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[Jusme]

Google tells us that it's the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the first Routemaster bus. How many since then

[Lizzie_Zoom]

Apparently Jason 2,876 according to this great site:

http://www.routemaster.org.uk/pages/history

There were variations of this lovely bus, but I'll leave the explanation of that to our on-site expert on these things, Seth!

[Jusme]

further to the above Jason......  RM & RML class. RMC & RCL class. RMF & RMA class.
In 1961, 24 longer RMLs (30 ft compared with the standard 27 ft 6in) were built as a test, going into production from 1965.
 
In 1962, the front entrance RMF concept was tried, with RMF1254 based on the trial RMLs. This was exhibited and toured, leading to the production of a small number of RMF and RMA buses.
 
In 1964, just before commencement of mainstream production of the RML, the final front-engined Routemasters, AEC started work on a front-entrance, rear-engined prototype, FRM1.[9] Completed in 1966, it saw regular London service, then on London Coaches tour operations, before being withdrawn in 1983. It was nicknamed the Fruitmaster.

The majority of production examples were 27 feet 6 inches (8.4 metres) long, within maximum length regulations. The regulations were later relaxed and 29 feet 11 inches (9.1 metres) "long" types were produced, although these were delayed by union resistance to the extra work for conductors.[10]
'Aww, poor conductors had to take a further step'? 

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

30ft? Tiny!

[Seth]

Apparently Jason 2,876 according to this great site:

http://www.routemaster.org.uk/pages/history

There were variations of this lovely bus, but I'll leave the explanation of that to our on-site expert on these things, Seth!

An excellent website - so there's little that I can add to this thread!

Perusal has however uncovered an interesting and previously unknown fact to this scribe:

The final drive ratios specified were identical to several of those offered on AEC's contemporary single-deck 'Reliance' bus chassis. As all the LT vehicles had spiral-bevel final drives, I'm assuming identical crown wheel/pinion assemblies incorporated within an RM-specific rear axle casing for mounting within the rear sub-frame.

The 4.08:1 ratio on the BEA-liveried buses would give a top road speed well over 70mph (in a Reliance), though as all RM engines were set at a relaxing 1800 max RPM; so the top speed would be significantly lower. This also explains the lower maximum BHP outputs. Outside of LT; the AEC AV590/Leyland O.600 engines were usually set at 2200/2400 max RPM; and shoved-out up to around 150 horses depending on application.



The Routemaster was conceived and built for London, and although it was assembled by Park Royal, I'm reliably informed that LT retained title to the body jigs.
With a relatively expensive initial purchase tag, the only provincial recipient was Northern General, who found that the RM's all-aluminium structure stood-up extremely well to the harsh winter road conditions in the north east.

The whole concept was repeated some years later with the (supposedly!) all-conquering Leyland National - a joint venture between British Leyland and the vast National Bus Company ... but that's another story for another day!