LTSV Latest Data - Detail View

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

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
2,901		By Ray Monk 8420T was photographed at Eltham Bus Station somewhat earlier on the 24th of February 2017, with a painter's sky reflecting in its windows. A fifth similar car was reported at Acton Works, this perhaps to replace the last LBSL Toyota Prius at Turnpike Lane.	28/02/2017
2,902		By slr The new LBSL cars in pseudo-LUL livery are more distinctive from the rear, having yellow/orange chevrons. 8419T and 8418T were at Morden Station on 23rd February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,903		By slr Two Toyota Yaris hybrid cars were delivered to Morden Station on 22nd February 2017, these carrying Buses roundels on a livery which could otherwise be described as LUL! Seen the next day, the cars are numbered 8418T and 8419T. With Bus Operations and Bus Infrastructure now switching to variants of the white/blue livery, it will be interesting to see what colours the next generation of Incident Response Unit vans wear.	28/02/2017
2,904		By Ray Monk Another new livery variation appeared in February 2017 with the arrival of four Toyota Yaris hybrid cars to replace the un-numbered Ford Fiesta and Toyota Prius cars used by London Buses in south London. The new cars were given fleetnumbers 8417T to 8420T, quite a jump from the highest seen so far (8373R). Their livery is TfL-standard white/blue with the addition of a red stripe and red Buses roundels. The use of a red stripe for London Buses is logical except for the fact that it is already claimed by LUL. 8417T and 8420T were sent to Eltham Bus Station on 23rd February, being photographed the following day flanking earlier design LL14VOH in TfL Private Hire livery.	28/02/2017
2,905		By Ray Monk There was a lull in deliveries of Renault Kangoo vans from mid-2015 until late 2016 but they are now arriving in some quantity again. As before, most are to the longer Maxi variant but there are a few regular vans as well. One of these was 8357R, new in January 2017 and allocated to Griffith House as a replacement for similar 7483R. As with most Griffith House vehicles, it is kept elsewhere during the day, and on 12th February 2017 it was found boxed in on Crookston Road in Eltham.	28/02/2017
2,906		By Traintest Hearne House at Acton Town has a small and varied allocation of vehicles, including several of the otherwise rare Mk2 Ford Transit Connect. Latest addition is 8342F, a long-wheelbase crew van, acquired in November 2016 to replace similar Mk1 7275F, and photographed at the base on 15th February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,907		By Colin Smith The batch of ten Peugeot Partner Tepee cars allocated to Lillie Bridge was renewed in December 2016 when 8289P-8298P arrived to replace 7221P-7230P. On the night of 30th January 2017 three of the new cars were found at home. From left to right they are 8292P, 8296P (fleetnumber not yet confirmed) and 8295P.	28/02/2017
2,908		By Ray Monk I published a photo of TfL-liveried VW Transporter van 8267VW last month, at which point I didn't know which department it was allocated to. One of our 'inside' correspondents mentioned that LBSL Bus Infrastructure was now part of TfL Asset Management, and indeed it does look as though these vehicles will now carry TfL white/blue livery. On 12th February 2017 8267VW was parked with the other Infrastructure vehicles (including high-roof van 7837VW) at Orpington Station. Smaller VW Caddy 7891VW from this location was written off following an accident early in 2016 so perhaps 8267VW is its replacement.	28/02/2017
2,909		By Ray Monk The Mk2 Ford Transit Connect van was introduced in 2013 but has not seen a great deal of use in the central fleet so far. A batch of four was delivered to Stratford Market Depot in winter 2016, including 8262F seen leaving the depot on Cam Road on 2nd February 2017. These four are all long-wheelbase examples to the Trend specification, as evidenced by the smart wheeltrims and body-coloured front bumper.	28/02/2017
2,910		By Malcolm Conway After spending several weeks at the Rygor dealership in Bedfont, one-off Incident Response Unit 8212M entered service at Edgware in January 2017. This suggests that it was leased as a replacement for accident damaged 7878M. It was photographed in Edgware Bus Station on 1st February 2017.	28/02/2017
2,911		By Colin Smith The rear of the bodywork on the new ERU tenders is slightly different from that on the previous generation. MB Ategos 2592 to 2601 had a 2/3rds height roller shutter in the centre, as seen on 2595. The new trucks have a pair of full-height 'cupboard' doors, above which is what looks like a dot-matrix message board. 2610 (also known as BTP B882) was seen at Acton Works on 30th January 2017.	28/02/2017
2,912		By Colin Smith Police-branded rescue tender 2610 was photographed at Acton Works on 30th January 2017. As can be seen, it has fleetnumber 2610 on the front corners with BTP number/callsign B882 towards the rear of the cabsides. Parked behind is Iveco Daily KE05JLV, transferred from BTP to the ERU in 2012. Along with similar KE05JLX, these were used alongside the ten MB Atego tenders and it remains to be seen if they are going to be kept.	28/02/2017
2,913		By Colin Smith Volvo FL816 rescue tender 2607 is one of five to carry ERU livery. Beyond the cabs, the bodywork (by JDC) is very similar to the previous generation of tenders. Features carried by all the new vehicles are sun visors above the windscreens and large roof-mounted horns. They do not appear to have light-bars as such but I expect the small LED fittings all around the tops of the vehicles can produce various warning indications. Acton Works, 30th January 2017.	28/02/2017
2,914		By Colin Smith This photo taken at Acton Works on 30th January 2017 shows the two livery variants on the new Emergency Response Unit rescue tenders. In the centre are ERU liveried 2606 and 2605, with a blue skirt topped by a broad yellow band and with a red panel on the front. Flanking these are 2612 and 2608 in British Transport Police livery, on which the side band is made up of yellow and blue squares, while the front panel is white. Both variants have a reflective safety stripe half way up the blue skirt. Note also that all vehicles have full-length double-cabs. The previous vehicles (Mercedes Ategos 2592 to 2601) featured a mix of short double-cabs (with only one door per side) and long ones.	28/02/2017
2,915		By Colin Smith At least nine of the new Volvo Emergency Response Unit rescue tenders were at Acton Works on 30th January 2017, and our correspondent very kindly sent me a batch of photos. Unfortunately, pressure of work has delayed their appearance on LTSV until now. Seen here is 2603 in ERU livery and with a ladder on the roof. The fleetnumber 2603 is also carried by Mercedes-Benz Actros artic WX57NPV, but it appears that the decision to drop fleetnumbers (for 'normal' lorries at least) was made at about the time of its delivery, and it was referred to officially as '57NPV'. The vehicle partially visible on the right of this photo is older ERU tender 2601, showing the general similarity in the bodywork.	28/02/2017
2,916		By Colin Smith Most of the new Emergency Response Unit tenders were present at Acton Works today (30th January 2017) and here is a first view of them. The biggest surprise is that they have been given fleetnumbers in the main numbering sequence, last used in 2008. The vehicles are Volvo FL-series units with crew cabs and bodywork by JDC. Five (2603 to 2607) are in TfL/LUL/ERU livery while the other five have a Police livery with dual fleetnumbers 2608 to 2612 and B880 to B884. More photos and database entries will be added in the next few days.	30/01/2017
2,917		By Ray Monk As already shown on LTSV, Vauxhall Vivaro van FP64WZB was new to the Arriva PSM maintenance operation. During 2016 it seems to have transferred to the engineering support fleet, most likely based at Dartford bus garage. The original lettering has been replaced, and it has also gained a light-bar and what appears to be a pair of roof rails. Ray caught the van leaving Bexleyheath bus stand on 18th January 2017.	27/01/2017
2,918		By Ray Monk The two MAN TGM lorries that appeared at the Bedfont dealers in December 2016 were delivered to Acton Works towards the end of that month. The first to be seen on the road was LV66XYC, now in full LUL livery and caught leaving Acton Works on 17th January 2017. Although I originally thought it was a demountable, looking at this photo makes me think it is actually a normal flatbed lorry. I can't report on LV66XYD though as it has yet to be clearly seen. A minor livery difference between this and the crew-cabbed MAN TGM lorries delivered in 2014 is that the red stripe is not carried onto the front corner air scoops.	27/01/2017
2,919		By Ray Monk The third new dustcart (LO66ZRE) has already been shown on LTSV, but not from behind. This is the only 2-axle vehicle in the batch, and is based on a Mercedes Econic 1830 chassis. On 17th January 2017 it was seen passing Acton Town Station, still looking fairly pristine.	27/01/2017
2,920		By Derek Everson LO66ZRD is a 3-axle Mercedes-Benz Econic 2630L with Geesink Norba refuse collection bodywork. New around Christmas 2016, it was photographed in King Street, Hammersmith on 18th January 2017. The Econic chassis/cab is almost exclusively used for dustcarts. Having said that, I have noticed a few bodied as tipper trucks, mainly with Conway. These are curious for UK lorries in having three axles at the back.	27/01/2017
2,921		By Derek Everson There were in fact three new dustcarts delivered around Christmas 2016, and Derek has already managed to photograph each of them. They are all based on the Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis/cab with compactor bodywork by Geesink Norba. LO66ZRC and LO66ZRD are 3-axle Econic 2630Ls, of which the former is seen here approaching Acton Works on 18th January 2017.	27/01/2017
2,922		By Colin Smith Along with lots of VW Caddy Maxi crew vans, a number of larger Transporter crew vans have also been delivered recently. This pair was photographed at Acton Works on 19th January 2017, having only been licensed and delivered in the previous two days. Still in unmarked white/blue, they are probably due to receive LUL livery but could perhaps be for London Overground. It is interesting that the registration numbers flank that on Caddy 8269VW.	27/01/2017
2,923		By Colin Smith 99 Renault Kangoos were added to the central fleet in 2012, with reducing numbers in the years that followed. 2016 saw just one arrival in the spring (Tramlink's Kangoo Maxi Van 8173R) then nothing more until near the end of the year. Short Kangoo van 8344R was first licensed on 19th December and was given LUL livery. It was photographed at Ealing Common Depot on 20th January 2017. There may be more yet to be reported, as similar 8348R arrived in January.	27/01/2017
2,924		By Derek Everson Another of the recent Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans is 8269VW, caught leaving Acton Works on 18th January 2017.	27/01/2017
2,925		By Ray Monk Volkswagen Transporter van RF66HZY was seen in the yard of the Bedfont dealership in early January 2017 and it was noted that it had a light-bar, suggesting that it was not destined for LUL. Later in the month (on the 24th) it was seen in Welling in TfL livery and with fleetnumber 8267VW. Two earlier VW Transporter vans carried TfL markings (6601VW and 6602VW of 2008) but both were later transferred to LUL work. Note that this van has the same noise abatement notices as most LUL vehicles.	27/01/2017
2,926		By Ray Monk A large quantity of Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans were added to the leased fleet around the end of 2016 and into 2017. Typical of these is 8238VW, seen parked up in Welling on 27th January 2017.	27/01/2017
2,927		By Clive Greedus 743J was rebuilt from bus STL297 in late 1949 and was initially configured as a rail carrier. Curiously both 743J and similar 744J were further converted to towing lorries less than a year later. In this form, 743J was sent to Sutton bus garage in August 1950 before moving on to Merton the following month. It stayed at Merton until withdrawn in 1965. Clive has modelled 743J using the Little Bus Company kit, leaving the side valances in place and adding a small hoist.	14/01/2017
2,928		By Clive Greedus AEC Regal 400W was converted from T246 in 1939 and spent ten years at Tottenham Garage, moving to Upton Park in 1949 for another decade of service. Clive's model of the lorry (built from a Little Bus Company kit) was photographed posed in a diorama of Upton Park, alongside some local buses. The kit has been modified with cut-away side valances.	14/01/2017
2,929		By Clive Greedus These AEC Regal and Regent lorry models are based on the Little Bus Company kit released in 2016. The resin kit comes with metal radiator and rubber wheels. Clive has added extra details and made modifications to represent actual vehicles. Four are modelled with the lower valances removed, while various lengths of tilt cover are featured.	14/01/2017
2,930		By Clive Greedus Prolific modeller Clive Greedus recently sent in some photos of his latest project, namely a batch of 1:76 scale AEC Regal and Regent lorries as widely used by London Transport in the 1940s and 1950s. This picture shows a line-up of eight such lorries posed on a diorama of Aldenham Works. Six of the lorries are Regals (converted from T-type single deckers), while the second and third from the left are Regents (former STL double-deckers). The full list is (L-R) 401W, 743J, 1016J, 400W, 389W, 402W, 407W and 392W.	14/01/2017
2,931		By Ray Monk Full details of the new Stagecoach London engineering van fleet are still not available although it is believed that they were all delivered by autumn 2016. MC16FGV was in use from Catford by July, initially in unmarked red livery. It had gained lettering by 3rd January 2017, when Ray caught it passing through the revised road layout at Lewisham. One curious aspect is that it carries fleetnumber 95252 towards the rear, which would appear to be a mistake. 95252 was of course the fleetnumber carried by the previous Catford van (Mk7 Ford Transit YC11KSJ). Only one of the other Transit Custom vans has so far been reported with a fleetnumber that being 90933 on MD16SXL at Rainham. If anyone has any additional info, or details of new vans at Bow, Leyton or West Ham garages, I would be interested to hear from them.	14/01/2017
2,932		By Derek Everson The two new MAN lorries illustrated last month were delivered to Acton Works shortly after Christmas 2016 but have yet to be photographed. What has been sent in is this excellent photo of a new Mercedes Econic dustcart. LO66ZRE was new in December and has a 2-axle chassis and Geesink Norba bodywork. As such it may be a belated replacement for 2-axle WX08KUT which was sold in mid-2016. The new lorry was caught in Chiswick on 4th January 2017.	14/01/2017
2,933		By Ray Monk The Mk8 Ford Transit is now a common sight in various service vehicle fleets but, for some reason, no examples of the minibus version have been taken so far. When Mk7 minibus 7489F at Northumberland Park Depot became due for withdrawal its replacement was VW Transporter minibus 8333VW, seen at the depot on a misty 28th December 2016. Note the 'cage' separating the seating from the very short cargo area at the rear.	14/01/2017
2,934		By Ray Monk Neatly showing the livery similarity to that on the class 378 trains, this is London Overground VW Golf estate 7982VW, found on Oldfield Grove on 10th January 2017. This car was added to stock in March 2015 as a replacement for one of the two un-numbered Golf estates operated since 2010. Note that the new car has a shallower skirt than its predecessor. Renault Kangoo van 7981R arrived at the same time and may have replaced the other Golf (unless unseen Golf 7889VW turns out to be an Overground vehicle). If you are wondering why an un-numbered car should be replaced by a numbered one then join the club!	14/01/2017
2,935		By Ray Monk The fleet of vans operated by London Overground has seen some changes over the past few months. Of the 8 Renault Kangoo Maxi vans new over the turn of 2013/2014, one has been delicensed (7766R, possibly accident damaged) while three were disposed of to BCA in mid-January 2017 (7768/69/88R). These are amongst the highest numbered withdrawals to date, though they all achieved about three years' use and quite high mileages. One of the remaining four was 7763R, photographed on Reculver Road in Bermondsey on 10th January 2017. This location is just around the corner from the Infrastructure Maintenance Facility on Oldfield Grove, and is the same place where 7769R was found back in 2014.	14/01/2017
2,936		By Ray Monk Old and new 2. Yet another peer into the front car park at Acton Works, this time on 31st December 2016. For once the older vehicle is the more interesting one, this being Volkswagen Caddy crew van 7630VW new in 2013 and disposed of to auction in January 2017. Based at Hainault Depot it had been seen quite a lot, usually at night, but never before photographed. It was most notable for carrying the wrong fleetnumber 7930VW. Larger VW Transporter van 7629VW was also delivered to Hainault at about the same time and carried a similarly wrong number of 7929VW. In the background is new Ford Fiesta van LM66MYV, the fleetnumber of which could not be read. Delivered at the beginning of December 2016 it spent most of the next month here.	14/01/2017
2,937		By Ray Monk Old and new 1. There are several points of interest about this photo taken at the Volkswagen dealership in Bedfont on the last day of 2016. On the right is Caddy van 7322VW in full LUL livery. This van has been based at Acton Works and has often been seen on Bollo Lane. Despite this, the only other photographs I have of it were taken at this same dealership when it was brand new in 2012. It is not yet known if 7322VW has been withdrawn or was just here for repairs. It could have been visiting to allow equipment and fittings to be removed for transfer to a new vehicle, of which quite a few were also present. On the left is Caddy Maxi crew van RF66HZD in unmarked white/blue livery. This is an example of the 'New' Caddy although, as with the larger Transporter van, the differences between marques are minimal. A very obvious difference is the fitting of a top-hung rear door on RF66HZD. This has always been an option on the VW Caddy model but, as far as I know, this is the first time it has been seen on a service vehicle, all others having the asymmetric, side-hung doors as seen on 7322VW. The final point concerns the recessed side windows and panels on Caddy Maxi RF66HZD, compared to the smooth bodysides of Caddy 7322VW. I have never noticed this before but it appears to be a standard difference between the two lengths.	14/01/2017
2,938		By Ian Rivett Metroline added a Ford Transit Custom van to its fleet in late 2016 with the arrival of AY66WKG. Photographed outside the CELF works in Perivale on 11th December 2016, the allocation of the new van is not yet known. The fact that Ford Transit van ST12EVD from Greenford garage was recently sold maybe a clue...	27/12/2016
2,939		By Derek Everson A largish batch of Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans has been coming through the Bedfont dealership over the past few weeks. They could be destined to replace some of the many Renault Kangoo vans leased in 2012. Photographed on 20th December 2016 was RF66HZJ, with an un-registered example alongside.	27/12/2016
2,940		By Derek Everson MAN lorry LV66XYD was photographed in the dealer's yard in Bedfont on 20th December 2016. It is a TGM 15.250 and it features runners atop the chassis that suggest it could be a demountable lorry. Having said that, it could yet be fitted with a permanent body. LV66XYC is just visible on the left and looks to be very similar but based on a TGM 16.250 (or 18.250) chassis.	27/12/2016
2,941		By Derek Everson Two new MAN lorries were spotted in the Bedfont dealership in early December 2016 in a white/blue livery that suggests they will be destined for LUL. Both are based on the TGM model, although the configurations are not yet clear. LV66XYC has a flatbed body with safety railings and a very smooth loadspace. It also has a fold-away tail-lift. It may actually be a demountable, in which case this is presumably a new body. Seen on 20th December 2016.	27/12/2016
2,942		By Ray Monk Ray holds on to his 'highest numbered SV photo' title with this view of similarly registered Ford Fiesta vans 8352F (left) and 8353F (right) in the front car park at Acton Works on 17th December 2016. Numerous Ford Fiestas have been added over the past two years although where they are all now is largely a mystery. And since that appears to be a robin on the ground in front, this is going to be my Christmas picture for this year....	27/12/2016
2,943		By Ray Monk A new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van in London Buses IRU livery was noted at the Bedfont dealership in early December 2016. It was still there on the foggy 17th when Ray photographed it through the fence. It is presumed to be a replacement for one of the accident-damaged IRUs. However, unlike the case of 7862M being replaced by a new 7862M in 2015, this one has a 'fresh' fleetnumber of 8212M.	27/12/2016
2,944		By Keith Grimes 3478B was an inspector's van often to be found parked in Victoria Bus Station and hence was one of the most frequently photographed service vehicles, despite only being in stock for about 15 months. Acquired on lease from Avis in November 1986, it was reportedly withdrawn in February 1988 while the majority of the same batch lasted until 1989 or 1990. I liked this photo (taken on 12th April 1987) because it also includes a Green Line TDL coach, a very unusual sight in the bus station.	27/12/2016
2,945		By Richard Eversden Parked near Kings Cross Station on 14th June 1988 was Ford Escort van 3457F, with an un-identified similar van parked in front. I didn't crop this photo because the car behind is of interest. The registration of D25MJV suggests that this dark blue Ford Escort car was a member of the 'private car' fleet. I can't confirm this because it appears to fall in a gap between two of the fleetlists that I have from that period. However Escort estate D24MJV was in the leased fleet as 3388F. The Cleaning Services department had a small office here (behind the photographer) but both of the vans here are lettered for the Department of Civil Engineering.	27/12/2016
2,946		By Derek Everson 3435B was a Bedford CF220 van new in summer 1987 which served in the advertising section for three years. It was based at Stamford Brook garage, where it was photographed on 27th August 1987 still looking fresh (note the white wheels). It appears that none of the D/YBB batch ever carried fleetnumbers, nor did they have standard lettering. At first they had yellow labels as seen here, later replaced by London Transport Advertising lettering as seen on 3434B.	27/12/2016
2,947		By Keith Grimes I have always listed Ford P100 pick-up truck 3353F as being new in white/blue livery, changed to cream in about 1988 but I think this is incorrect. For a start, the LUL white/blue livery did not appear until 1990. New in January 1986, 3353F was allocated (along with similar 3352F and 3354F) to the LT Builders department at Parsons Green. The other two trucks were in red livery and there was no mention at the time of 3353F being different. What is certain is that in early 1988 it was transferred to the new Bexleybus operation at Bexleyheath and gained appropriate blue lettering on a cream base livery. The repaint was very thorough and included the re-application of a P100 transfer, but no fleetnumber. It was photographed passing through Woolwich on 28th March 1988. 3353F was one of just six of the original P100 model (which featured the front half of a Ford Cortina) operated by LT. The later, Ford Sierra-based P100 was slightly more successful, with 17 being leased between 1988 and 1997. Among these was 3806F, which replaced 3353F at Bexleyheath, though the special livery had by then been abandoned. By co-incidence, the other service vehicle in Bexleybus livery (Astra van 3366B) also started out with LT Builders.	27/12/2016
2,948		By Philip Hambling Despite the lack of visual clues, most LT enthusiasts will be able to recognise the location of this photo, even if they don't notice the 'Telford Avenue' lettering on the bus shelter! It is of course Brixton Bus Garage (in Streatham!), the site of the departure from normal service of the Routemaster bus in December 2005. Rewind to the mid-1980s and we find Bedford Astra van 3266B parked on the entrance roadway. One of several generations of vans and cars to use (and re-use) roof-mounted roundels, this example was new in May 1984 and lasted until January 1987. In the background is the distinctive read-end of a B20 DMS bus.	27/12/2016
2,949		By Richard Eversden Stockwell Garage was a good place to see service vehicles. As well as maintaining a large part of the lorry fleet, there was also a publicity office in the entrance roadway, usually with a group of small vans parked outside. On 3rd January 1988 Ford Escort van 3252F was there along with similar 3256F and one of the D/YBB batch of Bedford CF vans (3426B-3443B).	27/12/2016
2,950		By Keith Grimes Photographed on 27th March 1988, this Mk2 Ford Transit van was used by LT Advertising and was found at their Ferry Lane base between Walthamstow and Tottenham. I may have mentioned this before but grey livery was used on almost all of LT's Ford Transits up until the change from the Mk2 to the Mk3 in about 1987. The standard then became either red or white.	27/12/2016
2,951		By Colin Lloyd With a wave from the driver, Freight Rover Sherpa van 3162L heads into the back entrance of Chiswick Works on 20th June 1986. Although the cab lettering reads Plant Contracts Manager, this van was actually used by Cleaning Services, along with most of LT's Sherpa-derived vans. Note the water filling point high-up towards the rear.	27/12/2016
2,952		By Philip Hambling Today's photos start with a look back at the early years of the leased fleet. Baker Street Station always seemed to have two or three service vehicles parked outside. On 3rd May 1986 these included two Ford Escort vans, with Distribution Services 3006F parked ahead of 3016F used by the Electrical Engineer (Lighting). The Ford Escort van was a common part of the central fleet from 1968 until the last arrived in 2002. During the 1980s, the type accounted for a fifth of all fleet additions.	27/12/2016
2,953		By Ray Monk Seen outside the Arriva offices on Watsons Road (Wood Green) on 24th November 2016 was unmarked white Vauxhall Corsa van WO16PHV. Similar FH65CWM was parked nearby.	18/12/2016
2,954		By Ray Monk Arriva's Edmonton Garage has always needed a sizeable fleet of crew ferry vehicles, due to its location some distance from the nearest bus routes. Vauxhall Corsas have been the favoured type for the past few years and most of the batch acquired in early 2014 with fleetnumbers 201 to 214 are based here. Seen at the garage on 24th November 2016 were two more recent additions, both being silver 5-door Vauxhall Corsa cars with Arriva lettering in the windscreens. HV65OBD dates from December 2015 and was part of a batch that went otherwise to Barking (Dagenham). It now has fleetnumber 217. FL16SNX was new in March 2016 along with a couple based at Dartford.	18/12/2016
2,955		By Malcolm Conway More mis-matched wheels, this time on Ford Transit Connect Mk2 van SP15GUC of Tower Transit seen at East Acton on 7th November 2016. Initially listed as being a Westbourne Park vehicle, it is actually based at the Atlas Road outstation in Harlesden.	18/12/2016
2,956		By Malcolm Conway Still looking smart, apart from the missing wheeltrim, Ford Fiesta van LS15CZY is used by London Sovereign but carries fleetnumber FF24 in the series started by co-owned London United. Based at Harrow garage, it was photographed in the town's bus station on 4th November 2016.	18/12/2016
2,957		By Ray Monk Plough Lane Garage now has three unmarked Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew vans for use as crew ferry vehicles, replacing a trio of similarly anonymous Renault Kangoo Maxi crew vans. Two of the Fords had started life at Rainham in east London, including EK64CDZ seen at the garage on 7th November 2016. The third (EU16KXR) may have been new here but it has not yet been photographed. Note that Go-Ahead actually calls this location Waterside Way Garage.	18/12/2016
2,958		By Derek Everson The largest part of the First London operation was taken over by Metroline in 2013, including Greenford Garage. This was home to Ford Transit van ST12EVD, a medium-wheelbase example with yellow chevrons around its skirt. The van was rarely reported, and was photographed outside the Metroline works in Perivale on 21st September 2016. It was sold through British Car Auctions in December 2016. It seems odd to dispose of a 4-year old van when 15-year Mercedes RCZ7361 remains in use, but perhaps the Fords were leased rather than owned.	18/12/2016
2,959		By Derek Everson First London mainly used Volkswagen vans but in 2012 took three Fords. When First decided to withdrawn from London operations, the Transit Connect van stayed in the group by transferring to First Essex. The two Transit vans (which differed in length and livery application) passed to the new operators of the former First garages. Both were shown on LTSV when fairly new and carrying First branding. Today I am showing them both again. SP12LUO was a long-wheelbase van based at Lea Interchange. As such it became a Tower Transit vehicle in 2013. As well as a change of lettering it has also gained a light-bar and on 21st September 2016 it was found parked at Walthamstow Bus Station. I was surprised to discover recently that Lea Interchange is now the largest bus garage in London, with a current allocation of around 280 buses. Conversely, Westbourne Park (also a Tower Transit garage) has dropped right down from being one of the biggest to having to just 45 buses.	18/12/2016
2,960		By Ray Monk The garage beside the River Lee Navigation in Edmonton has had mixed fortunes over the years. Latterly operated by Arriva it was closed in 2012 but re-opened in 2014 when the nearby Lea Valley base had to be shut. Recent tendering losses and allocation changes means it now only operates a couple of single-deck bus routes, and it is otherwise used as an engineering and storage base. Seen beside the towpath on 24th November 2016 were two Citroen Berlingo vans (a third was nearby) and New Routemaster bus LT834, one of a batch intended to convert Stamford Hill's route 253 to the type. The Citroen vans were previously operated by Arriva the Shires at Garston. That garage is now under Arriva London control and some of Edmonton's Vauxhall Corsa cars have been transferred there. The vans presumably came here in exchange.	18/12/2016
2,961		By Derek Everson Ford Transit van HJ61LPA is used by the engineers at Arriva London's Enfield garage, where it was photographed on 19th October 2016. Its side lettering has been amended since it was new. Note that this parking space is reserved for YF03XCG, a van that actually transferred to TGM Stansted back in 2012.	18/12/2016
2,962		By Scott Tillbrook Stagecoach London renewed its engineering support fleet in summer 2016, Ford Transit Custom vans replacing 5-year old Transit vans. We don't have information on all of the new vans yet, let alone photographs. Here instead is the last of the previous batch to be illustrated on LTSV. YC11KSV had national fleetnumber 95254 and was based at North Street (Romford) Garage. It could often be found parked on its own launch ramp at the south end of the garage, as here on 28th February 2016.	18/12/2016
2,963		By Ray Monk Arriva London operates quite a few small vans in unmarked liveries, usually silver or white. It would appear these are used for administrative functions since there are other vehicles for crew ferry and engineering duties. Not previously reported was this rather sorry looking example found at Edmonton on 24th November 2016. Luckily Ray was able to get an angle on the rear which showed it to be registered YB11EKR, a Vauxhall Corsa van new in July 2011 and delicensed since November 2015.	18/12/2016
2,964		By Ray Monk Epsom buses has renewed its 'rest bus' fleet of two minibuses used at bus termini. The latest incarnation of fleetnumber MB02 appeared at Wallington in autumn 2015 but it was not until a year later that a new MB01 was found at Banstead, as seen here on 7th November 2016. It differs from its sister in being long-wheelbase (instead of medium) and having a schoolbus sign on the front, presumably from its previous owner. In issue 628 of TLB (The London Bus newsletter) I stated that this minibus could be found at Banstead Station. I should point out that this vehicle is in fact usually parked in the town centre.	18/12/2016
2,965		By Malcolm Conway A surprising survivor seen at East Acton on 7th November 2016 was Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van RCZ7361 of Metroline, tending to bus VW1207. New in September 2001 with registration WV51PZE, it was a common sight in central London for a few years. In spring 2009 it was re-registered, since when it has only been reported a couple of times each year. It is evidently still in use though, and is thus one of the oldest 'normal' service vehicles in London. The application of dateless registrations from Northern Ireland shows no sign of abating since the first appeared on the mainland in the 1980s. Fortunately very few service vehicles have been so treated. I can't help thinking that this registration would be much more apt on Renault Kangoo van 7361R!	18/12/2016
2,966		By LTSV Collection The Emergency Response Unit got a new car in late 2016 with the arrival of Volvo XC60 estate LM66UNH, caught approaching Aldgate on Commercial Street on 13th November 2016. This is only the second Volvo for the liveried fleet and it replaced the first, 7481. Neither car carried a fleetnumber and it remains to be seen whether the new example is actually allocated one.	18/12/2016
2,967		By LTSV Collection Although dominated by three types (Ford Transit, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo), other types do feature in the allocation at Lillie Bridge Depot. Seen there on 7th November 2016 was 8180P, a Peugeot Bipper van new in March 2016. The Bipper model had previously been used between 2010 and 2015 by Tube Lines and TfL Streets but this was the first in LUL livery. 8186P is another Bipper, though its operator and allocation is not yet known. Curiously, despite the similarity in registrations (KY16FXT and KY16FXV), 8186P was first licensed over 4 months after 8180P. Alongside is Ford Transit dropside truck 7602F.	18/12/2016
2,968		By LTSV Collection Following from a trio at Pelham Street, a larger batch of eight Ford Transit Courier Kombi vans was delivered to Lillie Bridge at the end of 2015. Vehicles numbered 8099F to 8106F replaced VW Caddy vans of similar configuration. As with most Lillie Bridge vehicles, they are mainly active at night and thus photos are scarce. I was rather surprised that the contributor who visited Lillie Bridge in early November did not catch any, but then he was at Hainault depot a few weeks later and found two there! Nearest the camera is 8105F with 8106F beyond. Note the somewhat 'humped' appearance, accentuated by the rising waistline.	18/12/2016
2,969		By LTSV Collection Our new contributor visited Hainault Depot later in November 2016 and photographed more service vehicles. Curiously, few of the resident vehicles were captured (apart from 7904P and 8203F which were covered last month) but several visitors were. Here we see Ford Transit Mk8 van 8030F, one of the large batch delivered to Acton Works in late 2015. All sport this unusual type of roof-rack, the function of which I am not sure about.	18/12/2016
2,970		By LTSV Collection Providing a little variety in the vehicles seen at Lillie Bridge depot on 7th November 2016 was un-numbered Volkswagen Passat estate car KP14VXL in silver livery with LUL/TfL lettering. To the left is Renault Kangoo van 8015R while yet more Peugeot Partner Tepees are on the right.	18/12/2016
2,971		By LTSV Collection New in April 2015, a batch of 13 Renault Kangoo vans was given fleetnumbers 8006R to 8018R and allocated to Lillie Bridge. Seen there on 7th November 2016 was 8007R. Tube Lines liveried Kangoo Maxi van 7361R is visible beyond on the left, while no fewer than six Peugeot Partner Tepee cars can also be seen. All are believed to be from the batch of 10 new in late 2011 (7221P to 7230P).	18/12/2016
2,972		By LTSV Collection With Empress State building in the background, this is evidently Lillie Bridge depot again. Seen on 7th November 2016 was Ford Transit Mk8 dropside truck 7997F, one of a batch of seven delivered at the beginning of the year. More can be expected soon, as the allocation here includes nine Mk7 Transit dropsides new in 2012. The vehicles in the background can be seen in the next photo.	18/12/2016
2,973		By LTSV Collection Another photo taken at Lillie Bridge depot on 7th November 2016 shows the Mk8 Ford Transit in the ascendant. Van 7989F is to the fore, parked across the spaces that were marked out specially for the batch of (now departed) Smart cars. Similar van 7990F is parked in front of TransPlant House on the left. For a long time the Lillie Bridge allocation has featured a trio of Jumbo Ford Transit vans, the previous examples being 7113F to 7115F. Although the two vans seen here are smaller (being medium wheelbase), it would appear that 7989F to 7991F have replaced the previous Jumbos. Also visible is dropside truck 7993F and Mk7 Plant Services van 6859F.	18/12/2016
2,974		By Colin Lloyd There are at least 8 Ford Fiestas in TfL white/blue livery (six vans and two cars) and they are proving to be difficult to track down. Malcolm recently sent in a nice photo of 7986F parked at Edmonton, but since that one has already been featured on LTSV twice I opted to instead use this photo caught by Colin Lloyd at the Imax roundabout at Waterloo on 8th September 2016. It shows van 7984F passing, perhaps on its way back to Chancel Street.	18/12/2016
2,975		By Ray Monk Ten Ford Transit Courier vans were delivered for the Lifts and Escalators fleet in early 2015, to be followed by a dozen examples of the Kombi crew van variant over the next year. Van 7969F was found at North Greenwich Station on 28th November 2016. The vans were to the 'Trend' specification, with body-coloured mirrors and door handles and smart wheeltrims but this example seems to have lost the latter.	18/12/2016
2,976		By Derek Everson This photo taken at Turnpike Lane Bus Station very early on 19th October 2016 shows LBSL Mercedes Sprinter van 7862M. As regular visitors will know, this fleetnumber was used twice. The original 7862M (registration LX64ARF) was written-off when only two months old in March 2015 and a replacement 7862M (registration WX65VRD) was delivered about six months later. Another replacement IRU arrived towards the end of 2016 but this time was given a new fleetnumber (8212M).	18/12/2016
2,977		By Derek Everson Former Incident Response Unit Ford 6986F now provides some variety in the Volkswagen-dominated LBSL Infrastructure fleet. It was photographed at Orpington Station on 12th October 2016 alongside Caddy Maxi vans 7894VW and 7896VW and Transporter 7837VW.	18/12/2016
2,978		By LTSV Collection The last Mk7 Ford Transit dropside truck added to the central fleet was 7821F, new in spring 2014. It was thus the only example to be given TfL lettering and was seen at its home depot of Lillie Bridge on 7th November 2016.	18/12/2016
2,979		By LTSV Collection Lillie Bridge depot covers a large area but its layout is not ideal, having several small parking areas at differing levels and with limited clearance for movements of other vehicles. With an allocation of around 100 vehicles, parking spaces have to be carefully planned and clearly marked. Seen on 7th November 2016 are two Ford Transits parked correctly in spaces marked Flatbed. Nearest is late Mk7 model 7670F while facing the other way is one of the newer Mk8s, most likely from the batch 7992F to 7998F. On the higher level behind are 7 more Transits of various configurations.	18/12/2016
2,980		By Derek Everson Back to Blackbushe, this time on 11th November 2016. Two of the LUL Smart cars were auctioned that day, this being previously unseen 7566SM. The diminutive Smart Fortwo car looks set to disappear from the central fleet soon, with just one example (7669SM) thought to remain. At the back of the line was Renault Kangoo 7262R which never did manage to gain a red stripe.	18/12/2016
2,981		By LTSV Collection Lillie Bridge Depot, 7th November 2016. Ford Transit crew vans 7479F and 7671F. Enough said.	18/12/2016
2,982		By LTSV Collection Lillie Bridge depot on 7th November 2016, and this must be 'Kangoo Corner'. This photo shows two different liveries, two different lengths and two different versions of the Kangoo van. To the left and right are Maxi vans 7361R and 7365R in Tube Lines livery. Part of a large batch that mainly went to Stratford Market Depot, these two (plus 7364R which was parked nearby) transferred to Lillie Bridge in 2014/2015. Centre left is newer and shorter 8018R, sporting the LUL/TfL livery. Tramlink 8173R gets a mention again here since it carries a very similar registration number to that on 8018R. The Maxi in centre right was not identified but since it also has TfL lettering I presume it is one of 7823R, 7824R or 8150R. Note that this picture has been made by stitching two photos together.	18/12/2016
2,983		By Derek Everson Large numbers of Renault Kangoo Maxi vans joined the central fleet from late 2011, and these vehicles are now coming up for replacement. 7326R spent its career at Acton Works and was generally only seen out at night. On 3rd October 2016 it was seeking a new owner at BCA Blackbushe. It looks as though replacements will not be of the same type, indeed only one Kangoo has been added in the past year (Tramlink's 8173R). Though it is not clear in this photo, 7326R had a missing (or mis-matched) front wheel trim.	18/12/2016
2,984		By LTSV Collection Parked in a quiet corner of Lillie Bridge depot on 7th November 2016 were Ford Transit crew van 7231F and Ford Focus estate car 7683F.	18/12/2016
2,985		By LTSV Collection A new contributor (who prefers to remain anonymous) has sent several photos taken at Lillie Bridge and Hainault depots. Seen here is what I call the 'car yard' at Lillie Bridge on 7th November 2016. I reckon there are 18 service vehicles visible in this photograph, the majority of which are Peugeot Partner cars or Renault Kangoo vans. Nearest the camera is Peugeot 7228P, from the batch of ten (7221P to 7230P) new in late 2011. Note the missing wheeltrim. This is a recurring feature in today's set of photos.	18/12/2016
2,986		By Derek Everson I am very grateful to Derek Everson for making regular trips to the British Car Auctions base at Blackbushe Airport each time a former service vehicle comes up for sale. Thanks to him I have been able to show quite a few vehicles that would otherwise have 'got away'. On 20th October 2016 it was the turn of Ford Transit van 7133F, new in 2011. This was one of the lesser spotted vehicles, seeming to spend most of its time hidden away at Ealing Common Depot. The vehicle in front (with the chevron rear) is Transit minibus 7037F, an altogether more outgoing member of the fleet.	18/12/2016
2,987		By Scott Tillbrook Despite reports that new vehicles were expected in Autumn 2016, the existing fleet of ten Emergency Response Unit tenders has continued in use as normal. Scott found two outside Waterloo Station back on 28th May 2016, with long-cabbed 2598 parked in front of short-cab 2600. Note that the latter vehicle has gained a new type of front mirror and mount.	18/12/2016
2,988		By James Mair Abellio has a large support vehicle fleet, currently comprising 70 crew ferries and 11 engineering vans. The vast majority were acquired second-hand, the first exception being a Nissan van new to Battersea garage in 2014. At least two more new additions followed in mid-2016, these being Ford Transit Mk8 vans allocated to Battersea and Walworth. LO16GJZ from Battersea was photographed at Kennington in September 2016.	03/11/2016
2,989		By Ray Monk Despite much shuffling of allocations in recent months, it seems that Go-Ahead still needs to hire a few vehicles for its support roles. A Mercedes Vito minibus in unmarked silver has been at Orpington for a couple of months, while this Ford Transit Connect Mk2 van in anonymous white seems to now be operating from Croydon garage. It was initially seen at the recently closed Rainham garage in east London in late July but was photographed at Addington Interchange on 22nd October 2016. I have decided not to add this vehicle to the database, yet....	03/11/2016
2,990		By Malcolm Conway Go-Ahead took three Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew vans in October 2014, operating them in unmarked red from Rainham (2) and Belvedere (1) garages. When Rainham closed in July 2016 their pair moved to the replacement Barking (River Road) garage but they were soon reallocated to Plough Lane near Wimbledon. EK64CFZ was photographed at its new home on 18th October 2016. Plough Lane latterly operated three Renault Kangoo Maxi crew vans (also in unmarked red) and it is not yet clear if any of these remain.	03/11/2016
2,991		By James Mair Two more Abellio Ford Fiesta cars, again seen at the Fulwell (Twickenham) garage open day on 17th September 2016. SD61KTC on the left has been in use since at least spring 2015 but has yet to gain any lettering. HG12WWC on the right is a more recent addition and has company logos and a fleetnumber on the fuel filler cap. Unfortunately that number was not reported.	03/11/2016
2,992		By James Mair I recently learned that Abellio currently operates 70 crew ferry vehicles along with 11 engineers vans, and that allocated fleetnumbers have reached as high as 6811. Unfortunately, many of the recent additions do not carry their numbers, while others have no markings at all. Seen at the Fulwell (Twickenham) open day on 17th September 2016 was silver Ford Fiesta CF12FWY, with fleetnames but no sign of any numbers.	03/11/2016
2,993		By Ray Monk Tower Transit is somewhat unusual in operating a crew ferry service between two of its bus garages, Atlas Road in Harlesden being run as an outstation of Westbourne Park. When it took over the garages from First Group in 2013, these duties were being performed by a fleet of 6 leased Vauxhall Zafira cars in unmarked red. From autumn 2016 the last of these cars was disposed of and the crew ferry work was taken over by various vehicles transferred or loaned from the Impact Group of Perivale. Impact had a large fleet of mainly minibuses used on contract work and had been bought by Tower Transit in October 2014. Among the vehicles now in use are four LDV Maxus high-roof, long-wheelbase minibuses new in 2006. MX56AXD, seen leaving Westbourne Park garage on 27th October 2016, was in unmarked white. Also seen at work here were at least one Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus still in Impact livery (MX03SZC) and a Nissan Micra car (LT10TXV).	03/11/2016
2,994		By Ray Monk Mercedes vans for the central fleet are supplied by Rygors of Bedfont and Ray found this Sprinter crew van at their premises on 31st October 2016. While London Buses has standardised on the Sprinter model, LUL made little use of the type until a batch of 14 was delivered in late 2015. Most are based at Stratford Market and hence are not often seen or photographed. WN66YEX already had the blue skirt and will most likely also be for LUL.	03/11/2016
2,995		By Ray Monk New Mercedes and Volkswagen vans for the central fleet are usually supplied by two adjoining dealerships in Bedfont near Heathrow. Seen in the yard of Cordwallis on 31st October 2016 was Volkswagen Transporter van RE66FJY, a long-wheelbase, low-roof example. Similar RE66FJX was parked nearby.	03/11/2016
2,996		By Damon Cross The 'traditional' Land Rover model achieved an amazing 67 year production run, with the first appearing in 1948 and the last at the beginning of 2016. London Transport bought three in 1963 and followed this with small quantities over the next 30 years, while a handful have featured in the fleets of various bus companies and recovery contractors. What looks set to be the final addition was LV16HSG, a long-wheelbase model fitted with a generator and video display equipment for use by the London Transport Museum. First licensed in August 2016 it initially carried unmarked white but soon gained the fleetnumber LTM003. LTM001 was the number given to a red Fiat Ducato van new in 2013, while LTM002 is assumed to be allocated to blue Ducato LC61FMU. The new Land Rover is described as a multi-purpose vehicle. As well as forming a small mobile exhibition unit, it is also capable of towing trailers and smaller buses. It was photographed at the back of the Museum Depot in Acton on 15th October 2016.	03/11/2016
2,997		By Ray Monk Having been photographed on delivery on October 10th 2016, Ray found Nissan Leaf electric car 8301N in full LUL livery at Edgware Road Station on the 26th of the same month. It was plugged in to the electricity supply (as was Nissan e-NV200 van 8158N alongside) and appears to be allocated here. The number 8301N represented quite a leap, other deliveries at the time mainly being in the low 82xx range. However, a VW Golf hatchback numbered 8340VW also arrived in early October.	03/11/2016
2,998		By Ray Monk Nissan Leaf electric car LR66EYW was first licensed on 10th October 2016 and was delivered to Acton Works that day, loaded onto Peugeot Boxer flatbed transporter DK15AZN. Ray was on hand to record the moment (and to give the delivery driver some navigation help!). The car was soon given LUL livery and fleetnumber 8301N.	03/11/2016
2,999		By Ray Monk Three Nissan Leaf electric cars have been used since 2014 and a further three were delivered in October 2016. 8210N and 8211N were for TfL Streets and are based at Chancel Street in Southwark, where both were photographed on 24th October 2016. It has never been clear to me what criteria determine whether a vehicle joins the numbered or un-numbered fleet, but most cars for TfL in the past have been in the latter.	03/11/2016
3,000		By Ray Monk Deliveries for the central fleet in summer/autumn 2016 were dominated by cars, including numerous Ford Fiestas (hatchbacks), Volkswagen Golfs (estates and hatchbacks) and VW Jettas (estates). 8209VW was one of the Golf estates, new at the end of September and seen leaving Acton Works on 10th October.	03/11/2016

< Previous (later) 100

Next (earlier) 100 >