'Sights and Sounds' AEC Routemaster - London Transport

Add another dimension to your collection with Corgi’s ‘Sights and Sounds’ range, a new concept in precision die-cast modelling

Features include working headlights, left and right indicators, hazard warning lights, interior lights, and illuminated destination boards.

There are sounds too: Engine start, tick over, pulling away sound and a bell.   All are controlled by a remote key fob.

Led by the Chief Mechanical Engineer, Mr A. A. M. Durrant, CBE, London Transport’s design team embarked upon a project to produce a replacement for the RT bus, within the existing dimensions of 27ft long by 8ft wide.  It was technically very advanced, had 64 seats (8 more than the RT, at the same weight), coil suspension giving a more comfortable ride, semi automatic gearbox and hydraulic brakes.  It was of chassisless construction with an integral metal body made from high duty alloys. 

Two main sub-frames supported most of the running gear although certain items were attached directly to the underside of the body.  It was decided to build four prototypes, two with Park Royal bodies and AEC mechanical units and the other two with Leyland running units, one of which had a Weymann body and the other a coach body by Eastern Coachworks. 

The full entry into service of the type began on 11th November 1959, when RMs were allocated to Poplar and West Ham for trolleybus replacement.  Standard 64 seat production ran from RM5-879, with 888-903 being the then experimental 30ft batch, and RM904-1253.  All further production would be other variants.

Limited Edition of 1,000

Age Suitability

14+

Scale

1:50

Length

165mm