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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 2,601 |  |
By Ray Monk A trio of LUL service vehicles seen in the car park of Acton Works on 12th May 2018 including one just coming into the fleet, one about to leave, and one that seems to live here. On the left is Renault Kangoo LX18ZSZ, fleetnumber not yet known. This is a ZE model with electric power, as shown by the position of the chrome strip in the front grille. Although not clear from this angle, this may be a crew van, with windows in the sliding doors. Many of the LUL Renault Kangoo Maxis are officially listed as crew vans, presumably because they have a second row of seats. However, none have so far featured additional side windows and all are therefore listed as plain vans on LTSV. The Kangoo Maxi is available as a proper crew van (as used by Go-Ahead London) and their use by LUL would seem likely, given the quantity of broadly similar VW Caddy Maxi crew vans now in use. By coincidence, the vehicle in the middle is a VW Caddy crew van, though not a Maxi. 7127VW was one of 18 (in two batches) used from Lillie Bridge from autumn 2011. Most went off-lease in 2015 or 2016 but three soldiered on into 2018, making them nearly seven years old. 7122VW and 7125VW went to BCA in May 2018 and 7127VW is likely to have followed by now. Finally, Toyota Yaris 8488T on the right was new in October 2017 but seems to be kept parked here (usually with newly delivered vehicles) most days. |
06/06/2018 |
| 2,602 |  |
By Neal Marshall This photo was taken on the evening of 17th April 2018 and shows a Vauxhall Vivaro minibus parked on the forecourt of Thornton Heath bus garage. Although unmarked it is likely to be an Arriva London vehicle, although I am slightly hesitant to add it to the database until further reports are received. Other Vauxhall minibuses have been seen at Arriva London garages over the past few years but reports are scarce, no doubt due to the lack of company markings. They may in fact just be short-term hires. The bus behind is ENX31, one of two Enviro 200 MMC buses allocated here recently to increase the service on route 289. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,603 |  |
By Derek Everson Two Vauxhall Corsa vans were seen at the Falcon Buses base in Byfleet on 15th April 2018, comprising MK14NRY (seen here) and WR62VWF. I will be adding these vehicles to the database shortly. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,604 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Epsom Buses has been part of the RATP Group since 2012 and is thus co-owned with the larger London United and London Sovereign operations. A combined fleet numbering system was introduced during 2017, under which the six Vauxhall Meriva crew ferry cars, latterly numbered 8 to 13, became VM75030 to VM75035. Showing its new number VM75033, LG63ODE was photographed at Wallington Station on 27th April 2018. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,605 |  |
By Derek Everson A new name to LTSV is Falcon Buses, this company having taken over some of the services previously run by Abellio Surrey until 2017. They also took over Abellio's operating base in Byfleet, and several smartly turned out service vehicles were seen there on 15th April 2018. First up is PK13USZ, a Citroen Nemo van. The livery is quite similar to that of LUL, but with the blue and red portions swapped around. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,606 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Metrobus was almost unique amongst London bus operators in publishing details of its fleet (including service vehicles) on its website. Because of this, we know that Ford Fiesta Sport van EX62VOP was operated by them as fleetnumber 9031, initially from Crawley. It later moved to Orpington but it was never reported by any of our contributors until Malcolm caught it leaving Merton Garage on 24th April 2018. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,607 |  |
By Ray Monk Ensignbus has an operating base at Purfleet and runs bus services in Thurrock and Brentwood. Crew ferry vehicles are used to focal points such as Lakeside Shopping Centre, where Ford Transit minibus MJ12KFK was seen on 19th April 2018. This vehicle was first noted last autumn but had recently gained a fleetnumber (805) above the windscreen. Reports of other vehicles operated by Ensign (and indeed other 'country' area operators) are always welcome. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,608 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The bus fleets of London United and London Sovereign (both now owned by the French RATP group) were renumbered during 2016/2017. New numbers were also allocated to the service vehicle fleets but, unlike the buses, very few have actually been physically renumbered so far. One of the first to be noted was Ford Fiesta van FF16, now FF75016, and photographed at Shepherds Bush Garage on 3rd October 2017. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,609 |  |
By Derek Everson Go-Ahead's bus operations in Southampton have traded under various names, including Solent Blue Line and BlueStar. Unilink is another brand name used here and was seen applied to Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus RE56JFN at Eastleigh garage on 24th April 2018. Now numbered 7999, it was new to Metrobus in 2006 as their fleetnumber 8018. Similar RJ56TYO was also here a while back and had fleetnumber 7997, so there may be one more yet to find. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,610 |  |
By Derek Everson Optare Excel exhibition bus R197DDX has been shown on LTSV twice before but this photo has been included to show two recent changes. Firstly, the livery has been changed from 2014's 'Year of the Bus' to 'Transported by Design'. Secondly the fleetnumber LTM004 has been applied near the front door. Numbers LTM001/2/3/8 have also been recorded, while LTM005/6/7 are presumably carried by some of the other exhibition units. Seen in the rear yard of the Museum Depot at Acton on 5th November 2017. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,611 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Seen in Acton Works on 10th April 2018 was a mini tanker trailer, presumably a replacement for older T70. The make is not known and it did not appear to have a fleetnumber. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,612 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin One of the Cobul box trailers previously based at Lillie Bridge was moved to Acton Works a year or more ago. We finally got a chance to take a close-up look at it on 10th April 2018 and, unfortunately, it carried no identification marks. It is labelled as a 480D model, which confirms it is either CBT57 or CBT58. These were used by the ventilation department in conjunction with their mobile generators, and they appear to have been replaced by a pair of Peugeot Boxer vans in late 2014. The registration plate on the rear of this trailer shows KJ03DXA, this belonging to Ford Transit 5474F which started life as a dropside truck but was converted to a generator in about 2011. It was last licensed in February 2016. Two other items of interest are just visible in this photo taken in the lorry yard. First is mini tanker trailer T70, which was carrying the registration number of Ford Transit 7653F, sold in November 2017. Curiously, T70 has been seen in use since then (for example with 8430VW in December 2017) so it is odd that it regained the plates of a withdrawn vehicle. It may have been withdrawn more recently though, as a possible replacement was seen elsewhere in the works. Lastly is a demountable box body, now resting on the ground and in use as an electrical waste store. This carries a Tube Lines logo but its identity is also not currently known. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,613 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Four of the six Renault Kangoo ZE electric+hydrogen vans were seen at Acton Works on 10th April 2018 (with a fifth parked nearby). It is believed that these vans are to be used as internal mail carriers, although observations of them on the road have been infrequent so far. The vans seen here are (left to right) 8612R, 8614R, 8613R and 8616R. Beyond them are 8506F and 8257M, as already illustrated. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,614 |  |
By Derek Everson The Ford Transit Custom comes in two lengths (SWB and MWB) and two heights (low-roof and high-roof) and can also be configured as a van, crew van (with additional seating and side windows) or minibus. 8480F is a MWB, low-roof van, a combination which has so far only appeared on four central fleet vehicles (7815F and 8480F-8482F). The latter trio appear to be based at Acton Works, from which 8480F was departing on 26th August 2017. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,615 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Back to Acton Works and this view taken on 10th April 2018 shows four vehicles, each of a different make. From left to right they are Toyota Prius hyrbid car 8512T (which seems to be often used by the Emergency Response Unit), Volkswagen Transporter minibus 8479VW, Renault Kangoo ZE electric+hydrogen van 8615R and Ford Transit Connect crew van 8049F (normally based at Hearne House). |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,616 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Crystal Palace bus station is an unlikely place to see LUL service vehicles, but that is where Malcolm found 8476VW on 18th April 2018. One of six Volkswagen Caddy Maxi vans new in summer 2017, they may be in use as internal mail vans, which could account for this appearance. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,617 |  |
By Ray Monk 8459F was the first of a trio of Ford Transit dropside trucks new in late 2017 and allocated to Stratford Market Depot. It was noted in service on 2nd November 2017 but, according to the DVLA, was not actually licensed until the 8th, suggesting a paperwork mix-up. On the 27th of the same month, Ray caught it leaving Acton Works. As with most LUL Transit dropsides, this one is based on the LWB ECF (Long WheelBase, Extended Chassis Frame) variant. It has a tail-lift and single cab, resulting in the longest possible load space. Having said that, a further stretched Transit chassis is now available, with wheelbase increased from 3.95m (on LWB and LWB ECF) to 4.52m. Designated the L5 variant, none have yet been taken as service vehicles. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,618 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Most of the vehicles in the van yard at Acton Works are parked such that only their backs can be properly photographed. This line-up, seen on 10th April 2018, comprises three Ford Transit Mk8 vans. Crew van 8287F on the left and van 8408F in the centre are 'rare', neither having yet been reported out on the road. Jumbo van 7948F on the right was one of the first Mk8s taken into stock and has at least racked up a few sightings, always at night of course. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,619 |  |
By Ray Monk Fleetnumbers 8401 to 8412 are on a batch of long-wheelbase Ford Transit vans new in summer/autumn 2017 but which are mainly quite shy. Indeed two of the group have yet to be seen at all. 8403F is from the first four, which are mid-height rather than high-roof. It is based at Hainault Depot but was seen leaving Acton Works on 4th September 2017. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,620 |  |
By Ray Monk Renault Kangoo van 8348R is not a 'rare' vehicle, and it can often be found in the car park next to Neasden Station. Having said that, its sister 8347R has never been reported. 8348R was seen entering Acton Works on 24th August 2017. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,621 |  |
By Derek Everson Another rare vehicle, caught as it approached Acton Works on 12th December 2017, was Ford Transit Connect van 8341F. It has only been noted on two other occasions, both at Templar House (Holborn) at night. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,622 |  |
By Ray Monk Catching up on some Acton 'gate-watcher' photos now, this one having been taken on 19th December 2017. Ford Transit 8327F is a long-wheelbase crew van, without the roof-racks often fitted to this type. The allocation of this vehicle is unknown, it only having been seen on three other occasions, each time in central London at night. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,623 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin As usual, a variety of service vehicles could be found in the van yard at Acton Works on 10th April 2018. Nearest was Ford Transit Custom van 8506F, new the previous November. Beyond that was Mercedes-Benz Sprinter crew van 8257M, one of two delivered in 2016. Coincidentally, both of these vehicles have featured on LTSV before, with both photos being taken at dealerships prior to delivery. The other vehicles are Ford Transits of various types, plus Nissan Leaf electric car 7711N visible at the end. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,624 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin The London Underground service vehicle fleet does seem to suffer from a lot of accidents, no doubt due to their being used mostly at night. Damaged vehicles are often dumped at Acton Works before being disposed of. Whilst they are sometimes left in the lorry yard, it seems to be more normal to park them on the 'stub' road, where they can sometimes be glimpsed through the trees from passing trains. Present on 10th April 2018 were a pair of Ford Fiesta hatchback cars, both of which had operated out of Templar House in Holborn. 8081F at the top was delicensed in March 2018 and had already had its lettering removed. Nearer 8230F had recently had a SORN applied (Statutory Off Road Notification) and still retained logos. |
07/05/2018 |
| 2,625 |  |
By Neal Marshall Seen near the route X26 stand on Wellesly Road, Croydon on 1st April 2018 was Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus RX18LLE. The location and livery suggest that this is a Go-Ahead London vehicle, most likely operating from the former Metrobus Croydon garage at Beddington. Several Go-Ahead crew ferry vehicles have been withdrawn in recent weeks so there may well be more new examples, either here or at River Road in Barking. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,626 |  |
By Derek Everson New 2018 registration numbers have been slow to appear on service vehicles (and indeed on London buses too). Just four have been reported so far. LX18ZUA is on 8617R, while RV18LNH is the new mark for RE67WOH, although it has still not actually been delivered. Two bus company vehicles have been seen, this one being Falcon Coachworks Ford Transit Connect Mk2 van AY18NKE. Falcon Coachworks is a brand owned by ComfortDelgro and associated with bus company Metroline. AY18NKE was parked at Metroline's CELF works in Perivale on 31st March 2018. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,627 |  |
By Neal Marshall Something of a mystery was what Neal Marshall found at Thornton Heath Garage on Sunday 15th April 2018. Ten unmarked silver Vauxhall Corsa cars were parked on the small patch of garden between the main road and the back of the engineering section. All were latterly at Norwood Garage, as shown last month. The puzzle is what they were doing here and where they went next (they were all gone the next day). Norwood Garage had seen some changes in its bus routes in the preceding weeks, when it took over route 468 from Go-Ahead. However, it did not lose any routes so it would seem odd that the cars were no longer needed. Perhaps they have been replaced.... Answers next time, hopefully. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,628 |  |
By Neal Marshall As mentioned last month, Arriva London's engineering vans can be hard to spot, since most are in anonymous white livery. Neal found this one parked in front of Thornton Heath Garage on 16th April 2018. This is useful as we have not had information on any vehicles based here recently, although Vauxhall Combo van HY13ZHA may have been one. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,629 |  |
By Neal Marshall The London operations of bus company Metrobus were officially absorbed by Go-Ahead London in 2014, but the name is still carried by many vehicles four years later. Among these is Ford Transit van EY63XGG, allocated fleetnumber 9107 and one of three such vans new for engineering duties in autumn 2013. Van 9105 remained with the 'country' Metrobus company, based at Crawley and has since been renumbered 8033. The other two are used from 'red' garages at Orpington and Croydon. EY63XGG is at Croydon and was seen, looking rather worse for wear, at Five Ways in Purley on 6th March 2018. It was attending to 948, one of ten Scania OmniDekka buses remaining from a large quantity bought by Metrobus. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,630 |  |
By Dave Warby LUL's fleet of (mainly) Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse trucks are a familiar sight around London, picking up rubbish from tube and bus stations. On 7th February 2018, 3-axle WO66HHS was parked close to Clapham South Station. I still have no idea where they unload.... |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,631 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin A press release by TfL in early March 2018 showed the first of three electric Ford vans being taken on a year-long trial. None were seen by LTSV reporters until 10th April, when ET66AKF was noted heading into Acton Works. This short-wheelbase, low-roof Ford Transit Custom van has a distinctive white/green livery and ENERGI badging on the skirt. It was photographed inside the works later that day. No fleetnumber was apparent, and the van itself is over a year old and licensed by the DVLA as being black! One each is due to be based at Acton Works, Lillie Bridge and Stratford Market Depot. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,632 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin It is now mid-April but the highest reported fleetnumbers to date are still those on a pair of Toyota Prius cars delivered at the end of January (8629T and 8630T). Both were seen in Acton Works on 10th April 2018 and shown here is 8629T, parked in front of Ford Transit van 8411F. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,633 |  |
By Derek Everson Parked near North Greenwich on 3rd April 2018 was TfL Private Hire minibus 8598VW. Except that it isn't! The number 8598VW belongs to similar RE67WOA, while RE67WOD should actually be numbered 8600VW. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,634 |  |
By Steve Warman TfL Private Hire recently took delivery of four Volkswagen Transporter minibuses in their white/blue/lilac livery, but they are rather shy and they also suffer from an identity mix-up. Seen at Aldgate Bus Station on 21st March 2018 was 8598VW. This carries its correct fleetnumber, unlike the 'other' 8598VW. I have been to Aldgate a couple of times recently but only found this minibus present on a visit in the middle of the night. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,635 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin At least 30 Toyota Prius hybrid cars have been added to the leased fleet in the past year. Most (if not all) are with LUL but we don't have solid allocation information for a lot of them. 8573T was new in autumn 2017 and was found in the central yard at Acton Works on 10th April 2018, suggesting that it may be based here. It was surrounded by Ford Transits of various types and sizes. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,636 |  |
By Thomas Young One of the advantages of running this website is that I get to choose which photos get featured. Hence I can use my own, even if they are not all that good! This photo was taken primarily to identify the various vehicles visible. However, I decided to publish it as it does continue a series. Taken from the estate behind Hainault Depot on 11th April 2018, very similar views were obtained in 2015 and 2011. As can be seen, the Mark 8 Ford Transit is gradually taking over from the Mark 7 as the standard fleet vehicle. For the record, the vehicles visible are (left to right) Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8272VW and Ford Transit vans 7944F, 8109F (mid-height, all the others are high-roof), 8406F, 8409F and part of 7703F. About a dozen other SVs were visible from this vantage point but only three could be identified. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,637 |  |
By Peter Terry This high-roof Ford Transit van was new in spring 2017 but has proved very elusive since. For once, it is not a night-time vehicle, and I suspect if may be with the engineering train unit at Ruislip. On 1st April 2018 it was parked near Camden Town Station and was duly caught by new contributor Peter Terry. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,638 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin The depot on Museum Way at Acton Town has featured on LTSV many times, with the front yard and much of the rear yard visible as you walk to the LT Museum Depot. However, this photo shows a part you won't see, namely the section of the back yard behind the main building. Hiding 'round the corner' on 10th April 2018 were two Renault Kangoo Maxi vans in the shape of 8312R (nearest) and 8440R. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,639 |  |
By Ray Monk Most of the London Buses Passenger Data minibuses (used by staff conducting bus use surveys) are kept at Chancel Street when not at work. The latest additions are three Vauxhall Movano minibuses in the LUL-alike white/blue/red livery. Ray found 8304V reversing in on 16th April 2018. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,640 |  |
By Ray Monk Based at Chancel Street in Southwark are a pair of Nissan Leaf electric cars in TfL white/blue livery. They are usually fairly easy to see as their charging points are quite near the entrance. We have previously illustrated 8210N parked here so I was hoping for something different for 8211N. However, as it turns out, these cars have never been seen anywhere else. So here we have 8211N on 16th April 2018. No prizes for guessing the identity of the car behind! |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,641 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Another Edgware Track Depot vehicle seen at Archway on 1st April 2018 was Ford Transit dropside truck 8154F. Like 7805VW, this vehicle has previously only been reported at night, always at Northern Line stations. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,642 |  |
By Ray Monk Ray had a productive visit to Chancel Street in Southwark on 16th April 2018. Caught leaving the base was TfL Ford Fiesta van 7985F, reported only a handful of times since it was new in 2015. TfL has 6 such vans, all of which are highly elusive. They don't appear to be based at Chancel Street but do visit from time to time. Just visible in the shadows behind is LBSL Passenger Data minibus 7828V. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,643 |  |
By Thomas Young Leyton Westdown Road (also known as Drapers Field) is home to nine service vehicles, which are usually quite easy to see from the entrance gate. The gate does limit the photographic opportunities though, hence this image, taken on 11th April 2018, is very like ones from 2015 and 2011. The latest additions to the allocation here are Ford Transit crew van 8328F (at the far end here) and two Skoda Octavia estate cars which replaced VW Golf estates 7043VW and 7044VW. For some reason the two Skodas were not given consecutive fleetnumbers and seen here are 8218S (nearest on the right) and 8184S (third from the right). All nine vehicles were in fact present, but one of the two VW Golfs was just peeping in on the far right and has been cropped out. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,644 |  |
By Dave Warby Parked outside the same Pound World shop in Archway as the previous photo, but the day before (31st March 2018), new contributor Dave Warby came across Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 7805VW. Based at Edgware Track Depot, this vehicle has been reported many times but (apart from when it was seen on delivery) always at night. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,645 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Over the Easter 2018 weekend there was major work undertaken on the Northern Line at both Archway and Camden. This offered a rare chance to see vehicles from Edgware Track Depot out in the daylight. On 1st April Malcolm found Ford Transit dropside truck 7552F parked at Archway. The Tube Lines livery that this vehicle carries is gradually becoming quite rare, all deliveries since spring 2013 wearing LUL white/blue/red. Indeed on a recent night trip around central London, this was the only JNP vehicle seen out of a total of around 125. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,646 |  |
By Derek Everson Derek recently found another 'back-from-the-dead' vehicle, after LL61KPR at Perivale. In the back yard of the LT Museum Depot in Acton on 24th March 2018 was Ford Transit exhibition unit KJ53UNW. This had been new in 2003, at which time it carried fleetnumber 5494F. It was modified and repainted in about 2010, gaining an awning box and new doors on the nearside, replacing the original single-piece lift-up door (seen here). It was last reported in 2014 and was assumed to have been disposed of, hence it was left out of the latest LOTS SUP24 booklet. However, as seen here, it remains in stock and apparently in use. |
18/04/2018 |
| 2,647 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Malcolm reported seeing a Hyundai i800 minibus with Stagecoach London in early 2018, following use of a demonstrator towards the end of 2017. Ray duly dispatched himself to track it down and, though it took two trips, he did eventually photograph it at the Tescos in Rainham. This however is a photo taken later by Malcolm, showing the minibus resting in Romford on 16th March 2018. As can be seen, it has red lettering on its silver bodywork, including 'Operations, Rainham' and a national fleetnumber of 93642. The registration number is repeated inside the windscreen. A second vehicle of this type is believed to also be working from Rainham but full details are not yet to hand. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,648 |  |
By Derek Everson Carrying a registration number very similar to that in the previous photo, EY67WYO is also a Go-Ahead vehicle but a much smaller one. To serve the recently opened bus garage at Morden Wharf (North Greenwich), two Ford Transit Connect crew vans were acquired in autumn 2017. As seen in this view taken at Greenwich on 20th February 2018, no lettering is carried. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,649 |  |
By Derek Everson The first Mk8 Ford Transit for the Go-Ahead London group was this long-wheelbase, high-roof van delivered in September 2017. I see it fairly regularly at the erstwhile Red Arrow garage in Waterloo but it is actually based at Camberwell, where Derek photographed it on 20th February 2018. TfL now specifies that company logos on buses must be in white only, and the Go-Ahead version looks slightly odd without the traditional yellow lettering. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,650 |  |
By Ray Monk The last Arriva Corsa for today, and we are back in a supermarket car park. The venue this time is Tesco in Rainham, where Ray found FP67PLF on 1st February 2018. This car had no markings or running numbers but Ray also found similarly-registered FP67OOU at Barking (Dagenham) garage the same day. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,651 |  |
By Ray Monk The small layby alongside the bus station in Golders Green is the terminus point for routes H2 and H3 (plus associated, school-day route 631). These are currently operated by Arriva from Garston, and crew ferry cars from there are also often present. On 8th February 2018 Ray found a pair of Vauxhall Corsa cars. Five-door WN17UHE was new in April 2017 but had not previously been reported. Three-door HK63YYG behind was part of a batch new to Edmonton garage in 2014, transferring to Garston in 2016. The Golders Green local routes have been operated by Optare Solo buses for several years, first by Metroline then by Arriva the Shires. The Shires operation was transferred to Arriva London in 2016 and the routes are being lost on re-tendering in June this year. The new operator will be Metroline, with Optare Solos! I wonder if the passengers will even notice.... |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,652 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva London's Norwood joined the ranks of garages running crew ferry vehicles in 2016 and now operates about eleven Vauxhall Corsa cars in unmarked silver livery. Seven of these were visible when Ray visited on 25th January 2018, including WP66SXZ, WM66ADZ, WM66AFE and WM66AAO on the front row. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,653 |  |
By Ray Monk Another anonymous silver Arriva London Vauxhall Corsa car, again at Lidls in Romford, again on 29th January 2018. HK66FLH is a five-door variant, like most of the recent additions, and was showing running number 103 in the windscreen. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,654 |  |
By Ray Monk Keeping track of service vehicles seems to be getting harder all the time. Most of the LUL vehicles only come out at night, while a lot of the bus company vehicles are unmarked. Fortunately we do now have a regular supply of official information on the central fleet, but for the rest some leg work is required. Luckily we have the tenacious Ray on the case. This anonymous Vauxhall Corsa thought it would be safe, hiding itself in the car park of Lidls in Romford on 29th January 2018. But Ray noticed the running number card in the windscreen, and also recognised this as a car he had previously photographed in Bexleyheath. Crew ferry cars at Arriva London's Dartford and Grays garages seem to swap around fairly frequently and I don't intend to report each change as a re-allocation. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,655 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Arriva Vauxhall Corsas on LTSV seem to be like buses, in that they often come in bunches. Brace yourself because this is the first of six photos being published today. This one is different though because it is a van version and it is white (the rest are silver cars). FM65BWG was found at the bus stand in Hainault Street, Ilford, on 8th March 2018. The nearest Arriva garage is at Barking/Dagenham, but this van is believed to work from Edmonton, whose route 123 terminates here. The van was first registered in February 2016 but it is not known if it was new to Arriva London. Having said that, I've just noticed that Ray mentioned this vehicle as a possible SV last year, having seen it in Tottenham Hale on 24th April. The van is unmarked and has a small light-bar and chevrons on the rear. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,656 |  |
By Derek Everson I was rather surprised to see this photo, as the Renault Trafic van on the left had been 'written-off' by LTSV as not being a service vehicle last year. The details are explained in the caption to an earlier photo and I thought no more about it until Derek found the van parked at Metroline's CELF works in Perivale on 10th March 2018. So perhaps it was a Metroline vehicle after all, or is it possible that Metroline is just handling the disposal of the van for a sister-company? Either way, I reckon it is likely to be on the way out. Similarly, Ford Transit Connect van AV12VXY is probably awaiting sale, having worked from Brentford bus garage since 2012. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,657 |  |
By Malcolm Conway CT Plus (the trading name of Hackney Community Transport) is now a sizable operator of TfL bus services, running from part of Ash Grove garage and a small base in North Walthamstow. The company also has a large fleet of welfare minibuses and cars, and these seem to be borrowed for use by the bus operator when needed. Malcolm found this Toyota Hiace minibus at Hainault Street, Ilford, on 8th March 2018 and reported that it was being used by a CT Plus engineer. Bus route W19 terminates here and is the most easterly point served by CT Plus buses. The minibus had a fleetnumber 17 on the back, suggesting it was part of the welfare fleet rather than a permanent feature. The company does have one van, a Nissan eNV200 registered WN66HXY, but this has yet to be photographed. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,658 |  |
By Traintest Something of a mystery is this Volkswagen Caddy van found parked near the substation on Durward Street, Whitechapel, on the night of 14th March 2018. It had a huge Underground roundel on the side and was most likely involved in work at the station. However, it is not an LUL vehicle, perhaps belonging to a contractor. Given that the use of the roundel may be somewhat unofficial, it was suggested that I obscure part of the registration number. Don't want to get anyone into trouble! |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,659 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The two MAN demountable lorries new in November 2017 appear to be identical to the example delivered at the end of 2016 (LV66XYD), apart from having a locker in front of the rear wheels, and consequently shorter life-guard rails. WU67AJX was seen passing through Palmers Green on 2nd February 2018 with refurbished dropside body DB10 on-board. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,660 |  |
By Derek Everson Six Renault Kangoo ZE electric vans with hydrogen range-extenders were delivered in October 2017 and are believed to be intended for use as mail vans for a three-year trial period. That said, they do not seem to be as frequently seen as previous generations of mail vans (such as the Fiat Doblos). Derek found 8614R parked on Alsop Place, Baker Street, on 6th March 2018. Although badged as Kangoo ZEs, these have the same longer bodywork as the Kangoo Maxi. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,661 |  |
By Derek Everson Edgware Road Station has had a string of electric vehicles allocated over the past few years, some being just for short trial periods. Nissan Leaf 8301N has been based here since October 2016 and was recently joined by similar 8595N. Both were parked nose-in (to allow connection of the charging cables?) on 6th March 2018, 8301N being at the far left in this view. Also present were three of the four Renault Kangoo maxi vans new in January. 8495R is centre-left while 8496R is just visible on the right. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,662 |  |
By Ray Monk The first Toyota Prius car for LUL was new exactly a year ago and there are now thirty in the fleet. Allocations for most of them are unknown but 8550T has settled at Golders Green Station, making it one of the easiest to see. I have been sent three photographs of it in its new home, including one of it unusually facing outwards. However, as the front of 8550T has already been shown on LTSV, I have used Ray's shot of its behind, taken on 8th February 2018. I need to amend the database entries for these vehicles. The fact that they have a clearly marked Petrol filler cap shows that they are hybrids rather than pure electric. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,663 |  |
By Traintest In recent years the central fleet has required just two box vans (as opposed to panel vans). One is based at Acton Works (currently 7749F), while the other is with LUL's Technical Services AVI (Auto Video Inspection) section based at Hearne House (Acton Town). The latter allocation has recently been renewed with 8541F replacing 6685F. Apart from being a Mk8 Transit, this van differs in having an over-cab extension. I'm not sure if this streamlined type is classified as a 'Luton' van, this name usually applying to vans with a full-width extension over the cab, as seen on 5494F. The van also has a tail-lift and was photographed parked at Hearne House on 13th March 2018 alongside Transit Custom van 8515F. The departure of 6685F means there are now only nine service vehicles remaining with 6xxx fleetnumbers. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,664 |  |
By Traintest No 18-reg service vehicles have been reported as of today (20th March), but a few vehicles delivered in early 2018 started a new registration series of LO67xxx. One was 8531F, a Ford Transit Courier van for use by LUL Technical Services EES section at Hearne House and seen at home on 16th March 2018. The Transit Courier model fills a fairly narrow gap in the size range between the Fiesta van and the short wheelbase Transit Connect. It does seem to be popular with various users though, including LUL who have taken 23 so far. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,665 |  |
By Ray Monk Acton car park yet again, the subject being Renault Kangoo Maxi van 8516R. Delivered on 5th December 2017 it was seen here on several dates over the next few months and was still there on 17th February 2018 when Ray photographed it. Four days later it was in the night gang at Griffith House but was then back in the car park a few days after that. So, um.... What I can say is that this van was acquired as a one-off. A lot of vehicles are ordered and numbered in smallish batches, but the number 8516 is bracketed by other makes. In the background is Toyota Yaris 8575T which... guess what... was new in September 2017 but has been seen parked here on numerous occasions since. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,666 |  |
By Traintest Seen at Hearne House (Acton Town) on 16th March 2018 was Ford Transit Custom 8515F, used as the Technical Services workshop van. It was parked beside recently delivered Transit box van 8541F. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,667 |  |
By Derek Everson Another Acton Works car park view, this time on 13th January 2018 and dominated by newly delivered vehicles. To the fore are Renault Kangoo Maxi vans 8495R and 8497R, both of which were soon in use from Edgware Road Station. At the left-hand end of the back row is Toyota Yaris hybrid car 8621T while on the right are Toyota Priuses 8572T (new last September) and one un-identified. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,668 |  |
By Derek Everson The front car park at Acton Works is often relatively empty at weekends, making it a lot easier to see (and photograph) any service vehicles that may be present. As shown in numerous photographs on this site, the car park is often host to recently delivered vehicles, but older ones are also sometimes to be seen. On 10th March 2018 Derek found LUL Toyota Prius car 8491T (new in July 2017) and TfL Hyundai ix35 fuel cell car EK64ZNH. Both of the left-hand drive ix35s have been resident here in recent weeks. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,669 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Once the standard estate car in the central fleet, the Ford Focus is now largely passed over in favour of types such as the VW Golf and Peugeot Partner Tepee. A few are still being added to stock, including 8446F new in July 2017. Not seen since delivery, it was photographed in Barkingside on 12th February 2018, suggesting that it is based at Hainault Depot. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,670 |  |
By Ray Monk The five Volkswagen Golf estate cars delivered in June 2016 have been problematic for LTSV. Firstly, going on DVLA information, we listed them as VW Jettas. Observations were rare but eventually proved that they were in fact Golfs. Secondly, the lack of observations means that allocations for several are still unknown. 8195VW had not been reported since it was seen brand new at Acton Works. It was back there on 12th February 2018 and was fortunately captured by Ray. A lovely shot but it doesn't really help with the allocation.... |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,671 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Volkswagen Transporter crew van 7752VW was new in 2013 but is based at Hainault Depot and hence not often seen out during the day. As with Ruislip Depot at the other end of the Central Line, vans are often used for runs to the shops, it being quite a long walk otherwise. This was probably why 7752VW was parked on New North Road at midday on 13th March 2018. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,672 |  |
By Neil Knowlden Two more photos of the interior of uniform issue unit 1468W, taken at the former Crystal Palace Goods Yard on 10th November 1977. Both views were taken from just behind the cab, looking rearwards towards the customer entrance (the mid-ships door is on the right) and serving counter. In the left view, the 'shop' is closed up, while on the right the various flaps are all open, giving a glimpse through to the shelving in the rear part of the vehicle. According to the Rennie/Aldridge service vehicle book, these vehicles also featured two changing rooms. From these photos I would assume these must have been just behind the cab, which would make them just out of frame on the left of these photos. The interior was painted in a cream colour. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,673 |  |
By Neil Knowlden These two photos show the interior of uniform issue unit 1468W in as-withdrawn condition. On the left is a view looking through the open rear door, with the shelving along the nearside visible. Beyond that is the serving counter. The photo on the right was taken from the serving counter looking backwards towards the open rear door. As can be seen, the shelving occupied most of the length on both sides. Taken at Crystal Palace Goods Yard on 10th November 1977. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,674 |  |
By Neil Knowlden A rear view of former uniform issue unit 1468W at Crystal Palace on 10th November 1977 shows the emergency escape door. Through the windows in and above this you can see the ends of the sizable shelving units fitted along each side. Work on restoration was started at this time, with the interior fittings being stripped out. However, it was later sold on for use as a caravan and it was not until 2006 that the bus re-entered preservation, firstly with Ensign then (from 2014) with the London Bus Company. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,675 |  |
By Neil Knowlden An interesting set of photos has been sent in by Neil Knowlden, showing former 1468W parked at the site of the goods yard in Crystal Palace on 10th November 1977. New to British European Airways in 1952, this AEC Regal bus was one of four acquired by London Transport in 1967 and modified as uniform issue units. They were replaced by the well-known Ford D box lorries from late 1976 and all were sold. The history of this particular vehicle is a bit complicated. It was originally set aside for preservation and, whilst at Crystal Palace, it had its interior fittings stripped out. A month later it moved to the fledgling bus museum in Woolwich but it was destined to change hands a few more times and it ended up in use as a travelling home. For more details on the history, and a photo of it taken in 2005, see here. This view shows the mid entrance and the livery of grey with a black stripe. The London Transport lettering had been removed while the BEA shield on the front had been refitted. |
20/03/2018 |
| 2,676 |  |
By Derek Everson Having used Iveco, Mercedes and Volkswagen vans in recent years, Sovereign Recovery seems to have gone back to liking Ford products. One of at least two Ford Transit Custom vans new in late 2015, LS65CGU was seen attending to a Metroline TE at Horn Lane in Acton on 2nd December 2017. Fleetnumbers are now applied to most Sovereign Recovery vehicles, this one carrying SV323 on the driver's door. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,677 |  |
By Derek Everson C&S Motor Group have been active in London for several years, their star vehicle being DAF CF Recovery Truck EU06HPA, first noted in 2008. It gained red/white stripes on the bumper and mirror covers by 2014, and more recently has had TfL and Buses logos applied to the cab front and sides. It can often be found parked on Achilles Way, near Hyde Park Corner, as here on 14th October 2017. Joining it on this occasion was Ford Transit Connect van EN56BFE. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,678 |  |
By Brian Pask New contributor Brian sent in this fine shot of Go-Ahead London Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus RJ62ZGY at Queens Hospital in Romford on 20th December 2017. New to Metrobus as their fleetnumber 8054 in January 2013, it moved north to River Road Garage in Barking in summer 2016. The fleetnumber has been removed but the defunct Metrobus logo is still on display. Crew ferries at some garages have local operating numbers on paper in the windows, this one being number 3. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,679 |  |
By Ray Monk The third Volkswagen Transporter minibus found at Cordwallis in Bedfont on 11st January 2018 was RE67WOH. This one had black bumpers, mirrors and door handles, and I would assume this will end up in LUL livery. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,680 |  |
By Ray Monk Three more Volkswagen Transporter Minibuses were found at the Cordwallis dealership in Bedfont on 11th January 2018. Two featured light-bars and white fittings (bumpers, mirror housings and door handles), similar to 8599VW, suggesting they may also be destined for TfL Private Hire. RE67WOA is seen here, while similar RE67WOD is just visible between the black and red vans in the background. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,681 |  |
By Derek Everson Left-hand drive Hyundai IX35 fuel cell car EK64ZNN has been based at Stratford for the past few years, but spent a week at Acton Works in January 2018. On the 13th, Derek photographed it in the front car park, showing the side logos and rear chevrons. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,682 |  |
By Ray Monk The six Electric+Hydrogen Renault Kangoo Maxi vans delivered in autumn 2017 were thought to be destined for use as mail vans, but reports have been minimal so far. On 19th January 2018 Ray noted a couple running out of Acton Works, including 8613R seen here waiting for the level crossing. The logo of Symbio (who undertook the hydrogen conversion) can be seen above the numberplate. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,683 |  |
By Kevin Bullions A batch of Renault Kangoo Maxi vans delivered in November 2017 has been dispatched to various locations around the network. 8554R went to Arnos Grove, where it was photographed on 2nd December 2017. I had not noticed before the fact that most Renault Kangoo Maxi vans have cargo doors in both sides, whereas the normal length Kangoo vans only have one on the nearside. Note the early Ford Escort rally car on the trailer in the background. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,684 |  |
By Derek Everson 175 Ford Focus cars have featured in the numbered fleet since 1999, of which all but 14 were estates. Just three hatchbacks are current, of which two are seen in this photo. Taken at Edgware Road Station Yard on 21st November 2017, recently delivered 8501F is to the fore, with slightly older 8376F beyond. The third hatchback (8069F) had been elusive but has recently been discovered to be based at Victoria Coach Station basement, not a location that was known to house LUL vehicles. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,685 |  |
By Derek Everson Although not matching the 99 taken in 2012, about 80 Renault Kangoos were added to the central fleet during 2017. All were vans and most were of the longer Kangoo Maxi design. This is typified in this fine view of 8415R arriving at Acton Works on 5th August 2017. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,686 |  |
By Derek Everson A better look at the Ford Fiesta hatchback car design is shown by this view of 8234F heading into Acton Works on 12th December 2017. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,687 |  |
By Derek Everson The Ford Fiesta is now a significant feature of the central fleet, with over 60 in stock at present, divided roughly 50/50 between vans and cars. On 9th December 2017 two were visible in the car park at Acton Works. Hatchback car 8082F was to the fore, with van 8353F visible beyond. Six other service vehicles were on the back row, including (from left to right) new Renault Kangoo maxi vans LV67HWL and LV67OES, an unidentified VW Caddy van, Toyota Prius 8572T, Ford Mondeo estate 7742F and an unidentified Peugeot Partner Tepee. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,688 |  |
By Derek Everson A large batch of Ford Transit Custom crew vans was delivered for use by the Lifts and Escalators section based at Frank Pick House (Acton) in 2015. There were 23 in total, taking numbers 7911F to 7938F apart from 7930/7931 and 7936. 7933F was one of the vans that is not normally based at Acton, although it does make the odd appearance, as here on 5th August 2017. I should mention that, since the changes in the lorry yard at Acton Works, there is now a roadway through from Frank Pick House. Their vehicles can therefore be seen leaving via the main Works entrance. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,689 |  |
By Derek Everson Three years after they were delivered there are still several current LBSL Incident Response Unit vans that have not yet been shown on LTSV. 7854M has been photographed before, as it is one of the batch of vans based at Eltham Bus Station. However, Derek found it leaving Acton Works on 21st November 2017. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,690 |  |
By Derek Everson Very few of LUL's numerous Renault Kangoo vans have roof-racks, although conversely, most of those used by London Overground and Tramlink do. LUL 7713R is one of two added to stock in autumn 2013 for use by the power supply division, then freshly taken over from UK Power Networks. On 14th November 2017 it was found parked on what was the northern roundabout at the Elephant & Castle, which has now been remodelled to improve walking routes and confuse drivers. This van has been parked here for at least two days a week over the past few months. The reason I know this is that I can see it from my (temporary) office desk! |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,691 |  |
By Derek Everson I wasn't going to publish any more photographs from the Wimbledon derailment of November 2017 but recent developments have made this picture rather topical. In recent years, LUL has held a fleet of around 15 'Facilities' vans, these having toilets and kitchen/messing areas for use at remote work sites. From late 2017 these started to be disposed of, with no apparent replacements. So far all but four have been traced through the vehicle auction websites. Those four may be going too, or perhaps they will be kept to meet a reduced demand. It certainly did seem to be the case that most of them were parked up at Acton whenever I went past. 7678F, from the batch of six delivered in 2013, was one of three facilities vans that attended the Wimbledon incident, seen here on 7th November 2017. It left the fleet in early January 2018 having amassed a mileage of 11,451. Similar 7673F only did 5,734 miles! Visible on the ground are four wheelskates (used to move disabled railway vehicles) and the remains of the ERU's lunch! |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,692 |  |
By Derek Everson Only two Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars were added to the central fleet during 2017 (8484P and 8565P), although there are still about 36 older examples in use. One of these is 7606P, nocturnally active from Lillie Bridge since delivery in early 2013 but seen approaching Acton Works on 12th December 2017. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,693 |  |
By Derek Everson 7271F to 7274F were a batch of four Ford Transit vans that were delivered in early 2012, seemingly as replacements for similar 6544F to 6547F. Because of this, we assumed that they were assigned to the Depot Engineering Support Unit based at Hearne House in Acton. Although all four vans were seen there at least once, it appears that they were soon transferred elsewhere. Two in particular were very elusive. 7271F was seen at Ruislip a couple of times, while 7274F was noted in Hainault in 2012 but never again. This was bad news for our most 'completist' member, Steve, who didn't manage to see either of them. All four vans were withdrawn and passed through BCA at Blackbushe during 2017, including 7274F seen there on 9th November. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,694 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Malcolm did well to spot this former service vehicle at Gants Hill on 3rd January 2018. Once number 7009M in the LBSL fleet, it now carries a plain red livery. The fact that the bumper and side rubbing strips have also been repainted changes the appearance of the design considerably. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,695 |  |
By Kevin Bullions This photo was taken in the last hour of 2017 and shows Emergency Response Unit Volvo rescue tender 2609 parked on standby on Millbank. Since being photographed at Wimbledon in November, this vehicle has regained a full set of Police liveried panels. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,696 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The first two photos added to LTSV in 2018 were both taken on the last night of 2017. Malcolm found rarely-seen Emergency Control Unit DB25 parked across the road from Waterloo Station. Since 2014 this body has been normally carried by MAN lorry chassis 2587, which has had suitable Emergency markings applied to its front panel. |
22/01/2018 |
| 2,697 |  |
By Robin Morel The advent of London Overground and TfL Rail/Crossrail has somewhat blurred the distinction between what used to be LT and BR rail services. London Overground is covered on LTSV since some of its vehicles were supplied (and numbered) by LUL Distribution Services, but most vehicles supporting the 'mainline' rail routes are of course operated by Network Rail. I haven't had much interest in these because most carry fairly plain white liveries with just company logos and, most importantly, no fleetnumbers. Defying both of these comments is this Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van seen at West Hampstead (Thameslink) station on 8th December 2017. It has a smart, emergency-style livery and carries fleetnumber RISU1. The meaning of this is fairly obvious from the lettering on the bonnet and bodysides, while a very similar vehicle was seen at the same location earlier in the year carrying number RICP1 (this was DK55YCY, a Rail Incident Command Post). |
30/12/2017 |
| 2,698 |  |
By Ray Monk Two anonymous cars parked in a fairly non-descript bus station, I would not have guessed this location were it not for the two buses in the background. Routes 370 and 372 are the only 'red' bus services to reach Lakeside in Essex, most other services here being operated by Ensignbus. The two cars are both Hyundai i10 hatchbacks, one of which has already been shown working from Barking garage. This pair no doubt work from Grays garage, once part of Arriva Southern Counties but now in the Arriva London group. Neither car had any markings and it remains to be seen whether more of this type are taken in place of the previous standard Vauxhall Corsa. By the way, the silver car behind EY67VCO is EO67RNJ. |
30/12/2017 |
| 2,699 |  |
By Derek Everson No prizes for knowing this location either, again despite visual clues. New deliveries of service vehicles for Metroline have been featured on LTSV several times before, parked up at the Perivale Central Engineering and Logisitics Facility (CELF) prior to entering service. The latest additions are a trio of Ford Transit Connect Mk2 vans, which arrived in mid-November 2017. They were photographed there in unmarked red but Derek returned on 16th December and found that they had been lettered-up. This view shows AV67HXD and AV67EUM, while AV67EUK was also parked nearby. Metroline has four Transit Connect vans that are more than five years old, so the locations to watch for these new vans at are Holloway, Brentford, Harrow Wealdstone and Edgware. |
30/12/2017 |
| 2,700 |  |
By Ray Monk No prizes for guessing the location of this photo taken on 1st November 2017. There aren't many clues but it has been shown on LTSV several times before. On show this time were a pair of Ford Fiesta hatchback cars, pretty much the standard vehicle for Abellio over the past few years. All were bought second-hand and the interest comes from variety in the base colour and how much lettering gets applied. GF12OMU (on the left) is black and appears to be anonymous, while EA60UOB is brown (or 'red' to the DVLA!) and has Abellio London logos. Neither car carries a fleetnumber but they are allocated 6802 and 6765 respectively. |
30/12/2017 |
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