#ikarus #ddr #oldtimer We were guests at the Ikarus Bus Meeting in Chemnitz and were able to admire some pearls of bus history. Together with their owners, we will introduce you to a few selected buses. One chapter deals with the Ikarus 66, bought in 2009, this vehicle originally comes from Kraftverkehr Apolda.
It does not have the original Csepel engine, but was already equipped with a Schönebecker six-cylinder engine with 190 hp when we bought it. This engine was once completely overhauled and reworked in an engine workshop, which significantly improved its performance. Many experienced bus drivers who have driven the original Csepel engine keep emphasizing that the Triple was a great engine. Although I no longer know him personally, there are different opinions in the scene. Many prefer the original Csepel engine. There are several vehicles here on site that still run with the original engine, but there are also several vehicles that are fitted with the beautiful Schönebecker engine.
The vehicle's dashboard has been completely sanded down as it has been repainted several times in the past. Luckily someone was able to remove the three or four coats of paint on the dashboard, restoring the dashboard to its original splendour. All fittings are original Ikarus fittings including the bottom switch and headlight bulbs. The main switch is located between a Scirocco heater like the ones used in the buses at the time.
Also, the driver had an extra lever at the front next to his seat next to the gear and handbrake. With this lever he was able to close an air flap for cooling at the rear in order to bring the engine up to operating temperature more quickly, especially in cold seasons. As soon as the operating temperature was reached, the ventilation flap was opened again so that the incoming air could supply the vehicle with normal operating temperature.
Many vehicles, particularly those used in land transport, were fitted with a second speedometer and tachograph card. This allowed the driver to record correctly on trips that required a tachograph card. This was introduced in the late 80's and early 80's. Many young people remember such journeys in such vehicles, be it in school transport or when visiting grandparents. The children were fascinated by the speed they could read on the speedometer. At that moment, paying in front and rushing to the back to get a good seat and enjoy the movements of the vehicle was the most important thing.
Since these vehicles are still fitted with leaf springs (air suspension was not introduced until much later), children and young people enjoyed these seats to really enjoy the driving movements. You could also take the driver's perspective. That is why these vehicles are still very popular with former drivers and people who regularly drove them. They keep saying, "Oh yeah, that's a vehicle I really enjoyed driving."
I hope you enjoyed this insight into the vehicle and the Ikarus meeting in Chemnitz. I'm sorry I couldn't show more.