History:
The same way in which RT’s were destined to become the standard type for double decks the RF was equally dominant in terms of single decks. Mounted on an AEC Regal IV Chassis the type proved highly adaptable and operated in different forms such as a sightseeing coach, country bus, central bus, Green Line coach and private hire bus all with subtle differences.

London was not as desperate for single deck buses following the war due to the large amount of the 10T10 class which had been delivered just before the outbreak of war in 1939, such as T499, however the RF took over much of the work from the T class and left them operating purely on bus work.

Whilst perhaps not the most beautiful of vehicles there is something very friendly about RF’s and all who worked or travelled on them remember them with a fondness that is perhaps not so common place today!

Originally the Central Area buses were not fitted with doors and all operated with a conductor on board but gradually as one man operation became accepted doors were fitted to all the class. Later on many were ‘modernised’ for Green Line duties with the addition of twin headlights and upgraded interior lighting amongst other things. The class gave sterling service to London and indeed operated right up until 1979.

RF’s have survived well in preservation and many can be seen at events up and down the country.

Vehicle Allocation History:
1952-1960

September 1952 Muswell Hill new into service on 210, body 833
February 1956 Muswell Hill to Aldenham overhaul
Old Kent Road from overhaul, body 833, for 202
December 1958 New Cross transfer, still 202 (P closes)
February 1959 New Cross into store
April 1959 Dalston change store, then service on 208
May 1959 Dalston into store
May 1959 ..Bromley change store
June 1959 New Cross change store..
June 1959 New Cross change store..
June 1959 Loughton transfer
July 1959 North Street transfer for 250
October 1960 North Street into store, then to Aldenham overhaul
---Aldenham works float---

1960-1970

November 1961 Kingston from overhaul, stored, body 8031
May 1963 Fulwell transfer (displaced by RT from 213)
June 1963 Fulwell into store
July 1963 Fulwell..and out
March 1964 Fulwell into store, and out again
November 1964 Norbiton transfer
March 1965 Merton transfer
August 1965 Merton into store
October 1965 Kingston transfer
December 1965 Kingston into store
December 1965 Fulwell change store
August 1966 Fulwell to Aldenham overhaul, OMO mods, B39F
August 1966 Harrow Weald from overhaul, body 7980, for new 136
Febuary 1967 Harrow Weald into store, following accident (hit a shop!)
to Aldenham for repair
April 1967 Harrow Weald..and back into service
1968-1970 Harrow Weald

1970-1980

July 1971 Fulwell transfer
1972 Fulwell
February 1973 Fulwell staff bus
July 1973 Fulwell withdrawn
March 1974 Fulwell withdrawn
March 1974 bought by Willesden College of Technology
engine and gearbox removed for instruction
painted green and cream

1980-1990

April 1985 bought for preservation (£50)
restored structurally
October 1985 engine and gearbox refitted
Potters Bar stored, some vandalism, gearbox renovated
June 1990 appeared in red at North Weald Rally
September 1990 Showbus 90, stored for 3 years

1990 - today

1995 bought by Time Travel, Thornton Heath
March 1995 bought by London & Country
April 1995 Crawley overhauled, repainted green
fitted with PA system
May 1995 used on 65 (Crawley - Petworth)
Working Preservation
June 1995 used on service C5
1996 used on Surrey Hills Leisure services 410
1997 withdrawn
1997 bought by Memory Lane
September 1997 active on Cobham RF Running Day
April 1998 active: East Grinstead Running Day Cobham Open Day
December 1998 active: Christmas Lights Tour
April 1999 active: Cobham Open Day services
December 1999 Christmas Lights Tour, London
2003 still used by Memory Lane on Surrey Sunday service 32
(Dorking - Guildford)
January 2004 on last day of subsidised Surrey Sunday service 32

Technical Specifications:

Date of first registration: October 1952
Chassis: AEC Regal IV
Chassis number: 9821LT708
Engine: AEC
Fuel: Diesel
Body: MCW
Body Number: 7980
Seating: 41 seats