Red RF routes

Route 224^A

Destinations

UXBRIDGE STATION and WEST DRAYTON Mill Road (Mon-Sat)

Reason for single-deck operation

From 1948, the 223 (which arrived in West Drayton from Uxbridge via Colham Green rather than Cowley) was extended daily to operate to West Drayton Mill Road, The Anglers Retreat.  When part of the 223 was double-decked with STLs in July 1951, it worked in two sections, with the southern section which passed under the West Drayton railway bridge remaining single deck and working to Mill Road.  On 16 Feb 55, the single-deck section was discontinued and replaced by the T-operated 224^A, from West Drayton Mill Road via Cowley to Uxbridge with short workings from West Drayton Station to Uxbridge. 

In October 1956, the Ts were replaced by two TDs, Uxbridge's first.  In January 1957, the 224^B commenced operation, taking over and extending the 224^A short workings and taking over half of its Saturday service; November 1958 saw withdrawal of the afternoons-only Sunday service on the 224^A.  Along with other members of the 224 group, the 224^A was converted to RF operation in June 1959. 

In early 1961, the main barrier to double-deck operation, the bridge at West Drayton, was rebuilt. While the road was closed, RFs on the 222 provided the service through Cowley and the 224^A operated only the short local service to Mill Road. In March 1961, the bridge now open, the road through Cowley, apparently still restricted by a further low bridge at Yiewsley, was now served only by the 224 group.  This second low bridge was removed shortly after, allowing the 224^A to be converted to RT on 9 May 1962.

The end came on 15 January 1971, the 224^A being partly replaced by a rerouting in West Drayton of the 224^B to Stockley Estate.