HCVA - 1708

This vehicle was delivered new to London Transport in October 1963, having been bodied by Park Royal Vehicles of London. It was registered 708-DYE, and operated in London until withdrawn in February 1988. It was sold in August 1988 to Mr Collins of Dianella, Western Australia, and subsequently shipped to Western Australia, where it was registered 7NO-115. It was used at Balcotta Primary School, Dianella. In March 1992, it was re-registered TC-2323. In October 1998, it was purchased by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association for display at the Sydney Bus Museum, and transferred to Sydney by ship. It is the only Routemaster bus in Australia.

The vehicle has undergone a comprehensive restoration at the museum, including replacement of most of the body panels and extensive repairs to the roof. Several parts had to be sourced from the UK. The exterior and the ceilings have been resprayed in their original colours.

The Routemaster was the last bus to be wholly designed by London Transport. Four prototypes appeared in 1956, with full production commencing in 1958. A total of 2876 buses were built in various versions, the last batch being constructed in 1968. The Routemaster differs from earlier London designs by being of integral construction. It uses an aluminium frame with lightweight aluminium panels, and does not require a chassis to take the stress. The mechanical units are mounted on front and rear subframes which can be removed if required at overhaul. Other features include independent front suspension, coil rear suspension, power steering, semi-automatic transmission and lockheed power hydraulic braking.

Routemaster RM1708

VEHICLE HISTORY

October 1963:	Delivered new with body no. B1708 and with Leyland engine fitted. Registered 708-DYE. Allocated to Holloway Garage.
May 1967:	Transferred to Victoria Garage.
June 1967:	Repainted at Aldenham Works. Transferred to Dalston Garage
May 1969:	De-licensed at Dalston Garage. Transferred to works float at Aldenham Works.
January 1972:	Overhauled and outshopped with body no. B554. Re-licensed and allocated to New Cross Garage.
February 1972:	Transferred to Cricklewood Garage.
March 1975:	Re-painted at Aldenham Works.
October 1978:	Overhauled and outshopped with body no. B1141. Transferred to Finchley Garage. July 1979: De-licensed at Finchley.
August 1979:	Re-licensed at Finchley.
December 1980:	Transferred to Middle Row Garage.
February 1981:	Transferred to Holloway Garage.
January 1984:	Overhauled and outshopped with body no.B1141 (body not changed). Transferred to Stockwell Garage.
February 1987:	Transferred to Streatham Garage.
July 1987:	De-licensed and transferred to AEC Southall Works.
July 1987:	Transferred to Peckham and re-licensed.
February 1988:	De-licensed and transferred to AEC Southall Works for storage.
April 1988:	Transferred to Fulwell for storage.
August 1988:	Transferred to the former Turnham Green Garage for inspection prior to sale.
August 1988:	Sold to Mr and Mrs Collins of Dianella, Western Australia. Shipped to Australia. Re-registered 7NO-115. Used at Balcotta Primary School, Dianella.
March 1992:	Re-registered TC-2323.
October 1998:	Purchased by the HCVA for display at the Sydney Bus Museum, Tempe, Sydney, and transferred to Sydney by ship.
(Compiled from information supplied by Phil Willson of the Routemaster Operators and Owners Association, England.)

SPECIFICATION
Engine: AEC AV590 9.6 litre diesel rated at 115 bhp @ 1800 rpm

Transmission: AEC direct selection semi-automatic 4-speed epicyclic with electric control, air operation and fluid flywheel

Brakes: Lockheed continuous-flow power hydraulic

Steering: Power-assisted, 62-ft turning circle

Weight: 7 tons 7 cwt unladen