RT 4712's NIGHT OUT

Gold-liveried RT 4712 was moved out of Covent Garden on Monday 26th June to make room for the dismantling of the front end bus display (LB02YXC), which is being replaced at a future date with another display. RT 4712 had to be moved after the Museum closed and be put back in the following morning before the Museum opened. GoAhead were approached regarding accommodation over night at Waterloo, which they kindly agreed to.

 

RT 4712 had not moved for some years or even been started. The batteries had been taken off when it went in to the Museum, so a set of batteries was put in during Monday evening. The bus was checked over thoroughly before starting or moving it. It started straight away and had no issues. It then had to be manoeuvred through a very tight area to get out into Wellington Street. It left about 21.00 for the short journey to Waterloo. People in restaurants and passers-by were surprised to see the RT emerge into Wellington Street; many got their cameras out quickly to capture the moment.

 

The following morning (27^th) the bus was collected from Waterloo at 06.30 for the short journey back. It had to be reversed back into the museum from Wellington Street which was a very tight manoeuvre.

The Friends' volunteer drivers involved in the move were Jon Batchelor (who took the photo, Terry Torch and Mark Chapman. We understand that all three of them then turned up on the Tuesday at the Depot for the normal weekly bus volunteer working group. That's dedication for you!