RLH 44

Entries are in reverse date order.

This bus is available for static hire under the Timebus Space brand, known as the Control Bus, particularly for outdoor events.

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23rd February 2020

Harlow bus garage, photoshoot visit, on the occasion of event to commemorate 50 years since London Country Bus Services began

Photo by, and ©, D. Pring

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18th August 2013

Hemel Hempstead bus station

Photo by, and ©, E. Pring

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1st August 2010

Addlestone

Reversing into the site of the former bus garage, having just arrived with an 'RLH40' recreation of the final London Country RLH operated service of route 461 forty years earlier. The brick pillar on the far left is believed to be from the original garage.

Photo by, and ©, E. Pring

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27th April 2008

Crawley Down, West Sussex

Recreating old route 424

Photo © E. Pring

Early 2008: a major refurbishment included repanelling most of the exterior, re-instating 2 windows downstairs and the front blindbox, and reconfiguring the interior.

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20th June 2005

Northampton

Stretching its legs

Photo © E. Pring

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13th October 2002

Outside the former Staines West station

Timebus drivers Alan and Matt hold the cake celebrating 'RLH50' event

Photo © E. Pring

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13th October 2002

Harrow Weald Garage

A break from the day's rain; garage used courtesy of the operator, Metroline

Photo © E. Pring

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June 1997

St. Albans Bus Garage

Enthusiasts' rally

Photo © E. Pring

December 1990: Timebus purchased the vehicle, for use as a crew/storage bus. In the early 1990s, the front upstairs windows were uncovered.

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3rd May 1987

Battersea Park

HCVS rally

Photo © M. McClure

1983: Acquired for preservation by a Mr Tippetts of Swindon.

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1981 or 1982

Stevenage Bus Garage

Photo © A. Warr

April 1982: A new uniform issuing bus, Leyland National number LNB 57, was introduced and 581 J was declared surplus. Used as an office for a while at Stevenage garage.

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30th June 1978

Hatfield Bus Garage

Now wearing a National Bus Company 'mirrored N' logo over the former blindbox area, replacing the previous London Country 'flying polo mint'.

Photo © M. McClure

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June 1974

Garston Bus Garage

For the rest of the seventies, 581 J was driven to various London Country garages, where crews would be handed new uniforms over a small counter, which they could then try for size in the fitting room, left of the new hinged entrance door. Upstairs, hanger rails stored the new uniforms. 581 J visited Garston and St. Albans garages particularly often.

By May 1971: Converted into a uniform distribution vehicle. The work was carried out by Brewsters Coachworks of Wrotham, and involved removal of all bus seats, panelling over the rear platform and most of the windows. Fluorescent lights were provided, using electricity from a shore supply, and perspex skylights were fitted in the roof. The vehicle was given departmental number 581 J. The J suffix was used to signify service vehicles with AEC engines. Interestingly, 582 J and 583 J were both AEC Matador breakdown tenders, introduced at the same time.

31st July 1970: worked the last RLH service for London Country, a late night run on route 461A (more details).

1st January 1970: Transferred to the new London Country Bus Services organization, on the day of its formation

It remained in the LT Country area, based at either Amersham or Addlestone, until the end of its passenger carrying career.

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Early 1960s

Somewhere on route 336; if you know the location please get in touch!

Photo © J. Sutton

It also worked from Addlestone, Godstone and Reigate garages before overhaul in 1956, one of three during its career.

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November 1952

Victoria Road, Horley

On Route 424

Photo ©, and used with permission, of A. Cross

RLH 44 began its career in Country area green colours, at East Grinstead garage.

1952: Built

1952: RLH 44 was built, painted in green for use in the London Transport country area.

UK registration number: MXX 244. For other identifying numbers (chassis, body etc) please see this table.

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