your gearchanging was spot on. always pause for 2 secs, as it means the brake bands in the gearbox change 1 at a time instead of 2 bands trying to work at the same time. from driving RM's in london myself, they will happily pull away in 2nd on the flat. 1st is more for hills. nice bus btw
My 50ct: If you go everyday full seated for miles and miles it was essential to reduce wear and tear to reduce costs and maintanance time. For a time to time joyride around the block this is not the main point. Maybe slow gear change could help to protect the old components today, thats good.
Thanks for the video Alan. As an ex PCV driving instructor on both RT's and RML's for London Country I could be picky but as other have said, it's your bus !! ...... and you did let us all come along for the ride !!
Thanks Adrian. Yes, I make note of all comments (some more relevant than others) about my driving. I think it’s also important to feel confident at the wheel.
Love these. Brings back memories of riding one every day to school as a young lad in east london. Used to sit directly behing the driver as often as possible to look over his shoulder as he drove. Like your camera position but the other shoulder. Happy memories.
Hi Alan, many thanks for the ride, it's great to see these old workhorses still on the road, I would very much like to have a drive of one of these buses, take care and keep safe, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia.
Well done ALLAN I drove Leylands Panthers/B21 and others no double deckers , in Perth Western Australia, all were semi autos ( hand/foot) so I was in the cab while you were driving well done Peter
As a child in the 60's and 70's I used to love sitting in the front passenger seat downstairs behind the engine where you could observe the driver changing gear. I loved the sound the engine made both when moving along or just idling at a junction or bus stop.
Alan, I’m sure you have heard this many times before, you are so lucky to own and drive such a iconic British Routmaster Bus. Thanks for keeping this beautiful classic Bus running and in fine condition, Credit to you Sir.....Its only logical ‘if possible’, to add a ex London Black Cab to park alongside your Double-Decker Bus.
What a wonderful vehicle to own,and still be able to use,superb video's,thanks for sharing your experience of driving a Routemaster,sounds superb when you driving it.
A great video. It is easy to see how much fun driving the bus gives you. One fine day my St. Helens will drive again but until that time I enjoy your videos. Warm greetings from Germany M
well I am 59 and never been on one, used to go skool on a rear platform Guy in Brum, and they used to whine/hum, this seems very quiet although we are in the cab. Supercars are fine, luxury cars better... but this is just....fun! Wish I had one
Great video, bringing back memories of nearly 40 years ago when for a short time I drove Routmaster's from Colliers Wood garage through the heart of London daily; I now have a much quieter life, down the road from you in Moulton. Thank you for a fascinating glimpse into my past.
Hi Alan. Many thanks for your reply; I fear that the London that I did my RM driving in all those years ago has much changed, + I had the comfort of a conductor to deal with the sometimes difficult passengers. I hope you will be able to get the fish and chips on the raod again soon. Keep your eyes open for my 1937 Morris Ten around our local roads, I will give you a beep.
Great thing to see you enjoying the best bus we ever had, rode many a times back in the 70's and 80's. Loved taking a 'Red Bus Rover' ticket around London and the South East and being able to jump on and off when you felt like it...(even if it was still moving) great days. Don't be surprised though, when your local highways blame you for the state of the road outside your drive, they will claim that as your road isn't a bus route, nor regular HGV it must be your bus causing road deterioration, any excuse...
Thanks for your comments Jay!! Actually, there is a big pothole just outside my drive. The road is a bus route (1 service a day) and we have a load of school buses.
Brilliant video Alan. I am a long since retired HGV Driver, but for a few minutes thought I was back in the seat! As others have said, that Cummins Diesel is music to my ears too! Thanks for the ride, till next time!
Me Too Alan ! I was privileged to be able to drive for Arriva Heritage a few times, i worked for Arriva London for 14 years . I drove their RM6 gold bus and a couple of RML's great times !
1st video I've watched and instantly subscribed to. In my 12 years as a test and development driver, I've driven some brilliant trucks and buses, hybrid, electric, etc. Nothing as cool as a Routemaster though. Very, very cool.
I like the RT's myself. I know they were difficult to drive, because they had no power steering. They were a familiar sight, in Harlow in the late 60's and early 70's. Route 397, 397a, and 397b to Old Harlow, Bishops Stortford and the Harlow Pinnacles Industrial Estate.
i love these old buses, up north i remember traveling to school on a bristol lodeka, (also painted red) which are very simlar to the routemaster, esp the lodeka,s with the rear entry that had a manual folding door in two halfs that was rairly ever closed even in winter, there were single bristol lodekas aswell, but we mainly allways had the double deckers on for school, another differance i remember was a long bench seat behind the driver that faced the oppisate way, both styles to me are lovely in design & as far as i,m concerned they look like a bus should look, where as today, i dont know what they look like, esp todays single decker buses that look as though they.ve came out of a sausage making machine, cos they have no shape or form & you can hardly tell the differance from front to back, god knows whos designed them.. enjoyed all your videos btw.
Lovely bus, thanks for the video. I will always remember the clattering of those AEC engines from my childhood. I remember taking the 36 from New Cross where I lived in those days. I'll never own or drive one of these things (sadly I passed my driving test well after the date when I would have had grandfather rights to drive anything this big!) but at least videos like this exist. Thanks :D
great video alan, i love watching these old vehicles working they ware made to last not like todays they last ten years then you scrap them, i'am more into vintage tractors and love going to the vintage rallies don't know when the next one will be?.
Your bus is looking good. A few tips about driving it from an ex LT driver, to preserve the drive train. Unless your gearbox system has been modified, your are unnecessarily stressing the drive train Firstly, they were designed to be drive in automatic mode ie where the 4th gear slot is. Set like that it pulls away in 2nd gear as it is designed to do and as you accelerate it changes up. Like most older diesel trucks, 1st gear is only needed when starting on a hill. Likewise, manual gear changing was only meant to be used, when heavily loaded and going up hill. Slowing down in 3rd gear is also not a good idea as the system was designed to drop into neutral below a certain speed. Lastly, coasting in neutral is also not a good idea as being in gear helps to slow down and takes pressure off the breaking system. Keep driving it the way it was designed and you will enjoy many years of problem free motoring. I wish I had had the space to keep a Routemaster bus, as I enjoyed driving them so much. Particularly with the higher powered Gardner engine fitted. Carry on enjoying the experience. I'm jealous.
Hello Patrick. Thanks for your info. It's interesting to see how much attention the gear changing has attracted! I have taken on all comments. I wouldn't drive it in auto as it is far too jolty and would put stress on the diff. I suppose the spec has changed over its 53 years and it was probably smoother in its early years. I'll have to remember to start in 2nd.!!
You’re content is excellent. Having driven a dreaded Iveco engined RML and a Scannia I’ve had a little bit - but not as much - experience. As you probably already know it’s the rule of 2. A 2 second delay between shifts and come off the throttle. Looking at this video I’d say you’ve got this pretty well down. No gear slip, no real judder and slamming of the gears. And most importantly no over revving of the engine. Give these things a 6-speed and you’d probably get 60mph out of it. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank Nicholas. It's quite difficult to get the gear change just right. To fast and risk of damaging the gearbox, too slow and the engine revs drop too much and you get a clunk on the diff. But we keep trying!!
@@alanandhisbus3416 you’re on the money to my mind. It sounds sweet and unstressed. If it helps - and don’t think I’m telling you what to do by any means - the 2 second method can be recognised by sound as well: click/clunk. Click as you take it out of gear / breath / clunk in to the next gear.
Thanks for another interesting video Alan, great stuff bus starting first time. You change gear in which ever way you feel happy with !!! :) I have one thing though, the indicator knob, could you turn it round so it's pointing up the correct way please !!!! All the best and hope this year is a better one for us all and especially your business.
Yes, the indicator knob was turned the other way during a service/repair (not by me). I was not sure which way it should be, though I've got used to it that way - but I'd prefer it to be the right way up!
Thanks for reply, the correct way is pointing up, but it's your pride and joy, you keep it which ever way your happy with. Look forward to more updates, stay safe 👍
You're saying to Alan he should change gear in which ever way he feels happy with, thankfully he is taking advice on board from experienced Routemaster drivers and fellow owners like myself regarding initiating the appropriate pause between changes as continually pulling the gears straight through causes long term damage to the gear bands.
How long was this Routemaster in service, probably 40 + years? Just think of the history of these buses pounding the roads of London and who they might have carried. Left London a long time ago but you never forget them.
I drove the Routemaster for London Transport in 1990. Trained on it around South London, slow and steady , quite easy to drive, fond memories. We asked about the skidpan training but unfortunately it had been phased out before our training commenced. Shame, was looking forward to sliding it around some wet tarmac ! Looks very flat around there Alan, the fens ?
Been binge watching today brilliant bus great idea with the fish and chips and a lovely conversion a routemaster earning it's keep beutyfull achievement well done😎.is there any chance of posting the venues you will be attending this year
Thanks for your comments Desmond. We havent got much booked this year as event organisers seem to be nervous about commiting to set dates (and understandably so). I'll post info on my Facebook page regarding events and village runs. #redbusfishandchips
Just subscribed to your channel love your sense of humour, I drove metro bus out of Chiswick before, also drove for national express but these have character! Never drove one, but I remember the air tank flag and warning light, great character bus greetings from Norwich
Thanks Tim. One of our long journeys was to the Norfolk Motorhome Show at Norfolk Showground from here near Spalding, though didn't do it this year. More to follow!
I'll try and remember - though unlikely in the forseable future. In the past, we have done the Norfolk Motorhome Show and Eastern Counties Vintage Fair, both at the showground.
As a driver of RM /R M L you an start from standstill in 2nd gear first gear is for hill starts only your gear change are spot on hope this helps by the way we used to be able to put them in 4th gear and they would change up automatically if it’s still working on your bus
Hello Guy. Yes, I've been told several times to start in 2nd. Strange how old habits are difficult to break, but I'll try and remember that! The Auto is fitted but I don't use it as it is far too jerky - don't like it, although the bus does change down automatically OK.
@@alanandhisbus3416 we never used it in service as it was awful much better manual the other thing they told us was never idle in gear for any time your fly wheel over heat dumping transmission oil over the road and you will a tow job on your hand and one big mess to clean up if I can help you with everything else let me know
Lovely stuff! I passed my PSV on a Guy Arab with a crash box then went on to work on AEC DDs with East Kent. All manual boxes and a conductor on the back to deal with the public! I guess that you don't need a PSV for fish and chips but maybe an HGV? Glad I've found your channel.
The only reason I ask, is that I worked at Windmill Lane serving an apprenticeship there, and just wonder why everyone refurbishing an RM doesn’t have the AV590 engine overhauled, considering the pioneering work that AEC did with Harry Ricardo decades ago to tune their combustion chambers. An AEC diesel was always a Good starter in all temperatures without heater plugs to assist.😇
It stays outside all the time. I had it resprayed a number of years ago, shortly after buying it in 2013. The modern 2 pack paint is far better than the old oil paints that faded badly. Even though Red is one of the worst colours for fading, the new paints don’t fade and they are hard wearing.
This is unique sound of Leyland engine. my whole childhood city travel was with Leyland buses in Pune, India. After lot of years I hear this unique engine sound again.
A nice relaxing drive in a beautiful old bus! For reference, £100 is roughly $200 Australian.. it would buy between 130 and 160 or so litres of diesel, depending on location.
£100 a fill isn't to bad, my Dacia cost me £50 twice a week before the pandemic. I now have an electric MG like at your local. I drove an RV in America a few years ago. That was $300 to fill up.
You only live once. Why not have an RML to play with. I have Dinky, Matchbox and a Sunstar one. Love the throaty roar of the Leylands, a part of the London scene, not forgetting Northern General too who had 50 of their own. Loved the ride. You sure handle well. I used to attend a preservation group who had an RM, RT's and RFs, drove a few, not far, good fun.
Yes Brammyd1. I fitted it mainly for reversing the bus up to my trailer. The camera has 2 views - one showing traffic behind but the most useful is the one facing downwards to allow pinpoint accuracy when backing up to my trailer towing hitch!
Very interesting, thank you for sharing, have only driven one at Chiswick and Acton Works Open Day 2nd July 1983 RMC 1481, would love to have another go. Thanks again. DR - York and have subcribed.
Watched 2 of your videos as of now. I was wondering if you could let me know what it cost to buy, how much to insure, can you drive it on an ordinary license if not carrying passengers, cost to maintain, tax and insure.....loved you're video's hope to see more. Don.
£21K in 2011 when I bought it but prices are quite a bit higher now. The insurance including public liability is around 4K. You need a 7.5 ton licence (C1) which is same as a 'grandad's licence' (which is mine and enables up to 8 passengers - I passed my test in the 60's and they issued 7.5t licence as standard then). Road Tax exempt (vintage vehicle). Maintainance varies from year to year - allow £1K, though in 2020 I paid £4K!!
Yes, David. I'll show starting my bus and combine that with my new gear changing technique after I got a few comments about pausing longer between gear changes.
@@alanandhisbus3416 that is good mate look forward to seeing the video all the best with the Bus and please keep working on your Gear changes as I reckon you are okay but you know what other people can be like lol.
Thank you for another video Alan it was very enjoyable as always. Keep the videos coming hopefully shouldn’t be too long before you can get back out on the road selling your fish and chips. The guy who you brought the bus from did he show you how to drive it or did you have some knowledge before you got the bus?
Hi Alan that was a Brilliant video but your gear changes sometimes where a wee bit suspect but on the other hand it is your Bus and you drive it how you feel most comfortable with.
Hi David. I remember when I first got the bus and used the fully auto mode, it was terrible, gearbox jolting and jerking about but after realising that semi-auto was much smoother I have been driving it that way since.
I really enjoyed watching this. Does this bus have fully automatic gear shift as well or is it semi-auto only. Sorry to all you experts out there but I am a complete ignoramus in these matters! But thanks for an enjoyable video.
Is there a particular reason you start off in first gear? Most drivers only use first gear for going up hills, start in second on the flat, and the automatic defaults to second gear as well.
I don't know if there is an advantage, though I'm always thinking of minimizing strain on gearbox or diff - but perhaps starting in second would be the least strain.
I don't wish for this to appear 'sad', but I used to travel from school in that specific bus, when it was a 243 in Wood Green. My brother though is was hopeless in knowing that the three digits in the number plate were used by London Transport, to apply to the numbers after RML 2... and the fact that I knew the differences between the RM's and the RML's, by looking at the side of the saloon to see the smaller square window. The sound of that Cummins 8.2 is different to its former engine that I used to hear, from sitting right behind the engine bay, in the front left hand seat/bench area, from 1972.
Thanks Daz. I wouldnt like to put any of the transmission under unecessary strain. Several have told me to pull off in 2nd - which I'm doing most of the time (unless I need to pull off slowly).
Great british bus there Alan, sounds just like they were in service. Had loads at putney garage on route 14 and 22. Could these cummins engines run on biodiesel/wvo by any chance?? It would lower the fuel cost but would prob mean more filter changes. I currently run a 1995 diesel corsa with a blend of wvo,derv and so far so good just xtra filter change interval. Oh, and your gearchanges are just fine--glad you use 1st to pull away, great stuff!! :)
Thanks Geoff. The Cummins would probably be OK on biodiesel though I think I'll keep with the regular diesel as I don't want to risk anything, especially as more frequent filter changes required!
Hi, First time saw your video. Loving it. In my humble opinion, I like my father's Guy Arab double decker, it has a semi-auto gear box. It was a 1970's ? in Hong Kong. Well, that's just my opinion.
Part of my bucket list is to go to London (UK) to visit a bus museum. We have a couple of Route Masters in our bus museum at Sydney Australia as well . But you know, it might not be as good as yours
your gearchanging was spot on. always pause for 2 secs, as it means the brake bands in the gearbox change 1 at a time instead of 2 bands trying to work at the same time. from driving RM's in london myself, they will happily pull away in 2nd on the flat. 1st is more for hills. nice bus btw
I mentioned that he was changing gear too fast to start with instead of the 2-second pause.
After a few comments on my gear changing, I have been practising and will shortly do a video and show my new gear changing technique!
My 50ct: If you go everyday full seated for miles and miles it was essential to reduce wear and tear to reduce costs and maintanance time. For a time to time joyride around the block this is not the main point. Maybe slow gear change could help to protect the old components today, thats good.
Driver of parked vehicle: "Nah, you could get a bus through there!!" That Cummins sounds fantastic! Greetings from another Alan :)
Hi Alan. It’d be a bit boring if there were no challenges 😉. Ha ha!
I love how casually he said 'just pulling out of the drive' whilst driving one of the most iconic buses in the world.
Riding a Routemaster brings back so many memories of my days in London, they really are fantastic.
I know the sound is part of the experiance, i loved them as a kid, such an adventure, along 1938 stock trains on the bakerloo
Anything like this is right up my street. Fantastic! Great stuff!😊
Magic music from that engine, and the gear change ,thanks for the ride 👍😎
Great video just reminding me when I drove them in service in London
In the 90s
Plymouth City bus colours paint job on a Leyland atlantean double decker bus
Thanks for the video Alan. As an ex PCV driving instructor on both RT's and RML's for London Country I could be picky but as other have said, it's your bus !! ...... and you did let us all come along for the ride !!
Thanks Adrian. Yes, I make note of all comments (some more relevant than others) about my driving. I think it’s also important to feel confident at the wheel.
@@alanandhisbus3416 >>>> Absolutely !!.... No point in being timid !
Engine sounds wonderful, nice tidy bus you've got there.
A Cummins engine transplant is not wonderful.
Love these. Brings back memories of riding one every day to school as a young lad in east london. Used to sit directly behing the driver as often as possible to look over his shoulder as he drove. Like your camera position but the other shoulder. Happy memories.
Waht a nice bus stay healthy and my best wishes from germany
Thank you Jochen!
Hi Alan, many thanks for the ride, it's great to see these old workhorses still on the road, I would very much like to have a drive of one of these buses, take care and keep safe, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia.
That is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.👍
Well done ALLAN I drove Leylands Panthers/B21 and others no double deckers , in Perth Western Australia, all were semi autos ( hand/foot) so I was in the cab while you were driving well done Peter
As a child in the 60's and 70's I used to love sitting in the front passenger seat downstairs behind the engine where you could observe the driver changing gear. I loved the sound the engine made both when moving along or just idling at a junction or bus stop.
Nice memories Trevor!
Alan, I’m sure you have heard this many times before, you are so lucky to own and drive such a iconic British Routmaster Bus. Thanks for keeping this beautiful classic Bus running and in fine condition, Credit to you Sir.....Its only logical ‘if possible’, to add a ex London Black Cab to park alongside your Double-Decker Bus.
Hello Paul. Thanks for comments. Yes, I'd love a London Cab beside the bus! Only I just don't have enough room here.
What a wonderful vehicle to own,and still be able to use,superb video's,thanks for sharing your experience of driving a Routemaster,sounds superb when you driving it.
"Errrgh, didn't like that. Felt horrible 🤢". Loved that bit 😅😅😅👍!
Great video Alan. You are an excellent driver - the roads around are quite narrow. Thanks for posting. Have subscribed. Vivian.
Great video Alan! Thanks!
A great video. It is easy to see how much fun driving the bus gives you. One fine day my St. Helens will drive again but until that time I enjoy your videos.
Warm greetings from Germany
M
Thank you Michael. Yes, I love driving the bus. I hope you get your St. Helen on the road eventually!
That was great, thanks for taking us along!
Pleasure to take you!
Hi Alan oh is a Cummins engine is it sounds wonderful can't wait for the next video. I could listen to the engine all day long.👍
Thanks Alan great video!!
Always nice to see your videos :)
well I am 59 and never been on one, used to go skool on a rear platform Guy in Brum, and they used to whine/hum, this seems very quiet although we are in the cab. Supercars are fine, luxury cars better... but this is just....fun! Wish I had one
Handbrake, Steering wheel, Engine Sound, give me back my memories of childhood in Hong Kong, Merci Alan.
Thank you, Ben :-)
Good to see it started ok. Gear change looked fine to me!
Great video, bringing back memories of nearly 40 years ago when for a short time I drove Routmaster's from Colliers Wood garage through the heart of London daily; I now have a much quieter life, down the road from you in Moulton. Thank you for a fascinating glimpse into my past.
Thank you Policy322. I often marvel at the skill and nerve of the London drivers. Much easier in the countryside as I am!
Hi Alan. Many thanks for your reply; I fear that the London that I did my RM driving in all those years ago has much changed, + I had the comfort of a conductor to deal with the sometimes difficult passengers. I hope you will be able to get the fish and chips on the raod again soon. Keep your eyes open for my 1937 Morris Ten around our local roads, I will give you a beep.
Nice driving made to look easy. I remember using these buses for so many years. Still fantastic in my mind.
Indeed they are, Paul. Thanks for your comments!
Great thing to see you enjoying the best bus we ever had, rode many a times back in the 70's and 80's. Loved taking a 'Red Bus Rover' ticket around London and the South East and being able to jump on and off when you felt like it...(even if it was still moving) great days. Don't be surprised though, when your local highways blame you for the state of the road outside your drive, they will claim that as your road isn't a bus route, nor regular HGV it must be your bus causing road deterioration, any excuse...
Thanks for your comments Jay!! Actually, there is a big pothole just outside my drive. The road is a bus route (1 service a day) and we have a load of school buses.
Brilliant video Alan. I am a long since retired HGV Driver, but for a few minutes thought I was back in the seat! As others have said, that Cummins Diesel is music to my ears too! Thanks for the ride, till next time!
Thanks David!
Great Bus Alan! Brings back happy memories for me! You can't beat a routemaster. 👍
Thanks Geoff. Althogh I've not had experience driving other buses, I love driving a Routemaster!
Me Too Alan ! I was privileged to be able to drive for Arriva Heritage a few times, i worked for Arriva London for 14 years . I drove their RM6 gold bus and a couple of RML's great times !
1st video I've watched and instantly subscribed to. In my 12 years as a test and development driver, I've driven some brilliant trucks and buses, hybrid, electric, etc. Nothing as cool as a Routemaster though. Very, very cool.
Thanks Shoestring! Yes, I too love driving the bus - weird, as its noisy and rattles and cold in the winter - but so beautiful to drive!!
Driving it on a rainy day made this even cosier to watch. Would have loved to see more outside shots of the front of the bus
Hi Tico. Thanks for your comments. I'll se if I can do more shots of outside!
@@alanandhisbus3416 That would be great. The routemaster is such an iconic beauty !
Another brilliant and enjoyable vid Alan. Cheers
Thanks for that!
reminds me of the on the buses film, (for a year 27 year old chap) love the videos mate
I like the RT's myself. I know they were difficult to drive, because they had no power steering. They were a familiar sight, in Harlow in the late 60's and early 70's. Route 397, 397a, and 397b to Old Harlow, Bishops Stortford and the Harlow Pinnacles Industrial Estate.
and in Stevenage as well, up until 1970 London Transport ran the bus network Rts on the local routes routemasters on the green lines into London
That was great. reversing perfect no shunts
They are the best bus ever.
i love these old buses, up north i remember traveling to school on a bristol lodeka, (also painted red) which are very simlar to the routemaster, esp the lodeka,s with the rear entry that had a manual folding door in two halfs that was rairly ever closed even in winter, there were single bristol lodekas aswell, but we mainly allways had the double deckers on for school, another differance i remember was a long bench seat behind the driver that faced the oppisate way, both styles to me are lovely in design & as far as i,m concerned they look like a bus should look, where as today, i dont know what they look like, esp todays single decker buses that look as though they.ve came out of a sausage making machine, cos they have no shape or form & you can hardly tell the differance from front to back, god knows whos designed them.. enjoyed all your videos btw.
what a nice chap.....nice bus...
Lovely bus, thanks for the video. I will always remember the clattering of those AEC engines from my childhood. I remember taking the 36 from New Cross where I lived in those days. I'll never own or drive one of these things (sadly I passed my driving test well after the date when I would have had grandfather rights to drive anything this big!) but at least videos like this exist. Thanks :D
Thanks for your comments, Rowan
great video alan, i love watching these old vehicles working they ware made to last not like todays they last ten years then you scrap them, i'am more into vintage tractors and love going to the vintage rallies don't know when the next one will be?.
Your bus is looking good. A few tips about driving it from an ex LT driver, to preserve the drive train. Unless your gearbox system has been modified, your are unnecessarily stressing the drive train Firstly, they were designed to be drive in automatic mode ie where the 4th gear slot is. Set like that it pulls away in 2nd gear as it is designed to do and as you accelerate it changes up. Like most older diesel trucks, 1st gear is only needed when starting on a hill. Likewise, manual gear changing was only meant to be used, when heavily loaded and going up hill. Slowing down in 3rd gear is also not a good idea as the system was designed to drop into neutral below a certain speed. Lastly, coasting in neutral is also not a good idea as being in gear helps to slow down and takes pressure off the breaking system. Keep driving it the way it was designed and you will enjoy many years of problem free motoring. I wish I had had the space to keep a Routemaster bus, as I enjoyed driving them so much. Particularly with the higher powered Gardner engine fitted. Carry on enjoying the experience. I'm jealous.
Hello Patrick. Thanks for your info. It's interesting to see how much attention the gear changing has attracted! I have taken on all comments. I wouldn't drive it in auto as it is far too jolty and would put stress on the diff. I suppose the spec has changed over its 53 years and it was probably smoother in its early years. I'll have to remember to start in 2nd.!!
I must disagree with your point of not coasting in neutral, it is a automatic gearbox and therefore there is no engine braking
Great video!Bus seems to run so smoothly and starting first time is a world away from owning most classic cars!
Always amazes me that this 30+ years old engine starts as well as it does!
Great surname, David!
@@doncoleman4938 Thankyou very much, yours is a superb surname aswell! 😉🤣👍So much like mine.😂
You’re content is excellent.
Having driven a dreaded Iveco engined RML and a Scannia I’ve had a little bit - but not as much - experience.
As you probably already know it’s the rule of 2. A 2 second delay between shifts and come off the throttle. Looking at this video I’d say you’ve got this pretty well down. No gear slip, no real judder and slamming of the gears. And most importantly no over revving of the engine. Give these things a 6-speed and you’d probably get 60mph out of it.
Keep up the amazing work.
Thank Nicholas. It's quite difficult to get the gear change just right. To fast and risk of damaging the gearbox, too slow and the engine revs drop too much and you get a clunk on the diff. But we keep trying!!
@@alanandhisbus3416 you’re on the money to my mind. It sounds sweet and unstressed. If it helps - and don’t think I’m telling you what to do by any means - the 2 second method can be recognised by sound as well:
click/clunk. Click as you take it out of gear / breath / clunk in to the next gear.
@@LandAnchor I was going to mention the 2 second delay! Looks like he has nailed it!!
Thanks for another interesting video Alan, great stuff bus starting first time. You change gear in which ever way you feel happy with !!! :) I have one thing though, the indicator knob, could you turn it round so it's pointing up the correct way please !!!! All the best and hope this year is a better one for us all and especially your business.
Yes, the indicator knob was turned the other way during a service/repair (not by me). I was not sure which way it should be, though I've got used to it that way - but I'd prefer it to be the right way up!
Thanks for reply, the correct way is pointing up, but it's your pride and joy, you keep it which ever way your happy with. Look forward to more updates, stay safe 👍
You're saying to Alan he should change gear in which ever way he feels happy with, thankfully he is taking advice on board from experienced Routemaster drivers and fellow owners like myself regarding initiating the appropriate pause between changes as continually pulling the gears straight through causes long term damage to the gear bands.
How long was this Routemaster in service, probably 40 + years? Just think of the history of these buses pounding the roads of London and who they might have carried. Left London a long time ago but you never forget them.
Hello Vulgivagu! Bus was made in 1967 and carried on in service until being withdrawn in 2004 - 37 years!
I drove the Routemaster for London Transport in 1990. Trained on it around South London, slow and steady , quite easy to drive, fond memories. We asked about the skidpan training but unfortunately it had been phased out before our training commenced. Shame, was looking forward to sliding it around some wet tarmac ! Looks very flat around there Alan, the fens ?
Been binge watching today brilliant bus great idea with the fish and chips and a lovely conversion a routemaster earning it's keep beutyfull achievement well done😎.is there any chance of posting the venues you will be attending this year
Thanks for your comments Desmond. We havent got much booked this year as event organisers seem to be nervous about commiting to set dates (and understandably so). I'll post info on my Facebook page regarding events and village runs. #redbusfishandchips
I always wanted to drive one of those things as a kid .. used to often sit in the seat right behind the driver and watch what he was doing.
Yes, me the same. I would never have imagined actually owning one all those years ago!
Good Fun. I own a Vintage Model A Ford, it's enjoyable just to do a short runs and keep it all working.
Just subscribed to your channel love your sense of humour, I drove metro bus out of Chiswick before, also drove for national express but these have character! Never drove one, but I remember the air tank flag and warning light, great character bus greetings from Norwich
Thanks Tim. One of our long journeys was to the Norfolk Motorhome Show at Norfolk Showground from here near Spalding, though didn't do it this year. More to follow!
@@alanandhisbus3416 if you come Norwich please let us know would love to come and look at your bus regards Tim
I'll try and remember - though unlikely in the forseable future. In the past, we have done the Norfolk Motorhome Show and Eastern Counties Vintage Fair, both at the showground.
Nice to see you pausing on gear change now good news for the gearbox.
As a driver of RM /R M L you an start from standstill in 2nd gear first gear is for hill starts only your gear change are spot on hope this helps by the way we used to be able to put them in 4th gear and they would change up automatically if it’s still working on your bus
Hello Guy. Yes, I've been told several times to start in 2nd. Strange how old habits are difficult to break, but I'll try and remember that! The Auto is fitted but I don't use it as it is far too jerky - don't like it, although the bus does change down automatically OK.
@@alanandhisbus3416 we never used it in service as it was awful much better manual the other thing they told us was never idle in gear for any time your fly wheel over heat dumping transmission oil over the road and you will a tow job on your hand and one big mess to clean up if I can help you with everything else let me know
Awesome, made my day this little short video
Lovely stuff! I passed my PSV on a Guy Arab with a crash box then went on to work on AEC DDs with East Kent. All manual boxes and a conductor on the back to deal with the public! I guess that you don't need a PSV for fish and chips but maybe an HGV? Glad I've found your channel.
Hello Tony. I've had no experience with crash boxes - sounds a nightmare!! No PSV needed as not carrying paying passengers. Bus is 7.5ton so not HGV.
WOW, that was fun ! Just happened to see your channel in my 'recommended list ' GLAD I DID :-)
Thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed it!
how u changed from 1st to 2nd going across that x roads was how i did it, makes it slightly smoother. well done
Great video, garage looked like Brands in Whaplode Drove? Haven't seen an RML in those parts when I've been there! 😊
Yes, you're correct - it is Brands (best fuel prices around here), just a few hundred metres from where I live.
I love buses best is Leyland atlantean double decker bus Plymouth City bus
What a beautiful machine and a very good video too!
Thanks Video47!!
I don't know what I'd do with it but I'd love a Routemaster or even an Atlantean!
Yes I love these videos too although we did not have the luxury of semi auto buses at Southend Corporation Transport :)
Alan …… does your bus still have it’s original AEC engine?
No, David. It was upgraded in the 1990's refurb program to a Cummins 6C. I am very pleased with the engine.
The only reason I ask, is that I worked at Windmill Lane serving an apprenticeship there, and just wonder why everyone refurbishing an RM doesn’t have the AV590 engine overhauled, considering the pioneering work that AEC did with Harry Ricardo decades ago to tune their combustion chambers. An AEC diesel was always a Good starter in all temperatures without heater plugs to assist.😇
Great bit of driving!!!
Thanks, the bus makes it easy ;-)
Lovely iconic bus do you store it overnight? Just wondering been exposed to the elements very interesting content.
It stays outside all the time. I had it resprayed a number of years ago, shortly after buying it in 2013. The modern 2 pack paint is far better than the old oil paints that faded badly. Even though Red is one of the worst colours for fading, the new paints don’t fade and they are hard wearing.
Great video 😊
Nice video and the chat you are saying as you're driving explaining what's happened about fuel and short drive way
Thanks Julie, much appreciated!
This is unique sound of Leyland engine.
my whole childhood city travel was with Leyland buses in Pune, India. After lot of years I hear this unique engine sound again.
Thanks for your comment Pranjal. You'll be surprised to learn that the engine is actually a Cummins! Sounds similar, possibly.
@@alanandhisbus3416 ohhh ok. But sound is similar
That was great. Would love to have a drive in that bus
Thanks Carrick!
A nice relaxing drive in a beautiful old bus!
For reference, £100 is roughly $200 Australian.. it would buy between 130 and 160 or so litres of diesel, depending on location.
Our fuel prices have shot up over the last month or two. Currently £1.49 per litre.
£100 a fill isn't to bad, my Dacia cost me £50 twice a week before the pandemic. I now have an electric MG like at your local.
I drove an RV in America a few years ago. That was $300 to fill up.
Hello Alan I've been checking out the bus and what a great idea running fish and chips, when are gonna load up a new video 👍
You only live once. Why not have an RML to play with. I have Dinky, Matchbox and a Sunstar one. Love the throaty roar of the Leylands, a part of the London scene, not forgetting Northern General too who had 50 of their own. Loved the ride. You sure handle well. I used to attend a preservation group who had an RM, RT's and RFs, drove a few, not far, good fun.
Thanks for your comments, Rockingman! RM's sure are nice to drive
Lovely little video ! Is that a reversing camera screen at the bottom of the windscreen ?
Yes Brammyd1. I fitted it mainly for reversing the bus up to my trailer. The camera has 2 views - one showing traffic behind but the most useful is the one facing downwards to allow pinpoint accuracy when backing up to my trailer towing hitch!
Very interesting, thank you for sharing, have only driven one at Chiswick and Acton Works Open Day 2nd July 1983 RMC 1481, would love to have another go. Thanks again. DR - York and have subcribed.
Thanks David. Yes, they're great to drive!
Watched 2 of your videos as of now. I was wondering if you could let me know what it cost to buy, how much to insure, can you drive it on an ordinary license if not carrying passengers, cost to maintain, tax and insure.....loved you're video's hope to see more. Don.
£21K in 2011 when I bought it but prices are quite a bit higher now. The insurance including public liability is around 4K. You need a 7.5 ton licence (C1) which is same as a 'grandad's licence' (which is mine and enables up to 8 passengers - I passed my test in the 60's and they issued 7.5t licence as standard then). Road Tax exempt (vintage vehicle). Maintainance varies from year to year - allow £1K, though in 2020 I paid £4K!!
That was awesome love it
Leyland atlantean double decker buses are the best Plymouth City bus colours .Red, white bit of grey couler at bottom of the decker bus
Did I see this outside Boots/Matlock, coupla years back ?
Fleet no rings a bell.
Hi Suzy. No, wasn't us!
Hi Alan is there any chance you could Show us how easy it is to Start these buses as opposed to the other ones with the old style Starter kit.
Yes, David. I'll show starting my bus and combine that with my new gear changing technique after I got a few comments about pausing longer between gear changes.
@@alanandhisbus3416 that is grand mate are you still getting to use the Bus or is it parked up a lot ?
@@davidwebster537 I get to use it at least a couple of times a week - the worse thing is to leave a bus stood idle!
@@alanandhisbus3416 that is good mate look forward to seeing the video all the best with the Bus and please keep working on your Gear changes as I reckon you are okay but you know what other people can be like lol.
Thank you for another video Alan it was very enjoyable as always. Keep the videos coming hopefully shouldn’t be too long before you can get back out on the road selling your fish and chips. The guy who you brought the bus from did he show you how to drive it or did you have some knowledge before you got the bus?
I had no experience of driving a vehicle of this size when I bought it. I was just taken for a short drive and then handed the keys!!
@@alanandhisbus3416 thank you Alan I look forward to your next video.
Hi Alan that was a Brilliant video but your gear changes sometimes where a wee bit suspect but on the other hand it is your Bus and you drive it how you feel most comfortable with.
Hi David. I remember when I first got the bus and used the fully auto mode, it was terrible, gearbox jolting and jerking about but after realising that semi-auto was much smoother I have been driving it that way since.
@@alanandhisbus3416 well I am hoping to become an owner of a Routemaster bus myself are you doing anymore videos of yourself driving it ?.
@@davidwebster537 Yes, hope to do some more over the next few weeks - then we might be up and running with the Fish & Chips 😋
@@alanandhisbus3416 that is grand wish you all the best and keep in touch.
leave it as is nice
That stop flag for the air pressure looks a good thing it means you have to wait a bit and it lets the engine warm up a bit
Yes, though its main purpose is to warn driver if the brake pressure drops too much.
What a good old girl this bus is great in looks you can't beat a this old girl she's the best
How much does it cost for the upkeep for one of these?! I’d love one but it wouldn’t last parked on a residential road in London lol
In our case for catering, fairly costly as the insurance is high. The yearly service is quite costly also.
I really enjoyed watching this. Does this bus have fully automatic gear shift as well or is it semi-auto only. Sorry to all you experts out there but I am a complete ignoramus in these matters! But thanks for an enjoyable video.
I see this question was answered in an earlier video, sorry and thanks.
Hi David, Yes, its possible to use fully automatic mode but the ride jolts and jerks about - not nice. So I always use it in semi-auto mode.
@@alanandhisbus3416 Thank you.
Excellent video Alan , I really enjoyed the ride . I will send you the 4 pence for the ticket in the post 👍
Okey Dokey. Thanks for your custom :-)
Why are so many people telling this guy what to do... It's he's bus let him drive it however he feels most comfortable!
Is there a particular reason you start off in first gear? Most drivers only use first gear for going up hills, start in second on the flat, and the automatic defaults to second gear as well.
I don't know if there is an advantage, though I'm always thinking of minimizing strain on gearbox or diff - but perhaps starting in second would be the least strain.
I don't wish for this to appear 'sad', but I used to travel from school in that specific bus, when it was a 243 in Wood Green.
My brother though is was hopeless in knowing that the three digits in the number plate were used by London Transport, to apply to the numbers after RML 2... and the fact that I knew the differences between the RM's and the RML's, by looking at the side of the saloon to see the smaller square window.
The sound of that Cummins 8.2 is different to its former engine that I used to hear, from sitting right behind the engine bay, in the front left hand seat/bench area, from 1972.
That's interesting Barry. The bus lost its garage plate before I bought it. The Reg number is SMK 672, and like you say the bus number is RML2672
Lovely, what is the screen in front of the steering wheel?
I fitted a reversing mirror. I only use it for reversing up to my trailer. No hastle - pin point accuracy!!
@@alanandhisbus3416 I assume you meant camera, I always fit one to my Motorhome when I get a new one, best driver aid since lights and brakes
@@H4rleyBoy Yes, sorry about that - reversing camera!! There are 2 views but I only use the downward facing view onto the towing hitch.
@@alanandhisbus3416 OOOh Tres posh.😁😁😁
Great video. Wonderful sounding engine. What is the difference between a pre- selector and a semi automatic gearbox ?
On a pre selector you select the next gear then drop the clutch and then it changes gear. On semi auto's it changes gear when you move the gear lever.
Nice video Alan, have you tried putting the bus straight into 4th gear I found that this works fine just like driving a full automatic Bus.🇬🇧
Thanks Daz. I wouldnt like to put any of the transmission under unecessary strain. Several have told me to pull off in 2nd - which I'm doing most of the time (unless I need to pull off slowly).
Great british bus there Alan, sounds just like they were in service. Had loads at putney garage on route 14 and 22.
Could these cummins engines run on biodiesel/wvo by any chance?? It would lower the fuel cost but would prob mean more filter changes. I currently run a 1995 diesel corsa with a blend of wvo,derv and so far so good just xtra filter change interval.
Oh, and your gearchanges are just fine--glad you use 1st to pull away, great stuff!! :)
Thanks Geoff. The Cummins would probably be OK on biodiesel though I think I'll keep with the regular diesel as I don't want to risk anything, especially as more frequent filter changes required!
Hi, First time saw your video. Loving it. In my humble opinion, I like my father's Guy Arab double decker, it has a semi-auto gear box. It was a 1970's ? in Hong Kong. Well, that's just my opinion.
Hello Wai. Interesting to read of the Guy Arab buses (I didn't know much about them so Googled it)! Yes, very nice looking buses.
@@alanandhisbus3416 Its from UK as well. I always thought, why private cars / trucks couldn't have such a wonderful semi automatic gear box?
Part of my bucket list is to go to London (UK) to visit a bus museum. We have a couple of Route Masters in our bus museum at Sydney Australia as well . But you know, it might not be as good as yours
@@waichow3658 We have the Transport Museum in London and Brooklands Bus museum - both of which I have never visited, unfortunately!
How much fuel would that drive have used, roughly speaking?
That little drive was only 1.5 miles, so would have used about 1/8th gallon/3.6 litres (assuming the bus does 12 miles to the gallon)