Carshalton 2007

Notes on the buses operated - part 2

 

Eight Routemasters were in service at Carshalton::

 

RML3 was the third of four prototype Routemasters, built to standard length but with a Leyland engine - hence its original designation RML.  It is unique in being the only Routemaster bodied by Weymann, who had provided so many earlier London buses, and represented an intermediate stage between the first two prototypes and the production model.  Delivered in 1957, it saw only 18 months' service (at Willesden) before becoming a trainer.  Renumbered as RM3 in 1961, it's experimental front end was standardised on overhaul in 1965 (but rebuilt at Cobham in 2004).

 

RML3 lays over on its 77 duty replacing RTL139.  RT624 on the 154 is behind.

Photo © Peter Larkham

 

The road to Sutton Garage

 

 

RM938 was new in service in 1961, first operating from New Cross on route 141.  After 'only' 26 years in London service, the bus was sold for further operation with Magic Bus, Glasgow, then after a period in preservation by Reading Mainline.  Restored to London livery, the bus has returned to south London.

 

Running the "trolleybus replacement service" 654, RM938 picks up outside Carshalton Depot on a journey over the original tram route to Croydon.

Photo © John Gibson

 

 

No longer a hospital, of course

 

 

RM1033 is a standard Routemaster with a very long service history in London.  Delivered new to Middle Row in January 1962, it remained in London service for 43 years until withdrawal after the last day of the 36s out of New Cross in January 2005.

 

RM1033 running a 115A mounts the bridge over Carshalton Ponds.

Photo © Roger Ford

 

Spring sunshine

 

RML2394 entered service from West Ham in 1966, when trolleybus replacement route 5 was upgraded from RMs to RMLs.  Its long life in London was extended by the fitting of a Cummins engine in 1990 and the bus worked the 73 from Tottenham for its last 10 service years until the route as lost in September 2004.

 

Signs of the times accompany RML2394 as it returns to service after a break at Sutton Garage.

Photo © Martin Wills

 

 

Contrasting styles of filling station