Road vehicle; Prototype RM-type double deck motor bus fleet No RM1, registration number SLT56, 1954

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Main details

Main details for this item.

Reference number	1989/119 part 0
Description	The red Routemaster has become internationally recognised as an icon of London. This bus, RM1, was the first of four prototypes for the Routemaster. It made its first public appearance in 1954 at the Earl's Court Motor Show. Before entering service it underwent extensive testing, included skids at 30mph and a tilt test to at least 28 degrees. In 1956 it was trialled on Route 2 between Golders Green and Crystal Palace. Passengers were encouraged to share their views on this 'future London bus.'
Manufacturer	AEC
Dates	1954
Collection	Vehicles
Object type	Road vehicle
Location	Acton Depot
Topics	Bus
Completeness	100% 100% ?

• Physical description

  Dimensions

  Attribute	Value
  Height	4380mm14ft 4.5in
  Length	8396mm27ft 6.55in
  Width	2429mm7ft 11.625in

  Weight

  Attribute	Value
  Laden	11tons 10cwt
  Unladen	7tons 7cwt

  Colour

  Attribute	Value
  Colour	Red

• Build and type

  Attribute	Value
  Deck	Double
  Type	RM-type
  In service	08/02/1956 - 01/08/1959
  Body number	9228, then B1
  Chassis number	RM1
  Engine number	AV/590/U180515
  Fleet number	RM1
  Registration number	SLT56
  London transport type code	1RM1

• People involved

  Role	Person(s) involved
  Manufacturer	AEC, 1954 London Transport, 1954

• Associated companies, people and places

  Company

  Attribute	Value
  Company	Lockheed, 19/4/1973
  Garages	Chiswick, 23/9/1954 Cricklewood, 1/2/1956 Cricklewood, 8/2/1956 Chiswick, 8/8/1956 Cricklewood, 14/2/1957 Cricklewood, 6/3/1957 Cricklewood, 1/8/1959 Chiswick, 4/8/1959 Upton Park, 3/12/1959 Upton Park, 10/12/1959 Bow, 20/1/1960 West Ham, 27/4/1960 Upton Park, 7/9/1960 Shepherds Bush, 19/9/1960 West Ham, 30/11/1960 Walthamstow, 1/11/1961 West Ham, 1/12/1961 Poplar, 1/7/1963 West Ham, 1/3/1964 Seven Kings, 18/7/1966 Poplar, 21/7/1966 Poplar, 1/7/1968 Barking, 1/10/1968 Edmonton, 18/4/1970 Dalston, 8/1/1972 Dalston, 28/10/1972 Chiswick, 17/7/1981 AEC, 29/3/1985
  Operated by	London Transport, 1956 - 1959

  Places

  Place	Golders Green, 1956
  Route	2, 1956

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