London visit in 2005
31st October 2005

56 photos.

18 years had elapsed since my last visits to London, in 1986 and 1987, and as might be expected the transport scene had changed totally in that time. New operators, new low floor buses, changed routes – yet the Routemasters were still there, albeit in their final months of service, and in far fewer numbers than they had been in the 1980s. So while my visits this time round were mainly to travel on RMs on their final day on routes 14 and 22 (July 22nd), and route 38 (October 28th), I also took the chance to photograph other vehicle types as well.

Apart from the RMs and newer buses, several classic London buses also took part in each of the last day events. While the RT family was well represented, examples of the RF, RLH, a lowbridge Bristol new to Hants and Dorset, and some preserved Routemasters were also turned out, including the rare RMF1254. Cobham Bus Museum provided an STL class bus in July, and an even older ST in October.

On the sightseeing circuit, the Big Bus Company vehicles were much in evidence. Very surprisingly I discovered they were running ex LT Fleetline DMS2390, which was almost the standard red bus type in South London during the mid 1980s. Indeed I had travelled on them several times on route 156, maybe even on this bus as well. The company also has some of the Leyland Titan T class buses, and even more impressive were larger buses living up to the company’s name. At first glance they looked like Northern Counties bodies, particularly on the upper deck front, but closer inspection revealed Duple-Metsec and Dennis badges on the front panels. The G9xx FVX registration (also used on ex Dublin Bus Olympians imported to the UK), narrow doorway, and three axles signified these vehicles as being of Far East origin.

In 1986 RM5, 6, and 9 were all still in service, and amazingly all three were still running in 2005, RM9 being observed on route 14 and the other two appearing on the 38. These buses had thus seen almost 47 years of service in London, which is remarkable by any standards. Alongside these veterans were seen Volvo double deckers with Wrights, East Lancs, Alexander and Plaxton bodies, and artics or bendi-buses in the form of Mercedes Citaros. A few single deckers were noted on outer suburban routes around Putney, such as the 39 and 493, and a good mix of vehicle types was also seen while covering the last RMs on the route to Clapton.

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One of the operators serving Putney is Arriva, with this Transbus bodied Volvo being noted on route 337.
One of the operators serving Putney is Arriva, with this Transbus bodied Volvo being noted on route 337.
 Arriva’s London Sightseeing Tour uses a mix of two-axle and three-axle MCW Metrobuses and ex London Buses Alexander bodied Olympians. J325 BSH is an example of the latter, seen at Grosvenor Gardens in Victoria on October 28th 2005.
Arriva’s London Sightseeing Tour uses a mix of two-axle and three-axle MCW Metrobuses and ex London Buses Alexander bodied Olympians. J325 BSH is an example of the latter, seen at Grosvenor Gardens in Victoria on October 28th 2005.
 The new order for route 38 from Saturday October 29th 2005 would be Mercedes Citaro bendy buses, such as MA111 seen here proceeding down Mare Street, Hackney on a test run on the previous day.
The new order for route 38 from Saturday October 29th 2005 would be Mercedes Citaro bendy buses, such as MA111 seen here proceeding down Mare Street, Hackney on a test run on the previous day.
 The new order for route 38 from Saturday October 29th 2005 would be Mercedes Citaro bendy buses, such as MA111 seen here negotiating a junction near Clapton bus garage on a test run on the previous day.
The new order for route 38 from Saturday October 29th 2005 would be Mercedes Citaro bendy buses, such as MA111 seen here negotiating a junction near Clapton bus garage on a test run on the previous day.
On my first trip to London I photographed RM11 on route 38 at Victoria, so it seemed appropriate to repeat that in 2005. RM1185 takes the honours in this version of the earlier shot.
On my first trip to London I photographed RM11 on route 38 at Victoria, so it seemed appropriate to repeat that in 2005. RM1185 takes the honours in this version of the earlier shot.
 Ex London Transport Leyland Titan T1024, owned by Big Bus in 2005, is seen in the company of Fleetline DMS2390 (just visible in front of it), and preserved RTW75 in the background.
Ex London Transport Leyland Titan T1024, owned by Big Bus in 2005, is seen in the company of Fleetline DMS2390 (just visible in front of it), and preserved RTW75 in the background.
 An even bigger Big Bus is this imported ex Far East Dennis Condor or Dragon with Duple Metsec bodywork. Not entirely visible in this view is the fact that it has two rear axles.
An even bigger Big Bus is this imported ex Far East Dennis Condor or Dragon with Duple Metsec bodywork. Not entirely visible in this view is the fact that it has two rear axles.
 OJD 390R is one of the former London Transport DMS class Daimler Fleetlines, the first of which entered service back in 1970, and were supposed to oust the Routemasters by 1978, this being the only DMS seen on the day.
OJD 390R is one of the former London Transport DMS class Daimler Fleetlines, the first of which entered service back in 1970, and were supposed to oust the Routemasters by 1978, this being the only DMS seen on the day.
Blue Triangle supplied RT3062 on the last day of Routemaster operation to Clapton. The Saunders bodied bus is seen on arrival at Clapton Pond on October 28th.
Blue Triangle supplied RT3062 on the last day of Routemaster operation to Clapton. The Saunders bodied bus is seen on arrival at Clapton Pond on October 28th.
 Seen near Hyde Park Corner during the evening of July 22nd was this Bus Eireann Sunsundegui bodied Volvo B12B (number VG6) on Eurolines work. Bus Eireann may well be the only operator to have this type of coach with a destination box.
Seen near Hyde Park Corner during the evening of July 22nd was this Bus Eireann Sunsundegui bodied Volvo B12B (number VG6) on Eurolines work. Bus Eireann may well be the only operator to have this type of coach with a destination box.
 Seen at the 14 terminus at Putney Green Man was this Caetano bodied Dennis Dart of Centra, working on route 493 to Richmond. The Wrights deckers would fully oust Routemasters from the 14 from the following day, July 23rd 2005.
Seen at the 14 terminus at Putney Green Man was this Caetano bodied Dennis Dart of Centra, working on route 493 to Richmond. The Wrights deckers would fully oust Routemasters from the 14 from the following day, July 23rd 2005.
Brought up from Cobham museum for the day was ST922, which predates the formation of London Transport by three years. The petrol engined 52 seater bus was scheduled to do four round trips on part of route 38.
Brought up from Cobham museum for the day was ST922, which predates the formation of London Transport by three years. The petrol engined 52 seater bus was scheduled to do four round trips on part of route 38.
The autumn sun shines through the trees at Green Park onto a 1930s London bus. Petrol engined AEC Regent ST922 shows off its open rear staircase configuration to good effect at the tender age of 75 years.
The autumn sun shines through the trees at Green Park onto a 1930s London bus. Petrol engined AEC Regent ST922 shows off its open rear staircase configuration to good effect at the tender age of 75 years.
 Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
 Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
 Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
Cobham museum provided STL2377 for the last day of Routemasters on route 14. The Regent was on display at Green Park for an hour during the afternoon of July 22nd.
 CT Plus operate route 394 with these Caetano bodied Dennis Darts, seen in Mare Street, Hackney on October 28th 2005.
CT Plus operate route 394 with these Caetano bodied Dennis Darts, seen in Mare Street, Hackney on October 28th 2005.
 Okay, this vehicle has seats, so technically it could be called a bus. It also has a rear entrance (of sorts), but any other similarity with a certain red double decker type who’s model name starts with “R” is purely co-incidental!!!
Okay, this vehicle has seats, so technically it could be called a bus. It also has a rear entrance (of sorts), but any other similarity with a certain red double decker type who’s model name starts with “R” is purely co-incidental!!!
 Making an almost unexpected appearance was the freshly restored RLH61, having spent the previous 34 years in Canada. On July 22nd it appeared in the late evening on a route 22 working.
Making an almost unexpected appearance was the freshly restored RLH61, having spent the previous 34 years in Canada. On July 22nd it appeared in the late evening on a route 22 working.
Ensign's RTW75 seen arriving at Putney Green Man on July 22nd. The RTW class were the first 8 foot wide buses to enter London Transport service, in 1949.
Ensign's RTW75 seen arriving at Putney Green Man on July 22nd. The RTW class were the first 8 foot wide buses to enter London Transport service, in 1949.
 And a rear view of RTW75 at Green Park on July 22nd 2005, clearly showing the extra width as compared to the narrower RT type bus.
And a rear view of RTW75 at Green Park on July 22nd 2005, clearly showing the extra width as compared to the narrower RT type bus.
 RTW75 seen at Hyde Park Corner around teatime on July 22nd, heading towards Tottenham Court Road.
RTW75 seen at Hyde Park Corner around teatime on July 22nd, heading towards Tottenham Court Road.
 RTW75 also took part in the last 38 running day, seen here near Clapton garage with a Routemaster and more modern stuff.
RTW75 also took part in the last 38 running day, seen here near Clapton garage with a Routemaster and more modern stuff.
One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses.
One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses.
 One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses. Note the L.T. sign on the radiator.
One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses. Note the L.T. sign on the radiator.
 One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses.
One of the guest vehicles on route 38 was this Bristol double decker with Eastern Coachworks lowbridge body, seen here at Clapton Pond. It was new to Hants and Dorset in February 1949, and was one of a number of similar vehicles hired in by London Transport in 1949 and 1950 when they were short of buses.
 One of the earlier Wrights double deckers of Go-Ahead London is WVL27, seen pulling away from the Green Man turning area on July 22nd 2005.
One of the earlier Wrights double deckers of Go-Ahead London is WVL27, seen pulling away from the Green Man turning area on July 22nd 2005.
Even prior to July 22nd, newer buses had begun replacing Routemasters on the Putney services. Making the point is Go-Ahead London's WVL59, seen passing STL2377 on July 22nd.
Even prior to July 22nd, newer buses had begun replacing Routemasters on the Putney services. Making the point is Go-Ahead London's WVL59, seen passing STL2377 on July 22nd.
 LF52 ZTW is Go-Ahead London’s WVL62 and was seen in Putney High Street on the 430 to West Brompton. The Wrights bodied bus is being overtaken by a London General East Lancs bodied Volvo B7TL.
LF52 ZTW is Go-Ahead London’s WVL62 and was seen in Putney High Street on the 430 to West Brompton. The Wrights bodied bus is being overtaken by a London General East Lancs bodied Volvo B7TL.
 RT191 of 1947 being passed by a 2002 example of a Go-Ahead London Wrights Gemini bodied Volvo.
RT191 of 1947 being passed by a 2002 example of a Go-Ahead London Wrights Gemini bodied Volvo.
 Photographed near Hyde Park Corner on July 22nd 2005 was this opentop Northern Counties bodied Volvo, with a complete sister vehicle behind it.
Photographed near Hyde Park Corner on July 22nd 2005 was this opentop Northern Counties bodied Volvo, with a complete sister vehicle behind it.
Seen in Putney was a route 39 Dennis Dart – Plaxton, with the rear of a sister vehicle can be seen going in the opposite direction.
Seen in Putney was a route 39 Dennis Dart – Plaxton, with the rear of a sister vehicle can be seen going in the opposite direction.
 Route 88 is home to London United's East Lancs deckers, as seen here at Piccadilly Circus on July 22nd 2005.
Route 88 is home to London United's East Lancs deckers, as seen here at Piccadilly Circus on July 22nd 2005.
 Metroline operate the 134 with these Plaxton President bodied Volvos, as seen at Tottenham Court Road.
Metroline operate the 134 with these Plaxton President bodied Volvos, as seen at Tottenham Court Road.
 Metroline operate route 24 to Pimlico, as seen in this view turning from Belgrave Road.
Metroline operate route 24 to Pimlico, as seen in this view turning from Belgrave Road.
KSU 456 is a Plaxton bodied Volvo coach of National Holidays, seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
KSU 456 is a Plaxton bodied Volvo coach of National Holidays, seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
 One of the few RM guest buses which was neither double decked or front engined was AEC Regal RF48 new in 1951, seen in Tottenham Court Road on July 22nd 2005.
One of the few RM guest buses which was neither double decked or front engined was AEC Regal RF48 new in 1951, seen in Tottenham Court Road on July 22nd 2005.
 RF48 again, having discharged its load of enthusiast passengers on Putney Bridge.
RF48 again, having discharged its load of enthusiast passengers on Putney Bridge.
 RT190 was also new to route 38, and is preserved with the reduced blind display shown here.
RT190 was also new to route 38, and is preserved with the reduced blind display shown here.
Offside view of RT190, showing a topical wartime/late 1940s advert.
Offside view of RT190, showing a topical wartime/late 1940s advert.
 Three years seperate these two RTs, 191 being new in 1947 and 1702 dating from 1950.
Three years seperate these two RTs, 191 being new in 1947 and 1702 dating from 1950.
 RT191, new in 1947, spent its earlier years on route 38, and it returned for the final day of Routemasters on the service. Seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
RT191, new in 1947, spent its earlier years on route 38, and it returned for the final day of Routemasters on the service. Seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
 RT191, seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005, was photographed from the rear of the upper deck of ST922.
RT191, seen at Green Park on October 28th 2005, was photographed from the rear of the upper deck of ST922.
Three years seperate these two RTs, 191 (new 1947) being overtaken by 1950 bus RT1702 at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
Three years seperate these two RTs, 191 (new 1947) being overtaken by 1950 bus RT1702 at Green Park on October 28th 2005.
 Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
 Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
 Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
Preserved RT1702 put in an appearance at Putney Green Man on the last day of Routemasters on routes 14 and 22.
 RT1702 also did a short trip around the streets of Putney, which was my first time to ever travel on an RT.
RT1702 also did a short trip around the streets of Putney, which was my first time to ever travel on an RT.
 Old and new; the RT is pursued by a new Wrights bodied Volvo B7TL.
Old and new; the RT is pursued by a new Wrights bodied Volvo B7TL.
 In 2005 Stagecoach were operating route 8 with Alexander ALX bodied Volvos, one of which is seen on Tottenham Court Road near the route 14 terminus.
In 2005 Stagecoach were operating route 8 with Alexander ALX bodied Volvos, one of which is seen on Tottenham Court Road near the route 14 terminus.
Stagecoach 18221 seen at the route 8 terminus in central London on October 28th 2005.
Stagecoach 18221 seen at the route 8 terminus in central London on October 28th 2005.
 A single deck Alexander ALX of Stagecoach, proceeding along Mare Street, Hackney on October 28th 2005.
A single deck Alexander ALX of Stagecoach, proceeding along Mare Street, Hackney on October 28th 2005.
 Also seen in Tottenham Court Road is one of the Stagecoach Mercedes Citaro artic buses on route 25, being followed by a Routemaster.
Also seen in Tottenham Court Road is one of the Stagecoach Mercedes Citaro artic buses on route 25, being followed by a Routemaster.
 Old and new: A Tellings Golden Miller Setra coach overtakes the 68 year old AEC Regent (STL2377) which took part in the last RM day on route 14. The photo was taken at Green Park.
Old and new: A Tellings Golden Miller Setra coach overtakes the 68 year old AEC Regent (STL2377) which took part in the last RM day on route 14. The photo was taken at Green Park.
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