe trip!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man. Appreciate the kind words.

Big up to you my brother from Saudia Arabia

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! I appreciate your comment. I am always excited to see comments from people in other parts of the world. Thank you for watching. I would love to visit Saudi Arabia one day.

I wonder if I can import Beaver Nuggets to Australia? Haha. They look awesome.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

You can order then on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Buc-ees-Beaver-Nuggets-Snacks-Bucees/dp/B00FW5Y7PW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=beaver+nuggets&qid=1688392041&sprefix=beaver+%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-2

That Buc-ee’s in Warner Robins is always packed. Lol

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Is that right? It was a fun experience.

Safe travels you guys

You was in Warner Robins, GA my city lol but good to see driving videos again as always!

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. You are lucky to be so close to a buccees

If you and your family come back to Pigeon Forge soon we have for now the largest Buc-ees in America here. It’s on I-40 at the 407 exit (Pigeon Forge exit) and it’s absolutely insane.

I like how the tag axle it able to turn and help navigating roads. Here in europe you see them on every coach with a tag axle but in the US only few have them. Still pretty cool 😊

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

That bus can turn really sharp with the active turn tag wheels. But the one caviat is the tail swing it causes

@miles5600

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs the tail swing isn't that big of a deal is it? i like that those coaches can turn really sharp and it really comes in handy when backing up and navigating roundabouts.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@miles5600 Tail Swing is a huge deal. You can do a lot of damage to structures, injure pedestrians walking, as well as causing lots of damage to the coach its self. A driver in a turn lane having to make a sharp slow turn will cause the rear end of the coach to swing 2 to3 feet into the other lane.

Looking forward to a breakdown video once you get more time with the coach now as an owner! Also congratulations!

Loved this video...must be awesome do these new coach pick ups! Can't wait to see your punch list of write-ups for Mercedes!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Adam. That video is coming. Best part is we had a representative from Mercedes come to our office to be apart of the video

Just rode onboard a pair of school buses yesterday, first time in over a year. Short 5-minute shuttle ride at a big event that was being held Tuesday through today. The big league professional golf event, U.S. Senior Open championship was held at Sentry World in Stevens Point, WI and they had school buses running to and from nearby parking lots.

Just subscribed! I like it!

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

Thank you for the sub. Appreciate the kind words.

Love the roll down driver's window!!!!!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Lol that was a very enjoyable feeling. Not one I'm used to in the cockpit of a coach bus.

Nice video great job

I like bananas because they have great a-peel to me! LOL!

Always fun to see your content and to see how much has changed. Haven’t said much about it but I think I’m hanging up driving I first thought it be summer 2023 but gonna try to make it next year the latest. "Almost 40 years my time has come n gone I am the original driver who who drove.champions first ever trip 25 years ago and still driving their elite college n sports teams I’ve done the aba uba etc but not interested anymore . So maybe we ll cross paths paths before I hang up the bus keys

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Hey Steve. Sounds like done your bit for King and Country. Very admirable. Why are you deciding to stop? Just want to be home more? I complete understand. We had a few of our senior guys thats been driving for us since the 90's hang it up as well. It was tough to loose them but I completely understood why they choose to stop. Well if you ever find yourself near Urbana, give me a shout. Would be great to meet in person one day!

@stevesulligan1080

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs hey James I’m phasing myself into retirement. I feel like I’m going to go till next summer than hang it up but look forward to meeting someday. Absolutely I ever get your way I ll reach out . Biggest part of retiring is to find a hobby or something so that’s what I’m eyeing now before next summer. All the best

I hope you enjoyed your drive through Atlanta 😅😊

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

It was definitely interesting

@Athenstrainman

Жыл бұрын

@JWangvlogs I live in metro Atlanta and people always "enjoy" Atlanta traffic 😆

13:52 one of the biggest reasons why accidents happen

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that guy was being an idiot.

Also, if you stay on I-75, you’ll go through Chattanooga, my hometown.

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

I've been there many times. I love that area of the US.

We call these Mercedes Tourismo’s back in the UK, there definitely the best coaches to drive however on this side of the pond we don’t have any of the US built coaches.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. So just to be clear.. the TourRider is a completely different coach than the Tourismo. I've been to the factory in Turkey where they build them. The TourRiders has a completely different frame and chassis. It's also 100% stainless steel.. the only coach bus to be built like that. It does look like a Tourismo but the internal guts are designed from the ground up.

@liamross3830

Жыл бұрын

@JWangvlogs thank you for correcting me, I was clearly mistaken. How long is the tourider you have?

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@liamross3830 it's 45 feet or 13.7 meters.

So James inspires me to get behind the wheel of an MCI and now Mercedes-Benz comes along and sweet talks him into their luxurious arms!!!! 😂😂😂

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

LOL 😂

That service station/petrol station makes ours in Australia look tiny in comparison. It's like a mini convenience store in the one you went to @James.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

It makes the rest of our petrol stations here in the US look tiny as well.

The controls on the steering wheel and most of the dash are identical to a Freightliner Cascadia. Not surprising being all part of Daimler but a good use of common parts. I’m sure the shop could go to the local Freightliner dealer for parts

@kristoffermangila

11 ай бұрын

These types of controls are also on the entry-level and mid-level variants of the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor cabover trucks in Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Once again, another great video. So, if you had a brand new Prevost, MCI or this Mercedes, which would you prefer? And I know they all have their own likes and dislikes

✌🏾

im surprised you guys still have the phones my district used to have those phones until 2017 when they w=switched to the 2 way radios

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

These are new Sonim push to talk phones. You were testing the mail to see how they would work well on convoy moves. But they were absolutely horrible and we will not be using them.

I'm sure the GA xpress bus was checking out the Mercedes buses

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

Haha I got some looks from the transit drivers that's for sure

I actually think the MCI J4500 is aesthetically more attractive.

Living the dream! How often are you away from home each month, on average?

@JWangvlogs

8 ай бұрын

Not that much. I don't travel every month. Probably one week every two or three months

Hey was that buccees in Warner Robins, Georgia I been there too never seen anything like that before I'm from Valdosta, Georgia I also lived in Orlando Florida from 1997-2009- then 2012-2018

Whoa! Was that a flip phone?!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

haha yeah its actually a company phone that utilizes the push to talk feature. We use them instead of walkie talkies or CBs. Because these use cell phone towers, there is no range limitatins.

We were traveling and stopped by Buccees to have brisket sandwich. It rivals some BBQ joints! haha I think Mercedes should have included full digital display! Also for your upcoming video content, would you be able to film the process of wrapping the bus with your company's logo&name? Would be interesting to see. Thanks for the video!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Hey that's a great idea. Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely do a video on the painting/wrapping process. Thanks Jin.

so you have an old Nextel push to talk flip phone for bus to bus radio? that brings back some memories

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

It's actually a sonim. They are actually new. You can group entire convos together so that everyone can hear everyone when someone keys the mic

@tonyvlip7645

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs will have to look that up... great video too as always

Thank you, James. Fun tagging along. That A/C drain is curious: perhaps in Germany they don't have the humidity of the US Southeast? I would have thought they would route the drain further back. Happy travels.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Donald. yeah I guess i never thought of it that way. But the drain is a bit inconvenient. Can you imagine a full bus of 56 passengers stepping in that?? Those floors are not going to stay clean.

@khakiswag

Жыл бұрын

Little idiosyncrasies like the drain and cigarette lighters are the things Mercedes will have to adapt to for the NA market. This their first attempt and hopefully they will take heed to your comments to improve their coaches.

@Bluescanian

Жыл бұрын

There usually is a drain on each corner. Coaches don’t idle much in Europe so the drain doesn’t drain very much when stationary.

@crabbymilton390

Жыл бұрын

Hehe I was born in 1964 and remember in the 1970’s when German cars (mostly VW) were becoming popular. My late grandpa who never seemed to lack finding things that were crap used to say.. Germans are supposed to be such great engineers then they come of with crap like that. “What the hell’s the matter with them?” So same idea. Why not drain it to the driver side? Perhaps later models will fix that.

@falconseyeaerialservicesll8176

Жыл бұрын

Just put down a "Welcome" mat. Problem solved……..😋

I am starting my motorcoach training today backing and turning are what are making me very nervous

Nice to not have to run full 10 hour days on the way home. Is that accommodating a break-in protocol for the bus?

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Dennis and I didn't want to beat our selves up. It was 15 hour trip in total. We broke it up to three, 5 hour days. This allows us time for stops, and refueling if needed.

I love the last song on the video who sings that song ?🤔

LOBILLOS MUSICAL DE DURANGO…

Hope you seen some cobblinc transit buses

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

Yes I saw a lot of them.

Bonjour je conduit le même modèle en Europe précisément en France Il porte juste un nom différent c’est le Mercedes tourismo Le pare-brise est en une seule partie C’est un super véhicule le mien possède déjà 360000 km au compteur et je parcourt l’Europe entière au plaisirs d’échanger

You mean you came thru Rome , Ga and didn’t stop and kiss the ring? Omg

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

There was a lot of things I wanted to see going through Georgia. But like most of my bus trips.. I dont have the time to go enjoy all the scenery and venues. One day I will take my family there for fun.

Just curious , who is Dennis? Does he work for Peoria?

i never knew mercedes made coach buses

@kristoffermangila

11 ай бұрын

Um, Mercedes-Benz has been making buses since like the 1900s, coach buses since after WW2.

@mattnorman5241

11 ай бұрын

@@kristoffermangila well i never seen them in the united states i seen other bus companies

@kristoffermangila

11 ай бұрын

@@mattnorman5241 one reason why older MB buses (or other European buses and trucks, for that matter) were not available in the US for years is that notorious trade war known as the "Chicken War" which put tariffs on a host of European goods.

I still prefer volvo, Man or scania over benz

Want kind of radio were they using?

What kind of radios are y’all using ?

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

Sonim push to talk phones. They were horrible. We were testing them out. But we will not be using them.

Awesome 👍 jay keep it up Please follow uk coach driver James underwood be awesome see you team up one day like uk vs usa differences Im uk fan from Redcar North Yorkshire uk ill be doing my coach license this year

2024 MCI J4500

What type of 2 ways do yall use between buses?

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

These are called Sonim push to talk by T-Mobile. I wouldn't recommend these though. They don't work very well at all. You can't hear the first transmission. That's a good idea having a push-to-talk being able to tie into multiple devices at a time basically simulating a walkie-talkie. But the actual device doesn't work very well.

@crabbymilton390

Жыл бұрын

I was wondering that too. Yes I’m a 40 plus year scanner nut too. Digital is great but can be temperamental. Next time just simple FRS radios would work unless you folks have a none repeater channel on the two way.

Is it like driving a cloud? Does it have cruise control.

@JWangvlogs

8 ай бұрын

Yes it does 😅

Hey James, driver window is awesome! Bus is ugly! Sorry!

@Tina-ds3pp

Жыл бұрын

Also sorry about your friend!

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@Tina-ds3pp Thanks

@anthonybrown4076

Жыл бұрын

Hey James waiting to see the end of your trip how it went hope all is well wish I could have met you on your stop to Georgia maybe next time.

Are these Tourriders straight automatic or have the zf transmission

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Allison

@rogerr.7228

Жыл бұрын

@JWangvlogs Are ZF transmissions still available to order or were they discontinued. I haven't seen any coach buses with ZF transmissions any newer than 2013 models.

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@rogerr.7228 yeah they are not common in motorcoaches anymore. I think you can still get the option in certain makes and models but it's not popular. TourRiders do not have the option.

Don’t you hate driving through Atlanta?

@JWangvlogs

11 ай бұрын

I do. But I hate driving through Nashville even more. It's not as busy but people around Nashville drive very aggressively and will not let you in if you need to change lanes. I've experienced this multiple times coming through Nashville.

Eating on a brand new bus??? And is that a Nextel phone?

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

I tried to keep it clean but yes. On a long road trip like that with no passengers.. I'm going to indulge a bit. That flip phone is a company phone that utilizes a push to talk feature that allows them to work like CB radios. Because they use cell towers, there is no range limit.

@stevepackard8542

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs The phone reminded me of the Nextel push to talk phones. They were very popular in the early 2000's. I think they are long gone now. I guess someone else makes them today.

That hair is a mess... james😂

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

LOL Thanks Rona. but you are right. It is a mess.

Soner Büyük Otobüs Sürersen Bezi Bağla Ehliyet Al D Sınıfı Mercedes Benz Yeni Travego Yetişkin Hasta Bezi Al Var?❤

what song is at 17:13

@JWangvlogs

8 ай бұрын

Tired by Mindme

@hikingvlogs5645

8 ай бұрын

thanks love the videos @@JWangvlogs

No pretrip inspection and you ran the stop sign.😮 living on the edge my friend. Also do you still have to follow legal driving hours when delivering a new coach. Without passengers.🤔

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

I did do a pre trip. I didn't include it in the video because I try to keep it under 20 minutes. I didn't run any stop signs. I cut out the part where I stopped... Again reduce video length. And yes. We do have to follow the legal service hours. But thanks for making sure that I'm being safe. . Appreciate you looking out for me.

@_Jin_Kim_

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs ignore the haters :)

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@_Jin_Kim_ a whole new level to back seat driving lol 😆

@Noble6233

Жыл бұрын

@@JWangvlogs That makes sense. Just wanted to hear your take on the engine. And hear that sweet idel sound.

Driver hint do not eat bananas before or during driving . They have a chemical that makes you sleepy

Otobüs Şöförü SONER BESLEN

Favorite adult drink?

@JWangvlogs

Жыл бұрын

Unsweetened iced tea with lemon.

胡子非常牛逼!

how di

Mr Wang, do you suffer from neurological disorders? I’ve seen you having a lot of uncontrollable movements with your head and shoulders. Are you ok buddy? That’s something you need to discuss with your doctor.