| The end of the 8 is under way.
The first five of the delivery of Tridents have
appeared at Bow and are starting to edge the
first of the garage's RMLs off the route. Sales
of the veterans have already commenced, with RML
2451 leading the exodus. Today the 8 played host
to two number ones, with MCW Metrobus M 1 (THX 101S, left)
and Leyland Titan T 1 (THX 401S, right)
exemplifying what was new for the then London
Transport back in 1978. Both buses have been
returned to their original livery. The Titans
finished in London this time last year while a
very small number of Ms are still holding out.
Today's modern buses have fallen far behind the
Metrobuses and Titans in terms of comfort, so it
was nice to be treated to some proper seats and
ventilation for a change!
The special
journeys on the 8 today were between Victoria and
Holborn only, with one midday leg continuing to
St Paul's Station for a meal relief. This is
where the two buses are seen, having battled
through a long diversion in the Oxford Circus
area caused by a crane working.
Thanks are due
to Stagecoach East London and Metroline for
providing the two buses, and there's more to
come. Next Saturday RM 8 will operate a
supplementary service on the 8. This very early
Routemaster had an interesting history. Although
new in 1958, it was held back as a development
testbed and did not actually enter service until
1976! Nine years after that it was withdrawn when
the 21 from Sidcup garage was one-manned and
passed into preservation.
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