The Sidcup years
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RM8 could have stayed at Chiswick for many more years, but its main development days were over. The last RM had come off the line in 1968 and only minor changes were likely to be made after that. the opportunity came to release it for service when a fire destroyed the top deck of RM1368.
(Source of photo unknown)
RM1368 was stripped of its top deck and the downstairs was stripped of its seats. It was then kitted out as a mobile test bed.
(Photo: Andrew Morgan)
RM8 was then sent to Aldenham for overhaul prior to being put into service at Sidcup (SP) Garage.
This is the earliest photo I can find of RM8 operating from Sidcup. It shows that she had received many of the modifications applied to the fleet at that time - and was actually the first bus to receive them in most cases. Spot the air intake above the cab that had been cut down to half size, the triangle badge grille, the blanked off brake cooling apertures and the loss of the rear offside route indicator. All of these features were subsequently restored to their original form. (Source of photo unknown)
In 1983 RM8 was the first to receive the application of the General livery to celebrate 50 years of London Transport.
In Sidcup Garage on 27th June 1983 alongside RM770, the previous SP showbus. (Photo: Andrew Colebourne, with thanks!)
Near Aldenham on 25th September 1983. (Photo: Andrew Colebourne, with thanks!)
In 1985 RM8 was repainted at Aldenham to the normal red livery and later the same year was purchased by the RM8 Club for preservation.
Construction and First Public Appearance
If you have any questions about RM8 or the club, please do not hesitate to ask.
email me at phil.willson@tiscali.co.uk
26th May 2008