Route 234A RF anniversary

17 March 2013

Photo gallery part 1

Page last updated 23 March 2013
 
 

Passenger enquiry.  In a downpour.

Photo © Chris Cook

 

 

This was an RF running day, so here's an RT.  In a downpour.
Photo © Martin Wills

To mark the 60th anniversary of the arrival of new RFs on the 234A in early 1953, a free service was operated on the 234A (Hackbridge and Purley Old Lodge Lane) on 17 March 2013, using four RFs, together with three journeys on the 234B (South Croydon Garage and Selsdon).  An RT and RM service operated on the 234 (Wallington and Selsdon), marking the types used on the route between 1950 and 1970.  Thanks to all the photographers who provided pictures - and if the photographer who photographed RF486 following RT3251 up Rectory Park in Sanderstead is listening - can I have a copy please!

 

Buses taking part

 

RF368 found some rare sunshine on the stand at Wallington.

Photo © Andrew Gray

 

RF395 at The Red Deer sets out from the garage on either the 234A or the 234B - presumably.

Photo © Ian Smith

 

RF429, a long-time Croydon resident which will have been very familiar with the northern terminus at Hackbridge Elm Road.

Photo © John Parkin

 

RF486 pulling away from the Woodcote Green stop.  The early horse bus service from here to Purley was supported financially by the developer of the area.

Photo © Ian Smith

 

Conductor Bicknell firmly in charge of his 234 working with RT3251 on departure from Purley.

Photo © John Parkin

 

RM1397 is also anonymous from behind, but we know it is departing Wallington for Selsdon, whilst short-working RF368 approaches its terminus on the 234A.

Photo © Martin Wills

 

For Part 2, see next page

Scenes

 

During a brief respite from the rain, RM1397's wiper gets some attention.

Photo © Chris Cook

 

RT3251 arrives for service at Croydon Garage (TC).

Photo © Nigel Henty

 

A garage working on the 234A passes through Woodcote.

Photo © John Parkin

 

View from doorless RF368 as two 234As pass at Woodcote Green.

Photo © Chris Cook

 

RF395 on the stand in Elm Road, Hackbridge.

Photo © Martyn Littell

 

 

 

Wallington

 
RF429 heads past Wallington Corner on a short working.
Photo © Nigel Henty

 

John Huxford takes the Leyland round the corner at Wallington.

Photo © Martin Wills

Croydon

 

Croydon Garage, and RFs 368, 429 and 486 ready for the run-out.

Photo © Peter Osborn

 

Unfortunately, elderly DLA256 chose this day to disgrace itself.  Elderly, in modern terms, meaning 12 or 13 years.  The RFs are only 60, but all performed faultlessly on every anniversary running day.

Photo © John Parkin

 

RF429 departs the garage for its first pick-up on the 234B at South Croydon Red Deer.

Photo © Daniel Sullivan

Selsdon

 

RF486 pulls away from the Selsdon stand as a 412 (today's replacement over the Selsdon to purley section for the 234 and 234B) comes in behind RT3251 on the 234.

Photo © John Parkin