New RMC Routemaster Coaches from EFE Road


24 July 2024
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Bachmann Europe Plc has unveiled four new 1:76 scale RMC Routemaster coaches as part of its expanding EFE Road range of diecast collectables.

The new models come hot on the heels of EFE Road’s four standard AEC Routemaster models announced in April, and continue this year’s celebrations marking 70 years since the very first Routemaster prototype, RM1, was unveiled to the world in 1954.

The four new EFE Road models represent examples of RMCs during various stages of their London careers;

  • AEC Routemaster RMC1502, LCBS Green Line,Route 370
  • Tilbury FerryAEC Routemaster RMC1508, LCBS, Route 341, Hatfield Station
  • AEC Routemaster RMC1490, East London,Route X15,East Beckton
  • AEC Routemaster RMC1513, East London, Route 15, Oxford Circus

Like the RM models, they have been produced using EFE Road’s refined Routemaster tooling, and now feature such enhancements as bodyside panel lines, plus highly detailed liveries and advertisements where appropriate.

EFE Road spokesmanGary Boyd-Hope, said“We are delighted to add the RMCs to EFE Road’s growing range as we continue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Routemaster. For this announcement, we have selected RMCs that offer something a little different from what has come before, and have included the preserved RMC1490, which continues to see active service in Shropshire and North Wales.”

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The four models are expected to reach retailers during August 2024, with an RRP of £44.95 each.

About the prototype

The RMCs were introduced in 1962 to work on London Transport’s Green Line cross-London and suburban services, following trials with the prototype, CRL4 (later RMC4). They were a direct development of the standard RM, and while visually very similar, they differed in having twin headlamps, electrically operated platform doors, more comfortable seats with increased legroom, and the addition of luggage racks. A higher rear axle ratio, rear air suspension, and increased fuel capacity also set the RMCs apart from the RMs.

A total of 68 were built, seeing service with Green Line and later London Country, before all were bought back by London Transport. Many ended up as driver trainers, but seven were reinstated as passenger carriers in 1989 for the new X15 route; the latter remaining in traffic until the early 1990s, although some continued in use well into the 2000s.

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