A vintage 1975 Silver Eagle bus, steeped in history and Hollywood charm, is gearing up for an ambitious 2,800-mile round trip from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma City. Its destination? The 2025 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, where it will be displayed as an iconic piece of motorcoach history.
This Silver Eagle Model 05, named Trailways New England #31571, was generously donated to the Museum of Bus Transportation in Hershey, Pennsylvania, by longtime bus enthusiast Tom McCaughey.
McCaughey first acquired the bus in 2005 when he joined the Trailways brand. He recalls a memorable drive bringing the vehicle from Colorado to Rhode Island, and since then, it has become a well-known presence at Trailways events across the U.S., traveling as far afield as Florida and Arizona.
“This bus is truly a remarkable survivor from a time gone by,” McCaughey shared. “It was the quintessential ‘driven on Sunday’ find when I purchased it. It was bought new by a Nebraska high school and driven by the same driver for 20 years. It was always garaged and well cared for, and we’ve continued to baby this treasure while running it in commercial charter service and for Hollywood, too.”
The Silver Eagle Model 05 stands as one of the earliest U.S.-made Eagles, crafted at the factory in Brownsville, Texas, after the production of earlier models in Belgium. Measuring 40 feet in length and 96 inches in width, the coach will welcome EXPO attendees to step inside and experience its timeless charm up close.
From Road Star to Screen Star
Beyond its storied highway adventures, the Silver Eagle has made its mark in Hollywood. This bus has appeared in blockbuster films like Labor Day (starring Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet), Detroit (featuring John Boyega and Will Poulter), Black Mass (starring Johnny Depp), and The Spook Who Sat by the Door. Its television résumé includes hits such as Castle Rock, Only Murders in the Building (alongside Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez), and HBO’s Julia.
“I am very much looking forward to making this trip to UMA EXPO,” McCaughey said. “This coach has a way of bringing history to life, whether it’s on the road or on the screen.”
From Passion to Profession
McCaughey’s passion for buses began early. After high school, he embarked on a cross-country adventure using a Greyhound Ameripass, which allowed unlimited travel across the U.S.
“I pretty much wore that jewel out,” he reminisced. His explorations ignited a lifelong love for motorcoaches.
Although he initially vowed not to join his family’s trash hauling business, McCaughey eventually became involved at age 25 and helped grow the company with his brothers. After selling the successful business in 1999, McCaughey transitioned to corporate roles but found himself yearning for something more fulfilling.
His career took an unexpected turn in 2001 when a sales visit to a local charter bus operator rekindled his enthusiasm. A simple inquiry about part-time bus driving led him to the driver’s seat. “It reignited my passion,” he said. That same year, he purchased Dicostanzo Bus Line, a small company with three aging buses and a modest garage.
A Legacy of Resilience
Just weeks after acquiring the business, the 9/11 attacks sent shockwaves through the charter bus industry. Despite the challenges, McCaughey persevered, gradually growing the company. By 2005, he had rebranded the organization as Flagship. Under his leadership, Flagship expanded its fleet to 18 coaches and became one of New England’s leading charter carriers by 2022.
McCaughey’s commitment didn’t stop at running a business. He also became a key figure in the transportation industry, serving as President of the New England Bus Association, a member of the American Bus Association Board of Directors, and on the Executive Board of the National Trailways Bus System.
Preserving History and Sharing Stories
The acquisition of the 1975 Silver Eagle added another dimension to McCaughey’s career. The bus not only became a centerpiece of his collection but also opened the door to Hollywood, where it gained recognition as a sought-after prop. McCaughey himself made cameo appearances as a driver in various productions.
Over the years, McCaughey amassed a collection of five antique buses, all in working condition, which he often loaned for film and television projects. After selling Flagship to DATTCO in 2022, he retained ownership of his vintage fleet and later donated the collection, including the Silver Eagle, to the Museum of Bus Transportation.
“It’s been a lot of fun, whether driving buses, running a company, or working on film sets,” McCaughey reflected. “But preserving these buses and sharing their stories is the most rewarding chapter yet.”
Through his efforts, McCaughey has ensured that these classic buses remain accessible, allowing future generations to appreciate their unique history and role in American culture.
Source: Bus and Motorcoach News
Image: Bus and Motorcoach News
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