RT1700 at Otford Pond

Swanley & Sidcup Running Day

Sunday 8th July 2007

Prepared by Ian Smith, 25th July 2007.


717: Swanley to Sidcup Station (RF48)

Back at Swanley Garageit was GS15 on the forecourt this time: GS2 and GS15 had taken it in turns to head out on the 479 to Darenth during the day.

RF383 was just departing back to Bromley Garage. RF679 arrived back from Otford with a 401, followed by RF48 on a 719 from Wrotham.

GS15, RF383 at Swanley Garage. RF679, RF48 at Swanley Garage.

On the other side of the road RF28 pulled up after a trip to Eltham on the 717. It was looking good after its front-end repair following its accident earlier in the year. Just the extra brightness of the Aluminium trim showed that any work had been necessary.

RF28 at Swanley Garage. RF28 at Swanley Garage.

I boarded RF48. The borrowed blinds were removed from the front blind-box and returned, and we waited for BL49 to arrive as well. Both buses were due to head north at the same time. I wondered whether to go through the Blackwall Tunnel to Bromley-by-Bow, but had a half-recollection that the Underground might not be operating fully. So I checked that the RF was calling at Sidcup Station, and decided to catch my train from there. On the way north we passed RT1702 on a late run out to the garage on the 21. Soon we were turning round the loop in Sidcup to the Alma Street stand, where I alighted and watched the GreenLine RF head off.

RF48 at Sidcup. RF48 at Sidcup.

Many thanks to the CBR team for organising the event, especially in view of the difficulties posed by the nearby Tour-de-France with its road closures and diversions. Thanks to to the preservation groups who brought their vehicles to make it a memorable day.

system map.

Buses that I saw:

Photos by Ian Smith. Click on any of them for a larger picture.

Ian's Bus-stop One Two Three Four Five Country Bus Rallies