Toyota Coaster Light Bus

The Toyota Coaster was introduced in 1969 as a 17-passenger minibus using the same running gear as the Toyota Dyna of the time. Early models used the 2.0-litre Toyota R engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. With its engine rated at 98 PS (72 kW), a RU19 Coaster could attain a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).[12] Subsequent models used a variety of four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, and an option of automatic transmission was later introduced. A smaller alternative was later introduced at Toyopet Store locations, based on the Toyota ToyoAce called the Toyota HiAce which had the ability to carry up to 10 passengers but complied with Japanese Government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement.

In August 1997, Toyota "Coaster Hybrid EV" minibus was launched, ahead of the Prius. The Coaster Hybrid, according to Toyota, became its first production hybrid vehicle.[13] Production of the Coaster Hybrid continued until 2007.

The LPG Coaster, fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, was developed specifically for the Hong Kong market and its air pollution problems.[14]

The Coaster is widely used in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia, but also in the developing world for minibus operators in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caribbean, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Panama, and Peru as public transportation. It is the almost the only used mini bus in public transportation in Jordan and the brand is used to refer to that segment by people and even by the government.[citation needed] These buses are imported mainly from Asia and have the steering wheel moved to the left and the passenger door to the other side. (From Wikipedia)

Toyota Coaster Light Bus Model

One of the sections that the museum has is dedicated to Heavy Trucks & Buses. And we have here a 1:32 scale model of the The Toyota Coaster which is a. combination of die-cast metal with plastic parts. Again I would state, that due to the actual vehicle being such a large one, we find that vehicles such as buses are not able to be made in larger scales. And what is produced are mainly children's toys. This model demonstrates in the scale here, that it is accurate in all the main details. The body is quite nice, with front drivers door that open , well perhaps not as much as one would hope. However its enough to allow you to see the drivers operating section with a reasonable representation of the dash and instrument console. because of its scale, interior is black in colour and there is not much scope for such items like any other colour. The two passenger doors open better giving an unrestricted look inside that surprisingly has quite good detail. The final opening feature is the luggage compartment that also could open wider.

However the overall impression is a model that fits into the museums intent off showing all different types of vehicles that are part of the automotive world and this model is an important part of a section that one would not find loved and preserved. But here we believe that every of vehicle should be available to show that part of history. 3.0/5.0. Robin Finlay 29/08/2022

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