Although Routemaster RM 8 (VLT 8, top) was the first genuine production model built, way back in 1958, it did not go into service immediately. In fact it spent eighteen years at Chiswick Works as a permanent testbed for all sorts of mechanical modifications which made their way onto Routemasters in general. Finally, in 1976 it was overhauled for the first time and sent to Sidcup garage to take up service on the 21, 51 and 161. In this way it was the last Routemaster to enter service new.
While at Sidcup it was selected as one of four RMs to be repainted into 1933-style red, white and black livery for the Golden Anniversary celebrations of the then London Transport. After the one-manning of the 51 on 21st May 1977 the 229 received its RM allocation, but that was also one-manned on 4th September 1982, followed by the 161 on 2nd February 1985. Thus the 21 became Sidcup's only RM-operated service, and that too fell to OPO on 1st February 1986. RM 8 was withdrawn and purchased for preservation by the RM 8 Club, comprising many members of Sidcup garage's staff who had driven and conducted the bus. It is seen arriving at Victoria at 10 o'clock this morning.

The south-east London connection is maintained by RT 1702 (KYY 529, bottom), a long-time fixture in this area and a bus that has done quite a few specials on various routes. Today it performed a single rounder from Bow Church to Victoria and back, and is seen at Oxford Circus three-quarters of the way through its journey into the West End.

Both buses ran free, though with donations accepted for Cancer Research.

More news from the 8 is that Titan T 1 is staying put on the route until the end, barring today and Monday 24th when it is on private hire work.

Thanks to the owners of RM 8 and RT 1702 for bringing their splendid buses out today!