RM8 - The Chiswick Years - 1958 to 1976

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Once the Commercial Motor Show was over, RM8 became the test and development vehicle based mostly at Chiswick. It was the 'Holy Grail' for the 1960s bus spotter because it was so rare to see it on public roads!

Many revisions were made to the Routemaster design over the years and RM8 was the guinea pig for most of them.

However, photos of RM8 during this period are very rare.

Here are just a few plus a list of other things that we either know or believe happened....

Firestone air suspension was already experimentally fitted when RM8 appeared at the Commercial Motor Show in 1958. This was a precursor to another 50 of the early production vehicles receiving one of four different types that were then available (2 Firestone and 2 Dunlop types were tried). However, the experiment was abandoned after about 3 years and all 51 were converted to coil springs. it is not known exacyly when RM8 was converted to springs, though. (Phil Willson Collection)

A particular obsession seems to have been with the brake cooling grilles on the front corners.

The standard design from 1958 was this, which RM8 still carries

But they tried these on RM8 (with sticky tape holding it together!) (Phil Willson Collection)

And these (M Dryhurst - permission being sought but not much success so far!)

But what happened eventually? This, where the grp panels didn't have the grille hole cut out.....

Although it is interesting to note that several of the early production RMs didn't have the cooling grilles cut out when first built.

Finally this, where the mouldings were modified such that the grille position has been lost altogether because presumably they had decided that an RM in London service never went fast enough for there to be any cooling effect anyway!

Another important part RM8 played was in the development of the BEA Routemaster (later the RMA). It is well known that RMF1254 was used for the road trials for the luggage trailer. What is less well known is that the design for the towbar was tested on RM8 first before it was transferred to 1254. Unfortunately no pictures have come to light of this work but there's always hope!

Another function that RM8 performed was in the preparation of service instructions. Soon after it was built it was systematically taken apart again and then reassembled so that detailed and accurate instructions for servicing and accident damage repairs could be written. Each operation was also photographed.

Wing away! (Phil Willson Collection)

Now see the rear disappear (Phil Willson Collection)

If you have any questions about RM8 or the club, please do not hesitate to ask.

email me at phil.willson@tiscali.co.uk

17th October 2007