RP (AEC Reliance) 

 

RP (AEC Reliance)

In 1972, the Routemasters on Green Line 704 and 705 were converted to one man operation using some of the 90 examples of this coach-like vehicle.  Very smart on the surface, they proved mechanical disasters.  Even when fit for service from a safety point of view, the heaters seldom worked, leaving the vehicles cold in winter.  In summer, the fresh air ventilation failed, leaving the passengers to sweat as there were no opening windows.  Of all the vehicles we had, these were the ones I liked driving least; even the Swifts were better.

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RP71 prepares to leave Sevenoaks for Windsor.  The blind is deceptive; the bus was only non-stop from Victoria to Windsor. September 1977

RP70 and MW1437 at Orpington Station 9th August 1977. A more unsuitable vehicle for a trip up or down Cudham Lane than the awkward RP can't be imagined.

RP2 at Epsom Downs, Derby Day 1978.  Many garages supplied vehicles and crews for this event; Dunton Green was no exception.

Another view of RP2 at Epsom Downs, Derby Day 1978

A little known variation was the diversion of certain Sunday journeys on route 704 via Knockholt Pound and Halstead. RP46 sits at Knockholt Pound 31-7-77

RP70 at Victoria (Eccleston Bridge) 17-11-76.  Why a slip blind was needed, and what was masked out, isn't recorded.