GS1 at Oxted Stn

East Grinstead Running Day

Sunday 27th April 2003

Prepared by Ian Smith, 19th May 2003


Part 4: Going Home

RML2305 departs RF366 departs

Back at East Grinstead it was going-home time. London General's red RML2305, one of those delivered new to Godstone in October 1965 (in red) had spent part of 2002 covered in gold vinyl, but was now back in red with a white band, and looking good. It had spent part of the day on the 409 to and from Godstone, returning to its roots. Now it was departing.

Red RF366 was also leaving, having just completed a long trip on the 494 to Chart and back.

Metrobus 396 departs RF19 departs The visiting bus park had also nearly emptied. Just leaving was Metrobus' new Optare No369: Metrobus plays an important role on the Running Day, providing crews to operate part of the 473 service to Kingscote Station to provide the Bluebell Railway link.

Also departing was Colin Curtis with RF19, and RF213 would follow shortly.

Strathclyde-liveried RM835 showed off its complete set of Godstone RM blinds, and a 482 blind was selected for the return run in service to Redhill.

RF213 prepares to depart RM835 loads up

RF633 returned from a trip round the houses and SNC168 came round onto the stand to load for the 1700 708 to London (and then 715 to Hertford).

RF633 in King St SNC168 loads for the 708

494 to Oxted Station: GS2

Suddenly King Street was more or less empty, save for GS62 and GS2. We received a phone message that there were two people at Oxted Station who needed to catch RP21. Peter Aves reckoned that he could pick them up at Oxted in GS2, and run direct to Westerham instead of his intended trip via Chart, in time to catch RP21 as it passed through Westerham. I went with him in GS2.

GS62 in King St GS2 ready for 494

GS2 scurried north, leaving East Grinstead and Baldwins Hill behind, then passing through Lingfield and heading up the long country road through Tandridge. I didn't realise that GS1 was close behind until we stopped at Oxted Station and there it was!

464 to Westerham (diverted): GS2

John Huxford in GS1 was continuing to Holland, so we said farewell and headed east with our added passengers. We reached Westerham with time to spare. We contacted Colin Rivers in RF679, who was behind RP21, to let him know. It was just as well, as he managed to stop RP21 from bypassing Westerham!

Inside GS2 GS2 and GS1 at Oxted Stn

The RP pulled up to the Westerham stop, with RF679 behind. Paul thought he might use the M25 rather than Westerham Hill, so went along to the turning point on the Chelsham Road, before coming back to the George and Dragon stop. After that he went up Westerham Hill after all, as a 705.

RP21 at Westerham RF679 at Westerham

Back through Kent: RF679

I rejoined RF679 for the return east through Brasted and Riverhead, and into the depths of Kent. GS2 ran ahead most of the way, until we parted company on the fringes of Ashford. THe light was fading. It had been a long day, but a most enjoyable one.

GS2 near Sevenoaks Bye!

system map Buses in service or visiting: Many thanks to all that made it possible: people who organised the event, the timetables, the buses; people who preserved, maintained and prepared the buses; people who did the driving, conducting and inspecting jobs; people who organised and did the catering: thank you.

Next event: Hitchin, Hertford and Stevenage, Sunday 1st June 2003.


All photos by Ian Smith. Click on any of them for a larger picture.

Back to Ian's Bus-stop Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4: Going Home.