LTSV > Service Vehicles > News > Latest Data > Latest Data Details

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This page shows the most recently added or edited database records.

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
2,501		By Ray Monk A rare visitor to Hatton Cross Bus Station on 23rd August 2018 was Nissan Leaf electric car 8595N, normally based at Edgware Road Station. It was parked in the area usually used by bus company crew ferry vehicles (such as Abellio Ford Fiesta ND59HUY seen alongside).	26/10/2018
2,502		By Ray Monk Lillie Bridge Depot in Kensington is home to a large number of service vehicles, including quite a lot of Ford Transit dropside trucks. Added to the fleet in 2017 was single-cab Mk8 Transit dropside 8538F which is one of few not to feature a tail-lift. It was seen leaving the depot on 3rd September 2018.	26/10/2018
2,503		By Ray Monk Volkswagen Transporter van 8213VW is believed to be based at London Road Depot in Elephant and Castle, but on 3rd September 2018 Ray found it departing from Lillie Bridge Depot. The Transporter van is now increasingly used for roles that would previously have been fulfilled by Ford Transits.	26/10/2018
2,504		By Ray Monk Another feature of today's batch of photos is a fair bit of jumping around, geographically. I usually add photos in the order of the subject matter (ie by vehicle fleetnumber or registration), regardless of when or where the photo was taken. However, this is the first of three pictures all taken at the same place on the same day. Beaumont Avenue in West Kensington is now the only road access to Lillie Bridge Depot and consequently sees a fair amount of service vehicle traffic, especially at night. Ray spent 45 minutes here on 3rd September 2018 and caught several vehicles leaving, including Ford Transit Connect van 8200F. The Mk2 Connect is not common in the leased fleet, just 15 having been taken since its introduction in 2014. 8200F and 8201F are both based at Lillie Bridge, these being short- and long-wheelbase respectively.	26/10/2018
2,505		By Derek Everson Several of today's batch of photographs show service vehicles in somewhat unusual locations, or at least not the places they are most commonly seen. Kicking off is this fine view of LBSL Ford Transit Connect crew van 8159F at Romford Hospital on 2nd October 2018. This van is used by the Technical Services Group (although the lettering on the door has since been changed from this to 'Technology & Data') and can usually be found parked at Mandela Way in Bermondsey. It's exact function is not known, although it has what looks like an iBus transmitter on the roof-rack.	26/10/2018
2,506		By Derek Everson The last photo for today is another cross-over from LTSV Wagons. It may not be immediately apparent but these rusty yellow ballast wagons seen at Eastleigh Works in Hampshire on 24th April 2018 belong to London Underground. Numbered 288 (right) and 268 (left), they were originally prefixed SB and were part of a fleet of 60 acquired from BR in 1995. Overhauled at ABB Crewe, they had their vacuum brakes changed to air brakes, control wiring and corner footsteps fitted and end spill plates removed. Since that time, the dropside doors (three on each side) have been modified or replaced (now featuring a lot of diagonal bracing), the footsteps have been removed and the underframe trussing reinforced. The reason for their being at Eastleigh is not currently known, although I am aware of plans to replace these wagons with a new build in the near future. But wait, there's more. In BR service these wagons were coded 'Turbot' and were used to carry ballast and spoil in connection with engineering work. But the underframes of the wagons were actually rather older, having been built at Ashford in 1961 as 'Bogie Bolster E' steel-carrying wagons. This type proved impractically short for that role so almost 1000 were rebuilt as ballast wagons during the 1980s. SB268 started life as B924167, becoming Turbot DB978408 upon conversion at BR Shildon in about 1983. SB288 was originally B924114, rebuilt as DB978892 at BR Swindon in about 1985. But wait, there is more! The green carriages in the background are preserved former BR diesel multiple units which also have a tenuous connection with LUL. Several cars have been at Eastleigh having a protracted overhaul for use on a new service connecting the Swanage heritage railway with the national network at Wareham. This service was trialled in summer 2017 using hired diesel locos and LUL's 4-TC push-pull set of carriages. The 4-TC, like the Turbots, was bought by LUL from BR and, coincidentally, also had two 'lives' before this, having been built as loco-hauled coaches in the 1950s then converted into a push-pull set in the late 1960s in connection with the Bournemouth line electrification.	24/08/2018
2,507		By Ray Monk Some pretty impressive recovery trucks have featured on LTSV over the years, the biggest being those with four axles. Joining that elite is CA57TOW, Cedars Assist number 49, a MAN TG-A 35.400 8x4 with a 10-litre engine producing 394bhp and driven by 'Borris'. On 19th July 2018 it had been called to Eltham Bus Station to collect Go-Ahead London Enviro 200 bus number 176. Cedars are one of those 'modern' companies that don't see the need for capital letters.	24/08/2018
2,508		By Derek Everson Following reports of RX18LLE at Croydon and RX18LLP at Morden Wharf, several more RX18LLx minibuses have turned up with Go-Ahead London, all in unmarked red. RX18LLD was first seen at River Road in early July 2018, but on the 18th of that month it was in use supporting the bus services to the Farnborough Air Show in Hampshire. Also present were RX18LLM (FB3, behind RX18LLD), RX18LLJ (FB1, just visible on the right) and white RX17PCU.	24/08/2018
2,509		By Ray Monk In the past couple of years Go-Ahead London has opened two new garages in East London, one each side of the river. North of the river is River Road, between Barking and Creekmouth. Crew ferry vehicles are used between the garage and locations such as Barking and Ilford. Parked in the yard on 10th July 2018 were two unmarked red Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses with RX67OLM to the fore. This was one of three new in late 2017, recently joined by further examples. The identity of the Vito behind is not known, nor is that of the high-roof Ford Transit Custom van in the distance.	24/08/2018
2,510		By Derek Everson Go-Ahead's operations in North London are centred on the former First / Capital Citybus depot at Northumberland Park. Due to the rather remote location of this garage, crew ferry vehicles are needed to take bus drivers to various terminus points. One of the shortest runs is to Tottenham Hale Station, where RK64OVG was seen on 6th March 2018. Fairly typical of the fleet in being an unmarked red Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus, this example has been based at Northumberland Park since new in autumn 2014. Four similar vehicles new at the same time were based at Rainham, moving to River Road when Rainham closed in 2016, then soon transferring to Metrobus garages at Croydon and Orpington.	24/08/2018
2,511		By Peter Terry New in 2013, for its first year of service this van lacked lettering and side windows. Based at Northumberland Park, it was modified with side windows for the back seats when about 6 months old, and was then transferred south to the former Metrobus operation another 6 months later. Here it gained fleetnumber 9035 and Go-Ahead logos, as seen at Purley Station on 16th June 2018.	24/08/2018
2,512		By Derek Everson The application of new fleetnumbers to the RATP (London United / London Sovereign / Epsom Buses) fleet has been somewhat limited, most still carrying the original, shorter numbers. Showing this feature, and its recent transfer from Hounslow Heath to Shepherds Bush, is Ford Fiesta van FF4. Officially FF75004 since 2016, it was seen at its new garage on 31st May 2018.	24/08/2018
2,513		By Derek Everson Insert rubbish here! DAF LF dustcart DX67KXH was visiting Uxbridge Bus Station on 1st May 2018.	24/08/2018
2,514		By Ray Monk Trying to find something interesting to say about this van... um. It's another Renault Kangoo Maxi in LUL livery. It's not electric. Err. Five other service vehicles are just visible, including Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen models. Acton Works 26th July 2018.	24/08/2018
2,515		By Ray Monk The Lifts and Escalators section at Frank Pick House in Acton received a large number of new vehicles in 2015, replacing almost its entire fleet. A couple of more recent additions appear to be replacements for vehicles written off in accidents. 8568F (seen here at Frank Pick House on 26th July 2018) is a Ford Transit Custom van, which may have replaced 8054F. 8569F is similar but to crew van configuration as a replacement for 7914F.	24/08/2018
2,516		By Ray Monk Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8560R was new in late 2017 and we are not sure where it is based. Stratford Market Depot seems a likely candidate based on the few sightings. On 7th July 2018 it was found parked at North Greenwich Station.	24/08/2018
2,517		By Malcolm Conway The Volkswagen Transporter has become the standard minibus for the central fleet in the past few years, taking over from the Ford Transit in this particular role. One of at least eleven in LUL livery is 8479VW, seen parked outside the LBSL offices at Victoria Coach Station on 30th July 2018.	24/08/2018
2,518		By Ray Monk Another vehicle seen at Acton Works on 26th July 2018 was Ford Focus estate car 8451F. From its introduction in 1999 until about 2013 the Ford Focus was the standard car for the leased fleet but it is now outnumbered by other types such as the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot Partner, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf.	24/08/2018
2,519		By Ray Monk Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8450VW was seen in Acton Works on 26th July 2018. I was going to say this one was notable for having cargo doors on the offside but, on reviewing photos of other recent additions, it appears that many do have this feature.	24/08/2018
2,520		By Derek Everson After a lull in 2016, deliveries of Renault Kangoo vans to the central fleet picked-up again in 2017, with no fewer than 78 additions. A lot of the new vans went to the Griffith House operation but others were spread far and wide, some being vary rarely (or never) seen. 8375R is one of the rare ones, seen approaching Acton Works on 5th June 2018. As with most of the Kangoos, it is a Maxi model in LUL livery.	24/08/2018
2,521		By Ray Monk Just eight Skoda cars (all Octavia estates) have featured in the leased fleet, the first arriving in 2010. Most have been quite elusive but we have now managed to show all but one (7592S) on LTSV. The newest example is 8326S, possibly based at Ruislip but seen in Acton Works on 26th July 2018. A variety of other vehicles are visible in the background, including a Tramlink Renault Kangoo Maxi van and Ford Transit Custom crew van 7911F.	24/08/2018
2,522		By Ray Monk A less common sight at Museum Way are Ford Transit Custom vans, though 8320F appears to be based here on paper at least. On 28th July 2018 this short-wheelbase, low-roof van was parked near the front gates. Note that the sign now refers to this location as Ealing Common Track Office.	24/08/2018
2,523		By Ray Monk Ford Fiesta vans are now fairly regularly to be found at Museum Way, Acton Town. Parked in the small front compound on 28th July 2018 were consecutive 8316F and 8317F.	24/08/2018
2,524		By Ray Monk A couple more service vehicles were parked under the DLR platforms at Stratford Station on 7th July 2018, including rarely-seen Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8240VW. Another of the tail-gate versions from Stratford Market Depot, this one actually carries fleetnumber 8270VW. Unfortunately, the 'real' 8270VW is an identical vehicle, though believed to be based at Hainault. The identity of the VW Transporter crew van in the background is not known.	24/08/2018
2,525		By Ray Monk A bundle of service vehicles were present at Stratford (Jubilee Line) station on 7th July 2018 during engineering works, many of them having come the short distance from Stratford Market Depot. In this view taken from the Docklands Light Railway platforms, four are visible. To the left is Mercedes-Benz Sprinter crew van 8136M, one of a batch of fourteen which are very rarely photographed. Beyond is Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8237VW which is one of several at Stratford to feature tail-gate rear doors. Further back are two Ford Transit high-roof vans. Of these, 8115F from the Point Care team based at Arnos Grove is identifiable.	24/08/2018
2,526		By Ray Monk Know your Transits, lesson 27! These two Mk8 Transit crew vans photographed at Acton Works on 26th July 2018 look broadly similar but are of two distinct sizes. 8024F to the fore is a medium-wheelbase, mid-height example, while 8038F behind is a long-wheelbase, high-roof variant. Key points to note are the skirt panel ahead of the rear wheels and the gap beyond the end of the door runners (for the length) and the extra height above the bodyside crease (for the height). By the way, I have just remembered that my article about Ford Transit detail differences has not yet been updated with the new 2014 range (Mk8, Custom, Connect Mk2 and Courier). This is on my to-do list....	24/08/2018
2,527		By Derek Everson Twenty-four examples of the Ford Transit Courier model introduced in 2014 have so far been added to the leased fleet, the largest block being ten for the Lifts and Escalators section based at Frank Pick House at Acton. One of these, 7968F, was found parked at nearby Bollo House on 10th February 2018. It may have been awaiting entry to the adjoining Smallbills Garage for maintenance.	24/08/2018
2,528		By Derek Everson High-roof Ford Transit van 7728F from the power supply operation based at Tufnell Park was caught passing through Marble Arch on 31st May 2018.	24/08/2018
2,529		By Ray Monk The stub road at Acton Works is sometimes used to store newly-delivered vehicles but more recently appears to be a dumping ground for vehicles involved in accidents. The four vehicles seen in this photo taken on 26th July 2018 have all been here for at least three months. Nearest is Peugeot Partner Tepee 7604P, latterly at Lillie Bridge but delicensed in October 2017. Behind is Ford Transit crew van 7231F, also from Lillie Bridge and delicensed in February 2018. Further up are Ford Fiesta hatchbacks 8081F and 8230F. All the vehicles have had their lettering stripped off and, although no major damage seems to be visible, none are likely to work for LUL again.	24/08/2018
2,530		By Ray Monk Former service vehicles can often be recognised by their retaining parts of the original livery (for example the blue skirt on LUL vehicles). Ray did well to spot this one in Avery Hill Road (Eltham) on 12th August 2018 since it was now in plain white. Mercedes Sprinter dropside truck WR58GFU was fleetnumber 6695M between 2008 and 2015, being based at Frank Pick House. It still has the light-bar and tail-lift but has lost the under-body storage lockers. 6695M was the first Mercedes-Benz dropside in the leased fleet.	24/08/2018
2,531		By Thomas Young Two things have their roots in Sunderland; the Go-Ahead group and my family. Because of the latter, I recently took my daughter for a visit to some of the places I spent my childhood holidays. Go North East uses extensive branding for most bus routes, with vehicles appearing in a multitude of colours. The branding is sometimes based on the places served, sometimes a pun on the service number (such as the 50 which becomes the 'Why-Aye Five-O' with beach themed graphics!). One link to the sensibilities of the London operation was this plain red van found parked at Sunderland (Park Lane) Interchange on 4th August 2018. A Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew van, it is very similar to those used in London, even down to the EY67Wxx registration. Differences are that the company logo is carried, and it has a fleetnumber (1059). Several more examples in the same range were later seen at Washington.	16/08/2018
2,532		By Michael Mair London United took a batch of nine red Mk7 Ford Transit vans in 2012 for use as engineering vans at each of its main garages. The Hounslow example (FT8, officially now FT70008, EK12OMA) seems to have been taken out of use in spring 2018, with a couple of anonymous silver Mk8 Transit vans seen in use as (temporary?) replacements. Michael found CX18PNO in Isleworth on 27th July 2018, attending to recalcitrant Optare Tempo bus OT30211 on route H37.	16/08/2018
2,533		By Derek Everson Of the four Renault Grand Scenic cars delivered to Metroline in March 2016, three later worked from Holloway Garage, while the fourth (LX16LZJ) headed further west. Reported once at Uxbridge, it was at Perivale Garage on 5th June 2018, still with no markings.	16/08/2018
2,534		By Malcolm Conway Go-Ahead London's special purpose bus, the former LDP35, has seen various uses over the years, but acting as a crew rest room seems to be the most common. In recent months it has been parked at Purley Station car park, although I am not clear if this is for use by bus crews or staff from the Southern railway company (which Go-Ahead has a stake in). It was photographed looking a bit down-at-heel on 15th May 2018.	16/08/2018
2,535		By Ray Monk Along with the Volkswagens for the Elizabeth Line, deliveries for use by LUL have continued through summer 2018. This line up in the car park at Acton Works on 28th July features three new VW Caddy Maxi crew vans. Left to right are 8676VW (RX18LBO), 8677VW (RX18LAE and the highest reported fleetnumber to date) and 8655VW (RV18LNA). Interspersed are three older vehicles. Peugeot 308 estate 8093P on the left awaits disposal, while Caddy Maxi van 8476VW and Ford Fiesta hatchback 8228F were presumably here for other reasons.	16/08/2018
2,536		By Ray Monk Having learned that the Elizabeth Line was getting an allocation of 12 service vehicles, one further example was found at Acton Works on 9th August 2018, a week after the initial fleet was handed-over. Photographed in the car park in full white/blue/purple livery, 8643VW is a long-wheelbase Volkswagen Transporter crew van.	16/08/2018
2,537		By Ray Monk Along with nine VW Caddy Maxi crew vans (and already-illustrated Toyota Prius car 8653T) the new vehicles for the Elizabeth Line include a pair of VW Transporter minibuses. RV18LMX and RV18LMY were seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 26th July 2018, waiting their turn to be liveried. The full fleet of 12 vehicles were finished in white/blue/purple livery and were handed over on 3rd August 2018. We're not yet sure where they are now based....	16/08/2018
2,538		By Ray Monk When Ray visited Acton Works on 26th July 2018 it was learned that a batch of eleven Volkswagen vehicles in the process of delivery was destined for use by the Elizabeth Line. Parked in the lorry yard were Caddy Maxi crew vans RE18KOV and RE18KOX (with one of the remaining facilities vans beyond). Similar RE18KOU had already been moved to the new vehicle preparation shed to have its lettering (and purple stripe) added.	16/08/2018
2,539		By Derek Everson A further batch of Volkswagen vehicles was delivered in July 2018. Seen at the Cordwalis dealership in Bedfont on 24th July were four Caddy Maxi crew vans, headed by RV18LNE. Behind are (in order) RV18LNT, RV18LNG and RV18LNF. Links for these vehicles will be added once the fleetnumbers are known.	16/08/2018
2,540		By Ray Monk Another recent Ford Transit dropside seen at Acton Works on 26th July 2018 was 8590F. Leased dropsides used to nearly always be specified with a crew-cab, but most of those added over the past 2 years have single cabs. Tail-lifts are still featured though.	16/08/2018
2,541		By Ray Monk Seen outside the new vehicle preparation shed at Acton Works on 26th July 2018 is recently delivered Ford Transit dropside truck 8527F. There must be a longer lead-time for dropside Transits at present, since most other vehicles in the 85xx number range were delivered in the second-half of 2017.	16/08/2018
2,542		By Paul Nicholls Another long-wheelbase, high-roof Ford Transit Mk8 van, this one differs in having a light-bar and chevrons on the rear and it is normally based at Edgware Road Station. However, on 4th August 2018 it was found at Stanford-le-Hope in Essex. This vans main claim to fame is that it one of several to suffer from mis-numberitis. Officially 8493F, this number is carried on the offside, but the nearside claims to be 8439F.	16/08/2018
2,543		By Derek Everson LUL Ford Transit 8483F was seen leaving Acton Works early (note the headlights) on 5th June 2018. This long-wheelbase, high-roof van was new in September 2017 and appears to be based here. I may have commented on this before but note how the Mk8 Ford Transit van uses the same body pressings for both sides, hence the outline of the cargo door runner location on the offside.	16/08/2018
2,544		By Derek Everson Two LUL service vehicles were photographed outside the Allsop Places offices on 31st May 2018. On the right is regular resident 7742F, the Ford Mondeo estate in emergency livery, which may be due for replacement soon. On the left is less-commonly seen VW Caddy van 8329VW. There has been a distinct preference in recent years for the longer Caddy Maxi model.	16/08/2018
2,545		By Ray Monk I haven't seen many photos of 8289P to 8298P (the batch of ten Peugeot Partner Tepee cars new in late 2016 and based at Lillie Bridge), probably because - you guessed it - they are generally only active at night. Ray caught 8289P leaving Acton Works on 19th June 2018.	16/08/2018
2,546		By Derek Everson 8108F is a Ford Fiesta hatchback used by LUL since October 2015 and sometimes to be found at Griffith House. On 31st May 2018 it was parked at nearby Edgware Road Station. Unlike sister 8107F, this car retains a full set of lettering.	16/08/2018
2,547		By Derek Everson Between 2015 and 2017 a large number of Ford Fiestas were added to the central fleet (both cars and vans) and it was noticeable that they were generally rather elusive. Things seem to have changed, with some recent trips finding several examples, including at locations such as Griffith House and Edgware Road. 8107F, seen at Edgware Road Station on 6th March 2018, is unusual for having lost its logos.	16/08/2018
2,548		By Ray Monk A batch of 16 Peugeot 308 estate cars was added to the leased fleet in mid-2015, 8083P to 8098P all carrying LUL livery. They were rarely reported, being mostly active at night, and some of the allocations were never determined. It looks like it will be too late now, as they are starting to go back off-lease. Three were in the car park at Acton Works on 26th July, comprising 8094P, 8090P and 8097P.	16/08/2018
2,549		By Derek Everson The vans leased in 2013 when the power supply maintenance contract was brought back in-house are now beginning to be disposed of, although no particular replacements have yet been reported. 7731F was a low-roof Mk7 Ford Transit van and was seen at the BCA auction site in Blackbushe on 22nd February 2018.	16/08/2018
2,550		By Ray Monk The first VW Transporter vans for London Underground usage appeared in 1992 but until 2007 there were generally only two in the fleet at any one time. One of the early pairs was 5650VW, new in 2004 and used by Tube Lines. Since disposal in 2007 it has been a common sight in south east London, retaining white/blue livery in the service of a builder/plumber. On 10th August 2018 it was found parked in Belvedere Village.	16/08/2018
2,551		By Neal Marshall And now for something completely different! Ending today's batch of photos is this one taken under the flyover near Reeves Corner in Croydon on 17th June 2018. It shows fleetnumber 482 of Quattro plant hire, a Mecalac 11cx wheeled excavator fitted with a platform lift. This road-rail vehicle has been used by Tramlink for overhead wiring maintenance access for a while now. The use of convertible road-rail vehicles for railway maintenance work really took off during the 1990s and a wide variety of types can now be seen including lorries, tracked bulldozers and excavators, and wheeled cranes and platform lifts. Some road-rail vehicles are capable of driving on public roads and these will obviously need to have road number plates. The vehicle shown here is plated as AJZ9912 but it does not appear to have been licensed as such. In most cases, the road-rail capability is used more for getting to the actual work site without having to run too far on rail tracks. A typical job would see the vehicles moved by road low-loader to a nearby access point. They would then be driven on to the tracks, switch to rail mode and driven to the worksite. I like machines of this type, and I often find myself wondering what all the parts do. For example, the function of the hydraulic ram along the top-most 'limb' is not clear. Does it perhaps slew the end arm from side to side? I also often ponder how I could make a version of the machine using Lego Technic, though this one would be very challenging.	01/07/2018
2,552		By Kim Rennie Seen at Canary Wharf on 8th June 2018, GF67KTK is a Peugeot Boxer van used by Keolis Amey as a DLR Emergency Response vehicle. Its fleetnumber of 001 suggests that it is a replacement for earlier Ford Transit van BV13UGP, and the livery is pretty much identical. The 'Emergency Response Team' branding is in LT/TfL standard Johnston typeface, with at least three other fonts appearing in the other lettering. Note that the van does not appear to have any maker's badging at the front.	01/07/2018
2,553		By Malcolm Conway Rather restrained styling (especially compared to the previous photo) and very tall, slab-sided bodywork are features of Sovereign Recovery H119, a 2017 DAF XF 510 truck. It was seen passing Cromwell Road bus station in Kingston on 7th June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,554		By Damon Cross Mick Gould Commercials of Flimwell in Sussex is well-known for its rather exotic recovery vehicles, two of which have featured on LTSV before (in 2006 and 2010). A more recent addition is this International Lonestar, built to order in the USA in 2014. The design is even more ostentatious than the other two examples, and the sheer number of orange blimp lights is amazing, as is the amount of chrome, the size of the exhaust 'chimneys' and the huge wheelbase. As per the previous two, this monster was engaged in bus recovery work in Eastbourne when snapped on 21st June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,555		By Derek Everson It has proved quite difficult to keep up to date with changes in the Sovereign Recovery fleet, particularly their vans. Various makes and models have been used in recent years, the latest known deliveries being a batch of four Ford Transits and two Mercedes-Benz Vitos in winter 2016/2017. GL66UMX, one of the Transits, was parked at Marble Arch on 31st March 2018 and was joined briefly by earlier Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van EJ63OZA. The similarity in size and general configuration is notable. The Ford is an L4H3 (long-wheelbase extended-length, high-roof) Mk8 van with two light-bars and a curious sunshield-like object on the front of the bonnet. It carries fleetnumber SV325 and is lettered as both an 'Incident Support Unit' (along the top) and 'Engineering Support' (above the skirt, not visible in this view). The other three Fords are probably similar but I have not yet seen photos (hint....). EJ63OZA has featured on LTSV before, but several changes are apparent. The bull-bars and chrome mirror covers have gone, as have the red chevrons along the skirt and the yellow stripes on the side of the bonnet. It still has its sunshield (in the more normal location!) and has recently gained fleetnumber SV319.	01/07/2018
2,556		By Ian Jordan On 9th June 2018 Metroline took over bus routes 268, H2 and H3 and schoolday 631 from Arriva London, for which six Optare Solo buses were ordered (the 268 will use existing fleet Enviro 200 buses). Delivery of these buses was delayed until July/August and it was arranged that the Arriva London vehicles (also Optare Solos) would be used on hire until their arrival. To enable type and route training, Metroline hired a plain white Optare Solo from late May. When this was not available, this plain silver Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus was used, as seen here passing Golders Green on 6th June 2018. As this vehicle may only be a short-term hire, I have not added it to the database. If it is retained (for crew ferry work), it will be added.	01/07/2018
2,557		By Ray Monk A lucky catch at Tunnel Avenue (which I can't decide should be called East Greenwich, West Charlton or Westcombe Park!) on 21st June 2018 was a pair of crew ferry vehicles from nearby Morden Wharf garage. EY67WUB has already been shown on LTSV and is a Ford Transit Connect crew van. Close behind was RX18LLP, a recently delivered Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus, a type widely used by the Go-Ahead group. Similar RX18LLE works from Croydon garage and we suspect that several of the intervening registration numbers will be on vehicles at Barking (River Road). As normal for Go-Ahead crew ferry vehicles, anonymous red livery is carried. It will be noted that both vehicles have a duty number holder in the windscreen, though neither is in use.	01/07/2018
2,558		By Paul Nicholls As noted a couple of months ago, Ensignbus service vehicles are now being numbered in a new 800 series. The latest addition is a Vauxhall Vivaro carrying the traditional blue and silver livery with number 808. It was seen attending to a broken-down bus in Grays on 26th June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,559		By Derek Everson An occasional series on LTSV is 'same vehicle, same location, different livery' and here is the latest instalment. Vauxhall 'Turkish' Combo FJ64WZD operates from Arriva London's Croydon garage, probably since it was new in 2014. I say 'probably' because nobody actually reported it until 2017, no doubt due to it operating in totally anonymous white livery. The good news is that has now been treated to a new livery, including red/yellow chevrons around the skirt, and the new Arriva logo ('tangled wheels'?) and lettering. It also now has a small light bar. Seen at Croydon Garage on 12th June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,560		By Derek Everson Ford Fiesta van EX64YCS was new to the Go-Ahead London fleet in September 2014. It spent nearly two years in unmarked red working from the Blue Triangle base at Rainham before being transferred to the former Metrobus garage at Orpington. There it quickly gained Go-Ahead London General logos and, a month or two later, the fleetnumber 9044 in the erstwhile Metrobus series. On 13th February 2018 Derek found it parked in the small bus station at Orpington station.	01/07/2018
2,561		By Derek Everson A recent addition to the Arriva the Shires fleet at High Wycombe is Vauxhall Zafira estate GD08JHE, possibly a replacement for similar FB57DCE. Unmarked apart from a driver recruitment poster on the door, it was seen in the town's bus station on 22nd May 2018.	01/07/2018
2,562		By Ray Monk The car park at Acton Works appears yet again, this time on 10th June 2018, when three newly-delivered Renault Kangoo Maxi vans were visible. Centre and right are 8618R and 8619R, which are 'ze' electric variants in LUL livery. Two other ze Kangoos, but configured as crew vans, have recently entered service from Lillie Bridge with fleetnumbers 8602R and 8604R. Note that the red stripe on the side of 8618R isn't totally straight. On the left is 8659R, a diesel Kangoo Maxi with a roof-rack and small light-bar. At the time, this was in unmarked white/blue. A week later it was in Tramlink white/blue/green. Also visible is ever-present Toyota Yaris 8575T.	01/07/2018
2,563		By Derek Everson DX67KXJ, the second new DAF dustcart, seems to be the shyer of the pair. Derek found it approaching Acton Works on 5th June 2018. The livery is the same as that on sister DX67KXH.	01/07/2018
2,564		By Ian Jordan I said last month that the two DAF dustcarts new to LUL in October 2017 had barely been photographed, and, true to form, a small bundle of photos of the pair arrived soon afterwards. Ian met DX67KXH at a sunny Golders Green on 6th June 2018. This photo shows that the bodywork is by NTM (as is that on larger Mercedes-Benz Econic dustcarts WO66HFL, HFM, HHS and HHT) and that the livery is plain white apart from the blue bumper and a barely visible reflective safety stripe along the bottom of the body and continuing onto the cabsides.	01/07/2018
2,565		By Derek Everson Another excellent photo of one of the lorry fleet, not at Acton Works for a change. Un-numbered MAN TGM demountable LV66XYD was new at Christmas 2016 along with slightly larger flatbed TGM LV66XYC. It was often seen with body DB10 mounted, but on this occasion was partnered with DB13. This body has also been modified with extended stanchions and mesh dropsides, but retains the curious arrangement of having doors/sides only around the rear third of the vehicle. It was carrying a railway carriage bogie through Marble Arch when seen on 31st May 2018.	01/07/2018
2,566		By Derek Everson Another lorry leaving Acton Works on 5th June 2018 was Mercedes-Benz Axor WX08KUW. Three of these were bought in 2008 but one was rebuilt as a mobile office in 2014 and another was withdrawn at the end of 2017. Since WX08KUW was last shown on LTSV in 2010 (co-incidentally at the exact same spot), the body has had extended stanchions fitted and the dropside doors have been changed from solid to mesh.	01/07/2018
2,567		By Derek Everson According to the LTSV database, there are just 26 vehicles remaining in Tube Lines white/blue livery, made-up of 16 leased vehicles and 10 un-numbered lorries. A couple of the Tube Lines articulated lorries were given LUL white/blue/red but the remainder seem to be destined to stay as they are. Seen leaving Acton Works on 5th June 2018 was Iveco Stralis demountable LK08LDV, which has just achieved ten years' service. It was fitted with Feltham Coachworks dropside body DB22, somewhat older at 23 years. This body has had extended stanchions fitted fur mounting safety straps or rails, but none were in place when seen. As for the contraption forming the load, it is tall and yellow but beyond that I have no idea.	01/07/2018
2,568		By Ray Monk A surprising (but not totally unexpected) appearance at Acton Works on 16th June 2018 was the first reported service vehicle to carry a new variant of TfL livery for the Elizabeth Line (nee Crossrail). The first sections of this new railway service will start (hopefully) at the end of this year, with the full operation in place a year or so later. As with London Overground, the routes will effectively still be part of the national rail network but the service will be marketed as something more akin to a tube line. The vehicle seen here is a Toyota Prius numbered 8653T, and it features a purple stripe and roundels. This presents LTSV with two problems. Firstly, where is this car going to be based? The new railway depot at Old Oak Common would seem to be a prime candidate. I tend to assign allocation codes ending in D to railway depots (and xxS to stations, xxB to bus stations etc). So, instead of the obvious OOC, Old Oak Common would either be OOD or OCD. Hmmm... Secondly, the livery uses a darker (more regal) shade of purple than that on the TfL PCO vehicles (like Toyota Yaris LL14VOJ). To distinguish the two liveries, I am considering changing the latter to white/blue/lilac. On the right can be seen recently delivered Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8659R. Ray photographed this in unmarked white/blue six days earlier, but it has since gained the green stripe livery of Tramlink.	01/07/2018
2,569		By Derek Everson If you stand outside Acton Works you will see some service vehicles coming and going, although what (and how many) depends on the time of day/night. As with Lillie Bridge and Stratford Market, there is a large night-time run-out around midnight, while daytime visits will usually see smaller numbers but include things like the dustcarts. If the EXIF data is to be believed, this photo was taken at 7:02am on 5th June 2018, which must have meant a very early start for Derek! Ford Transit 8456F does still have its headlights on. New in July 2017 this is a medium-wheelbase, mid-height, middle-of-the-road van.	01/07/2018
2,570		By Ray Monk The Ford Focus estate has been a feature of the central fleet since 1999, though only seven are current as of mid-2018. 8452F was new in July 2017 and is probably based at Acton Works but has only been seen a couple of times. On 7th June 2018 it was being returned from servicing and was caught by Ray as it was about to enter the works.	01/07/2018
2,571		By Derek Everson LUL currently uses over 50 of these Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans, but they are not the most frequently seen or photographed vehicles. 8449VW is one of a pair (with 8450VW) delivered in May 2017 and based at Acton Works. It was caught leaving the works on 5th June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,572		By Ray Monk It would appear that Volkswagen Transporter 8430VW is now the designated fuel delivery vehicle for LUL. Rather an odd role for a minibus, but it is used in conjunction with a mini-tanker trailer, and it is believed that its function is to re-fuel track maintenance machines. Latterly used with trailer T70, a new (and larger) trailer by Fuel-Proof was delivered in early 2018, and was seen behind 8430VW arriving back at Acton Works on 7th June 2018.	01/07/2018
2,573		By Derek Everson My excuse for showing yet another Acton car park shot is that some of the subjects are rather rare. Present on 3rd February 2018 were Volkswagen Golf hatchback 8399VW, Ford Fiesta hatchback 8377F and Peugeot 308 estate 8170P, plus some more normal vehicles in the shape of a Renault Kangoo Maxi van and Toyota Prius car. Just four Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks have featured as service vehicles, all of them current with LUL and rarely seen. Fiestas are not that rare now, but 8377F has never been reported anywhere except here. Peugeot 8170P was a one-off, following a batch of 16 similar cars numbered 8083P to 8098P. All of them are pretty elusive.	01/07/2018
2,574		By Ian Jordan The fantastic weather in recent weeks has resulted in some great photos being sent in. A good example is this one of Volkswagen Transporter van 8221VW paying a visit to Golders Green Bus Station on 6th June 2018. New in late 2016, this long-wheelbase van is based at Neasden Depot, being kept near the control centre. Behind the van is one of Arriva's DWL buses (originally with Arriva Shires but now Arriva London), the 'classic' Wright single-deck design now being rather rare. Also visible is a Bus Station Controller who seemed to be filming all coaches and other vehicles entering the station.	01/07/2018
2,575		By Derek Everson The London Overground service vehicle fleet grew from just 2 to about 15 over the winter of 2013/2014. However, whatever role was taken in-house has recently been placed back in the hands of contractors and the fleet has contracted back down to a pair of vehicles. Most of the replaced vans had just about achieved an average service life. The newest was Volkswagen Transporter 8043VW, which only just managed three years. It was seen at BCA in Blackbushe on 26th April 2018 awaiting a new owner.	01/07/2018
2,576		By Derek Everson Not many 'Phase I' Renault Kangoos are left in the central fleet, these being recognisable by having a body-coloured panel between the headlights compared to the 'grille' of the 'Phase II' design. Maxi 7482R, on the left in this photograph taken at Edgware Road Station on 31st May 2018, was sent off to BCA a couple of weeks later. 7976R on the right is also a Maxi van and spent some time here when new. Judging by reported sightings, it then moved to Templar House at Holborn but may now be back.	01/07/2018
2,577		By Derek Everson The current batch of London Buses Incident Response Unit vans are now just over 3 years old, despite which several have yet to make an appearance on LTSV. I know you want me to show them all, and photos are certainly available, or fairly easy to get. 7848M is one of several based at Eltham Bus Station but, for a change, has been illustrated at North Greenwich Station on 3rd April 2018. Previous generations of these vans were replaced when they were 3 to 4 years old, but I would not be surprised if the current ones are kept a bit longer.	01/07/2018
2,578		By Derek Everson Three Mitsubishi L200 pick-ups new in 2014 were all based at Allsop Place, behind Baker Street, although they seemed to work shifts and I don't think all three were ever seen together. 7839 has since transferred to Rickmansworth to replace one of their Ford cars. The two remaining at Baker Street were both at home on 31st May 2018, 7840 being in front of 7838.	01/07/2018
2,579		By Derek Everson At the risk of sounding repetitive, vehicles at Bollo House in Acton are surprisingly difficult to see, unless they are parked at the top end of the small yard. That was the case with Ford Transit crew van 7645F on 31st May 2018. This van, along with similar 7647F, has been based here since summer 2013 but each has only been caught on camera once.	01/07/2018
2,580		By Derek Everson The fact that British Car Auctions publishes information on when and where individual vehicles are going to be auctioned gives us a 'last chance' to catch service vehicles that have otherwise avoided being photographed. Illustrating this is Ford Transit jumbo crew van 7613F, latterly based at Acton but only generally seen at night. It was at BCA in Blackbushe on 22nd March 2018, having achieved a mileage of just 19,252 during its four-and-a-half year stay in the fleet.	01/07/2018
2,581		By Derek Everson The batch of eight Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars numbered 7448P to 7455P have recently achieved 6 years in service and so must be ripe for replacement. Four each are based at Barking (Wakering Road) and Earl's Court Gardens, the latter's vehicles being much the harder to see. On 14th April 2018 Derek found Earl's Court's 7455P parked outside the LT Museum Depot in Acton.	01/07/2018
2,582		By Malcolm Conway Sovereign Recovery N10SOV is a Renault D12 flatbed recovery vehicle, seen passing through Archway on 27th May 2018. Trucks like this are used for recovering cars and light commercial vehicles, rather than buses, so they are not considered to be service vehicles as such, and are not included in the database. Note the fleetnumber (S229?). The 200-series appears to be used for flatbeds like this one. H1xx are for heavy recovery vehicles and V3xx for engineering support vans (both of which types are covered in the database). One other point to note is that the registration number N10SOV has been used on at least three other Sovereign vehicles. First seen on a 2-axle DAF in 2009, it switched to a VW Transporter van by 2011 and then to a 3-axle DAF by 2016.	06/06/2018
2,583		By Neal Marshall The second Kia Soul electric car seen at Hemel Hempstead on 30th May 2018 carried this unusual white and blue livery. The blue almost matches the lighter blue of the new Arriva bus livery but its use on the mirrors and various items around the front makes me think this is actually a factory finish. The only other Kia service vehicle known was a Sedona estate car used briefly by Arriva from Garston in 2015/2016.	06/06/2018
2,584		By Neal Marshall Neal Marshall visited Hemel Hempstead on 30th May 2018 and found three cars in use as crew ferries between the bus station and the Arriva Southern Counties garage. One was Ford Fiesta hatchback GM66EYF (as already illustrated at Watford), while the other two were new and rather interesting. Both were Kia Soul electric cars, LN18XZE being in unmarked silver. Both cars had Arriva labels in their windscreens, complete with the new 'A' logo, although it is not known if these relate to Arriva being the operator or the supplier.	06/06/2018
2,585		By LTSV Collection One of Sullivan Buses' two Renault Zoe electric cars (EC2 LN17XXG) was damaged in an accident in March 2018. A replacement was sought but, as there was a waiting list for new deliveries, a second-hand example was taken. FL65UOP arrived in April in blue livery but was soon treated to red complete with the route branding and 'green' graphics as carried by the earlier pair. It was seen parked alongside EC1 (LP66WVN) at South Mimms on 20th May 2018.	06/06/2018
2,586		By Malcolm Conway This anonymous red van was seen various times in south east London from 2015 onwards and I figured it was likely to be a Go-Ahead London service vehicle. Their SVs are often in unmarked red, and they already had several similar vans in the EX64Yxx series. The guess proved to be right as the van was later seen at Bexleyheath Garage then at the Go-Ahead offices alongside Merton Garage (as seen here on 18th May 2018).	06/06/2018
2,587		By Malcolm Conway RJ11ZWX was one of two Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses acquired by Epsom Coaches in 2011 for use as passenger transfer vehicles in connection with coach tours and holidays. They also saw some use as crew ferry vehicles for the associated Epsom Buses operation. The coach side of the business was wound up following the sale of the company to RATP, while the bus operations have been gradually merged with those of neighbouring London United. RJ11ZWX now displays RATP group fleetnumber MV70021 (having earlier been MV02) but is otherwise in unmarked brown, having lost its holiday advertising. It should also be mentioned that this minibus carried select registration A9HRR for a while in 2016/2017 but has now reverted to its original mark. Seen at Banstead on 22nd May 2018.	06/06/2018
2,588		By Ray Monk Two new DAF LF dustcarts were added to the LUL fleet in October 2017, replacing similar (but plain white) DS16YNU/YNV. I first saw DX67KXJ in the lorry yard at Acton and I thought it carried full white/blue/red livery. Photos of the pair were notably absent until Ray caught DX67KXH coming down Bollo Lane on 10th May 2018. This shows that this one at least carries a partial livery, being all white apart from the blue front bumper. I will double-check the livery on DX67KXJ next time I am passing Acton. On the left is London Dial-a-Ride minibus D7048. There are 229 (originally planned to be 400) of these Volkswagen Transporters with Bluebird Tucana bodywork.	06/06/2018
2,589		By Steve Warman The two Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell cars at Uxbridge seem to have reverted to being kept in the alley off Bakers Road (ie virtually in the bus station), as shown by WM65HZE on 31st May 2018. WM65HYW was also present. During building work in 2016/2017 they had been allocated parking spaces in nearby Redford Way, though one was also seen there as recently as April 2018.	06/06/2018
2,590		By Derek Everson Toyota Prius car 8630T was thought to be one of several based at Acton Works but it was seen at Edgware Road Station on 31st May 2018. It remains to be seen if this is an allocation. Also, until the number of the Renault Kangoo van shown earlier is known, this is the highest-numbered service vehicle to be shown on LTSV.	06/06/2018
2,591		By Malcolm Conway Ford Transit crew van 8608F was added to the fleet in January 2018, sitting numerically between electric Citroen vans 8605C to 8607C and Toyota Prius 8609T. It was listed by LUL as being high-roof but this photo proves that it is actually mid-height. Seen parked near Earls Court station on the evening of 20th May 2018.	06/06/2018
2,592		By Derek Everson Edgware Road Station yard on 31st May 2018 and Ford Focus hatchback 8501F makes its second appearance on LTSV. Its partner this time is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8498R, a few numbers 'older' but actually two months younger, having been delivered in January 2018.	06/06/2018
2,593		By Malcolm Conway Mercedes-Benz Sprinter crew van 8257M makes its third appearance on LTSV, it being one of several service vehicles parked in the old Parsons Green Works during engineering work on the track nearby on 19th May 2018. This van was one of two added in November 2016, though sister 8255M has yet to be photographed. Note that on Sprinter vans, the LUL livery features a sliver of white below the side rubbing strip. This compares to the current Ford Transit design where the rubbing strip is lower, resulting in the red stripe being added above.	06/06/2018
2,594		By Ray Monk For some reason, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8222VW missed out on gaining full livery before entering service in spring 2017, although it turned out to be very elusive. Ray finally managed to photograph it by poking his camera through the fence closing off the area around Camden Town Station during works there on 26th May 2018. The fact that the fleetnumber is carried suggests that the omission of the other lettering and red stripe was deliberate.	06/06/2018
2,595		By Ray Monk You need to be careful when spotting service vehicles. This Ford Transit crew van, seen leaving Stratford Market Depot on 24th May 2018 is clearly numbered 8171F. However, if you had seen it going the other way you would have logged it as 8166F! This is one of the small number of vehicles that somehow managed to gain an incorrect fleetnumber on one side only. It is in fact 8166F, as shown on the offside.	06/06/2018
2,596		By Ray Monk This is Cam Road in Stratford. All vehicles from Stratford Market Depot have to pass this point, the entrance to the depot being round the bend in the road and beyond the flats. Also visible on the right is a footpath that leads past the large vehicle yard. Unfortunately this is at a lower level and there is a wall of about 8 feet height making views almost impossible. Your best bet is to loiter here for a while around midnight on a weekday, and you will then see a steady flow of (normally) around 50 service vehicles heading out to various worksites. Daytime visits are never so rewarding, though Ray seems to catch a few comings and goings. Heading in on 24th May 2018 was Ford Transit Custom van 8163F.	06/06/2018
2,597		By Malcolm Conway Ford Transit crew van 8026F is part of a batch of fourteen such vehicles (8024F to 8037F) based at Acton Works. On 19th May 2018 it was found parked in the yard of the old Parsons Green Works (with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 8257M in front). The yellow sign on the wall appears to pre-date the site's closure by London Transport in 1985.	06/06/2018
2,598		By Ray Monk About 45 vehicles are allocated to Frank Pick House in Acton, though in reality only about a dozen are regularly on-site, the remainder being kept elsewhere (often at driver's homes). Over half of the allocation is made up of Ford Transit Custom crew vans like 7925F, seen parked on Coburg Street in Euston on 26th May 2018. The escalators at Euston always seem to need work, as several of the department's vans have been parked near here on almost every night hunt I have been on.	06/06/2018
2,599		By Malcolm Conway Older visitors to this site should recognise this location as the former Parsons Green Works, once home to many a service vehicle but closed in 1985. Since then the layout of the site has remained largely intact, now occupied by a variety of companies. During engineering work on the nearby District Line on 19th May 2018 several service vehicles parked in the yard, and Malcolm caught Mitsubishi L200 pickup 7838 leaving in the early evening. This photo could be compared with one from 1977, and also with the superb model of the location built by Clive Greedus.	06/06/2018
2,600		By Ray Monk Ford Transit van 7529F has 'emergency' livery for its role as an Escalator Services Emergency Incident Vehicle. It can usually be seen resting in its own private shed at the south end of Frank Pick House in Acton (just by the north end of the lorry yard), but Ray managed to catch it on the move on 10th May 2018, leaving Acton Works. This van carried Tube Lines livery when new. The Morgan Sindall sign on the wall behind is new.	06/06/2018

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