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The Routemaster that's now a bathroom
Nick Ames24.06.08
For almost four decades this Routemaster bus served passengers using the 159 service from Marble Arch to Streatham.
Now it is working rather different streets - in Moscow.
The 1967 bus, along with the rest of the Routemaster fleet, was decommissioned in 2005 by Ken Livingstone amid concerns about safety and accessibility.
It was bought this year by Russian firm Sia Big Ben for £15,000 and turned into a mobile bathroom tile showroom in a £100,000 refit.
Its new features include a large bathroom, a showroom filled with reproduction Victorian tiles and a lounge area for entertaining customers.
The bus left Britain by ferry this month and was taken 1,500 miles from Denmark via Germany and Latvia to Moscow.
It arrived on 16 June and went to the British Embassy, where it was the backdrop for a party to celebrate the Queen's birthday.
Sia Big Ben sells tiles to eastern Europe and hired designers to oversee the refit, which was carried out by Kent firm South East Coachworks.
Chris Bichard, managing director of the Faversham company, said: "This is one of the most ambitious projects we have undertaken. The designers said they wanted it turned into a mobile showroom with
a difference. Sia Big Ben does a lot of work in Russia and the country's top businessmen can't get enough of British style, so they have been buying the Victorian-style tiles in large quantities. Now they will be able to take a look at some of the ranges on offer in an amazing setting and a great example of British style and engineering.
"They are delighted with it and are thinking of buying a second bus to showcase English kitchens."
When the bus arrived at the company's works it was stripped and gutted before being repainted. The bathroom was installed on the lower deck with the showroom and lounge on the top deck. Mr Bichard said: "We painted it in the traditional red livery and made sure the logo for London Transport was back in its rightful place.
"The conversion is 100 per cent British - we haven't used anything from another country. It's a celebration of all that is best in this country, whether in vehicle engineering or interior style. The Russians, who have a lot of affection for our Queen, loved toasting her health with a few glasses of vodka on board."
South East Coachworks is about to start work on another Routemaster commission - turning a bus into a mobile bra-fitting service for lingerie firm La Senza.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
THE RESTAURANT
History: entered service at Aldenham depot, Elstree, in 1967. Sold around 2004, bought by current owners last year.
Cost: £19,500.
Now: Rootmaster Bustaurant, a 28-cover vegan café near the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane.
THE MUSEUM PIECE
History: Built in 1966, worked until 2004 on routes 24 and 73. Bought by current owner in 2005.
Cost: £8,000.
Now: Exhibit at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, where she is affectionately known as Billie. Owner Alf Kendry, a private enthusiast, takes it to community events. He said: "She's worth a lot more now than when I bought her. One Swiss guy offered me £35,000."
THE PARTY BUS
History: Used to ply routes 14 and 22. Current owners bought it in July 2005.
Cost: £7,500.
Now: The Boogie Bus, hired for weddings, hen parties and corporate functions. The top deck has a bar and is lined with leather sofas. Owner Paul Green, 41, a Southampton IT expert, said: "I bought it for fun but had to make some money out of it."
THE RADIO STATION
History: Sold to current owners in 2005.
Cost: £10,000.
Now: A mobile radio studio used by Capital 95.8. Top deck has been converted into a VIP lounge for DJs and guests. DJ Johnny Vaughan said: "Routemasters are iconic and should never have been taken off the road. I hope Boris does bring them back. To be able to have a fully working studio on one which we can take anywhere is absolutely brilliant - it's the only way to travel."
