Routemaster bus RM8

English: Routemaster bus RM8 (reg. VLT 8) was the first production model Routemaster bus produced. Built in 1958, sometime before full production started, for the first 18 years of its life however it was used as the testing platform for subsequent modifications designed for the RM class, meaning that RM9 was actually the first production RM into service, in November 1959. RM8 did not finally enter normal service with London Transport until March 1976, with all Routemaster production having ended by 1965. RM8 was preserved after just 9 years in normal service, in 1985.

RM8's first public appearance was at the Commercial Motor Show in September 1958. it was painted LT red but still at that time owned by AEC / Park Royal. It was not officially transferred to LT until March 1961. It's primary purpose was to take over from the prototypes as the vehicle on which proposed modifications to the now in production RM class, could be tried out first. It operated in this capactiy out of Chiswick bus works. As the first production bus, RM8 itself had already incorporated a number of improvements gained through experience with the prototypes, and its exterior differences to the prototypes were a different radiator grille and bonnet design.

With Routemaster production having ceased in 1965, the need for a development bus was reduced. When RM1368 was damaged by fire and converted to a single-decker, it became the new Chiswick mobile test bed, allowing RM8 to finally be released. After an overhaul, it entered normal service in March 1976 based out of Sidcup Garage (code SP). It gained the later standard design of radiator grille, incorporating the V shaped badge, as well as the half sized front vent below the display. It also lost the off front brake air vents in the wings, and the rear offside route indicator. In 1982 it was designated the showbus of Sidcup Garage, being maintained by the RM8 Group of Sidcup staff in top condition for exhibitions and special events, and seeing just intermittent normal service.

In March 1983, RM8 was one of several buses, of different types, to be given special liveries to mark London Transport's 50th anniversary (all buses received the anniversary logo seen to the front of side of the bus). RM8 was one of the batch of buses to receive a red/white/black/silver livery which resembled the 1933 version of London Transport's livery (see a preserved example). It was repainted into standard red livery in February 1984.

Having gone into store by March 1985, in May it was bought for preservation by the RM8 Group, who restored it to its original condition, including the original radiator grille design. It has since appeared at many rallies and special events. [1]