RF255 at Bromley North Station

Bromley Mini Running Day

Sunday 7th December 2014

Prepared by Ian Smith, 21st December 2013.


Part Two: Wealdsman

746: Bromley North to Leaves Green: RF255

I did not have to wait long at Bromley North Station before a once-familiar vehicle appeared. RF255, originally a GreenLine coach, then preserved by Mike Dawes, had been overhauled by Metrobus in 1994 for use on a Sundays-only Wealdsman service between Bromley North and Tunbridge Wells, via Chartwell. For that use it received Metrobus blue livery. I had made Mike's acquaintance with RF255 at Showbus 1998, and had subsequently conducted for him on several running days and other events.But it retired from public view in 2001, although kept in roadworthy condition under cover. Mike sold it in 2014 to Tom Gurney, with whom it has re-appeared.

So here it was. It turned in to Mitchell Way, and circled round to the pick-up stop outside Bromley North Station.

RF255 on 746, Bromley North RF255 on 746, Bromley North

Not being eligible to use the bus gate from Kentish Way to Bromley High Street, we headed straight down Kentish Way, then turned down Mason's Hill to pick up the 705 (and 746) GreenLine route to Hayes. Tom made a photo stop in Hayes, outside The George. By now the heavy shower had passed over, and it was much brighter.

RF255 on 746, Hayes RF255 on 746, Hayes

We went on, up onto Hayes Common, then past the Fox and on up past the Keston Windmill and Keston Common. We joined the old 410 route (now 320) and swooped down the curves to Keston Church, where the 146 route diverges to Downe. We forked right, and after dipping through the dry valley climbed up towards Biggin Hill. We came to a stand at Leaves Green, where the 410 route was truncated during the war.

RF255 on 746, Leaves Green RF255 on 746, Leaves Green

We all alighted during the turning manoeuvre, and waited at the wind-swept bus stop opposite while the bus made its turn in a side-road next to the pub.

RF255 turns at Leaves Green RF255 turns at Leaves Green

This location brought back memories of overnight wide-games organised by Bromley Scouts during the 1960s, where we had to sneak across this well-lit junction without getting caught by sentries. Oh well, back to the present. RF255 completed its turn and picked up at the north-bound stop.

RF255 turns at Leaves Green RF255 turns at Leaves Green

We headed back for Bromley. This was a favourite road for teenage me, either on bicycle or little motorbike. There was little traffic, and the trend was downhill. There were exceptions of course: the twisting climb up from Keston Church to Keston Common, and the climb up Bromley High Street. I could still do the seven miles in twenty minutes - on the bicycle, quicker on the motorbike, but not much. The RF took it in fine form. We made another photo-stop at The Fox, before rolling on down into Hayes and Bromley. The High Street was again by-passed using Kentish Way.

RF255 at Bromley North RF255 at Bromley North

Now it was time for lunch, before I caught a 227. Most of those were on lunch-break too, it seemed. I strolled down East Street to the Market Square, and took a window table in Cafe Rouge where I could keep an eye on the 227s...

Part Three: 227

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

Ian's Bus-stop 1 2 3 4