I think the whole way the end of normal RM operation is being handled
smacks of a split-personality within TfL. On the one hand let's run
specials and produce models, on the other 'ban' filming (supposedly)
and a sales stall on any part of the route. Similarly lets dress the
buses with dedicated posters as was done for trams and trolleybuses
(and RT's though internal only), but then phrase them in such a way
which undermines the whole historical significance of the event (i.e.
you can still ride on a Disney Routemaster which goes nowhere, links
nothing, and manages to avoid most of the traffic day on the 9H and 15H
so what's all the fuss about?) As for the lack of sales stall, it is
ridiculous that space could not be found, which after all need not have
taken up much more room than the sort of charity wallpaper table one
sees set up in shopping centres on a Sat afternoon. If not at BN or AK,
why not on the TfL-controlled Trafalgar Square, which is where the
Disney routes were launched and is served by all three remaining RM
routes? (And is made available for every other minority grievence group
it seems - which is presumably how enthusiasts are viewed?) I for one
will not have the time to divert off from the main events this Thu and
Fri to visit Covent Garden so risk not getting one or other of the
commemorative EFE's. As for perceived H&S risks which have been used to
surpress activity, god knows what these 'nannies' in TfL must make of
the scenes shot outside Barking garage in 1979, or at New Cross Depot
in 1952! No wonder they don't want film crews aboard, all those
'ordinary' Londoners, black, asian, cockney pensioners etc, saying how
much the hate OPO d/d's and bendies - not quite the 'right on' PC
message TfL expects. There will be a TfL press bus shadowing the last
159, no doubt with suitable reps from the disability rights mafia to
bless procedings, and where news management can be suitably spun. In
all this the Museum has to walk a tightrope betwen the two views for
fear of offending the TfL board should it be seen to ally to closely
with the pro-RM lobby.