A spot of history: London RT buses in Zürich

A correspondent sent me a photograph he discovered in the January 1954 issue of the Leyland Journal, showing Zürich's Bellevue with a London Transport RT bus.

The occasion is fitting, as 2013 will mark the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II. In connection with this occasion two RTL buses visited Zürich from 15 to 28 June 1953 as part of the "British Festival Weeks" sponsored by the British Tourism Board. Public rides were provided on timetabled routes from different parts of Zürich and its suburbs, bringing visitors to the festival at Kongresshaus. The buses were RTL 1459 and RTL 3710. The former was a Leyland/Park Royal vehicle and the latter AEC/Weymann. Registrations were NLE 733 and NLE 817. (the above information and photograph are from Peter Kamm, Zürich Transport 1882-1996)

I have done some quick internet research on this and found this short film.

This article from The Commercial Motor Archive reveals more about the trip, including that the bussed were worked by Swiss crews while in Zürich, who were trained by their London counterparts. The buses covered 6300 miles on the continent without any failures.

this item was added on 22.12.2012 (4133 days ago)
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