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
2,801		By Ray Monk Probably awaiting collection by its user, Ford Transit Custom van 8481F was just a week old when seen at Acton Works on 27th July 2017. This is a low-roof, medium wheelbase example, as evidenced by the gap between the side moulding and the rear wheelarch. It was parked on the long-disused H Pooley rail weighbridge. Just visible on the right are Transit dropside 8072F, Transit minibus 7572F and Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7328R.	02/08/2017
2,802		By Ray Monk Yet more Ford Fiesta vans arrived in summer 2017, a pair numbered 8426F and 8427F being delivered in mid-June. Rather oddly, they were both still in the Acton Works car park over a month later, as seen by 8426F on 27th July 2017. On the left is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7714R from Tufnell Park, while Toyota Prius car 8524F is just visible on the right.	02/08/2017
2,803		By Ray Monk We don't have allocations for most of the Ford Fiesta vans delivered over the past couple of years. A batch of four (numbered 8316F to 8319F) was added in late 2016 and it initially appeared that they were for Stratford Market depot. However, they have all been seen at Museum Way in Acton Town at different times so I have added this as their allocation. 8317F was parked outside on 22nd May 2017.	02/08/2017
2,804		By Derek Everson The Mark 8 Ford Transit is now becoming commonplace in the central fleet with about 85 added so far, while the number of Mark 7 Transits remaining is around double this amount. The base at Museum Way in Acton Town gained its first Mk8s in spring 2017, comprising crew van 8315F and dropside truck 8321F. Both were present on 2nd July 2017, flanking Mk7s 7709F (crew van) and 7756F (dropside). Three more Mk7s were parked on the row behind.	02/08/2017
2,805		By Derek Everson A stranger in the camp. The four Peugeot Partner Tepee cars allocated to Barking (Wakering Road) have been well covered on LTSV, usually at their home base. On 24th May 2017, 7450P was there, with 7451P at the back. Parked in between though was unmarked white car KX63SVF. I would guess that this was a cover vehicle while one of the allocation (either 7449P or 7452P) was away for maintenance. A recent change also visible in this photograph is the erection of overhead wiring on the adjacent railway track, this being the Gospel Oak platform.	02/08/2017
2,806		By Ray Monk MAN TGM demountable lorry LV66XYD was new at the end of 2016 and is usually used with dropside body DB10, recently overhauled with new side doors and extended stanchions. The combination was seen entering Acton Works on 10th July 2017. It would appear that the stock of demountable bodies has been slimmed down in recent years, and I have just 'withdrawn' 8 that have not been seen for a long time.	01/08/2017
2,807		By Derek Everson Two DAF LFs with NTM refuse collection bodywork were added to stock in mid-2016. Both were plain white with small lettering, suggesting they may have been on hire rather than bought, but they remained in use for most of the next year. DS16YNV was seen on Bollo Lane in Acton on 12th April 2017. It looks like these replaced mid-sized Iveco dustcarts EK59ZKL/ZKM. The fleet of heavy dustcarts now comprises 8 Mercedes-Benz Econics, all in LUL livery.	01/08/2017
2,808		By Derek Everson Citroen Relay exhibition unit AY07EZB has been featured on LTSV several times, but this photo has been included to show that it now has a fleetnumber of LTM002. It was photographed at the back of the Museum Depot in Acton on 7th March 2017, with Optare Excel bus R197DDX on the left. This number series first appeared with LTM001 in January 2013. When Land Rover LV16HSG was lettered as LTM003 in 2016 I speculated which vehicle was allocated LTM002. As seems to be the norm, I guessed wrong!	01/08/2017
2,809		By Ray Monk Until this year the Volkswagen Transporter minibus had rarely featured in the central fleet. However, it seems that it is now preferred to the Ford Transit model for this role and at least 8 have been added. 8422VW was new in spring 2017 and was allocated to Neasden station yard, where it was photographed on 1st May 2017. There may have been a problem with this vehicle as it was back at the dealers in mid-July, then seen at Acton Works later in the month. Consecutive registration RV17PZP is on an unmarked white Transporter minibus based at Stratford Market depot. Amongst the other vehicles visible are two Renault Kangoo Maxi vans, 8348R in LUL livery and 7443R in Tube Lines.	01/08/2017
2,810		By Ray Monk Northumberland Park depot had two Ford Transit Mk7 crew vans allocated between 2012 and 2017 (7323F and 7433F). Although these were to two different sizes, they were replaced by a pair of identical Ford Transit Custom medium-wheelbase low-roof crew vans in February 2017. 8335F was seen at the depot on 24th April 2017.	01/08/2017
2,811		By Malcolm Conway LBSL Passenger Data now runs a fleet of five Vauxhall Movano minibuses. Two are in the original red/orange livery but the three added in spring 2017 carry white/blue/red. 8302V was found at Tulse Hill on 25th April 2017, showing its rear chevrons and light-bar.	01/08/2017
2,812		By Ray Monk Acton Works on 27th July 2017 and, as usual, a variety of vehicles were parked in the DSM yard. 8288F is a medium-wheelbase, mid-height Mk8 Ford Transit crew van new that February.	01/08/2017
2,813		By Derek Everson The jumbo variant of the Mk8 Ford Transit van has only been taken in small quantities so far. Stratford Market Depot has three crew vans delivered around the end of 2015, one of which (8165F) was photographed coming down Bollo Lane in Acton on 12th April 2017. Due to the large bodyside mouldings, these vehicles have only a very small portion of blue in their livery.	01/08/2017
2,814		By Ray Monk Coming and going at Acton Works on 10th July 2017. Arriving was Ford Transit dropside truck 8157F, based at Edgware Road Station. Departing was 8473VW, one of at least six recently delivered Volkswagen Caddy Maxi vans. These look likely to be replacements for the Fiat Doblo Maxi vans 7660FI to 7665FI, which were often used for internal mail deliveries between various locations.	01/08/2017
2,815		By Ray Monk Ford Ranger pick-up 8078F is a rarely-seen vehicle. New in January 2016 we didn't even know who operated it until Ray caught it emerging from Colville Road (near Acton Works) on 16th May 2017. There are three Rangers in the current fleet, all in LUL white/blue/red livery. 8078F seems to be to the same design as Acton-based 8044F, while Leyton's 8064F has a different front grille. 8078F is the only one not to have a hard-top over the loadspace.	01/08/2017
2,816		By Ray Monk The two recently delivered Dennison flatbed trailers were both in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 27th July 2017, and it was confirmed that neither of them carries a number. However, they are slightly different, as can just be seen here. Both are three-axle flatbeds, but the trailer to the rear has a slightly taller headboard. At the time of this photograph it was also fitted with stanchions and safety straps, but this may not be a reliable recognition feature. The metal items stored diagonally under the nearer trailer are probably removable stanchions. Just visible on the left is the new vehicle preparation shed.	30/07/2017
2,817		By Ray Monk Although it is not marked as such, I am fairly sure this is T70, the Indespension 2-axle mini fuel tanker trailer bought in 1999. If so, it is had some modifications since it was last seen on LTSV (the pump at the front has been changed, some pipework has been added at the top rear and the tank appears to now be secured with a strap!). Most notably though it now has LUL/TfL white/blue/red livery in place of the previous Tube Lines markings. This trailer is very rarely seen out on the road, and even then it is usually carried on a lorry rather than being towed. Seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 27th July 2017 with body DB14 in the background.	30/07/2017
2,818		By Ray Monk The highest-numbered service vehicle photographed at Acton on 27th July 2017 was LUL Toyota Prius car 8536T, seen in the front car park. Five similar cars were also here (8489T, 8490T, 8491T, 8512T and 8524T) but 8536T was the only one to have roof bars.	30/07/2017
2,819		By Ray Monk A large shed has recently been erected at the north end of the lorry yard at Acton Works, in the corner where LS334 was dumped back in 2007. It is used to allow the preparation of newly delivered vehicles to be done under cover. This activity used to be undertaken in the front car park. Present on 27th July 2017 were two new Ford Transit Custom vans gaining LUL markings. 8509F on the left and 8508F on the right are both low roof examples.	30/07/2017
2,820		By Ray Monk Glimpsed in the Acton Works car park a fortnight ago, Peugeot Partner Tepee car 8484P had been delivered to nearby Bollo House (where it was photographed) by 27th July 2017. It had just replaced unique Volkswagen Caddy Maxi estate 7034VW. Most of the vehicles with this style of high-conspicuity markings are lettered as 'Incident Response Vehicle'. However, this (and 7034VW before it) shows 'Emergency Incident Vehicle'. The only other recent SV I could find with this lettering was Land Rover Freelander 7429LR. The Peugeot Partner has had another facelift, now with metal trim around the grille. The ten delivered to Lillie Bridge last winter are also to this design, but I have only seen them from the rear!	30/07/2017
2,821		By Ray Monk The Ford Transit Custom model is becoming increasingly common in the central fleet, most examples being short-wheelbase low-roof. Shown here at Acton Works on 27th July 2017 is one of the larger variants, 8414F being a medium-wheelbase high-roof van in LUL livery. The length designations are shared with the larger Mk8 Transit and it should be noted that there is no 'long-wheelbase' Transit Custom. In terms of recognition, the height is fairly obvious. For the length, look at whether the black side trim reaches to the rear wheelarch pressing (SWB) or not (MWB).	30/07/2017
2,822		By Ray Monk Lots of recently delivered Ford Transit vans were in evidence at Acton Works on 27th July 2017, including both Mk8 and Custom models. 8410F was a long-wheelbase, high-roof example of the former, complete with a roof-rack of sorts.	30/07/2017
2,823		By Ray Monk Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dropside truck 8219 (no M suffix is carried) was new in spring 2017 and appears to be based at Bollo House in Acton. It can often be glimpsed in a small yard to the south of the main building, as here on 27th July 2017. This and similar 8185M at Stratford are both based on the long wheelbase Sprinter, which may have been a factor in selecting them rather than the usual Ford Transit truck.	30/07/2017
2,824		By Ray Monk A surprise find at Bollo House in Acton on 27th July 2017 was Volkswagen car 8193VW. A batch of five was delivered in June 2016 but not all have been reported yet. Because of this the operator and livery of two is not yet recorded, although it is almost certainly going to be LUL white/blue/red like this one. A further confusion with this batch was that they were listed on the DVLA as being Volkswagen Jettas, while DSM had them as Golfs. The photo here confirms that they are badged as Golfs, although the differences between the two models seem to be minimal.	30/07/2017
2,825		By Ray Monk The fourteen Mercedes-Benz Sprinter crew vans leased in autumn 2015 for LUL are quite difficult to see. Most are kept at Stratford Market Depot and hence can only be seen when they venture out, usually at night. There is a pair at Bollo House in Acton but these are well hidden by vegetation from public vantage points on either side (the tube tracks run behind the bushes seen in the background). Ray was granted an official visit to Acton Works and some of the neighbouring locations on 27th July 2017 and caught this view of 8140M with 8141M just visible on the left.	30/07/2017
2,826		By Ray Monk Seen at Eltham Bus Station on 24th June 2017 were a pair of Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses. To the rear is RJ62ZHG, new to Metrobus as their 8062 in 2013. Although the London Metrobus operations transferred to Go-Ahead London in 2014, the original markings are still carried. The vehicle in front is RX17PCU in unmarked white. This may be a dealer loan or a new acquisition. It was still in use a month later when seen at Belvedere garage. If there are any more sightings I will add it to the database. Note that the Vito design has undergone a facelift with major changes to the detailing around the front and sides.	28/07/2017
2,827		By Dean Sullivan Sullivan Buses took over two more TfL bus routes in 2017 and acquired two Renault Zoe electric cars to support them. Seen at the South Mimms garage were EC2 (LN17XXG) and EC1 (LP66WVN). Note that the cars carry lettering promoting the three services operated. A third car was expected to be added soon, although the electrical supply had to be upgraded first. Mr Sullivan reports that the cars have a range of about 70 miles following a three hour charge.	28/07/2017
2,828		By Derek Everson With Metrobus now confined to operations from Crawley garage, it appears on LTSV less frequently. Having said that, many of the former Metrobus vehicles now with Go-Ahead London still carry Metrobus fleetnames. Seen at Crawley Bus Station on 19th April 2017 was 8032 (RF15DKD), one of two Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses acquired in July 2015.	28/07/2017
2,829		By Derek Everson Abellio London has taken many second-hand Ford Fiesta cars over the past few years. GN13MUO arrived at Hayes garage in spring 2016 and was initially unmarked. Following the take over of trunk bus route 427 in April 2017, several support vehicles have gained markings which include the route number, depot code (HA is presumably an internal Abellio code for Hayes since it is known as WS by TfL) and fleetnumbers, all on the bonnet. Now known to be 6805, the car was seen at its home garage on 28th May 2017.	28/07/2017
2,830		By John Hillman Tellings Golden-Miller is a name with a long and complicated history. To summarise, it became a significant operator of London bus services in the 1990s but later sold out and re-focused on coach operations. Bought by Arriva, the name was also used at times for bus operations in Essex. Vauxhall Vivaro HT05YDC was one of several minibuses, latterly used on Heathrow airport duties, which transferred to Arriva bus operators in 2014. When seen at Welwyn Garden City Bus Station on 8th May 2017, it still retained TGM livery and legal lettering. By the way, this may look like a 'crew van' (according to the LTSV definition), but it appears that the rear side window has in fact been plated over.	28/07/2017
2,831		By Ray Monk At least eight Toyota Prius cars in LUL livery have been delivered over the past couple of months. Seen in the car park at Acton Works on 8th July 2017 was 8489T.	28/07/2017
2,832		By Ray Monk The Volkswagen Golf has appeared in small numbers in the central fleet since 2004, usually in estate form. Four hatchback cars have been added more recently, including 8398VW seen at Edgware Road Station on 1st May 2017.	28/07/2017
2,833		By Traintest Hearne House, behind the Museum Depot at Acton Town, seems to have a penchant for the long wheelbase Ford Transit Connect van. Two more were delivered in spring 2017, including 8378F seen at home on 12th May 2017. Both this and 8429F have cargo doors on both sides.	28/07/2017
2,834		By Ray Monk Three Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis cabs were delivered in spring 2017. One was given a hydraulic hoist and numbered 8232. The other two got dropside bodies with tail-lifts. Unlike the similarly configured Ford Transits, the bodywork is grey rather than blue. On 25th July 2017 Ray caught 8185M returning to Stratford Market Depot.	28/07/2017
2,835		By Ray Monk The Ford Focus estates with LL13xxx registrations seem to get photographed quite frequently. It took me a minute to realise that this was not one of them but was in fact 7668F, a Ford Mondeo estate and a much rarer find. New in 2013, it has only been seen four times. Although three of those sightings were at Stratford Market Depot (where it was photographed returning on 25th July 2017), we have the car listed as being allocated to Ruislip Depot.	28/07/2017
2,836		By LTSV Collection And now for something completely different! Leyland National bus NFM853M was new to Crosville as their fleetnumber ENL853 in January 1974. By 1991 it was sold for use as a mobile hairdressing salon with the Hair Bus Company of South Mimms. Amazingly it was still there 26 years later, although it may not be so mobile these days. Photographed on 29th May 2017.	19/07/2017
2,837		By Ray Monk With so many bus company service vehicles having little or nothing in the way of identification, it is nice to be able to show a new van with a very 'full' livery. Ford Transit Connect Mk2 van GD66HEV was new to Arriva Southern Counties in February 2017 and is allocated fleetnumber V072. The number is not carried but the livery does include recruitment advertising. It was allocated to Northfleet garage, where it was seen during the open day on 8th July 2017.	19/07/2017
2,838		By Derek Everson Tower Transit got a new Ford Transit van for its Lea Interchange garage in late 2016. Mk8 high-roof van BG66VKT replaced Mk7 SP12LUO, and was seen passing Mile End on 12th April 2017.	19/07/2017
2,839		By Derek Everson This remarkable photo was taken from the footbridge at Hammersmith (Met) Station on 22nd April 2017. A number of engineering trains occupy most of the track as far as Goldhawk Road Station, each with a battery loco at each end. As far as I know there are 29 of these still in stock, with probably 16 just about visible here. In fact a further 6 were on trains in the station behind the photographer. Most of the locos have been refurbished with new cab-front walkways and handrails. Nearest the camera is L50, built by BREL Doncaster in 1974. This one was notable for lacking high-level drawgear and buffers.	19/07/2017
2,840		By Ray Monk Three new trailers were delivered to Acton Works in early 2017, although none appears to carry a fleetnumber. All three were made by Dennison and comprise two 3-axle flatbeds (with two different types of headboard) and one curtainsider. The latter was seen entering the works on 10th July 2017 behind Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor WN12NDV. The sides are all white but there is some red and blue on the rear end so I have marked the livery as standard white/blue/red. This trailer has no doubt replaced similar TT51, built by Tinsley in 1992.	19/07/2017
2,841		By Ray Monk Lots of newly delivered vehicles were visible in the Acton Works car park on 15th July 2017. Nearest the camera was Volkswagen Caddy Maxi van 8475VW, one of at least six for LUL, perhaps to replace the Fiat Doblo Maxi mail vans. On the left is Peugeot Partner Tepee 8023P, while just visible above 8475VW is RE17ADX, a newer example of the same type. On the right are three Toyota Prius hybrid cars, including LL17EFD.	19/07/2017
2,842		By Ray Monk Three new Vauxhall Movano minibuses were delivered to the London Buses Passenger Data section in April 2017, all carrying the new (to LBSL) white/blue/red livery. They replaced three red Ford Transit minibuses (7131F, 7466F and 7467F). It is notable that the minibus version of the Mk8 Ford Transit has not yet featured in the central fleet, with models such as the Movano, Renault Master and Volkswagen Transporter being taken instead. This has meant that Vauxhall, once the main alternate supplier to Ford, has not quite disappeared from the central fleet. It is now represented by just six Movano minibuses, five with Passenger Data and one with LUL. 8302V was seen at Bexleyheath bus stand on 21st June 2017, supporting surveys related to proposed changes to bus services connected with the opening of the Elizabeth Line to Abbey Wood next year.	19/07/2017
2,843		By Ray Monk An unusual vehicle new in spring 2017 was 8232, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 flatbed fitted with a Versalift hydraulic hoist. Although it carries generic Transport for London livery, it has no doubt replaced Ford Transit 6794F, which carried London Buses branding. It is believed that both vehicles were used for fitting iBus equipment to new buses. 8232 was seen at Mandela Way garage on 9th May 2017.	19/07/2017
2,844		By Derek Everson An interesting vehicle, delivered in November 2016, was Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van 8207M. Normally kept at Griffith House or (as here on 9th May 2017) the adjoining Edgware Road Station, it carries Incident Response Vehicle markings on LUL white/blue/red livery.	19/07/2017
2,845		By Derek Everson Fifteen Renault Modus cars were leased for LUL in 2011/2012 (along with two for TfL Streets). The last to remain in stock was 7265R, seen in the car park at Acton Works on 7th May 2017.	19/07/2017
2,846		By Malcolm Glover As per the last batch of photos, there is just one bus company vehicle this time, and it just happens to be another high-roof Ford Transit Custom van. Stagecoach London renewed their engineering support fleet in summer 2016 and it is taking a long time to get details of all the new vans. First seen at Chingford Station on 17th March 2017 is West Ham's MD16SXM, quite a long way from home. As can be seen, this has a full set of lettering and national fleetnumber 90931.	01/05/2017
2,847		By Ray Monk Seven new dustcarts have been delivered over the past few months, and I would be very surprised if there will be any more for a while. WO66HFM is identical to WO66HFL, being a 2-axle Mercedes-Benz Econic 1830 with NTM bodywork. It was caught passing White City Station on 10th March 2017.	01/05/2017
2,848		By Derek Everson This lorry was new as a flatbed but I'm not sure what to call it now! MAN TGM lorry LV66XYC was caught leaving Acton Works on 27th March 2017. It has recently been fitted with mesh drop-sides and side-hinged rear doors. The fold-away tail-lift is also apparent, while it will be noted that the yellow safety 'bars' on the sides are in fact straps, only the rear one being solid.	01/05/2017
2,849		By Ray Monk Toyota Yaris car LM13PBU was new in June 2013 for use by TfL Streets at Southwark, for which it carried their livery of white with an orange stripe. It was one of the last cars new in this livery, as later additions wore white/blue. Nobody managed to photograph this car during its three and half years of service for Streets, but it seems it has been retained. On 10th March 2017 Ray found it approaching Acton Works, now in unmarked white and with an LUL sign in the windscreen.	01/05/2017
2,850		By Ray Monk A visit to Acton Works (or at least a peer through the bushes on Bollo Lane) often turns up some surprises. On 25th March 2017 Ray did a good job of photographing this new car in the staff car park. Registered LT17UZB, it is a new-style Toyota Prius hybrid car in full LUL livery. It is not clear from this angle but the car may have a fleetnumber. The pioneering Prius has been used by TfL Streets and LBSL since 2004 but has lately been supplanted by other models such as the Toyota Yaris. Just one Prius is thought to remain with TfL Streets. It should be mentioned that this model has also featured in the un-marked car fleet, including some used by LUL. LT17UZB is however the first liveried example. In the background are a new VW Caddy Maxi crew van and unmarked Peugeot Partner Tepee car KP62FVH.	01/05/2017
2,851		By Ray Monk Another car park photo, this time featuring four service vehicles and taken on 1st April 2017. On the left are two Ford Fiesta hatchback cars, 8041F and new LK17YVT (the fleetnumber of which is not yet known). Next to them is Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van 8322VW, taken into stock a couple of weeks previously. New vehicles often spend a few days here but this one seems to have stayed put throughout most of March and all of April. On the right is Peugeot Partner Tepee KX12WNV which, although technically an unmarked car, made it onto LTSV since it carried LUL labels for a while. The silver Mitsubishi L200 pick-up just visible on the left is not believed to be one of the examples of this type in the fleet.	01/05/2017
2,852		By Ray Monk The Lifts and Escalators section at Frank Pick House received a large number of new vehicles in 2015, with just a couple of older vehicles retained. No doubt a replacement for one of those few is 8400F, a long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom crew van seen leaving Acton Works on 16th March 2017. Note that this vehicle is described in the database as being medium wheelbase. This is because the length designations are shared across the Transit Custom and Transit ranges. Each model has two basic wheelbases, those on the Custom being SWB and MWB, while those on the Mk8 Transit are MWB and LWB.	01/05/2017
2,853		By Ray Monk Acton Works car park on 1st April 2017 and Ray has focused on new Ford Fiesta car 8379F. Also in LUL livery is the Ford Focus hatchback just visible on the left. This was registered LK17YUU, but the fleetnumber could not be read. On the back row are two Renault Kangoo maxi vans, one in Tube Lines livery and 7727R of the Emergency Response Unit. Note the unmarked silver Smart car on the left. Although most of the earlier examples have been disposed of, a new Smart in livery was reported at Acton later in the month.	01/05/2017
2,854		By Ray Monk Following the delivery of two new Toyota Yaris cars to each of Eltham and Morden in February 2017, a fifth was sent to Turnpike Lane to replace the last LBSL Prius. As per 8417T to 8420T, it carries white/blue livery with a red stripe and Buses roundels. Curiously it carries fleetnumber 8357T. We are fairly certain this is wrong, as 8357R is carried by one of the recently delivered Renault Kangoo vans. Hopefully we will get an official fleetlist at some point, which may clarify. Photographed on 4th March 2017.	01/05/2017
2,855		By Ray Monk No Ford Focus estate cars were added to the central fleet after the arrival of 7806F in spring 2014. That is until 8324F turned up at Acton Works car park on 11th March 2017. Alongside was resident Ford Fiesta hatchback 8042F.	01/05/2017
2,856		By Derek Everson Ford Fiesta van 8319F was new in November 2016 but not seen until Derek found it parked on Museum Way at Acton Town on 27th March 2017. 8316F to 8319F are believed to be based at Stratford Market Depot but all have been seen visiting Museum Way recently.	01/05/2017
2,857		By Derek Everson The batch of Renault Kangoo vans allocated to Museum Way at Acton Town were replaced by newer versions of the same model in spring 2017. Seen outside the base on 27th March 2017 was 8309R	01/05/2017
2,858		By Ray Monk The most common single type added to the central fleet recently has been the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew van, over 30 being taken over the past six months. 8306VW was taken into stock in early March 2017 and was seen in the Acton car park on the 11th. It has since been seen at Camden Town, suggesting it is allocated to Edgware Track Depot as a replacement for one of the similar vans in the 7545VW to 7550VW batch. To the right is Ford Mondeo estate 7697F from Stratford Market Depot. One of only about five Mondeos in the fleet, this one can be recognised by the yellow ladder it always seems to be carrying.	01/05/2017
2,859		By Ray Monk Ford Transit Connect van 8259F is one of a batch of four based at Stratford Market Depot but was seen leaving Acton Works on 10th March 2017. I hadn't previously noticed that these vans have roof-bars.	01/05/2017
2,860		By Ray Monk Several examples of the Volkswagen Transporter minibus have been added to the central fleet over the past few months, joining a single example (7791VW) leased in 2014. Among them was 8258VW, caught leaving Acton Works on 10th March 2017. 8256VW is a similar vehicle and both were seen at King's Cross station during work there the day after this photo was taken. Curiously the intervening number has been applied to a Mercedes Sprinter crew van 8257M.	01/05/2017
2,861		By Ray Monk This van caused me some grief when it was new! Mercedes-Benz Sprinter crew van WX65VRK carries fleetnumber 8174M on the nearside and 8177M on the offside. Since WX65VRJ was 8137M and WX65VRL was 8139M I surmised that both 8174M and 8177M were wrong and WX65VRK was actually 8138M. It appears that it was indeed intended to be numbered 8138M, but three of the batch of fourteen of these vans were reassigned and given new fleetnumbers 8176M to 8178M, the vacated 8138, 8146 and 8147 remaining unused. Unfortunately, WX65VRK is officially now 8178M but I have decided to ignore that and call it 8177M, especially as the official 8177M (WX65VRU) actually carries number 8178M! Most of the batch are nocturnal out of Stratford, and I have yet to photograph any of them. Two or three are usually to be found at Finchley Central Station (as here on 28th March 2017), making them much more accessible.	01/05/2017
2,862		By Ray Monk Museum Way at Acton Town has been host to several Stratford-based vehicles recently, perhaps due to local work being undertaken. On 16th March 2017 Ford Transit Custom van 8160F, hitherto only seen at night, was on the slope along with Transit dropside 7472F (whose allocation is not confirmed).	01/05/2017
2,863		By Ray Monk While Renault Kangoo van 8048R lacks fleetnumbers, longer 8148R is only missing its suffix letters. 8148 was photographed parked on Museum Way at Acton Town on 25th March 2017. It has been seen here a couple of times but also at Stratford Market Depot. Only three Renault Kangoos were added to the central fleet in the second half of 2015 and just two followed in the whole of 2016.	01/05/2017
2,864		By Ray Monk On a murky 10th March 2017, Ford Transit dropside truck 8118F was caught entering Acton Works. New in autumn 2016, it is most likely based at Stratford Market Depot.	01/05/2017
2,865		By Ray Monk Central fleet vehicles can sometimes be found on Colville Road, near to the entrance to Acton Works, having a valet at one of the numerous automotive businesses based here. On 1st April 2017 Ray came across Renault Kangoo van 8048R having treatment. This van has not been seen since it passed through Acton Works when new almost two years ago. It has a non-standard roof-rack and no fleetnumbers.	01/05/2017
2,866		By Ray Monk Guess what, it's another 'lesser-spotted' service vehicle! Ford Focus estate cars 7683F to 7686F were new in summer 2013 and have popped up quite infrequently but at a variety of locations over the past few years. I am thus unsure of where they are actually allocated, although Ruislip is a contender. 7684F is the rarest of the four but was found by Ray parked at White City Station on 10th March 2017. Ruislip's Ford Transit Connect van 7435F was parked nearby.	01/05/2017
2,867		By Ray Monk Citroen Berlingo estate car 7510C is normally based at West Ruislip Station but is shown here (for the second time!) at White City depot on 10th March 2017. Parked alongside is regular resident 7508C, both cars having been reliveried as Incident Response Vehicles in 2016.	01/05/2017
2,868		By Frank Messenger Here is an oddity: A service vehicle that only got its fleetnumber after it was disposed of! Ford Transit jumbo crew van LM62YSR was new in late 2012 and, although allocated fleetnumber 7478F, never actually carried this on its Tube Lines livery. Disposed of via BCA in autumn 2016, it was later bought by LOTS (the publishers, rather confusingly, of ''The London Bus'' magazine and the ''London Bus Magazine''). A van or minibus has been used for many years to move staff and sales stock to and from bus events such as open days and rallies. The last couple of these have been given pseudo-fleetnumbers, based on the then highest membership number. With the Transit it was decided to use its actual fleetnumber. The newly re-lettered van was seen in Kennington on 23rd March 2017.	01/05/2017
2,869		By Ray Monk Definitely one of the 'lesser-spotted' members of the current fleet is Ford Transit van 7436F. New in September 2012, it has only been noted five times, most recently at Kings Cross on 12th March 2017 as seen here. It would appear to be based at Ruislip and used by TransPlant to support engineering train operations, although it carries standard TubeLines livery. If correct it would have replaced similar 6711F, which was equally elusive. It is notable that both vans had a fold-over hazard plate on their front bumpers. Parked behind the Transit is new Volkswagen Transporter minibus 8258VW, while mobile office WX08KUY is just visible on the other side of the road.	01/05/2017
2,870		By Keith Grimes A fine view of Volvo FL816 rescue tender 2605 passing Old Street Station on 11th March 2017. Note the application of Camden allocation plates (or stickers to be more exact).	01/05/2017
2,871		By Frank Messenger The ten Mercedes-Benz Atego rescue tenders were out of use by March 2017, following delivery of new Volvo units. On 14th March most were to be found at Acton Works, including six parked near the ERU depot. 2600M is nearest on the right, while at the opposite end is one of the Police-liveried pair. Some were seen later in the month having had their lettering removed, and most were sold through Mannheim Auctions at Coventry in the first week of April.	01/05/2017
2,872		By Peter Osborn Austin LD van 1403AS was new in January 1966 and allocated to the engineers at Victoria Garage, where it was photographed later that year. It replaced similar 1029AS but in 1971 was itself replaced by Ford Transit 1689F.	01/05/2017
2,873		By Peter Osborn Leyland Titan Railway Breakdown Tender 1276LD was allocated to the Permanent Way Engineer and based at Lillie Bridge. So what was it doing in Shepherds Bush Garage in about 1966? Was this one of the garages that 'docked' (ie maintained) service vehicles? This batch was certainly docked at Stockwell Garage by 1972.	01/05/2017
2,874		By Peter Osborn Victoria Garage in 1966 and two service vehicles are visible near the pits. To the fore is Ford Anglia van 1263F lettered for the Catering Department. Less than four years old at the time, it was allocated to Manor House but was destined to be replaced by newer 1434F before the end of the year. Behind is Austin LD van 1403AS, shown more clearly later. The Routemaster buses are of some interest. The one in the middle is missing its offside corner panel and is blinded for route 37, which GM never worked. Beyond that is a Green Line RMC (1507?) with blinds for the 716A.	01/05/2017
2,875		By Peter Osborn A few more oldies from Peter Osborn are first today. Shown here is 743J, a lorry that Clive has recently modelled. As I mentioned at the time, it was unusual for being delivered as a rail carrier but fairly soon afterwards converted into a towing lorry. Withdrawn and sold in 1965 it went to Birds Commercial Motors of Stratford-upon-Avon, where this photo was taken. It still carried fleetnumbers and had been slightly overloaded with pipes.	01/05/2017
2,876		By Derek Everson Just one bus company vehicle is being shown today, this being London Sovereign Ford Transit Custom van LS15OXJ. Officially allocated fleetnumber FT11 in the London United series, this van is unmarked apart from a pair of small white roundels on the bonnet. It was new in April 2015 but spent, along with sister LS15OVF, several weeks at Twickenham Garage before entering service. Now allocated to Harrow, it was seen at the local bus station on 11th January 2017, attending to elderly Dennis Dart DPS637.	05/03/2017
2,877		By Derek Everson The rear of the NTM bodywork is shown on 3-axle Mercedes Econic as it returns to Acton Works on 27th February 2017. With six new dustcarts added recently, the two hired DAFs (DS16YNU and DS16YNV) are presumably gone, perhaps along with the 2009 Econics.	05/03/2017
2,878		By Ray Monk As mentioned earlier this week, three more Mercedes Econic dustcarts were delivered in February 2017. As with the batch at the end of 2016, there are a pair of 3-axle examples and one 2-axle, but the bodywork on the latest trio is by NTM rather than Geesink Norba. A more noticeable difference is the absence (so far) on the NTM vehicle of the yellow safety markings that are applied around the bottom and top of the Geesink vehicles. WO66HFL was calling at Eltham Bus Station on 1st March 2017. Given that these vehicles collect from London Buses locations as well as LUL ones, would generic TfL livery not be more suitable?	05/03/2017
2,879		By Derek Everson One more! Both 7630VW and 7631VW were sold through BCA Blackbushe on 26th January 2017, but the latter vehicle was hemmed in on all sides and could not be photographed as clearly as 7630VW. These two VW Caddy crew vans were based at Hainault, and 7630VW was notable for claiming to be 7930VW. Sadly the fleetnumbers had already been removed.	05/03/2017
2,880		By Derek Everson I am very grateful to Derek for his numerous visits to BCA Blackbushe. On 1st December 2016 he photographed four former service vehicles there, the most interesting of which was Ford Transit van 7582F. It is fortunate that this van still had its fleetnumbers as it would have been easy to miss otherwise. One of several vehicles new in late 2012 which operated in unmarked white livery, 7582F was mostly seen at night so undoubtedly worked for LUL.	05/03/2017
2,881		By Derek Everson BCA Blackbushe again, this being 23rd November 2016. The subject is high-roof Ford Transit van 7560F, latterly a Griffith House/Edgware Road vehicle. Note that the rear badging states 'Ford 4WD', but I suspect this is an unofficial modification!	05/03/2017
2,882		By Derek Everson The Renault Kangoo is available as a car as well as a van. LUL took several from 2001 onwards, but since 2012 has only added vans. Estate 7315R was new in April 2012 and worked from Hainault Depot until it was sold through BCA in January 2017. It was photographed at Blackbushe on 12th January.	05/03/2017
2,883		By Derek Everson Back to Blackbushe again, this time on 3rd January 2017. Awaiting sale in 2 days time were Peugeot Partner Tepee 7225P from Lillie Bridge and Ford Transit Connect crew van 7275F. The latter vehicle had been based at Hearne House in Acton Town until replaced by new 8342F. Nine of the Partners were at BCA and an additional three are just visible in this photo.	05/03/2017
2,884		By Derek Everson Derek found a very rare vehicle at the Cordwalis Volkswagen dealership in Bedfont on 11th January 2017. 7261VW was a Caddy Maxi crew van new in January 2012 and reportedly based at the 'secret' Westferry Circus. I say 'secret' because this base is underground (near the lower half of the double-deck roundabout), virtually impossible to see into and has an allocation of vehicles which are very rarely seen out and about. Prior to its arrival at Bedfont, our 'spies' managed to see this vehicle just three times. It is presumably here to pass on its 'confidential' contents to a replacement vehicle, although it could just be for repairs. I did not say this, I was not here....	05/03/2017
2,885		By Derek Everson 7221P to 7230P were a batch of ten Peugeot Partner Tepee cars allocated to Lillie Bridge from winter 2011. They were all withdrawn in December 2016 having been replaced by ten new cars of the same type (8289P to 8298P). Nine were put up for sale by BCA at Blackbushe on 5th January 2017, the first having already gone before Christmas. This view taken on the day of auction shows consecutively registered and numbered 7226P and 7227P. Ford Transit Connect 7275F is also just visible but we will get to him later...	05/03/2017
2,886		By Ray Monk Ford Transit minibus 7060F was one of a pair delivered in May 2011 and based at Stratford Market Depot. Both were night-time vehicles and hence never photographed. 7059F was withdrawn and sold at the beginning of 2015 but 7060F soldiered on until early 2017. On 2nd February Ray caught it being towed out of Stratford, perhaps for the last time. It appears to have had its Tube Lines logos removed already.	05/03/2017
2,887		By Derek Everson The next nine photos are all of vehicles that have recently left (or are about to leave) the central fleet. Ford Transit minibus 6852F was licenced and delivered with sister 6853F on 1st March 2010, being officially taken into stock four days later. Both served the Passenger Data department of London Buses until 2014 and were then transferred to LUL use. The livery was amended and (not previously mentioned) the light bars were removed. Both finally left Acton Works on 18th January 2017 as seen here, sadly five minutes apart rather than in convoy. They were then sold through the Birmingham branch of British Car Auctions on 3rd February.	05/03/2017
2,888		By Malcolm Conway A fourth service vehicle attending the incident at Hounslow Central Station on 1st March 2017 was Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life 7034VW, this being the Incident Response Vehicle based at Bollo House in Acton. Delivered on 18th April 2011 and taken into stock three days later, it is no doubt due for replacement soon.	05/03/2017
2,889		By Malcolm Conway Police-liveried Volvo rescue tender 2609 was the third found at Hounslow Central Station on 1st March 2017. Comparing this photo with the one of 2603 will show the detail differences mentioned in the other caption.	05/03/2017
2,890		By Malcolm Conway New Volvo rescue tender 2608 was photographed at Hounslow Central Station on 1st March 2017. What is curious about this is that when seen at Acton Works at the end of January, 2608 was in Police livery. A closer inspection of this photo showed that parts of the broad yellow band on the side were formed of removable panels. Hence the blue squares (and Police crest) could be covered up (or swapped) with yellow ones, complete with TfL lettering. The front panel had also been changed over from white (Police) to red (Emergency). The only giveaways are the BTP callsign/fleetnumber of B880, visible at the rear bottom of the cab, and the light-blocks mounted on the front corner spoilers (these not featuring on the LUL vehicles). (Ed.- Too many brackets in this (caption))!	05/03/2017
2,891		By Malcolm Conway The fleet of new Emergency Response Unit rescue tenders entered service during February 2017 and one of their first major jobs was an incident at Hounslow Central Station on 1st March. Three of the Volvo trucks attended, along with numerous fire, police and ambulance vehicles. Here we see the back end of LUL-liveried 2603. As already mentioned, this one has a ladder rack, including a pull-down handle at the rear, the only one so far noted. Other differences from the police-liveried vehicles are the square hatches either side of the black box at the top of the rear (these being for hose storage), the single (compared to double) light-blocks beside these, the two (as opposed to four) hazard diamonds at the lower left and the noise abatement notice at the front of the side of the body.	05/03/2017
2,892		By Peter Osborn The Bedford HA van was introduced in 1963 as a derivative of the Vauxhall Viva 'HA' car. Initially the 6-cwt models were coded HAE and the 8-cwt ones HAV but these were later changed to just HA. London Transport bought 4 HAVs between 1965 and 1967, of which the third is shown here. 1405B was new at the end of 1965, entering service at Camberwell Garage but soon being transferred to Stockwell. It was withdrawn in 1969 but later returned to service with the Signal Engineer and finally at Aldenham Works before being sold in 1974. There was a ten year gap before LT bought any more Bedford HAs, but a total of 74 were added between 1977 and 1982, the model being discontinued in 1983. It is notable that the design was changed very little over its 20-year life, 1405B being almost identical to much later vehicles such as 3082B. This photo was taken at Stockwell Garage in 1966, and also visible are a pair of Civil Defence Corps Operations Vehicles. A similar vehicle (Thames SXF186) is preserved and can usually be seen parked at Charlton Station.	05/03/2017
2,893		By Peter Osborn A rare find at Wood Green Garage sometime in the late 1960s was this pair of buses, both of which had been renumbered into the service vehicle series. To the fore is Guy Vixen 1311CD, converted from bus GS82 in 1964. Its official description was a 'Mobile Gas Unit', which puzzled me for a long time. Thanks to the Kim Rennie and Bill Aldridge history of LT SVs published in 2003, I now know that these vehicles were used to demonstrate decontamination and protection procedures in the event of an enemy gas or nuclear attack. The CD in the fleetnumber stood for Civil Defence and 1311CD replaced former bus Q75 which was allocated number 1035CD but actually carried Q1035! 1311CD was withdrawn in 1968 following the disbanding of the Civil Defence Corps, and in 1970 was sold to Tillingbourne who re-converted it to a bus. Behind 1311CD is 1037J, a mobile engineering instruction unit with a complicated history. Taken into service vehicle stock in 1956, it had the chassis from bus RT1420 with the body from service vehicle 1019J, the previous instruction unit. 1019J had had the chassis of bus SRT45 (originally STL2551) while the body had come from RT19 but was originally fitted to pioneer RT1! 1037J was kept in stock until 1978 then sold for restoration as RT1. Another livery puzzle is that SUP15 listed 1019J as being red but 1037J as being green then red. As the bus still had adverts it seemed unlikely to have been repainted. Can anyone confirm that 1037J was never green?	05/03/2017
2,894		By Peter Osborn Ford Thames Trader lorry 1178F is seen in what I believe is Shepherds Bush Bus Garage in 1966. New in 1961 it was allocated to the Works and Building Engineer at Parsons Green right up until its withdrawal in 1972. Fitted with a crew-cab (lacking side windows and with a door on the nearside only) and a half-tilt cover, it also had an Epco crane according to official records. The original SUP15 publication listed this lorry (and similar 1179F) as being in Green and Grey livery. Some lorries new in the early 1960s did have grey cabs and green bodywork but this pair appear to have always been all green. Visible in the background is Leyland Titan Railway Breakdown Tender 1276LD.	05/03/2017
2,895		By Peter Osborn Peter Osborn (of Red-RF fame) recently got in touch to say he had found and scanned a dozen-or-so photos he took of service vehicles in the 1960s. He has posted the images on Flickr but he kindly agreed to my re-using them here. The first four are being posted today, starting with this excellent shot of AEC Regent lorry 1017J taken in White City. 1017J was built using the chassis from bus STL2669 in 1955 (the low chassis frame is clearly visible here) and was based at Southall Bus Garage for the next 10 years. This photo may have been taken after its disposal in June 1965. There is no London Transport lettering or allocation plate, and the trade plate 820GF is not one officially listed as being used by LT.	05/03/2017
2,896		By Ray Monk Arriva London crew ferry car WP66SXU is a Vauxhall Corsa 5-door hatchback in unmarked silver. It was caught leaving Norwood Garage on 6th February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,897		By Ray Monk The crew ferry cars at Norwood Garage are, unsurprisingly, Vauxhall Corsas. Three were found parked at the front of the garage on 21st February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,898		By Ray Monk With recent bus route changes, Arriva's Norwood Garage now has an allocation of crew ferry vehicles for the first time. Two minibuses and nine cars have been noted so far, all in unmarked silver livery. The minibuses are both Vauxhall Vivaros, including KP16ZTZ, seen leaving the garage on 6th February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,899		By Malcolm Conway This unmarked red Nissan Note car was seen in the bus station at Richmond on 23rd November 2016. It is most likely operated by Metroline from Brentford Garage. Metroline is the only operator known to have used the Nissan Note, taking two in each of 2008 and 2011. Could this one have a partner?	28/02/2017
2,900		By Derek Everson With three new dustcarts delivered at the end of last year, I wasn't expecting to see any more for a while. Then in February I got reports of one, then two, then three more additions! Two were three-axle versions like WO66HHT seen approaching Acton Works on 22nd February 2017. This might have been its delivery or test run, as it seemed to be lacking the application of reflective safety markings seen on such vehicles. It is also noticeable that the bodywork is slightly different to the earlier deliveries, and there is NTM branding on the side (close to the belisha beacon!). Note also that this vehicle has the bus-style folding cab doors on the nearside. This was a feature on the first three of LUL's Mercedes Econics (2576 and 2582/2583) but later deliveries had a conventional door. Not apparent from the (offside) photos published last month is the fact that the three additions in December also had the folding doors. Iveco Stralis demountable LK08LDY is in close pursuit.	28/02/2017

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