AEC Routemaster RML2270 London Transport, Special Railway Service.
The standard Routemaster bus was an undoubted success story for London Transport (LT), and its integral construction had kept LT at the forefront of new bus innovation. However, by the end of the 1950s, questions were being asked by the wider bus industry about whether a 64 seat double decker was commercially viable long-terDuring the Routemaster Association’s ‘Routemaster 70’ event at Chiswick Park, London, Bachmann Europe Plc unveiled four new 1:76 scale RMC Routemaster coaches as part of its expanding EFE Road range of diecast collectables.The new models come hot on the heels of EFE Road’s four standard AEC Routemaster models announced in April, and continue this year’s celebrations marking 70 years since the very first Routemaster prototype, RM1, was unveiled to the world in 1954.The RMCs were introduced in 1962 to work on London Transport’s Green Line cross-London and suburban services, following trials with the prototype, CRL4 (later RMC4). They were a direct development of the standard RM, and while visually very similar, they differed in having twin headlamps, electrically operated platform doors, more comfortable seats with increased legroom, and the addition of luggage racks. A higher rear axle ratio, rear air suspension, and increased fuel capacity also set the RMCs apart from the RMs.A total of 68 were built, seeing service with Green Line and later London Country, before all were bought back by London Transport. Many ended up as driver trainers, but seven were reinstated as passenger carriers in 1989 for the new X15 route; the latter remaining in traffic until the early 1990s, although some continued in use well into the 2000s.The four new EFE Road models represent examples of RMCs during various stages of their London careers. Like the RM models, they have been produced using EFE Road’s refined Routemaster tooling, and now feature such enhancements as bodyside panel lines, plus highly detailed liveries and advertisements where appropriate.m, especially as the economics of bus operation became more challenging. Greater capacity was being called for.
In 1961 LT ordered 24 new Routemasters, which would have an increased capacity of 72 seats. Like the 64 seaters, these new buses would be engineered by AEC at Southall, with body construction and assembly completed at Park Royal Vehicles. These new vehicles mechanically similar to their shorter cousins, sharing the same engines, brakes, transmission and electrical equipment. However, they were 2ft 4in longer than the standard Routemaster, having a small square window on the upper and lower decks where an additional bay had been added.
A further 500 RMLs would be built; the first of this new batch being delivered on 1st July 1965, and the last entering service in February 1968. The RMLs would go on to serve London for the best part of the next four decades, finally being withdrawn from front line service in 2005. In fact, one historian would go as far as saying that the RML was “the most successful Routemaster variant ever devised.”
Our model depicts RML2270 (CUV270C), which originally entered London Transport service in November 1965. It is presented in its 1978 condition as allocated to New Cross garage, with solid LT roundels, and working a Special Railway Service linking Waterloo with Paddington, King’s Cross and St Pancras.
The new models are based on EFE Road’s refined and updated RML tooling, and now feature such enhancements as bodyside panel lines and highly detailed liveries and advertisements.
• Colours/details of final model may vary from illustration
• Authentically detailed die-cast model from EFE Road
• Complementary to OO scale model railways (1:76 scale)