I asked Eddie to make a photo stop at Gravesend Station, which he did. A young lady at the bus stop climbed aboard with a query, which Eddie answered with his usual courtesy.
We rattled on towards Northfleet Garage. Northfleet was BN61's last working garage (in January 1982), so a visit was a must.
We turned in to the garage. We would not be allowed to stop. We descended the slope, and Eddie piroetted the tiny Bristol in the yard, outside the shed doors (still in LT blue). I snapped away in the half-light at everythiing that passed in front of the windscreen. Well, almost everything - this camera doesn't have a motor-wind! Buses in sight included MetroRider 1810, Northern Counties Darts 3133 and 3143, Volvo B6s V203 and V204, East Lancs Dart YDT505, as well as newer types.
We exited up the ramp, and drove back to Parrock Street, where most of our passengers - and the driver - alighted to take their own buses back home. I went for a walk round, to say farewells. I took a look at the Volvo Ailsa, which I had only seen in passing during the day.
Similarly I had had only fleeting glimpses of Southdown Guy Arab PUF647 during the day. Now it was almost time for it to set off on the long trip back to Tonbridge on the 122.
Visiting RML2463 was still standing next to RM642, wearing 38 blinds to remind us that this route had less than a fortnight left with crews and RMLs. RF48 was waiting to make a return journey to Bromley and Croydon, while RT3148 was still there for any mopping up that was needed once all the excursions had returned and the feerder services gone.
No grinding back into London along the old 701 route via Dartford. The buses headed south for the Tollgate, and onto the A2, ensuring a fairly fast ride as far as Blackheath, where we ran into the inevitable traffic snarl. We ground down to New Cross, where things eased somewhat for the run into Camberwell. We passed a couple of Imperial's buses. Inside the bus the conversation ranged over various aspects of science and bus preservation, including paint, the present topic of much concern. It was excellent company.
Too soon we were passing over Vauxhall Bridge behind a bendi-bus on the 36. The crew dropped me off at Victoria Station, and then the diminutive Bristol headed off into the bright lights of the West End for the run out to Acton. I was in nice time to jump on the Victoria line to Kings Cross and straight onto a train north.
Many thanks to all the Country Bus Rallies team for organising the event, especially to Bernard and Pauline Gardiner, and Colin Rivers. Thanks to those who negotiated with the Council, Police, Arriva and other bodies for permission to use the carpark, hold the event, run the services.... Thanks to those who spent their day selling things (like programmes), giving out information, organising effective queues, dealing with problems, controlling the movement of buses. Thanks too to those who organised timetables and programmes, getting them printed and distributed. Thanks too to all the owners, drivers, conductors and inspectors who made it all work. And thanks to those who turned up to ride on the buses.
Buses at the event that I saw:
London Transport: STL2692; RT3148; RF48, RF269, RF281, RF383, RF486, RF600; GS15; RM642; RCL2229, RCL2260; "RML2306", RML2463; SNC168; BN61; RB51.
Maidstone & District: SO227; SC390; 2816, V5385.
Southdown: PUF647; 2726CD.
Hants & Dorset: 779.
East Kent: FFN446
Lioness DM6228.
Arriva 3041, 6401
All photos by Ian Smith. Click on most of them for a larger picture.
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