Ex-Green Line AEC Regal RF back in service

[Busaholic]

Seeing how such a bus adorns this page heading, just thought I'd mention that RF 180, now owned by the London Bus Co. saw passenger service on 4th December as an 'extra' on London route 108 between Stratford and North Greenwich when DLR services were strike-hit, along with another RF in traditional London red. I'm not normally an envious person, but I do envy anyone who had the opportunity to ride these buses. I'm virtually certain that no RF type had ever ventured in passenger-carrying service through the Blackwall Tunnel previously, although they did used to operate a short distance from the Northern portal at Bromley-by-Bow.

 

[CatfordCat]

Seeing how such a bus adorns this page heading, just thought I'd mention that RF 180, now owned by the London Bus Co. saw passenger service on 4th December as an 'extra' on London route 108 between Stratford and North Greenwich when DLR services were strike-hit, along with another RF in traditional London red. I'm not normally an envious person, but I do envy anyone who had the opportunity to ride these buses. I'm virtually certain that no RF type had ever ventured in passenger-carrying service through the Blackwall Tunnel previously, although they did used to operate a short distance from the Northern portal at Bromley-by-Bow.

I think you're probably right. Blackwall Tunnel route 108 / 108A was operated with RTL buses from the 1950s to late 60s (RTs replaced the RTLs for a short while at the end of double deck operation) - this was when there was only one tunnel (the current northbound tunnel) which took two way traffic. The Poplar garages (long closed bus garage at Athol Street, and the later ex trolleybus garage) never had an RF allocation.

The route was converted to single deck MB operation in 1968 and has had an all single deck allocation since (although there is a regular additional service North Greenwich to Lewisham late evenings, which is double deck - this is supplemented for big events at the O2)

RFs did appear on an emergency shuttle at the Bromley by Bow end of route 108 a couple of times while the bridge over the railway was being rebuilt - the diversion involved a low bridge. More about this on the 'red rf' website

(edit to add) - thinking about it, when the 'private hire' RFs were still active as such (early 50s) there was a 'London River Tour' which involved the coach crossing the Woolwich Ferry (I've seen a photo of this somewhere, but it doesn't seem to be on the web) - not sure if the tour involved going through the Blackwall Tunnel.

 

[Busaholic]

I think you're probably right. Blackwall Tunnel route 108 / 108A was operated with RTL buses from the 1950s to late 60s (RTs replaced the RTLs for a short while at the end of double deck operation) - this was when there was only one tunnel (the current northbound tunnel) which took two way traffic. The Poplar garages (long closed bus garage at Athol Street, and the later ex trolleybus garage) never had an RF allocation.

The route was converted to single deck MB operation in 1968 and has had an all single deck allocation since (although there is a regular additional service North Greenwich to Lewisham late evenings, which is double deck - this is supplemented for big events at the O2)

RFs did appear on an emergency shuttle at the Bromley by Bow end of route 108 a couple of times while the bridge over the railway was being rebuilt - the diversion involved a low bridge. More about this on the 'red rf' website

(edit to add) - thinking about it, when the 'private hire' RFs were still active as such (early 50s) there was a 'London River Tour' which involved the coach crossing the Woolwich Ferry (I've seen a photo of this somewhere, but it doesn't seem to be on the web) - not sure if the tour involved going through the Blackwall Tunnel.

I don't know if a bus would be allowed on the Free Ferry nowadays, but, if they are, it would be marvellous to see a RF on it before the ferry goes, which can't be too far away now.
I believe you are right about the photo, as I'm fairly sure I've seen it too.

 

[CatfordCat]

I don't know if a bus would be allowed on the Free Ferry nowadays, but, if they are, it would be marvellous to see a RF on it before the ferry goes, which can't be too far away now.
I believe you are right about the photo, as I'm fairly sure I've seen it too.

since buses fall within the maximum height / width allowed, then yes they can go on the woolwich ferry.

I think the timekeeping of any scheduled service would be a bit unpredictable, though!

video of ensigns' MD 60 on the ferry on an enthusiasts' tour earlier this year here

 

[Busaholic]

since buses fall within the maximum height / width allowed, then yes they can go on the woolwich ferry.

I think the timekeeping of any scheduled service would be a bit unpredictable, though!

video of ensigns' MD 60 on the ferry on an enthusiasts' tour earlier this year here

Thanks for that link - I was a Lewisham resident during the MD years, and when being operated with a conductor as on the 36s I've never known a speedier bus in London, frighteningly so on occasion (I think I've mentioned on here before about the police car following one down Lewisham Way in the evening peak and having strong words with the driver when he finally deigned to stop at Lewisham Station!) Good that one's been saved from the scrapheap.