Routemaster gets 50 year makeover
London’s first production Routemaster RM 5 has been treated to a full restoration after 50 years of loyal service to the capital and will be the subject of an exhibition at London Transport Museum from 8 to 10 May.
The Routemaster has become known throughout the world as a classic London bus and for many it is seen in the same light as the Gilbert Scott telephone box and the Tower of London. At a time when the possible successor to the traditional Routemaster is the focus of much attention it is easy to forget that the earliest production vehicles that survive are now 50 years old.
The restoration has taken many months, and been subject to meticulous attention to detail, made possible by the engineering skills of Arriva London, and an external sponsor.
The bus will be on display on the piazza adjacent to the museum on the Saturday and Sunday (9 and 10 May). Also at the exhibition, a DVD describing the restoration will be available, together with a limited-edition model of the bus and other memorabilia.
Following the exhibition, RM 5 will rejoin eight other Routemasters as part of the Arriva Heritage Fleet.
Published: Wed 8 Apr 2009Modified: Thu 9 Apr 2009Archived: Mon 11 May 2009
