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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 3,501 |  |
By Derek Everson The LUL control room at Cobourg Street (Euston) has a very small yard behind it, but it is nearly always hidden by large gates (visible in the background here). On 5th August 2014 Derek found the gates open and Ford Transit crew van 7618F parked inside. This van is somewhat unusual in having white/blue livery with no logos. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,502 |  |
By Thomas Young Seymour Place is one of the streets near to Griffith House where service vehicles can be found parked up at night. On 3rd September 2014 these included Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7595R and un-numbered silver Kangoo van LX13ZXV. On the other side of the road was Cleshar 098, a Ford Fiesta van. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,503 |  |
By Ray Monk On 6th September 2014 Ray found five service vehicles parked in Terminus Place beside Victoria Bus Station. Once a through road for buses, this has been closed off for some time while seemingly the whole Victoria area is rebuilt. All five vehicles were from the Edgware Road Station/Griffith House allocation and comprised 2 Transit vans, 2 Transit dropsides and a Kangoo Maxi van. This view of dropside 7496F shows the offside door opened, and also the very neat (but arguably pointless) application of chevrons to the solid parts of the mesh tail-lift. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,504 |  |
By Thomas Young Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7442R is believed to be allocated to Stratford Market Depot but it has never been reported there. In fact it has only been seen at night, usually near to Northern Line Stations. On 3rd/4th September it was parked at Camden Town. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,505 |  |
By Thomas Young Early on 4th September 2014, four Renault Kangoo Maxi vans were found parked on Belgrove Street, King's Cross. Nearest was 7421R with chevron-less 7743R beyond. Mainly from Griffith House, the vans were probably attending the nearby station. However, Metronet had an office in the building in the background, and this may still be in use. The building itself is of some interest. Built in 1931, what is now Belgrove House was originally Kings Cross Coach Station. It lasted in that form until about 1947 when it was taken over by the Post Office. As can be seen, a proportion of the building is now used as a self-storage depot. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,506 |  |
By Derek Everson This photo was taken on 5th August 2014 in the extended yard at Edgware Road Station, parking spaces now being provided in the area previously taken up by traincrew office portakabins. Unfortunately the fence between here and Chapel Street has had boards added, restricting views in. On the left is one of the few remaining Vauxhall Combo vans. 7033V used to be a Griffith House visitor, but it now appears to be allocated here. Alongside is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7324R, based here since new in April 2012. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,507 |  |
By Thomas Young Another two service vehicles found on Sutton Walk at Waterloo early on 4th September were Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7183R and Volkswagen Transporter 7525VW (RO62HZP), both from the Frank Pick House allocation. I had some camera trouble during the night which meant that I could not set the white balance for each photo. Some were better than others, but it proved impossible to reduce the yellowness of this one. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,508 |  |
By Thomas Young Sutton Walk (near Waterloo Station) is a good place to find service vehicles parked at night. During the day this is a pedestrian walkway under the southeastern railway bridge. An interesting feature is the illuminated panels on which the underlying details (bricks and signs) are overprinted. This can be seen in the background of this view of Tube Lines Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7178R. Working for the lifts and escalators section, this vehicle is nominally allocated to Frank Pick House but has never actually been reported there. Taken in the early hours of 4th September 2014. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,509 |  |
By Derek Everson Vehicles in the 71xx number range are just now beginning to be withdrawn, one of the first being Vauxhall Astra van 7145V. Latterly a night-time visitor to Baker Street Station, it was photographed in daylight for the first time at the BCA (British Car Auctions) site in Blackbushe on 30th July 2014. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,510 |  |
By Thomas Young Ford Transit dropside truck 7057F was new in mid-2011 and was allocated to Edgware Track Depot. On most nights it runs out to various Northern Line stations. On the 3rd September 2014 it was parked near to Camden Town station. Note that no logos are carried. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,511 |  |
By Thomas Young 7025F is one of many Ford Transit low-roof crew vans nominally allocated to Griffith House. On the night of 3rd September 2014 it was found parked nearby, outside the Beehive pub on Homer Street. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,512 |  |
By Thomas Young The LTSV gang did a night trip on 3rd/4th September 2014, during which around 150 different service vehicles were noted. Among the oldest was jumbo Ford Transit van 6806F found parked in front of Marylebone Station. As this is coming up for being 5 years old I wonder if it will go off lease before it gets cleaned! Alongside is Cleshar Ford Transit number 007. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,513 |  |
By Various Coverage of vehicles in the number range 7101 to 7200 is also quite high, with photos of 72 different vehicles held on file. Note that there are two vehicles numbered (officially and physically) 7198, one of which was probably meant to be 7193. Confusingly, the number 7193 did appear, on the van that is officially 7163! Although there is a great variety in the types of vehicle, this number range did feature a couple of large blocks of allocations. 7104 to 7130 (apart from 7117 and 7123) were all at Lillie Bridge, while 7166 to 7198 (less 7192 and 7193) were all for the Tube Lines lifts and escalators section. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,514 |  |
By Various Thanks to the large number of people that contribute photographs of service vehicles, I have built up an extensive library of images over the past few years, and coverage of the recent fleet is running at quite a high percentage. This montage shows vehicles in the number range 7001 to 7100, of which 75 have been captured. Many (but not all) of the photos shown have already appeared on LTSV. Vehicles in this range are now all over 3 years old and disposals have started. As such, it is unlikely that the coverage will increase much more. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,515 |  |
By Colin Lloyd The TfL Cycle Hire operation (currently still under Barclays sponsorship) has been running for 4 years now and has provided some SV-like interest to the streets of inner London. Starting out with some unusual vehicles (such as Nissan NV200 vans, Alke electric mini-trucks and cars towing trailers), these were soon replaced by more conventional types, including at least 17 specially-bodied Ford Transit box trucks. A further new type is shown here in the form of a Fiat Ducato box truck. This appears to have a lower floor, which would make loading the bicycles easier. LJ14FUU was photographed at Hyde Park Corner on 5th August 2014. Details of the reported vehicles could be added to the database if there is any interest out there.... |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,516 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Although there appear to be fewer Sovereign Recovery tow trucks at work in London recently, their fleet of vans keeps growing. EJ63OZB is one of a pair of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 vans new in early 2014. This one was not reported until Malcolm found it parked at Finsbury Square on 22nd August 2014. The Sprinter model had some frontal restyling in 2013/2014 with a reshaped and deeper grille. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,517 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Mansfield looks set to become a more common name on London bus recovery work, following their takeover of SRE Recovery and On-time. The purple boom on Volvo truck GN56HKZ shows that it came from the latter company. It was photographed at Marble Arch on 22nd August 2014 preparing to tow a London United Enviro 400 hybrid with a somewhat unusual side advert. The bus had apparently been deposited here earlier by a different tow truck. This would account for the sight of a night-route blinded bus on the road in the early afternoon. The following day I noted this truck rescuing a London United Scania bus in Tolworth. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,518 |  |
By Ray Monk After just three year's use, the Ford Transit crew ferry minibuses at Stagecoach London's West Ham Garage started to be replaced by new deliveries in July 2014. There were six Transits, and four have already been noted passing through vehicle auctions. However, only two new deliveries have been reported so far, both in unmarked red livery. Predictably they are Ford Transit Custom minibuses, similar to those used at Rainham. It is barely noticeable but the new examples are short-wheelbase, while the 2013 deliveries were medium-wheelbase (note where the door runner ends). YL14JTO was passing some modern (and odd) architecture near West Ham Garage on 30th July 2014. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,519 |  |
By Derek Everson Peering into Wood Green garage on 5th August 2014, Derek found a pair of white Vauxhall Vivaro vans present. HV63MDK has already been shown on LTSV, and carries Arriva PSM lettering on the sides. Although it could not be checked, similar HY63YSG is presumed to be the same. I'm still not sure what PSM stands for, but Derek mentioned that the drivers wore 'Arriva Building Maintenance' overalls. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,520 |  |
By Ray Monk The first examples of the new Ford Transit Custom model to be used as service vehicles were seven minibuses acquired by Stagecoach London in autumn 2013 and used mainly from Rainham Garage. One unlettered example worked from West Ham Garage, but a couple of those lettered for Rainham have also turned up there. On 30th July 2014, Ray found YA13CEJ (Stagecoach fleetnumber 90903) coming down from the bridge over the Jubilee Line. As will be seen, some newer examples were also in evidence. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,521 |  |
By Ray Monk During 2014 the management of the Metrobus operation has been gradually shifted to other Go-Ahead companies. The Crawley base is now overseen by Brighton and Hove, while the 'red' garages of Croydon and Orpington are now part of Go-Ahead London (using the London General operator's licence). There had already been a few transfers of service vehicles between Metrobus and other Go-Ahead companies but a further set of swaps took place in mid-2014. The five newest Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses at Metrobus's Croydon garage (fleetnumbers 8065 to 8069) were sent to London General's Northumberland Park. Going the other way were five of the six red Vauxhall Combo crew vans, now allocated fleetnumbers 9033 to 9037. The Combos are still in anonymous red livery but at least have company names in the windscreens, as seen on HN13YNA (to be fleetnumber 9036) at Addington Village on 9th August 2014. Parked behind is Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus 8058 from Orpington garage. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,522 |  |
By slr After a gap of over 2 years, some new full-sized lorries were delivered in August 2014. Two have so far been reported, both MAN TGM 18.250 dropside lorries similar to the pair delivered in 2012 (RV12OEY and RV12OEZ). Differences include LUL livery (with the silver safety stripe above the red stripe), a slightly re-designed front end, a short dropside door for crew access and (on RK14ETU at least) a much larger than normal tail-lift. The lifts and escalators section has always specified large tail-lifts and RK14ETU has been allocated to Griffith House (where it was photographed in the early hours of 22nd August) as a replacement for Iveco 2585I. The other addition (RK14ETT) has been noted at Acton Works and could be a replacement for MAN 2579. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,523 |  |
By Ray Monk Several Toyota Yaris hybrid cars were delivered over the summer of 2014, all carrying this rather odd livery of white with a blue skirt, TfL lettering and solid blue roundels. The first few were allocated to the Public Carriage Office, replacing plain white Toyota Prius hybrids. Later deliveries were for TfL Streets, as with this pair seen at Chancel Street garage on 16th August 2014. These also replaced Toyota Prius cars, though these carried the white/orange livery as seen on LS61XPD in the background. Could it be that the livery on the new Yaris cars was deliberately chosen to allow vehicles to be used by various operators? |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,524 |  |
By Derek Everson Loughton Station looks set to have the first all-electric allocation of service vehicles. Joining Peugeot Ion car 7608P in mid-2014 was this Peugeot Partner van KM14HGJ. As with Nissan e-NV200 van VX14AUY, this carries additional green lettering and no fleetnumber. Photographed on 5th August 2014. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,525 |  |
By Richard Jones A surprising development in summer 2014 was the delivery of two Vauxhall Movano minibuses for the Passenger Data section of London Buses. Vauxhalls have been notably absent from recent additions to the central fleet, while no Movanos have been received since 2007. In fact these are the first Movano minibuses ever reported as service vehicles, although there have been a few of the very similar Renault Master version. The reason for specifying these vehicles was that the Ford Transit Custom minibus was found to be a bit too small. 7828V was photographed at Chislehurst on 3rd August 2014. As already mentioned, replaced Ford Transit minibuses 6852F and 6853F were then transferred to LUL use. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,526 |  |
By Ray Monk The fleet of vehicles supporting London Overground grew rapidly during late 2013 but appears to have peaked (for now) at 15. 7764R is a Renault Kangoo Maxi van that was not reported until Ray photographed it at Oldfield Grove (Surrey Quays) on 13th August 2014. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,527 |  |
By Ray Monk Ford Transit van 7651F was photographed at the back of the Palestra building in Southwark on 13th August 2014. This is an internal mail van outbased at London General's Merton Garage (which accounts for earlier reports such as that of 5849F). The smaller Mk.7 Ford Transit vans (such as this one) are likely to be replaced by Ford Transit Custom vans when their time comes. Note the huge security barriers and mesh doors protecting the covered loading bay. There is also an underground car park accessed by a ramp behind the bollards in the right background. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,528 |  |
By Ray Monk Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans are not exactly rare in the central fleet, but the 27 or so examples tend to be at locations whose vehicles are hard to see. 7257VW is one of six new in January 2012 and reportedly based at Westferry Circus. On 10th August it was found parked in Foots Cray. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,529 |  |
By Ian Rivett The fifteen Renault Modus cars operated by LUL are rarely seen or photographed. 7157R was among the first of them, arriving in November 2011. On 29th July 2014 it was seen passing through Uxbridge during engineering works nearby. It appears to be carrying a bicycle in the back. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,530 |  |
By Ray Monk Having chalked up over 4 years service with LBSL Passenger Data, Ford Transit minibuses 6852F and 6853F were returned to Acton Works in August 2014 following their replacement by new Vauxhall Movano minibuses. However, rather than going off-lease they were transferred to LUL. 6852F was photographed at Stepney Green Station during engineering works there on 16th August 2014. The LBSL lettering and orange square striping has been removed, with Underground roundels and TfL lettering applied in their place. This is not the first time that former LBSL minibuses have worked for LUL. 2 of the 4 Volkswagen LT35s leased in 2004 did the same, including at least one that gained new logos. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,531 |  |
By Graham Smith Several of the Ford Transit Staff Welfare Facility vans added since 2007 have lasted longer than the 3 or 4 years normal for leased vehicles. 6804F (which does not carry its fleetnumber) was into its fifth year when photographed parked near Archway station in the early hours of 15th August 2014. Initially based at Acton Works, this example may have moved to Edgware Track Depot in 2013. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,532 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Ford Transit Connect van 6782F was new in 2009 and lasted for just over three years. Nominally allocated to Griffith House, it was one of many vehicles that only visited there late at night, and it managed to avoid being photographed. Malcolm found it in a still recognisable livery, going round Marble Arch on 7th August 2014. Transit Connect vans featured a variety of skirt depths, this being the thinnest, with the blue only covering the lowest of the three bodyside scallops. |
01/09/2014 |
| 3,533 |  |
By Ray Monk Service vehicles used in support of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) have appeared on LTSV before, but not for many years. From the systems opening in 1987, such vehicles were provided by Distribution Services as part of the main leased fleet. From 1992 the management of the line was passed from London Regional Transport to the London Docklands Development Corporation, while in 1997 a concession for the operation was awarded to Serco Docklands Limited. Although the infrastructure is now owned by a subsidiary of TfL, the concession is still in place, and is due to pass to Keolis/Amey in December 2014. Very little is known of support vehicles used between 1992 and 2014 but then a member reported a few sightings and these were subsequently added to the database. All were Ford Transits, mostly white, and some featuring three digit fleetnumbers. A recent addition has been high-roof van 003 (BU14VBF), which carries yellow/green chevrons and Emergency Response Team lettering. It was photographed at Greenwich Station on 8th July 2014. Also visible is a Ford Transit Connect van of CGL (City Greenwich Lewisham Rail), the company responsible for infrastructure maintenance on the Lewisham extension. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,534 |  |
By Graham Brown Here's that Mansfield name again, this time on a much newer Volvo FH recovery truck photographed near Oxford Circus on 30th June 2014. It was towing Abellio 2437, an ADL Enviro 400 hybrid bus, and was passing similar 2434. Oh and yes, that is a womble in the windscreen of the lorry! |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,535 |  |
By Derek Everson Volvo recovery truck KX03AHF is used by J&A Recovery and has already featured on LTSV. On 28th June 2014 it was photographed parked on Wellington Road, close to Fulwell Garage, with a London United Optare Versa bus on (backwards) tow. Note that most of the side lockers are open. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,536 |  |
By Derek Everson A new name to appear on LTSV is that of Mansfield Recovery, whose DAF 95XF X151EKR was photographed at Hatton Cross Bus Station on 4th June 2014 with a London United Enviro 200 on tow. Note the somewhat unusual spacing of the front 2 axles. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,537 |  |
By Ray Monk As mentioned recently, the latest additions of Renault Grand Scenic cars to the Metroline fleet carry a maroon livery instead of the dark red of earlier examples. Identification is just by the roundel labels applied, while those at Holloway Garage also have numbers in the windscreens. LV63XWB was showing number 943 when photographed outside the garage on 12th June 2014. This number was previously on LM60SVL. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,538 |  |
By Derek Everson With their open tailgates showing the only evidence of their nature, these two cars photographed at Edgware Bus Station on 4th June 2014 are used by Arriva the Shires from their Garston Garage. Red hatchback FL13AOT on the left was one of six delivered new in April 2013 to replace an equal number of Citroen Berlingo vans. Black estate FD10DKK on the right was acquired at about the same time. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,539 |  |
By Colin Lloyd The batch of Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses used by Metrobus as crew ferry vehicles are a fairly common sight at Lewisham. On 20th June 2014 fleetnumber 8058 was caught on the roundabout near the station. In the background is the hoarding which now surrounds the former bus standing area. The site is being cleared ahead of redevelopment, with the buses now standing on the other side of the railway line. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,540 |  |
By Derek Everson More typical of the London United Ford Transit vans is FT8, also seen at Hounslow Bus Station on 21st May 2014. As with most of the batch, it has a light-bar and a full set of lettering. However, it has also recently gained some smart new wheeltrims. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,541 |  |
By Derek Everson Now a comparison of Ford Transit vans at Hounslow Bus Station on 21st May 2014. London United took a batch of 9 high-roof, long-wheelbase vans in 2012, most of which were allocated to garages as engineering support vehicles. FT6 however was assigned to head office and, as this view shows, lacks the lettering and light-bars carried by the others. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,542 |  |
By Derek Everson Another former First London vehicle which has been rarely reported, no doubt due to its anonymous livery, is Volkswagen Caddy van VN10YJO. Seen at Uxbridge Garage in 2012, it was next seen at Greenford Broadway on 4th June 2014. It may have transferred to the nearby Greenford Garage, both that and Uxbridge having passed to Metroline control in 2013. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,543 |  |
By Derek Everson Volkswagen Crafter van VO59XRR is based at Westbourne Park Garage and would be expected to be a fairly common sight in central London. However, relatively few reports or photographs of the van have been received. Perhaps their buses are more reliable than average! Westbourne Park passed from First London to Tower Transit in 2013 and the new name has now been applied to the formerly anonymous red van. On 12th July 2014 it was photographed passing through Oxford Circus. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,544 |  |
By Derek Everson The eastern end of the erstwhile Fulwell Trolleybus depot is now operated by Abellio and, rather confusingly, is named Twickenham Depot. London Transport had its own Twickenham Garage until 1970, while since 2005 the name has also applied to a garage used by NCP/NSL and later London United. Anyway, parked at what I refer to as 'Fulwell (Twickenham)' on 28th June 2014 were three Ford Fiesta service vehicles. Brown car AO60PTY on the left was a recent addition and carried fleetnumber 6771. The two white vans on the right were both acquired in late 2009 and initially worked from Hayes Garage. Allocated fleetnumbers 6104 and 6105, these were not carried. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,545 |  |
By Ray Monk One of six Ford Tourneo minibuses transferred from the TGM (Tellings Golden-Miller) Heathrow fleet to Arriva Southern Counties in early 2014, LS06YCR is allocated fleetnumber VF129 but wore only Arriva branding in the windows (plus the traces of some former livery) when seen near Dartford Garage on 27th June 2014. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,546 |  |
By Derek Everson The Abellio support vehicle fleet includes a number of high-roof Ford Transit crew vans. YS55NHH was first reported at Battersea garage in 2013 but was photographed at Fulwell on 28th June 2014. It is probably allocated a fleetnumber in the 67xx series. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,547 |  |
By Ray Monk I was slightly puzzled by the fleetnumber applied to this Vauxhall Astra estate car photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 10th July 2014. The CF-prefixed series was started in about 2006 and was used sequentially from CF1 upwards. With the addition of many former London taxis, the series had reached CF42 by 2013. Cars and vans to replace the taxis started arriving in 2014 and took the series up to VF52 (the VF-prefix being used to distinguish ferry vans from ferry cars), while several minibuses took numbers in the VF109 to VF139 range, being based on their previous operators fleetnumbers. Meanwhile, Arriva the Shires started copying Arriva Southern Counties in taking former London taxis and giving them CF numbers, using the range CF73 to CF100. So, why does this newly acquired Vauxhall Astra carry CF12, a number used previously on taxi L177RML? |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,548 |  |
By Ray Monk Yet more vehicles have been added to the Dartford allocation of Arriva Southern Counties, to replace the large fleet of former London taxis. Among the latest is Vauxhall Corsa van BJ05OJW, given fleet number VF52 and photographed on Temple Hill on 27th June 2014. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,549 |  |
By Ray Monk The role of the new Toyota Yaris hybrid cars in TfL livery was soon discovered when LL14VOH was found parked at Eltham Bus Station on 11th July 2014. It had evidently replaced Toyota Prius KV60KTF for use by the Public Carriage Office. The earlier cars wore unmarked white (although initially had 'Taxi - Private Hire' roundels), while the replacements have TfL lettering and light-bars. Note the relatively rare use of a plain, single-colour roundel. Similar LL14VOK was later reported at Wembley Park Station, replacing Prius KN60XUV. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,550 |  |
By Derek Everson This unmarked Fiat Ducato van has been used by the LT Museum since at least mid-2013, and it has been a common sight at Year of the Bus events through 2014. On 28th June 2014 it was photographed on Wellington Road in Fulwell, waiting to gain access to the nearby London United garage. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,551 |  |
By Mick Cecil This rare view of the inside of a service vehicle shows recently converted Mercedes-Benz Axor lorry WX08KUY. As can be seen, it is no longer a dropside lorry! Instead it now has a large box body which has been fitted out as a mobile crew facility. This view (looking toward the front) shows the meeting/dining area (with 16 seats) that occupies the middle of the vehicle. A projector and whiteboard also feature. Ahead of the nearside door is a full-width kitchen area. There are five large windows with integral blinds, two on the nearside (seen here) and three on the offside, along with smaller windows in the kitchen. Out of sight towards the rear are the back door (with built-in steps), a small desk, and an enclosed area that may include a toilet. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,552 |  |
By Ray Monk Seen parked on Harcourt Street (near Griffith House) on the night of 16th July 2014 were Renault Kangoo van 7782R and Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7780R. The comparison of the two lengths of van can also be compared with the similar view of earlier design 7214R and 7215R at the same location. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,553 |  |
By Derek Everson Nearest the camera in this photograph taken at Edgware Bus Station on 4th June 2014 is LUL-liveried Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7771R. However, I believe this vehicle may currently be in use with LBSL. Apart from an initial sighting at Griffith House, the next report was of it at Hammersmith, when the driver was repairing signs in the bus station. And in the view here, it was parked with LBSL Passenger Data minibus 7467F. LBSL Technical Services van LT14FXR was also here on the same day. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,554 |  |
By Ray Monk 7733R is a Renault Kangoo Maxi van new in summer 2013 in LUL livery. With very few reported sightings, I can't say where this vehicle is allocated. On 12th July 2014 it was found parked on Scoresby Street in Southwark (near to the Palestra building). |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,555 |  |
By Ray Monk Yet another batch of vehicles that are very rarely photographed are 7545VW to 7550VW, six Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans new in October 2012 and allocated to Edgware Track Depot. They are usually only found parked near to Northern Line stations in the dead of night, as here with 7546VW at Camden Town on 16th July 2014. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,556 |  |
By Ray Monk The ten Renault Kangoo Maxi vans numbered 7437R to 7446R are hard to find. Nocturnally active and nominally allocated to Stratford Market Depot, they are rarely seen in the nightly run out from that location. On 16th July 2014 7438R was found parked near to Russell Square Station. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,557 |  |
By Derek Everson 7289M is by far the most elusive of the current fleet of LBSL Incident Response Units. New in May 2012, it was initially sent to Eltham Bus Station but then virtually disappeared. Just three reports of it were received over the next two years, at a variety of locations. This suggests to me that it is used as a maintenance cover spare. On 12th July 2014 it was photographed at Finsbury Park Bus Station. Parked behind is Renault Kangoo van LV61UCM. Although registered in the same batch as some service vehicles (notably Renault Modus car 7263R LV61UCP), the van is believed to be operated by ISS Facility Services. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,558 |  |
By Derek Everson Incident Response Unit vans allocated to Edgware Bus Station now have their own separate parking area slightly to the south. Seen there on 4th June 2014 was 7286M. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,559 |  |
By Ray Monk The quantity of Smart Fortwo cars in the numbered fleet seems to have peaked at 16, with just 2 examples added in the past year. The initial batch of 7 are now just over three years old and it will be interesting to see if they are replaced by more of the same. One of that first batch was 7071SM, photographed parked in Sidcup on 13th July 2014. Rare Ford Fiesta car 6714F used to be 'based' here. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,560 |  |
By Ray Monk Taking photos through the fences of the front car park at Acton Works is very tricky, and Ray did well to capture this view on 28th June 2014. To the fore is Vauxhall Combo van 7032V, latterly one of the nocturnal Griffith House vehicles but probably now awaiting disposal. Of more interest are the vehicles in the background. On the left are two Toyota Yaris hybrid cars in white/blue livery with TfL lettering and small light-bars. This livery had previously only been seen on uniform issue vans and the role of these new cars was not yet known. Also visible are several unmarked Yaris cars (including silver LL14VKW). The notices attached to the back fence state that those parking spaces are reserved for DSM pool vehicles only. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,561 |  |
By Derek Everson Vauxhall Combo van 6377V was new in 2007 but was never caught on film before it left the fleet in mid-2012. Its next owner retained the basic white/blue livery and it was seen a couple of times around South London. It then turned up at British Car Auctions (perhaps for the second time), where it was photographed on 29th May 2014. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,562 |  |
By Ray Monk Just three vehicles in the 5xxx number range remain in stock at present, although it is notable that none of them actually carry their allocated fleetnumbers. Also, they have all been modified to some extent and have most likely been purchased. The LT Museum's 5494F is the best known of the trio, the other pair being Ford Transit trucks fitted with generators and based at Lillie Bridge. Although they can be glimpsed (just) from the West Cromwell Road bridge, they are rarely seen (and thus photographed) out on the road, particularly in daylight. On the night of 16th July 2014 Ray came across 5909F parked on Drummond Street at Euston. New in 2006 as a mobile exhibition unit for the London Safety Camera Partnership, it was rebuilt in early 2010 with the generator removed from Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2562M (which it replaced). Along with similarly-equipped 5474F and 2584M (and three Cobul box trailers), the vehicles are assigned to 'ventilation' duties. |
01/08/2014 |
| 3,563 |  |
By James Mair This photograph taken in either late-1992 or early-1993 shows various service vehicles parked at what may be either White City Depot or Wood Lane! The four Ford Transit vans are (left to right) unidentified, red 3854F, 4128F and low-roof 3887F, while Ford Escort van 3827F is amongst the cars on the right. The buses are London United DR-class Dennis Darts, these being allocated to a new base opened here (named Wood Lane) in July 1992. Above the buses are the pitched rooves of White City Central Line depot. This area has now been transformed by the arrival of the Westfield Shopping Centre and the new White City bus station. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,564 |  |
By Derek Everson The Bedford/Vauxhall Midi was never a common service vehicle, just 13 examples having been operated between 1986 and 1999. Several were used by the cleaning services department, including a pair delivered in September 1991. Both were originally based at Junction Road, then moved the short distance to Holloway Garage (where 4104B was photographed on 28th June 1992). |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,565 |  |
By Ivor Norman Ford Transit minibus 4093F was new in June 1991 and was another vehicle to have had a truncated life. It was withdrawn in June 1992, again most likely following accident damage. Unmarked apart from fleetnumbers (and dual tyre pressure markings) it was listed by LOTS as being allocated to Buckhurst Hill Station on the Central Line, the only vehicle so allocated. It was photographed there on 18th March 1992. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,566 |  |
By Derek Everson The cleaning services vehicles latterly based at Junction Road in Holloway appear to have moved to the nearby Holloway garage in about 1992. They were kept in the low level yard between the garage and the railway line, the wall of the garage being visible in the background in this photo taken on 28th June 1992. Among various vehicles present were white/blue Ford Transit van 4016F with similar 4015F behind. Just visible on the left are Vauxhall Midi van 4105B and Ford Escort van 3838F. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,567 |  |
By Colin Lloyd In a totally anonymous white livery, this Ford Transit Mk3 minibus was allocated fleetnumber 3995F. New in 1990 it lasted very nearly 4 years and was photographed at White City Depot on 24th November 1990. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,568 |  |
By Ivor Norman Showing the yellow fuel filler cap that may have been used to indicate petrol vehicles, unmarked Ford Escort van 3994F was photographed at Aldgate Bus Station on 28th May 1992. Nearly 2 years old by then, it had initially been allocated to Acton Works. It may have been assigned to Aldgate pending the delivery of newer Ford Escort vans that September. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,569 |  |
By Colin Lloyd On a damp 27th February 1991, petrol Ford Escort van 3991F was photographed at Acton Works. This van carried no markings apart from an unusual 'Fire' sticker above the windscreen. LOTS showed it as being allocated to City Cloisters during 1990 but nothing further is known. On the right is British Transport Police Ford Transit E875HLM. Similar E873HLM later became a normal service vehicle allocated fleetnumber 2501F. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,570 |  |
By Kim Rennie 3973F was a Mk3 Ford Transit van initially operated in unmarked red livery (without even the usual tell-tale tyre pressure markings). During 1991 it was given fleetnumbers and LT Distribution Services lettering in black with a white roundel. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,571 |  |
By Ivor Norman The red/blue chevrons on the bonnet of this Ford Transit crew van suggest that it was an emergency vehicle for London Underground. Such vehicles tended to be seen (and photographed) quite often but not this one, no doubt due to it only surviving for a few months. New in August 1990, it was last licensed the following March, most likely having suffered accident damage. On 12th December 1990 it was seen on the front road at Baker Street Station, parked close to one of the Dodge Commando lorries. Unusual features to note are the lack of lettering and the half-length roof-rack fitted. The red fuel filler caps may have been used to indicate diesel vehicles. Some petrol vehicles had yellow caps. Tyre pressures are again shown in both bars and PSI. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,572 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Ford Escort van 3905F was just a couple of weeks old when photographed at Acton Works on 30th September 1990. The white wheeltrims were perhaps not too practical and were later removed, while Distribution Services lettering was added to the doors. Note that the tyre pressures are shown in both BAR and PSI. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,573 |  |
By Ivor Norman Selkent operated a number of Ford P100 pick-up trucks as engineering support vehicles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Three delivered in mid-1990 carried the red with grey skirt livery then being adopted as standard for the bus fleet. They also featured the Selkent hops logo and the name of their home garage in large lettering on the bodyside. Bromley garage got number 3892F, which was seen at home on 25th September 1990. Just visible in the background are a Metrorider minibus and DA1, the prototype Optare Delta bus based here for private hire work. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,574 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Although the new LUL livery of white with a blue skirt quickly became standard from spring 1990, certain vehicles continued to be delivered in red. Among these were a unique pair of Vauxhall Midi minibuses new in the autumn. Licensed as Bedfords, they were unmarked apart from white fleetnumbers. Both had bull-bars to protect the headlamps, 3883B having red headlamp surrounds compared to black on 3882B. Other differences were in the position of the foglamps and fleetnumbers and the wheeltrims. 3883B was photographed at Acton Works on 2nd April 1993 with Transit dropside 3979F and a British Transport Police crew van visible in the background. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,575 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Unusual lettering was carried by at least 2 Ford Fiesta vans in the early 1990s. On a base red colour, these were signed for 'TVT, Testing of Vehicles and Training'. 3870F was photographed at Acton Works on 2nd April 1993, just before it was returned off-lease. The other example, 4190F was also photographed nearby on the same date, and may have been a direct replacement. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,576 |  |
By Colin Lloyd From 1987 onwards, a small number of service vehicles were operated in a plain blue livery. Ford Escort van 3868F was one of a handful to wear the darker of the two shades of blue featured. Officially allocated to Griffith House, it was photographed in the neighbouring yard of Edgware Road Station on 27th February 1991. The unmarked Ford Escort estate alongside is also in dark blue, while two Ford Transit vans in the lighter shade are partially visible. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,577 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Photographed at Acton Works on 2nd January 1990, Ford Escort van 3831F had been new the previous October. It carried the then-standard Distribution Services label on the doors, but had additional signs for LUL Cleaning Services Manager on the bodysides. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,578 |  |
By Colin Lloyd I have never been completely clear on the distinction between the service locations at White City and Wood Lane. The former was a Central Line depot and also housed a training school and cleaning services. The latter was an Electrical Engineers Workshop and was possibly the location nearer to Shepherds Bush (roughly where the control room is currently located). This photograph is clearly taken at White City depot, with trains of 1962 stock visible in the background. The sidings here were moved a few years ago and then had the Westfield Shopping Centre built on top of them. Present on 24th November 1990 was Ford Escort van 3827F, officially allocated to Lillie Bridge. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,579 |  |
By Richard Eversden Sitting in the gloom of Turnpike Lane Bus Station on 7th January 1990 was Ford Escort van 3826F with a slightly wonky LRT Catering label. The tyre pressure indicator is shown in 'LB/IN2' rather than the more normal 'PSI'. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,580 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Various companies have supplied vehicles on lease over the years. After relying on Avis, Hertz and Wincanton for the first half of the 1980s, Autolease was added in about 1986. Their name is displayed on the rear of Ford Escort van 3820F, one of a pair delivered in February 1990 for use by the Plant Manager as replacements for similar 3340F and 3341F. The van was photographed at Acton Works on 26th July 1990, still looking new and complete with wheeltrims. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,581 |  |
By Derek Everson Two Mercedes-Benz SK-series dustcarts were delivered in September 1990 and served for most of that decade. Showing its rear aspect as it enters Uxbridge Bus Garage on 1st April 1992 was 2482M. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,582 |  |
By Derek Everson Bus Engineering Limited was formed in the late 1980s as a precursor to the privatisation of LT's central engineering functions. Sold to Frontsource in 1988 they relocated from Chiswick Works to premises in Willesden in 1989. Distribution Services lorries were frequent visitors there, as seen in this photograph taken on 23rd August 1990. 2303D was a Dodge Commando dropside lorry new in 1981. Also visible are one of the box lorries, an MCW Metrobus, and an ILEA school bus. |
01/07/2014 |
| 3,583 |  |
By Derek Everson Another Cavalcade participant that required towing was AEC Renown LT165. This was given a suspended rear tow by a Scania recovery vehicle belonging to J&A Recovery. Curiously, there is no registration plate visible on the front of the Scania, although looking at other photographs suggests that this is in fact CS02REC. I also discovered that this vehicle has previously been illustrated working for C Spearing. Note the slightly saggy appearance of the preserved bus, and the way the rear axles seem to rest horizontally. This photograph was taken at Hyde Park Corner in the morning. By coincidence, another bus numbered LT165 probably passed here soon afterwards, this being one of the Wright 'New Bus for London' vehicles allocated to London United's route 10. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,584 |  |
By Malcolm Glover Although most of the buses that took part in the Year of the Bus Cavalcade on 22nd June 2014 managed to get to Regent Street under their own power, this one was clearly unable to do so. Q1 Trolleybus number 1768 had its front wheels removed and was towed by Sovereign Recovery GJ58NUF (seen when leaving after the event). The same firm's Mercedes van LT12TXW was following behind |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,585 |  |
By Damon Cross During the Regent Street Year of the Bus Cavalcade on 22nd June 2014, this pair of C&S Motor Group vehicles was photographed on Northumberland Avenue. To the fore is Ford Transit van GV57UOG, while the DAF recovery truck behind is EU06HPA. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,586 |  |
By Thomas Young Stockwell Bus Garage is one of the most impressive in London, due to its huge concrete roof spans. The roof has recently been cleaned, although the many service vehicles that used to be seen here are long gone (as are the Scottish Citylink coaches). During the open day held on 21st June 2014, this interesting line-up of buses was photographed near the Lansdowne Way entrance. Near the centre is one of the WVL class buses now converted to open-top, while alongside is former bus LDP35. This Dennis Dart is used for various purposes and was recently based at Rainham. It had perhaps been moved here in connection with its use as a control and crew rest vehicle for various summer special services (Chelsea Flower Show, Epsom Derby, Wimbledon Tennis etc). |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,587 |  |
By Ray Monk Metroline has standardised on the Renault Grand Scenic car for crew ferry work, and the former First London garage in Hayes has at least two examples. They are unlettered, and carry a maroon-ish livery also worn by the latest deliveries to Holloway. LX63KTA was leaving the garage when photographed on Swallowfield Way on 6th June 2014. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,588 |  |
By Ray Monk The Hayes garage of First London transferred to Metroline during 2013. Having latterly used unmarked Vauxhall Zafira and Ford Galaxy cars, additions since then have been Renaults. LS63VCN in unmarked red was photographed on Swallowfield Way on 6th June 2014. This is the only example of the Renault Clio model so far reported. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,589 |  |
By Ray Monk The Arriva PSM fleetname has been seen on a handful of vehicles, although I have not been able to find out what it refers to. A recent addition is Vauxhall Vivaro van HV63MDK, found parked on Christchurch Way in Greenwich on 15th June 2014. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,590 |  |
By Thomas Young Here is yet another example of a vehicle which may or may not be a service vehicle. Anonymous white Ford Transit van EO63XPN was photographed in the Lansdowne Way entrance to Stockwell Bus Garage during the open day on 21st June 2014. The registration is similar to those on other Go-Ahead London Ford Transits, as is the short-wheelbase, mid-height configuration. The deciding factor for me was being told that this van has been seen parked here on several occasions. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,591 |  |
By Ray Monk During the open day at Stockwell bus garage on 21st June 2014, Ford Transit van EA63VUE was parked up in the Binfield Road entrance. As with most recent deliveries, it is a short-wheelbase, mid-height example, with a generic Go-Ahead London Engineering Support fleetname and SW allocation code. Note that trespassers are ''...liable to prosecution under the Executive's Bye-Laws''. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,592 |  |
By Thomas Young Alperton bus garage had an open day on 7th June 2014. This was one of the locations transferred from First to Metroline in 2013. The resident van, Volkswagen Transporter VK60FAJ, retains the yellow stripe it wore with First but now has Metroline fleetnames. Visible in the background is LT Museum Fiat Ducato van LB62EJA. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,593 |  |
By Ray Monk An unusual colour scheme (but not unique) is worn by Abellio Ford Fiesta car EK10XLJ. Carrying fleetnumber 6769 it was a recent addition to the Twickenham allocation when photographed near the garage on 2nd June 2014. The warning lights visible in the background are for the fire and ambulance stations which are positioned just around the bend in the road. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,594 |  |
By Ray Monk The fleet of service vehicles used by Abellio is slowly gaining new fleetnumbers in the 67xx range, sometimes as the only form of lettering. Rare Ford Tourneo Connect EJ57WVE was acquired in about 2012 and was photographed leaving Twickenham Garage on 2nd June 2014. Note the unusually empty yard behind. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,595 |  |
By Colin Lloyd I was going to add this photograph as a 'non-London' vehicle, but then I realised it was a former London vehicle. Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus RE56OUM was new as Metrobus fleetnumber 8020 in 2006. After over 5 years service from Croydon garage it was transferred to Anglian Bus (by then also in Go-Ahead ownership). On 24th May 2014 it was photographed in Norwich. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,596 |  |
By Ray Monk Most Vauxhall Combo vans used by Arriva have been in a white livery. Recently added to the Dartford allocation, VF46 was photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 9th June 2014. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,597 |  |
By Ray Monk The large fleet of former London taxis used as crew ferry vehicles from Arriva's Dartford garage have almost all been replaced in recent months, firstly by Ford Tourneo minibuses transferred from TGM, and later by Vauxhall Combo vans. The latter have been numbered as VF44 to VF47, to follow on from the CF-prefixed series which reached CF43. VF47 carries an unusual blue livery and was photographed at Dartford Garage on 13th June 2014. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,598 |  |
By Thomas Young Optare Excel exhibition bus R197DDX has been a common sight at Year of the Bus events this year. On 21st June 2014 it was photographed during the open day at Stockwell Garage, parked alongside newly restored B2737. The offside of the Excel features graphics of early buses including B, NS, LT and RT types. More modern buses appear on the nearside. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,599 |  |
By Ray Monk Following on from 3 liveried Mitsubishi L200 pick-up trucks, a further 5 were delivered in spring 2013. All wore unmarked silver livery, and their role and allocations are not clear. On 15th April 2014, AE13SRU was seen leaving Acton Works. |
25/06/2014 |
| 3,600 |  |
By Colin Smith It's nice when something really unexpected turns up, and this was a good example. Seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 22nd June 2014, this vehicle is Mercedes-Benz Axor lorry WX08KUY. Delivered in June 2008 as a dropside lorry, it had recently been refitted with an unusual box body. The windows and access doors suggest it is a mobile office, perhaps to replace demountable body DB8. As well as the new LUL 'Every Journey Matters' lettering, it also sports a huge Transplant fleetname. This is the first heavy lorry to be given the red-stripe livery. Beyond is trailer T66, while behind that is what appears to be a cable-drum carrying trailer, rather like SEBT42 and SEBT43. |
25/06/2014 |
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