England swings like a pendulum do
Bobbies on bicycles, two by two
Westminster Abbey the tower of Big Ben
The rosy red cheeks of the little children
-Roger Miller: England Swing
Timelessness, resolve, class, and grit - all can be used to describe London's iconic double decker buses. For over 50 years these workhorses have transported British denizens from the hustle of Piccadilly Circus to the shadows of Parliament, and beyond.
The AEC Routemaster set the benchmark that others copied. This diesel chugging, no-nonsense, load-bearing machine galvanized the transportation industry. It was officially retired in 2005, but several variants still remain in operation on select heritage routes. Often copied but never rivaled, they continue to stand as a symbol of the working class in these hardscrabble, pull yourself up by your bootstrap times.
The AEC Routemaster set the benchmark that others copied. This diesel chugging, no-nonsense, load-bearing machine galvanized the transportation industry. It was officially retired in 2005, but several variants still remain in operation on select heritage routes. Often copied but never rivaled, they continue to stand as a symbol of the working class in these hardscrabble, pull yourself up by your bootstrap times.
AEC Routemaster
Heritage Routemaster on work detail in London. December 2009.
1964 AEC Routemaster all gussied up with lace and ready for a fine Oxford wedding. December 2009.
Genteel and Steel. 1964 Routemaster and 1955 Bentley R Type on Wedding Duty in Oxford. December 2009.Bristol Lodekka Double Decker
1965 Bristol Lodekka on Wedding Duty in Oxford. December 2009.
Double Deckers In The Movies
The Omen (1976, Gregory Peck, Lee Remick). A London AEC Routemaster is seen briefly in traffic on route 159. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). 1956 AEC Regent V/Weymann double decker. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Mai Zetterling exits the bus. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Peter Sellers' character takes a ride. Found here.
Only Two Can Play (1961, Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling). Peter Sellers' character riding a Routemaster. Found here.
On the Town (1949, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra). Double decker can be seen in background. Found here.
On the Town (1949, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra). Double decker can be seen in background. Found here.
