Route 224C
A short-lived replacement of the 222 between Uxbridge and West
Drayton, extended to Heathrow Airport Central at peak
hours.
Dates of RF
operation
15 Mar 61 to 8 May 62
(total 1 years 2 months, all crew
operation).
Destinations
UXBRIDGE - LONDON AIRPORT CENTRAL (Mon to Fri)
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 of the Duple-bodied KLM coach behind the
RF?
Photo Peter Gomm
collection
Route history
London Airport North was served from Uxbridge
for many years by the 222, with
additional peak hour journeys introduced in 1952.
Before 1961, the main barrier to
double-deck operation of the Uxbridge to West Drayton routes
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.
The low bridge at Cowley was removed shortly after, at
which point the 224C was replaced by a
horseshoe-shaped extension of the Hayes to Uxbridge RT
route 204 on 9 May 1962.
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)
Garages
UX Uxbridge
Vehicle allocation
PVR 1961: Mon-Fri 5, Sat -, Sun -
