Heathrow nostalgiaRed RF routes

Route 224C

 
A short-lived replacement for the 222 between Uxbridge and West Drayton, extended to Heathrow Airport Central at peak hours.
 
RF538 is seen laying over at Heathrow, when it was still known as London Airport and before the development of the central area.   A Vickers Viscount, probably of BEA, graces the background.  Can anyone identify exactly where the shot is taken (the request stop is a clue) and comment on the Duple-bodied KLM coach behind the RF?
Photo Peter Gomm collection
 
Dates of RF operation
15 Mar 61 to 8 May 62
(total 1 year 2 months, all crew operation).

 

Destinations
UXBRIDGE STATION and WEST DRAYTON STATION (Mon-Fri)
UXBRIDGE STATION and LONDON AIRPORT CENTRAL (Mon-Fri peak hours)
 
RF Garages
UX    Uxbridge
 
Reason for single-deck operation
Until the road was lowered in September 1961, the low bridge at West Drayton station required single-deck operation of all workings continuing south of West Drayton.  The 224C was double-decked in May 1962.

 

Route history

London Airport North was served from Uxbridge for many years by the 222 (en route to Hounslow), with additional peak hour journeys introduced in 1952.

 

Before 1961, the barrier to double-deck operation of the Uxbridge southwards from West Drayton was the bridge at West Drayton.  This was rebuilt from 1959 to 1960, and while the road was closed, RFs on the 222 provided the service through Cowley as well as a separate service over the southern section.  In March 1961, the bridge now open, the 222 was discontinued and the 223 extended from West Drayton to Hounslow serving London Airport North.  The route through Cowley was connected to London Airport at peak hours by new route 224C, which continued to Heathrow Airport Central (as it is now called).  Off-peak journeys ran on Monday to Friday only to West Drayton, supporting the main 224/A/B services.  These off-peak journeys ran only during the day plus (curiously) one evening journey.

 

The low bridge at Cowley was removed shortly after, following which the 224C was double-decked with RTs on 9 May 62.  A year later on 8 May 63, the route was replaced by a horseshoe-shaped extension of the Hayes to Uxbridge RT route 204. 

 

RF route in detail, with timing points

UXBRIDGE STATION, Belmont Road, High Street Uxbridge, Vine Street (return via Windsor Street), Cowley Road, High Street Cowley, Cowley Station Road, High Street Cowley, High Road Cowley, High Street Yiewsley, Station Approach, West Drayton Station, extended peak hours via Station Approach, Station Road, Sipson Road, London Airport North Sipson Road,  East Ramp, HEATHROW AIRPORT CENTRAL (Mon-Fri)
 
RF allocation
PVR 1961: Mon-Fri 5, Sat -, Sun -