Memories #2

Thoughts have been going through my head lately when I look at some of the vehicles that I have to drive now, and I think back to my early days with London Country when it still had plenty of RT and RF vehicles. I can recall occasions when vehicle shortage meant that I was given an RF like the one pictured above, to go and do a full duty on the Green Line. It was a pleasure to drive them after the more modern, but appalling Leyland Nationals. I wasn't the only one who felt like this - regular riders seeing an RF pull up for them would unfailingly express their thankfulness to the driver for bringing a REAL Green Line. To be honest, if I could find anything wrong with a National which would take it off the road, and there was an RF sitting in the yard, I would find it!! The pre-select gearbox was a pleasure to use in London, and if the engineers had kept up with the greasing, the steering was no heavier than power assistance.
Some years after the 708 had disappeared in the wake of the all-conquering 758, I had the privilege of driving an RF over the old 708 route for a group of enthusiasts going to a 'Running Day' at East Grinstead. With their thick seat cushions it was still a comfy ride for such a long distance. It's worth noting that even though the driver's seats on both the RT and RF were 'basic', I never suffered the back problems on the long run to EG that started appearing once the 'all-singing and dancing' suspension seats, and 'ergonomic' designs began to be fitted to buses and coaches.
Looking at the boneshakers that I drive now, I wish I was back on a good old Regal IV!!!