Learnt to drive on an RTW in 1967 from Camberwell Bus Garage, passed my test on one.then I was sent to Catford where I drove RT’s and later on RM’s. Left London Transport 1972. Enjoyed the video, thankyou. Good to learn about all of the differences. Paul Davis Isle of Man.
It is amazing just how nostalgic even the "new" 1999 footage made me feel. At 12.57, I actually saw a branch of Barclays Bank which hadn't yet been closed down! Oh, those far off days of 23 years ago.
I really enjoyed this carefully made film. Thankyou for posting it on you tube. Lots and lots of happy memories of all day bus tickets. riding all over London on these splendid vehicles from the age of ten; they made an indelible impression. London has never been the same since their demise. They were so familiar for so long; I really miss them.
Very interesting. I was a bus spotter in my childhood in the late 1950s when the RT family still formed the backbone of London's double deckers but had always understood the bodies of the RTWs were Weymann built to Leyland engines and the W stood for Weymann. Whether I still have my old bus spotting books I am not sure.
Wonderful video. I lived in London from 1941 to 1997 adjacent to Edgware Road for the first 17 years so was conversant with the No 8 route. The RT family was so much part of everyday life but even i had forgotten that lovely tickover rumble when at rest.
I regularly used the RTW to and from work, and was always aware of the extra width. Initially the police opposed there use in the City of London due to the narrow width of Threadneedle Street. An excellent bus fondly remembered.
To obtain approval LT had to put panels to provide the extra 3 inches each side on the Standard RT to "test" the buses ability to negotiate the City of London streets and of course there were NO Problems. Internally seats were the same just extra width in the aisle. That must have been very tight.
Wonderful film about wonderful old busses. In my 1960's London youth I loved the RTWs almost as much as the RMs. In many ways I wish they were still running, as the DMS, Metrobus, Titan and all the other boring square boxes that replaced them have never recaptured the magic. Even the fabled Boris-Bus doesn't have the same timeless charm, sadly.
My Dad drove the RTWs out of Bow garage after converting from the Trolley bus. He drove on the number 8 route for many years. When they were finally withdrawn he converted again to the Routemaster. All were unique vehicles and I miss them compared to the modern buses
When I first saw those RTW’s, thought they looked odd as compared to the RT class, I still think that the RTW class was a clumsy looking bus many years after they were withdrawn.
Rts rtw best buses ever. Loved them. When r m came out didn't like it. But now love them as well. Now . The modern London bus to ne is the ugly est thing on the planet. Along with wind turbines...?
The new London buses are the most stylish and distinctive double deckers since the original Routemasters. Great to see London has its own buses again, instead of the ghastly generic bought-in products of the Thatcher years.
