After World War II, London Transport (LT) purchased 6,805 double deckers to a highly standardised design. These were similar to 151 pre-war AEC buses, and were of AEC Regent III RT type, using specially modified AEC Regent III 0961 RT/2 chassis.

 

The other deliveries were made up of 2,131 Leyland chassis, 1631 RTLs (Leyland RTs), and RTWs (RT Wide, 6 inches wider than the standard design). What the RT designation stands for has always been a matter of debate, the most common theories being Regent Type or Revised Type. 

 

For their time, the RTs had very advanced design features, such as lined ceilings, rubber corner panels (reducing accident damage), a well designed cabin with clear vision, etc. The design allowed for the body to be lifted off the chassis during overhaul. The LT fleet contained more bodies than chassis, as overhauling the body took longer than overhauling the chassis. Thus, RT 3708 could go in for overhaul in the morning, and the chassis could come out again that afternoon but with a different body.

 

The Museum's bus, RT 3708, was registered NLE-815 and entered service at Enfield Garage in May, 1953 with Weymann body 8545 (an RT8/2 type, the most common). It received three overhauls during its LT career. The first in July, 1956, when it came out with a 'green' body and was allocated to London Country services. At its second overhaul in April, 1961, it remained with the same body and continued on Country services. At the third and final overhaul in October, 1965, it was fitted with 'red' body 9098, built by Park Royal Vehicles (RT8/2 type), returning to LT Central Area services before its final days at Southall garage prior to withdrawal. RT 3708 was sold in March, 1977. 

 

A company trading as Rebel Air Tours imported RT 3708 to Australia in 1984 through an operator/dealer called Brakell. Arriving in August, 1984, it was registered (NSW) NAC-501. In 1989, the bus was purchased by the Museum and in 1995 underwent a body overhaul. 2008 saw a complete rebuilt of the air system taking place.

 

RT 3708 makes regular appearances at major events throughout the year.  

 

Specifications:

Engine: 9.6 litre 6-cylinder AEC diesel, bore 4.72", stroke 5.59" developing 115 B.H.P. at 1800 RPM.

 

Transmission: Four speed air operated 'Wilson' pre-selector epicyclic gearbox to a worm drive differential.

 

Brakes: Air operated foot brake to all wheels and a mechanical hand brake to the rear wheels.