Any Routemaster fans/drivers/mechanics on here?

[simon the viking]

I've had a article pitch accepted for a national magazine for an article about Routemaster buses (old not the Boris Bus) I've tried to join a couple of bus forums but waiting for accounts to be activated and its been a week on one!

So as above really.. anybody got any short anecdotes that they wouldn't mind me weaving into to the article, I would have to name you but first name only in the article. Particularly interested in any mechanics who worked at Aldenham works... I know all of the is a long shot on a cycling forum but....

The main part of the article is an interview with a hire company who owns 3 and obviously some history about them

 

[Sharky]

An old school friend - Dave Farrier is a bus enthusiast. Haven't seen him for over 50 years, but did swap emails with him a couple of years ago. He sells photos of buses, but may have a story or two to give to you in return for a fee or publicity.

http://www.spanglefish.com/davefarriersbusphotos/
Good luck - you can mention my name - Keith from PGS

 

[fossyant]

My son drove one for a few yards when he was in Primary (sat on drivers knee). He was spotted by one of the Primary Teachers in the driving seat...

We've got a local enthusiast who was friends with FIL so we had a few trips locally.

 

[simon the viking]

An old school friend - Dave Farrier is a bus enthusiast. Haven't seen him for over 50 years, but did swap emails with him a couple of years ago. He sells photos of buses, but may have a story or two to give to you in return for a fee or publicity.

http://www.spanglefish.com/davefarriersbusphotos/
Good luck - you can mention my name - Keith from PGS

Thanks email sent!

 

[Sharky]

Thanks email sent!

Let me know what happens- cheers

 

[Drago]

The only anecdotes I have involve fights or doing things with young ladies, so I'd probably get banned if I told the tale. I do love the old buses. Proper machines, designed to work correctly, and to do so for decades.

 

[irw]

I know (through reading the wikipedia article the other day) that it wasn't a "Routemaster", but an "AEC Regent III RT" that Cliff & his chums took on a jolly to Athens in the "Summer Holiday" film!

Edited to add:
Don't know if it's of any use at all to you, but again, according to wikipedia, the opening ten minutes of the film were filmed at the Aldenham works...

 

[simon the viking]

And frank spencer didn't roller skate behind one either that was AEC Regent III as well, I did read about the 7 days to our holiday song being filmed there... I want to check out the fact that wikipedia claim that a bus could come in a 9.00 am and leave at night... original fully refurbished chassis fitted with different engine and body but same bus.... Triggers broom? ..

 

[irw]

My goodness...they'd never be allowed to do some of that now! My favourite bit is 2:00 to 2:15!

 

[simon the viking]

My goodness...they'd never be allowed to do some of that now! My favourite bit is 2:00 to 2:15!

Ah! the crane scene.... yes filmed without a stunt double! great seeing a young Melvyn 'Gloria' Hayes again.... Used to watch this film during the school holidays along with wonderful life and the young ones

 

[simon the viking]

The only anecdotes I have involve fights or doing things with young ladies, so I'd probably get banned if I told the tale. I do love the old buses. Proper machines, designed to work correctly, and to do so for decades.

Go on you've intrigued me now... you cant leave it at that!

 

[Drago]

Sorry, I cant. Some misery guts will accuse me of being puerile, and some peace hippy will take time out from saving the lentil to accuse me of being sexist.

 

[slowmotion]

Here's some bus porn...…..the Gibson ticket machine. They looked and they sounded absolutely wonderful, especially if they were operated by a lady who a seven year old schoolboy secretly fancied.

 

[simon the viking]

Let me know what happens- cheers

David has replied, unfortunately he doesnt have any first hand experiences of them just lots of photos, he did say it was nice that you remembered him though

 

[DCBassman]

Did drive an RF single decker once...