RT 1702. KYY 529 The last remaining of the four Festival buses.
On private hire in Bexleyheath, on the occasion of Stagecoach taking over running the 96 route. The route number 696 harks back to the trollybus service which preceded the 96 bus. February 1999 Photo. Martyn Nicholls |
This is the last of the four Festival of Britain Buses
which toured Europe for several months in 1950. The purpose to promote
the festival.
The buses left on 28 July 1950 and arrived back on 30 October. After covering 4,000 miles, touring Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg and France. Three of the vehicles had been turned into exhibition centres. One had an information centre laid out in the lower deck. The fourth bus was used to carry spares and staff. Whilst on tour the buses received 122,000 visitors. After the festival closed the buses were converted back to working buses with notable exceptions. On the upper and lower saloons a plaque was affixed as a reminder of their journey, and at the rear of the vehicles was a GB plate.
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One by one the buses were withdrawn and disposed of. When it came to
RT 1702s turn in 1972 a group of enthusiasts from Catford Garage bought
the bus and fully restored her to keep for posterity. it has been used
for many events and rallies up and down the country, including a static
display outside the V & A musuem during the duration of the 'A Tonic
to the Nation Exhibition there in 1976-77. It was on display in the 'Dome'
for the year 2000.
Photo. Martyn Nicholls |
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