The AEC Routemaster was first presented to the public in 1954. Compared to previous bus types, the Routemaster with its integral design of chassis and body was considered to be downright innovative. The double-decker, which went into series production in 1958, was characterized in particular by the open entrance platform at the rear left, which allowed rapid hop-on and hop-off. At the end of the 1950s, changed regulations also permitted the operation of buses over nine meters long on only two axles. Some Routemasters were then split down the middle and an additional section was added in the center, identifiable by square windows. The new bus type, the Routemaster long, or RML for short, now offered seating for a total of 72 passengers. The brilliant success with 15 test vehicles convinced London Transport to order another 500 units of the RML, which were produced from 1965 to 1968. In the 1970s, more and more RMLs were in service in the inner-city area of London. With the constant presence of the typical red double-deckers on almost all routes, the image of the Routemaster as a typical London landmark became increasingly established. It was not until 2005, after almost 50 years of service, that the general operation of this flagship of London was discontinued.
ROUTEMASTER is a registered trademark of Transport for London.
Model details:
- Multi-part body
- Detailed reproduction of the surface structures
- Reproduction of the complete passenger compartment with 72 seats
- Detailed cockpit
- Multi-part Leyland and Scania engine
- Movable engine hood
- Multi-part underbody
- Rotating wheels
- Typical open entrance area
- Two separate passenger levels
- Optional removable roof segment
- Many clear parts
- Decal for two RML versions
Scale:1:24
Age:14+
Number of parts:391
Length:381 mm
