RLH61, RLH23 at Merton Garage

Worcester Park Running Day

Sunday 10th August 2008

Prepared by Ian Smith, 31st August 2008.


164: Sutton to Epsom (RT3148)

While all these comings and goings had been taking place at the front of Sutton Garage RT3148 had been standing there quietly. It had been out previously on a long run to Kingston on the 286. Now it was ready for a turn on the 164. It seemed like a good idea. No problem about getting a seat on this one. I bagged an upstairs front seat for the initial short trip to Morden Station.

We headed north from Sutton Garage on the direct route over Rose Hill, through the cutting, and then rolled down through St.Helier.

RT3148 at Sutton Garage. Rose Hill Cutting.

RT1702 came up the long hill past us, now clockwise on the 156. We turned left to reach Morden Station by the approved route, and swung into the station forecourt past RF503 on the 80.

RT1702 on St Helier Avenue. RF503 at Morden Station.

We parked in front of the RF. Peter Larkham, our conductor, alighted to take pictures. I stayed put, resolving to ask him to let me use the pictures, which he obligingly did. (I can be seen peeking out of the top window of the RT).

RF503 at Morden Station. RT3148 at Morden Station.

We pulled away past EVL44 on the 154, and turned once more towards St.Helier. On the way we met a pair of buses on the 164: RT2794 pursued by LDP71.

EVL44 at Morden Station. RT2794 and LDP71 on 164.

Approaching Sutton Garage we came up behind a slow-moving EVL2. It seemed a bit odd. The "On Tow" sign on the back gave a hint why: the front was tilted up while it was on tow from Queens Motors' huge tow-truck. This became obvious when the equipage turned right to reach Sutton Garage.

EVL2 on tow, Sutton. Queens Motors towtruck.

We continued on through Sutton, and out to Belmont, where we met modern East Lancs-bodied EnviroDart SD48 heading north for Mitcham on the S1 for Quality Line.

Continuing on to Banstead we there met older Alexander-bodied Dart ADL10 on the 166 to West Croydon for Arriva.

SD48 on S1, Belmont. ADL10 on 166, Banstead.

We crossed the busy Brighton Road, and passed Banstead Station. Fir Tree Road and Alexandra Road gave John a chance to put his foot down. The RT reached 28mph (according to the speedo), John told me later. Certainly it caused one of those 30mph reminder lights to flash at us! We were soon going much more slowly round the Epsom one-way system to reach the terminus by Epsom Clock.

RT3148 at Epsom Clock. RT3148 at Epsom Clock.

I alighted there, and headed for RM1033, which pulled past the RT to terminate on the 93...

Part Seven: Epsom to New Malden

Photos by Ian Smith (or Peter Larkham as shown). Click on any of them for a larger picture.

Back to Ian's Bus-stop Part Five: St.Helier to Sutton Part Seven: Epsom to New Malden