Loughton Classic Bus Running DaySunday 11th September 2011Prepared by Ian Smith, 26th September 2011Garage Run: Loughton to NorthfleetThe Running Day was over, but RT3062 still had to be returned to base at Northfleet, and certain jobs still needed to be done. I volunteered to go with the bus - with driver and conductor of course!
We did not know which way our London Bus Company driver would take us, but we soon found out. We turned right out of the bus station and headed for Debden Station, then across the Roding Valley to the Abridge Road. A turn south-east onto Gravel Lane, the A1112, made things clear. We headed for Chigwell Row, where we met a new EnviroTrident at the terminus of the 150. We headed on south down the Romford Road, through Chadwell Heath. This was new territory for me. We progressed into Dagenham, into Ford Land, then eastwards, finally approaching the Queen Elizabethh II Bridge on the A13. We soared up over the Thames - a magical sight in the sparkling of thousands of lights. Down on the south side we headed east towards Ebbsfleet, and soon were nosing into the London Bus Company yard.
We still had the blinds to take out of the buses that we had used: the RT, RCL and RF401 - provided that we could find a ladder. One was found. The company's blinds were locked away, so we couldn't replace them, but soon the day's blinds were out and we were on our way. It had been a good day.
Many thanks to the CBR team for organising it, especially Colin Rivers. Thanks too to the bus drivers, conductors and owners, and to the programme team. Also to the local Council and TfL and the police authorities for giving the necessary permissions. Buses: RT3062*, RF401*, RF503*, RCL2260, BL49*.
All photos by Ian Smith. Click on any of them for a larger picture.
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Ian's Bus-stop
Part 1
Part 2
Part 6