David Element's Bus Web Page 3...

                                              PRESERVED BUSES 1

                                                                                STL2377

                                                                                  RTL139

                                                                                     RTW29

                                                                                  RM1037 

                                                                                  RML2760

• Merely a small sample of the splendid array of almost 100 vintage buses which were seen on display during the RM50 celebration at Finsbury Park on 24th - 25th July 2004, an event at which nine out of the first ten Routemasters were present. The long Routemaster RML2760 was technically still in service as a Stagecoach London 'showbus', and it is unthinkable that this vehicle will escape preservation as the final member of the class and one in substantially original condition at that. At a mere 37 years of age this was a relative youngster when compared with the pre-Second World War STL. The RTL and eight foot wide RTW buses were built by Leyland rather than AEC in 1949-50 and as non-standard members of the RT family they were relatively early withdrawals. RM2037 is a standard production Routemaster dating from 1964. With the exception of two shortened 'Heritage' versions of routes 9 and 15 which have been introduced recently to keep at least a token number (10) of reconditioned Routemasters in service, these iconic buses will have disappeared from London's streets by the 9th of December 2005, the date when route 159 is converted to one man operation. This is despite a strong groundswell of protest from the many London citizens who realize their value as an efficient mode of transport and also recognise their appeal to tourists. It is impossible to believe that any modern design will ever be able to match the wonderful track record of the RT and RM buses and their crews.

The proud owners of these vehicles are as follows:

• STL2377, RTL139 - London Bus Preservation Trust
• RTW29 - Ray Adams
• RM2037 - Keith Rose
• RML2760 - Stagecoach London

The marvellous condition of these buses (and also the numerous other examples which have been omitted due to lack of available space) is a fine testimonial to the loving care and attention of their respective owners. It is believed that shares in a particular shade of red paint rose in value shortly before this event. Some of the buses were probably still a bit sticky to the touch!

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