Whilst driving along the Western Avenue this afternoon, I saw a Routemaster in what looked like a virtually unpainted condition, as if stripped down ready for repainting. It was fully "dressed" with blinds for the 159 to West Hampstead but unfortunately as I was driving at the time, I was unable to see a fleet or registration number. It was a standard RM and was by the Hoover Building heading towards London (or the North Circular!)

Just interested really......

Hello Steve, hope all is well.. Mystic Mark here with my magic ball!
Your find it was RM14023 (sorry i meant to say Robbie's RM14) returning from an MOT at Perivale. Next question, no it didn't pass. I wasn't there but saw it in tea leaves in the bottom of my mug at work today.
Take care mate, maybe see you up at Duxford perhaps??
Mr Happy

Bet that made a new entry in your diary Mark .. ROBBIES BUS IS A FAILURE ... !!!

JUST JOKING MATE.. But why go so far over when he should use the extremely nice chap at NEWHAM COUNCIL yard just off the A13 / 406 RBT ... unless hes no longer there , he was very favourable to our toys and was more than happy to to point out this or that advisory +++ would even help get the little odd one done whilst there to get the pass.. a REALLY NICE MAN !!

Hi Mystic Mark

Thanks for the info - as you know I'm not a number cruncher but was just being nosey!

Yes, all being well I should be at Duxford, so look forward to seeing you with crystal ball, tea leaves and ouija board.

Cheers
Mr Grumpy

The 'very nice' man at the Newham Council depot's MOT facility is still there carrying out class 5 MOT's (no Class 6). We've used him for years and he's more than helpful and knows Routemasters very well. That's not to say he isn't thorough but if there's a minor problem he's been known to offer up a spanner to fix things. His name is Martin and if you are interested call him on 0208 472 0343 for a booking. I thoroughly recomend him. The council depot is in Jenkins Lane, Newham, close to the junction of the A.13 and the A.406.

Talking of mystery buses as we were.. I was at the services on the A14 Newmarket bypass on Saturday, collecting my Brother in Law's motorbike from there (long story..) and their was parked RML2296. Didn't spot the driver/owner, but it just shows you, you could be anywhere and your spot one!