Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs
Prototype Eras
Era 5 (1956 to 1966) British Railways Late Crest
Era 6 (1967 to 1972) British Rail Blue (Pre-TOPS)
Era 7 (1972 to 1982) British Rail Blue (TOPS)
Era 8 (1983 to 1994) British Rail Sectorisation
Era 9 (1995 to 2004) Initial Privatisation
Era 10 (2005 to 2015) Rebuilding of the Railways
It was in 1951 the decision was taken to develop a lightweight vehicle with the ability to seat 64 passengers, an initial estimate of 2,000 vehicles being suggested. Several protoypes appeared over the next few years and testing of the buses took place with development being carried out by a range of companies. It was not until the early sixties that the buses were seen on the streets of London in any quantity and by now a decision had been made to concentrate the future development of buses on one-person operated vehicles. No further Routemasters were built after 1968 although due to maintenance, refurbishment and deregulation they are still seen not only in the capital, but also in many locations throughout the UK and overseas.
Supplier links are provided for your convenience and do not guarantee that the product is currently available. RailwayModels.uk is not a representative of these suppliers, but may receive a commission when purchases are made through links on this page.
Oxford Diecast Dunlop – 1:76 Scale model, part number RM085. The die‑cast replica is finished in British Rail Blue, representing the pre‑TOPS period. It is offered as a detailed 1:76 (OO gauge) vehicle suitable for collectors and railway enthusiasts.
The real bus design originated from a 1951 decision to create a lightweight vehicle capable of carrying 64 passengers, with an initial target of 2,000 units. Prototypes were built and tested over the following years, and by the early 1960s the buses appeared in noticeable numbers on London streets. From the mid‑1960s the focus shifted to one‑person operated buses, and production of the original Routemaster ceased in 1968. Despite this, many examples remain in service across the UK and overseas due to maintenance, refurbishment and deregulation.