Celebrating the 178

Just for a day, Clapton Pond relived the sights and sounds of the 178.

And they loved it.

Photo © John Lidstone

The Clapton Pond stand was not available for lay-over, due to its

continuing use for the 38, but the Timebus RLH was able to pause

in the classic position before setting off for Dalston Garage.

Compare with Cliff Essex's 1970 shot of RLH66 at the same spot.

Photo © Martin Ruthe

The duistinctive back-end of an RLH once again graces Lower

Clapton Road. RLH48 ran in service on the 178 in 1959 and 1960.

Photo © Steve Whitelegg

Carpenters Road has hardly changed in 35 years (you just wait...)

Photo © Steve Guess

RLH61 crosses the Lea Navigation amid more classic

Hackney Marshes architecture

Photo © John Lidstone

Alan Wallwork's picture of RLH48 in the less traditional

surroundings of Stratford

Photo © Alan Wallwork

Also at the Lea Tavern, RLH61 heads off towards Maryland Station.

Photo © John King

We were delighted to be able to operate three RLHs on the 178.

Photo © Russell Baldock

Crossing the Lea Navigation, entering territory to be flattened over the

next few years. RLH23 heads for Maryland along Carpenters Road.

Photo © John King

Here, 61 and 48 pass at the famous Carpenters Road bridge.

You can see why there was a 5mph speed restriction.

Photo © Leon Daniels

... and 23 is seen bustling round to the terminus at Maryland.

Buses used to turn left here to terminate, but the road is now

'No Entry'.

The road network in Hackney Wick has changed since the 1960s,

but the route operated was as close as possible to the original,

including the use of White Post Lane rather than Rothbury Road.

RLH48 turns at the Lea Tavern.

Remember how cramped the RLH seemed upstairs?

Finally, at Clapton Pond, the boss has the last word.