RML2261 was the first of the production run of 500 RMLs, the longer type at 30 feet, and seating 72. She was delivered on the 1st July 1965 and became an instant celebrity, being put to one side for a goodwill trade tour of the USA
She left for America in August and didn't return until December. The tour took in Rochester (New York), New York City, Richmond (Virginia) and Charlotte (North Carolina) covering a distance of 3161 miles.
Here are extracts from a tour report written by F Heyman, the leader of the crew, and his two colleagues Electrical Foreman F. Morris and Unit Adjuster W. Lawrence.
Introduction
The tour was sponsored by the Board of Trade to promote the sale of British goods in certain big stores in American cities. A period of up to two weeks was given over to a large display of British merchandise in a background setting of Great Britain in which the double decker London bus was to play a prominent part in stimulating interest in the project.
Preparation
The vehicle selected for the tour was RML2261. Certain modifications were carried out in order to adapt it for use in America, notably the fitting of a higher ratio differential gear together with an additional near side mirror. Except for arrangements to secure the cab door and fitting temporary doors at the platform entrance, the vehicle was in standard condition.
Arrangements were made for the display of advertising matter according to which store was concerned at the time.
The crew were given a medical examination and the normal period of instruction in the Driving School, in order to reach PSV standards. Tools and spare parts were provided to facilitate maintenance. Instructions in the use of the Gibson ticket machine were given, together with a mechanical and electrical refresher course.
The vehicle was finally dispatched to Bristol where it was loaded on board the 'Northolt' bound for Rochester, New York.
The tour started in Rochester, New York where, amongst other things, RML2261 took part in a parade through the main street of Rochester accompanied by some British cars (both old and new) a Scottish pipe band and two British policemen!
The tour then moved on to Brooklyn, N.Y. City where things didn't go quite as well!
The journey to Brooklyn was difficult. The route which was supplied to me by the British Consulate was most unsatisfactory in that information given to me did not give bridge heights and on occasions it was necessary to take a diversion to avoid a low bridge, sometimes with Police assistance, and sometimes without, as in some instances it was refused by them.
Things didn't seem to improve once they had arrived with a lack of communication about advertising material to be used and potential routes to be driven. I get the impression they were quite glad to leave...
The tour moved on to Richmond, Virgina where things seemed to be better organised. Amongst the visitors were the British Ambassador and Lord Rhodes.
During the second week there, the BBC made a tele-recording of us, which was later shown on Town & Around at home. During the stay in Richmond there were several radio and television interviews for the local stations. Everyone seemed to think the interviews went well.
The tour continued to Charlotte, North Carolina before RML returned to the UK by ship.
