'Been following the fortunes of RT8 since it was first moved onto a low loader after 35+ years storage in Arizona. Wonderful to experience the ride through London. I never managed it myself on a pre-war RT. It gives you quite a start though when you see her reflection on the Enviro !!! Amazing. Thanks for posting John.
As a child in England, I lived in Leatherhead, Surrey and we were far enough from London to have mostly green buses with the occasional red bus like the 65 which went to Chessington Zoo. I used to sit in the front downstairs with my brother and watch the driver changing gear and hear the rumble of the low-revving engine. I prefer heavy vehicles to fast cars any day. More torque, less power I say!
My dad drove these in London throughout most of the fifties until we emigrated to New Zealand in 1958. I have the Sun Star model of ( RT10 -FXT 185) My dad (Charlie Thackeray) was based at Merton Garage and regularly drove the Shepherd Bush to Crystal Palace route. We left the UK in 1958 when I was only ten.
The RT Engine sound always reminds me of my early childhood. In North London back in the mid 60s one saw mostly RTs with a occasional Routemaster. My Mum use to call the Routemasters new which I suppose they were then.
Yes they did, only a few were built before WW2 so most of the buses in London were STL's at the time. Funnily on a episode of Foyles War, (Great series), they showed a Routemaster bus in central London in around 1945. ? ?
Wonderful!! I have watched this video several times. So, this is the music made by a "pre-war" RT! I have never traveled upon one of these but, recalling my (distant) youth, it appears to make the same sounds as post-war examples with which I am very familiar. Does it smell the same? There is no mistaking the smell of an RT!
What happens when the ULEZ starts, will this be the end of all but the newest vehicles in central London? Can't believe that this bus is now EIGHTY years old!
The best British bus ever to be built loved them classic London buses and the clippie let u know we're u were
I can remember riding on these buses when I was a boy. Sitting in the front seat watching the bus driver.
'Been following the fortunes of RT8 since it was first moved onto a low loader after 35+ years storage in Arizona. Wonderful to experience the ride through London. I never managed it myself on a pre-war RT. It gives you quite a start though when you see her reflection on the Enviro !!! Amazing. Thanks for posting John.
As a child in England, I lived in Leatherhead, Surrey and we were far enough from London to have mostly green buses with the occasional red bus like the 65 which went to Chessington Zoo. I used to sit in the front downstairs with my brother and watch the driver changing gear and hear the rumble of the low-revving engine. I prefer heavy vehicles to fast cars any day. More torque, less power I say!
My dad drove these in London throughout most of the fifties until we emigrated to New Zealand in 1958. I have the Sun Star model of ( RT10 -FXT 185) My dad (Charlie Thackeray) was based at Merton Garage and regularly drove the Shepherd Bush to Crystal Palace route. We left the UK in 1958 when I was only ten.
The RT Engine sound always reminds me of my early childhood. In North London back in the mid 60s one saw mostly RTs with a occasional Routemaster. My Mum use to call the Routemasters new which I suppose they were then.
This sounds a beauty.
Beautiful super low idle -an AEC hallmark.
Remember this view from the old 109 bus route going to school in Blackfiars
4:20 Straight through a red light!
I presume these ran alongside the STL's during the 1940's?
Yes they did, only a few were built before WW2 so most of the buses in London were STL's at the time. Funnily on a episode of Foyles War, (Great series), they showed a Routemaster bus in central London in around 1945. ? ?
Wonderful!! I have watched this video several times. So, this is the music made by a "pre-war" RT! I have never traveled upon one of these but, recalling my (distant) youth, it appears to make the same sounds as post-war examples with which I am very familiar. Does it smell the same? There is no mistaking the smell of an RT!
What happens when the ULEZ starts, will this be the end of all but the newest vehicles in central London? Can't believe that this bus is now EIGHTY years old!
L Fewell vintage vehicles like this apply for exemption from TfL.
Lovely jubbly.
4:15 - Red light..
Red light