| The RT Type originally appeared before the Second World War, with 150 entering service in 1940. Production of 3RT buses commenced in 1947, with an improved AEC Regent III chassis and bodies supplied by Park Royal and Weymann. These featured a new design in which all components were jig-built allowing full interchangeability of bodies for the overhaul system being put into place at Aldenham and Chiswick. Additional bodies were provided by Saunders Roe (RT1152-1401 and 4218-4267) and Cravens (RT1402-1521). Production reverted to Park Royal and Weymann up to RT4396, and when body supply outstripped that of chassis, it was decided to use the extra bodies on reconditioned prewar ST chassis, creating the SRT class of 160 buses. By mid 1955, the RT family of buses had replaced every prewar and wartime double decker in London’s fleet and by the autumn of that year, was at its maximum, with 6180 scheduled for service. Unfortunately, there was never a time when all members of the RT family built were in service. 3RT production ran from RT152 to RT4825. RT624, (originally Weymann bodied) was new in August 1948 and allocated to Hemel Hempstead as a Country Area bus. On Saturday 12th April 1979, RT624 had the honour, as the oldest RT in stock, of operating as the last RT in service on the 62 route to Barkingside. It then took part in a special convoy of RTs, including RT1, on a commemorative journey starting at Barking Garage at 4pm. The cavalcade route included Barking Town Hall, where the Mayor in his regalia, and other guests boarded RT624 and rode back to the garage. |
