One (shite) picture per post.

42,119 · September 1, 2023

22,270 · September 1, 2023

22,270 · September 1, 2023

Over 30 years later. Same photographer.

19,310 · September 1, 2023

On 8/26/2023 at 12:31 PM, MiniMinorMk3 said:

The second bus back there is FRM 1, the unique rear engined Routemaster. A belated attempt by LT/AEC and Park Royal to build what everybody else was already building.

It used about 80% of standard Routemaster parts in the body but unfortunately never got any further than one prototype. It was apparently very popular with drivers, engineers and passengers with a lot of thought going in to the engine compartment where most major items could be removed on their own without disturbing everything else. Unfortunately by the time the first bus was finished (there were plans for three prototypes) Leyland had taken over AEC and Park Royal Vehicles and they didn't want another rear engined bus that might take sales off of their Atlantean even if it was better. Not saying it actually was, but it could have been but we'll never know (I'd say it probably was but I'm biased).

And so it was that AEC never had a rear engined double decker.

Despite its uniqueness it had a relatively long service life albeit with a few lengthy holidays in Chiswick. Started at Tottenham in 1967 and left normal service at Potters Bar in 1976 to join the sightseeing fleet at Stockwell until it was finally retired to the LT museum in 1983. It is still there now.