Green Line AEC RCL CUV 219C

ZENITH OF THE HALF-CAB BUS

London Transport's Routemasters are probably the world&'s most famous buses. Ironically, they were out-of-date in some respects when they were built between 1959 and 1968 as many operators were already buying rear-engine buses.

Some Routemaster coaches were built for London Transport's Green Line services. These were limited stop services running from central London to places on the outskirts of Greater London. They had platform doors, better suspension and seating, together with other detail differences: gear ratios, destinations, headlamps, handrails, etc. The quality of construction and specification meant they were arguably the best buses of their time.

RCL 2219 was new to Romford London Road garage in May 1965. London Transport was divided in 1970 and its Green Line coaches passed to a new company, London Country. In 1972 RCL 2219 was downgraded to a bus and transferred to Reigate, moving in 1977 to Godstone.

Declared redundant by London Country in 1978, it returned to London Transport, initially as a driver training bus. In 1980, however, it was overhauled and painted red for a few more years's service.

Preservation

RCL 2219 formally joined the Wythall collection in 1987, although it had been a resident under other ownership since 1985. The aluminium body frame was in good condition but much of the panelling needed replacing and all the special Green Line features had to be found and refitted.