LTSV Latest Data - Detail View

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

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
301		By Ray Monk By 31st August 2024, new Metroline Ford Transit Courier van AX24JXG had been given company lettering. These new vans are in Ford's 'Fantastic Red', which is slightly darker than London bus red but not as dark as the burgundy shade that featured on Metroline's Renault Scenic cars (like MF70NFE parked alongside).	16/12/2024
302		By Bob Milner In 2024, Metroline started replacing its fleet of Ford Transit Connect Engineer's vans with the new Ford Transit Courier Mk2 model. Seen outside the company offices in Perivale on 17th August were two examples. AX24HRL in the middle had arrived earlier that month and had already been given Metroline lettering. AX24JXG on the left was a week or so newer and was still in unmarked red.	16/12/2024
303		By Derek Everson With the familiar smiling engineers on the side, this is MA21ZNL, a Ford Transit Connect van used by Stagecoach South. It was seen at Camberley Station on 5th August 2024.	16/12/2024
304		By Paul Nicholls I suspect that this vehicle was originally intended to be fleetnumber 8423VW. It was one of a pair of Volkswagen Transporter minibuses delivered in spring 2017. One (RV17PZO) was given full LUL livery and fleetnumber 8422VW. The other (RV17PZP) remained in unmarked white and was shown on official lists as being un-numbered, although the fleetnumber 8423 remained suspiciously vacant. At least we knew about its existence, and it was seen several times over the following few years, mainly engaged in night-time operations out of Stratford Market Depot. On 1st August 2024 it was found parked in a residential area of Little Thurrock, Essex.	16/12/2024
305		By Derek Everson Arriva the Shires closed its garages at Aylesbury and High Wycombe in late July 2024, with many routes passing to other operators such as Carousel. Derek visited High Wycombe a couple of days later (on 30th July) and caught this Arriva Fiat Ducato van in the town's bus station. Previously un-reported, FJ68KZW was lettered for the Roadside Publicity role, although in this case it was presumably removing publicity rather than posting it!	16/12/2024
306		By Ray Monk Vehicles that have been replaced by new deliveries are often parked for a few days in the lorry yard at Acton Works prior to disposal. For some, this gives us a good (but final) opportunity to see and photograph vehicles that have hitherto been elusive. Seen on 6th July 2024 was Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Crew Van 8243VW, latterly a Stratford Market Depot vehicle that was only seen out and about at night. It left the fleet the following month. Flanking the van are a Toyota Prius car and a Renault Kangoo Maxi van, both types that are also being replaced by the new Ford Transit Connects.	16/12/2024
307		By Phil Hambling London Transport's Sherpa vans were interesting in that they came in both grey and red, whereas most other types stuck to the same colour. By the time 3349L was delivered in early 1986, the model was being produced under the Freight Rover brand, and it had gained a more modern looking front grille. There were to be several further changes of brand and name in the years ahead, but I seem to recall that I have covered these here in the past. Suffice to say that 3349L was one of just 4 delivered that year, all in red and registered in Yorkshire. 3349L was initially used by the Plant Manager, which accounts for its appearance at Enfield Bus Garage in October 1987. By 1990 it was listed as being with the Signals Engineer at Earls Court, though it was to be withdrawn by the middle of that year.	16/12/2024
308		By Phil Hambling This photo appears on Phil's Flickr site, where the date and location are given as June 1986 at Chiswick Works. While I was preparing this photo I realised this couldn't be right. The buildings in the background are recognisably the ones adjoining the van yard at Acton Works, while the Freight Rover Sherpa van in the background was new in March 1988. This solves a puzzle though, as I was thinking that the van does not look like a current service vehicle. Bedford CF van MHY272Y was leased by LT in late 1982 and used by Publicity and Advertising section. Official records show it being returned to Hertz in March 1987. This would account for the lack of lettering in this photo, and also the various badges on the radiator and windscreen, and maybe even the slightly worn appearance of the paintwork. I would guess that it was by then in private use, perhaps by a member of staff.	16/12/2024
309		By Derek Everson Another Mk2 Ford Escort, this one believed to be in 'Venetian' red, which was closer to the London Transport shade. 2056F was one of 22 estate cars that formed the sixth generation of Bus Inspector's Radio Control cars. It was based at Wood Green Garage but was photographed not far away at Palmers Green Garage on 12th June 1977. It remained in stock for exactly 3 years, having been taken out of service in early 1980 following the arrival of the similar-looking seventh generation cars.	16/12/2024
310		By Derek Everson 33 Ford Escorts delivered to London Transport in 1975 were described as being 'tangerine' in colour. They were in fact in Ford 'Carnival' red, a shade that was slightly, but noticeably, lighter than the normal LT red. Numerically the first of these vehicles was van 1895F, given registration GHV507N. This followed on from the first batch of six BS-class Bristol LHS buses, which carried GHV501-506N. Although bus registration numbers were linked to fleetnumbers, service vehicles only started adopting this practice in 1974, and these Fords were among the last to not have matching numbers. 1895F was photographed at Chiswick Works on 14th August 1975, at which time it was part of the Group 3 fleet within Distribution Services. It remained in stock for just 4 years, being sold in 1979.	16/12/2024
311		By Michael Clark collection This rear view of AEC Regent Stores Lorry 736J taken in mid-1954 shows that the only access to the body was through a hinged rear tail-gate, while the quarter-tilt cover appears to be solid metal. Along the bodysides are cleats to allow canvas covers to be tied down if needed. Note the sign and lettering showing the speed as 20mph. Not very impressive, but perhaps suitable for use in London in the 21st century! The car in the background may well have been an LT pool car but unfortunately the registration is not visible.	22/11/2024
312		By Michael Clark collection London Transport rebuilt a lot of time-expired AEC Regal and Regent buses and coaches for further use as service vehicles, although in many cases not much of the original vehicle was retained. 736J emerged in late-1949, having latterly been double-deck bus STL388. It now had a full-width cab, and an open body with a quarter tilt cover for use as a stores lorry. This photo appears to have been taken some time later, most likely in mid-1954 when it was modified by having its side valences removed. These were the side panels that had previously enclosed most of the space between the front and rear wheels, hiding the chassis members. Although giving a neater appearance, the valences were presumably a nuisance when maintenance was needed. 736J went on to see another six years of use, being withdrawn and sold in 1960.	22/11/2024
313		By Michael Clark collection A couple of detail views of Bedford CAV ambulance 976B when new in 1953 show part of the interior arrangement. There are clearly two single seats on the offside, and another on the nearside near the front door. However, the other seat on the nearside is not clearly shown. Perhaps it was a bench seat that could also be used as a bed when needed. Official documents described these vehicles as 5-seaters.	22/11/2024
314		By Michael Clark collection For many years, London Transport had two ambulances, one based at each of its two largest works (Chiswick/Acton and Aldenham). 976B was one of a pair of Bedford CAVs acquired in 1953 and which served until replaced by similar but slightly larger Bedford CALVs in 1968/1969. This posed view of Chiswick's 976B when new shows the raked windows, the raised roof over the main body and the partially enclosed rear wheels. Note that the shape of the side windows is slightly different at each end.	22/11/2024
315		By Michael Clark collection Another view of distilled water tanker lorry 963J when new in 1952. The slope of the tank is less apparent in this view, although it is clear that it was loaded at the front top and discharged from the rear bottom. The framework projecting beyond the rear was perhaps to protect the valves from damage in the event of a shunt. The registration shown on LTSV (FXT372) is actually the one this vehicle carried whilst it was a bus (STL2649). During its 8 years as a service vehicle, it operated on various trade plates.	22/11/2024
316		By Michael Clark collection The batteries used in buses (and in some railway locos) required topping up with distilled water, leading to London Transport operating a couple of dedicated tanker vehicles. One of these was AEC Regent 1000-gallon 963J, rebuilt from 11-year old double-deck bus STL2649 in 1952. These posed photos were most likely taken before it entered service.	22/11/2024
317		By Michael Clark collection London Transport bought nearly 100 Ford E83W vehicles in the late-1940s and early-1950s. Most were normal vans (like 801F) but there were also several minibuses (known as Utilecons, and illustrated by 1034F), while 13 were bodied as 'Laundry Vans', these having a more upright windscreen and a taller, boxier body for bulkier loads. Most of the Laundry vans were actually used by the Publicity Department and other photos in the Michael Clark collection show how the interiors were fitted out. Shown here is 760F, probably when new in late-1949 or early-1950. It was later allocated to Putney Garage, with spells at Walthamstow and Clapton before it was withdrawn in 1961.	22/11/2024
318		By Michael Clark collection The AEC Regent Master Breakdown Tenders bought in the 1930s had a bus-type half-cab, with a full width crew compartment at the front of the main body. The left photo above shows the inside of this compartment (complete with carpet!), while the right photo shows some of the equipment carried in the cargo compartment behind.	22/11/2024
319		By Michael Clark collection Photographed probably when it was new in late 1935, this is 111J which, despite appearances, was not converted from a bus. It was an AEC Regent 5-ton Master Breakdown Tender and it joined similar 110J dating from 1931, while in 1939, 417J and 418J were added, these being similar apart from having more modern cabs. Another official photograph of 111J when it was new appeared in the Aldridge/Rennie service vehicles book, but in that it had London Transport lettering applied to the front of the main body. By the time of the photograph here, this had been replaced by an illuminated box showing LT LT Urgent. Comparison with a later photograph (taken at Neasden in 1961) shows several differences. The headlights were replaced with slightly smaller units and a nearside foglamp was added. The most inexplicable change was to the illuminated sign, whereby the top of the roundel shape was later cut off to form a straight line. 111J was based at Neasden Depot for its entire career, being withdrawn and sold in 1964 when it was nearly 29 years old.	22/11/2024
320		By Michael Clark collection This is the first photo added to LTSV from the CDS photo albums that were donated by staff at Acton Works in mid-2024. Many more will be added over time, but you can also download the complete albums from the Articles section (within the 'More' menu). Taken probably in the late 1940s or early 1950s at an unknown location (possibly Rye Lane, going by the painted allocations), three service vehicles are visible, all of which were connected with trams and trolleybuses. The photo was labelled as showing AEC Regent 1000 gal Water Tanker 742J, which is fortunate as we would not have been able to identify the vehicle on the right otherwise. Perhaps unfortunately, this appears to be the only photograph in existence of this vehicle. Converted from double-deck bus STL332 in 1948, its function was actually as a conduit cleaner, being used to pump water into the tramway power conduits to remove rubbish and debris. 742J replaced the last of the steam-powered conduit cleaners and remained in stock (along with two similar vehicles converted from T-class AEC Regals in 1938) until May 1953. Parked behind is tower wagon 728J, also converted from an STL (401) in 1948. Tower wagons were used to enable access to tram and trolleybus overhead wiring, for repairs or alterations. 728J was one of a dozen converted in 1948/1949 and it was primarily based at Bowles Road. While the first two vehicles were converted from double-deck buses, the third looks like one but was actually rebuilt from a single-decker! 114W was originally AEC Regal coach T320, being rebuilt as an overhead wire lubricator in 1938. It was given an open-top upper deck and fitted with two poles that had equipment on the ends that would coat the wires with graphite. Note that the poles also have a spot-light each, to enable use at night or in fog. The livery was red with two cream bands, and a large Trolleybus roundel was carried on the front panels. More photos of 114W, including interior views, can be found in the CDS photo albums recently uploaded to LTSV.	22/11/2024
321		By Derek Everson Derek caught new-ish TfL Volvo FMX 430 flatbed lorry KY23LNO passing through Stratford on 27th August 2024. The crane fitted behind the cab is a HMF 4020 made in Denmark.	24/10/2024
322		By Ray Monk Another SV found at Arnsberg Way, Bexleyheath on 27th August 2024 was Seat Ibiza car HK24KZU. In use as a crew ferry vehicle from Dartford, it looks as though this is a 'proper' fleet addition rather than just a hire. The reason I say this is that two other cars in the same registration series have been noted, one at Dartford (HK24KZS) and one at Barking/Dagenham (HK24KZT). Reports of any others would be welcomed.	24/10/2024
323		By Ray Monk Arriva London has taken at least 16 Vauxhall Combo vans over the past couple of years, making it their standard type for engineering support. I was surprised therefore to see this photo of a new Vauxhall Vivaro working from Dartford Garage. BJ24CKV was seen at Ray's regular haunt of the bus stand off Arnsberg Way in Bexleyheath on 27th August 2024.	24/10/2024
324		By Andrew Lidinson Andrew knows that I like photos showing line-ups of service vehicles, so he was pleased to capture this view of nine white Seat cars at Arriva London's Edmonton Garage on 25th August 2024. What is more, the two red cars in the foreground are also service vehicles! The red cars are Seat Leons CX70LWC and CX70LUB, both of which were previously allocated to Palmers Green garage. This side of the yard at Edmonton has been home to a number of additional service vehicles over the past couple of years, mainly Peugeot and Citroen cars in unmarked black or silver but identifiable by having Arriva labels in the windows. The reason for their presence at Edmonton was never clear, and the majority now appear to have departed again.	24/10/2024
325		By Andrew Lidinson Arriva London's large Edmonton Garage only operates a couple of TfL bus routes, but the surplus capacity is taken up by allocating training buses, and buses dedicated to railway replacement work, here. We have commented in the past on anonymous vans seen parked at the garage, and they are quite possibly in use for training or assessing drivers. However, none of the vans seem to carry any lettering, and are not in a common registration number series, so I am inclined not to add them to the database. Andrew found a pair of Vauxhall Vivaros present on 25th August 2024, with DE24PNJ nearest and SK24EZA beyond. On the left are the two Seat Leon cars which also feature in the next photo.	24/10/2024
326		By Ray Monk Same van, same location, different number! This TfL Ford Transit Connect van had been photographed by Ray in the lorry yard of Acton Works on 17th August 2024, at which point it carried number 9372F. Six days later (23rd August), it didn't appear to have moved, but the number carried was now 9251F. While we don't know if this was due to an error, or to a change of plan, it is slightly worrying for me. It is entirely possible that some of the other TfL vans seen newly delivered to Acton Works over the past few months may have also had their numbers changed. As a precaution, I would suggest that (where possible) observers should note both the registration number and fleet number of any such vans that they see.	24/10/2024
327		By Ray Monk Photographed in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 23rd August 2024, we don't know much about these three minibuses, but we can speculate. All three were Ford Tourneo Customs with no external markings. It seems likely that these are (or were) on hire to LUL, as there has often been a need for staff transport in connection with railway engineering work. However, we are not aware of any of the existing fleet minibuses having been disposed of recently, or of any new minibuses being delivered. As such, it is hard to say whether these hires were on their way in or out!	24/10/2024
328		By Ray Monk The Ford Fiesta was produced from 1976 until 2023, and it has come and gone from the central service vehicle fleet several times since the first examples were leased in 1985 (one car was also used in the pool car fleet from 1979 until 1982). The latest wave of Fiestas arrived in the period 2015-2017 and featured both cars and vans. While one or two of the vans may remain in use at present, the last of the cars appears to have been 8179F, which had been used by the lifts and escalators section from June 2016. On 23rd August 2024 it was found in the corner of the Lorry Yard at Acton Works, and it was to be disposed of less than 2 weeks later.	24/10/2024
329		By Peter Terry Dynes now appear to be the primary recovery contractor for London buses. Seen departing West Croydon Bus Station on 21st August 2024 was their Mercedes Arocs BV23KSN, named 'Lewis'. It had Arriva London Enviro 400 T140 (from Thornton Heath garage) on tow. The single-deck bus on the right is a Go-Ahead London SEe-class BYD/Enviro200, most likely on route 450. However, LED blinds tend not to be captured by digital cameras unless you specify a low shutter speed. Actually, having just zoomed in, I can make out that it was actually displaying 'Not in service'.	24/10/2024
330		By Ivor Norman The Ford Transit Connect Mk2 comes in two different lengths, which can best be shown by side-on shots. Most of the examples added to the TfL fleet in recent months have been to the longer (L2) variant, although there have also been some L1s, and both lengths come in either plain van or 'Crew Van' format. 9338F was photographed in Church Langley, Harlow on 18th August 2024. It is an L2 van, evidenced by the fact that the handle for the cargo door is some way forward of the dip in the side rubbing strip ahead of the rear wheel.	24/10/2024
331		By Dave Elison First has had a presence in Manchester since 1996, when it bought GM Buses North, a large operator which (as the name suggests) had been formed by the break up of former PTE operator GM Buses a few years previously. Over the intervening years, First has closed depots and passed routes to other operators, leaving it with just the garage at Oldham. Further changes took place in March 2024 when, as part of the new 'Bee Network' franchising scheme, Oldham depot passed to Stagecoach Manchester. This would have been the end of First in Greater Manchester but for the fact that they won the contracts to work Bee Network services in Rochdale, using the garage formerly run by Rossendale (Rosso). However, with a fleet of just 65 buses, the operation is only around a tenth that of the original First GM. Seen in Rochdale Bus Station on 17th August 2024 was DY23LBJ, a Renault Trafic minibus with First 'number for life' 90930.	24/10/2024
332		By Ray Monk Apart from it being an L1 van, the only notable point about TfL Ford Transit Connect 9249F is that it has a fleetnumber on the offside only. It was seen parked outside the Museum Way depot in Acton Town on 17th August 2024.	24/10/2024
333		By Ray Monk Not another TfL Ford Transit Connect! Bear with me, because this one is a bit different. LJ24YJV was first licensed at the end of March 2024, but appears to have got to Acton Works until that August. Ray photographed it in the Lorry Yard on 17th August, at which time it carried fleetnumber 9372F. More on that in a minute, but note also that this is short (L1) van, a type that is greatly outnumbered by longer versions. The difference in length is most apparent if you look at the position of the cargo door handle in relation to the step-down in the rubbing strip. On L1 vans, these are almost in line, vertically.	24/10/2024
334		By Ray Monk Transport UK seems to have embarked on a program to apply lettering to many of its recently acquired crew ferry cars. Some also have fleetnumbers, while those without are no doubt allocated one. The number series used started (under Abellio control) at 6700 in about 2009 and is now in the high 6800s, although there are lots of gaps in our records. A recent addition is Vauxhall Astra hatchback LK18YGP, acquired in about April 2024 and numbered 6884. It was captured at the small Cheviot Road bus stand in Norwood on 13th August 2024. Other numbers up to 6897 had also been reported by this time, which suggests that they will now have a slight problem. Numbers from 6900 have been used for engineering support vans, so the series used for cars will presumably have to jump (either forwards or backwards) to avoid clashes. I await reports of any sightings that show which approach is taken.	24/10/2024
335		By Ray Monk Also found at RATP's Twickenham base on 13th August 2024 was this anonymous white Renault Trafic van. We would probably have ignored this, except that I recalled seeing the registration (MD22MHN) on a list of vehicles received from the company. This showed that it was allocated fleetnumber MTR70046, which I believe indicates that it is a mid-term rental (as opposed to STR for short-term rental).	24/10/2024
336		By Ray Monk RATP Renault Master van R70036 (MF20RZE) is one of a couple that are not used as a breakdown van (as the majority of the batch of 12 vans are). It is often to be found at the small Twickenham based inherited from NCP/NSL, as here on 13th August 2024, and it has minimal side lettering advertising engineering recruitment but seemingly with no mention of the name of the company.	24/10/2024
337		By Ray Monk Another Metroline mystery. The company added several Ford vehicles with AY71J-- registrations in autumn 2021. We knew about 4 such vehicles, but a fifth turned up nearly 3 years later in July 2024. AY71JKK is a Ford Transit Mk8 van in red with Metroline lettering and it was photographed at Brentford Garage on 13th August 2024. How did this van manage to go unreported for so long?	24/10/2024
338		By Paul Nicholls This van is the same one that Peter recently photographed at Canning Town. A few days later (on 13th August 2024), Paul found it parked in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex. Tellingly, he had previously noted LBSL Passenger Data vehicles parked here (including 8304V), so it would be logical to presume that it is they who operate 9261F.	24/10/2024
339		By Peter Terry It may not look anything special, but this photograph was interesting (to me at least) for a couple of reasons. 9261F is yet another Ford Transit Connect in TfL livery, but it is an L1 (short) crew van, the first of its type to be reported. The L2 crew van has been the most numerous so far, followed by the L2 van then the L1 van. The other oddity was that it was photographed at Canning Town Bus Station (on 10th August 2024). The majority of the new vans have been allocated to LUL roles, but LUL vehicles are not usually to be found parked here. The new TfL livery gives no indication of which part of TfL actually operates the vehicle but, as it happens, we didn't have to wait long to find out...	24/10/2024
340		By Ray Monk Also in the Acton Works Lorry Yard on 10th August 2024 was Renault Kangoo Maxi Van 8594R. This vehicle could be classed as ultra-rare. It was new in September 2017 but was not seen until July 2021, when it was spotted in Aveley (near Thurrock, Essex). Then nothing more until it came back to Acton Works in August 2024. It was delicensed at the end of that month but was relicensed with a new owner in October.	24/10/2024
341		By Ray Monk 8652VW is one of a pair of Volkswagen Transporter minibuses delivered in mid-2018 for use by the Elizabeth Line. While sister 8651VW appears to be quite active, 8652VW was perennially parked up at Plumstead Depot. On 10th August 2024 it was found in the lorry yard at Acton Works, while the following month it was delicensed, suggesting it has been returned off lease. I wonder if anything has replaced it?	24/10/2024
342		By Ray Monk The new Ford Transit Connects being delivered at present appear to be replacing both existing vans and cars in the fleet, and it looks as though this will spell the end for some of the current oddities. For example, the Volkswagen Golf car has been used in small numbers since 2011, with about 14 in the fleet as of earlier this year. Most were estates, like 8209VW seen at Acton Works on 10th August 2024. This example had been fairly elusive and we don't really know where it was allocated during its 8-year career. It is presumed to have been at Acton for decommissioning, although as of mid-October there was no change of licensing data to evidence its departure.	24/10/2024
343		By Ray Monk Seen in the Top Car Park at Acton Works on 10th August 2024, 9319F is one of the ever-growing fleet of TfL-branded Ford Transit Connect crew vans. This example has a roof-rack with what might be a ladder on it. To the right is VW Transporter crew van 8643VW, notable for being one of a couple of vehicles (along with Toyota Prius 8653T) that were switched (and reliveried) from Elizabeth Line to LUL usage in early 2020.	24/10/2024
344		By Andrew Lidinson Andrew visited Bluewater Bus Station on 9th August and (as per Ray the day before), found Hyundai I20 cars in use as crew ferries for Arriva Kent Thameside. His photo shows DV23FYF and DT23NJN. Beyond is Dart SLF/Pointer bus 1634, a type that can no longer be seen in London (TfL) service. I believe Arriva KT also use these for crew ferry work, and I have seen examples parked at Home Gardens in Dartford.	24/10/2024
345		By Derek Everson Metroline has been taking Ford Transit Courier Mk2 vans to replace some of its Ford Transit Connect vans, perhaps because the new variant is larger than the original Transit Courier. Derek found new AX24HRL at Perivale CELF on 8th August 2024, by which time it had received company lettering and rear chevrons. The darker shade of red carried is apparent.	24/10/2024
346		By Derek Everson With Metroline taking delivery of new service vehicles from July 2024 onwards, it would seem logical that the vehicles in this photo (taken at Perivale CELF on 8th August) are those that have been replaced. While 19 and 20-reg vans may seem a bit young for disposal, they are in fact among the oldest in the Metroline fleet. However, the most interesting aspect of this photo is the inclusion of AX19ZFG on the left. The registration suggests that this was acquired at the same time as the three other AX19ZF- vans (in August 2019). But ZFG was never reported or photographed (until this photo). It had company lettering so how it managed to avoid being seen for 5 years is a mystery! Of the others, AX19ZFR was previously at Edgware (EW) and AY20YYV at Willesden Junction (WJ), so these two garages would probably be good places to look out for new vans at. On the right is Renault Grand Scenic car MF70NFE, one of a pair which have seen some use as crew ferries but which mainly seem to be kept at the CELF.	24/10/2024
347		By Andrew Lidinson Another view of the Top Car Park at Acton Works, taken from a passing train on 8th August 2024. This view is looking more southwards than the last, and is also slightly more affected by window grot. However, I felt it was worth including to show the sheer quantity of service vehicles to be seen here. The majority are Ford Transit crew vans in LUL livery, but there is also an LBSL VW Crafter van visible on the right.	24/10/2024
348		By Andrew Lidinson With the front car park and the former DSM van yard at Acton Works both now out of use pending redevelopment, many of the service vehicles at this location are now kept in the car park nearer to Acton Town Station. We refer to this as the 'top car park' (or TCP) as it is nearer the top on the map (!) and it is also at a slightly higher level than the other parts. The change is perhaps good news for us, since the car park (which was previously used mainly for staff cars) can be seen slightly more clearly from passing trains than the van yard could. However, the distance (plus vegetation and 'window dirt') means that it will be a challenge to identify individual vehicles. Andrew did well to capture this overview on 8th August 2024. Ford Transit crew van 8625F is to the fore, with more of the same type (plus Renault Kangoos, VW Caddy vans and a VW Golf estate) visible beyond.	24/10/2024
349		By Ray Monk At Bluewater on 8th August 2024, Ray found three more Hyundai I20 cars in the bus station, headed by DV23FFC. All were in use as crew ferry vehicles from the Northfleet garage of Arriva Kent Thameside.	24/10/2024
350		By Ray Monk Ray found this Hyundai I20 car parked at the bus stops on Home Gardens in Dartford on 8th August 2024. Initially presumed to be working from the nearby Arriva London garage, he soon discovered that it was in fact from the 'Country Cousins' at Northfleet. Several routes operated by Arriva Kent Thameside reach Dartford, although this will decrease from November 2024 when the contract for the Fastrack operation passes to Go-Ahead London.	24/10/2024
351		By Les Savine Plain black Puma cars have been used as service vehicles by both Arriva London (at Barking and Dartford) and now by Metroline. FG73SSX was based at Brentford Garage from summer 2024 onwards and was photographed at Richmond Bus Station on 5th August 2024.	24/10/2024
352		By Les Savine Five new lorries were added to the fleet based at Acton Works during 2023, but photos of them actually in use have been slow to come. Les caught KY73JXF passing Stonebridge Park Station on 31st July 2024. It was evidently coming from Stonebridge Park Depot, the access road for which leads off the roundabout immediately behind the lorry. KY73JXF is notable for having a low-profile cab.	24/10/2024
353		By Les Savine A fine portrait of TfL Ford Transit Connect crew van 9364F taken on 29th July 2024. This is one of several of the type now based at Museum Way (Acton Town), and it was seen parked outside the facility.	24/10/2024
354		By Les Savine Renewal of the Transport UK service vehicle fleet has been taking place this year, though unlike Metroline, most of the additions have been second-hand cars for use as crew ferries. Dacia Duster car FN67KXY was seen at Hounslow Bus Station on 29th July 2024. No fleetnumber was visible, but it had the Transport UK name and logo on the side doors, and was evidently working from Southall (GW) Garage. LT-class New Routemasters from GW work route H32 between Southall and Hounslow, as evidenced by LT150 in the background. LT150 was notable for being one of a handful of the type to operate in a silver livery for a few years when new. It is also one of a growing number of the type to have had several operators. New to London United (RATP) in 2014, it passed to Abellio in 2019, back to RATP in 2021 (ironically based in Hounslow), then back to Abellio again in 2022. Abellio was then rebranded as Transport UK from late-2023 onwards.	24/10/2024
355		By Peter Terry Another new Ford Transit Connect in TfL livery, this is L2 crew van 9226F. It was photographed at Finchley Central Station on 27th July 2024, although it was interestingly parked in the station car park rather than in the permanent way depot (where the resident SVs are kept). Further sightings suggest that it is allocated here, though it has also been seen at Edgware Track Depot.	24/10/2024
356		By Dave Wolstencroft Further renewal of the Metroline service vehicle fleet commenced with the arrival of more small vans from mid-July 2024. The type shown here was not immediately recognisable and it is in fact a new version of the Ford Transit Courier. The initial (2014) design was built in Turkey and had styling based on the contemporary Ford Fiesta car, including a sloping bonnet. The new design (launched in 2023 and which I have called the Mk.2) is built in Romania and features a flatter bonnet with an upright front grille that wraps into the headlights. AV24TGF was unmarked when photographed at Perivale CELF on 25th July 2024, and it features a shade of red rather less London-like than earlier vans. It was later allocated to Brentford Garage.	24/10/2024
357		By Dave Wolstencroft Most of the new Ford Transit Connects delivered in 2024 have been L2 (ie longer) crew vans and vans, but there have also been a handful of L1 (shorter) variants. Museum Way at Acton Town is now home to examples of both length, and this photo taken on 25th July 2024 shows L1 van 9250F parked alongside the building, with one of the outgoing Renault Kangoo vans behind.	24/10/2024
358		By Charles Baldwin Given that the new standard livery for central fleet service vehicles appears to be white with blue roundels and TfL lettering (as seen on recent lorries and Ford vans), I was quite surprised to receive this photo. Taken at Newbury Park Station on 25th July 2024, it shows a white Renault Kangoo van with LUL roundels and TfL lettering. The lettering does not seem to be on labels, suggesting it is not a just a short term hire. The Renault Kangoo van has formed a significant part of the central fleet since around 2011, but it has evidently had a major redesign since the last deliveries in spring 2020. I did wonder if this van had perhaps replaced one of the Kangoos used as Central Line Incident Response Vehicles (8678R-8681R), but there have been no further sightings reported as yet.	24/10/2024
359		By Ray Monk There are only six BMW vehicles in the LTSV database at present, and they were all unmarked (hired) cars operated as crew ferry vehicles from Arriva London's Dartford Garage. The most recent is grey M135 YF73VNT, seen at Bexleyheath Bus Stand on 24th July 2024. It remained in use until early October 2024 at least.	24/10/2024
360		By Ian Rivett Metroline maintains a modern fleet of service vehicles and in July 2024 the first of several new 24-reg examples was reported. This was Ford Transit Mk8 van AV24HBF, as seen here parked outside the offices at the Perivale CELF works on 20th July. The van had been delivered about a week previously but had yet to gain company lettering. It is presumed that this took place before it was delivered to its intended home garage (which we don't know yet).	24/10/2024
361		By Derek Everson On 20th July 2024, Derek had a peer into Hearne House, behind the LT Museum Depot at Acton Town. Parked there was 9244F, yet another new Ford Transit Connect crew van in TfL livery. This is fast becoming the most numerous single type in the central fleet, usurping the Renault Kangoo.	24/10/2024
362		By Phil Hambling On 20th July 2024, the 70th birthday of the Routemaster bus was celebrated with a large gathering of the type at Chiswick Business Park. This venue was chosen as it was built on the site of the former Chiswick Bus Works, which could be considered to be where the Routemaster was born (although they were of course not built there). The event brought a lot of photographers to the Acton area, and several sent in photos of service vehicles that they encountered. Phil found former 6238F parked on Bollo Lane. As regular visitors to LTSV will be aware, this van is now in private use but perhaps by someone who works at Acton Works, as it can often be found parked nearby. A few minor alterations since its time in the central fleet are apparent, with more on the nearside.	24/10/2024
363		By Thomas Young Arriva London's Grays garage is the most remote 'red' bus garage, being over 18 miles from central London (Uno's Hatfield base is a bit further and does run some TfL routes but is mainly used for more local services). Perhaps unsurprisingly, Grays has quite a large allocation of service vehicles, since both crew ferry cars and engineering support vans might have quite a long way to go. When we visited on 18th July, just one of the crew ferries was present (BJ72SVV, recently tranferred from Norwood), but there were three vans. The pair shown here were of particular interest. AK22LXS on the left is a high-roof Ford Transit Custom van, one of four added in 2021/2022 and which have all proved elusive. The few sightings reported suggest that they may not be engineering support vehicles, as they are seen at places not served by their home garage's bus routes. For instance, the first two sightings of AK22LXS were in Dulwich and Catford. FL73VMO on the right is a Vauxhall Combo E van, part of a large batch delivered in 2023. This one had not been reported before, and this might be down to its 'semi-stealth' markings, which comprise white Arriva names and logos on white bodywork!	24/10/2024
364		By Thomas Young The similarity in size of the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy is shown by this view of new TfL Ford 9237F parked beside LUL VW 8979VW at Dagenham East Station on 18th July 2024.	24/10/2024
365		By Thomas Young I haven't had any photos from Westdown Road (Leyton) for a while, as shown by the fact that this is the first showing for four of the vehicles visible in this photo. Taken on 18th July 2024, it shows Ford Transit crew van 8804F (at the back), unique Renault Trafic minibus 8807R and three consecutively-numbered and registered Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Crew Vans (8799VW, 8800VW and 8801VW). Almost hidden is a sole new vehicle in the shape of TfL-liveried Ford Transit Connect Crew Van 9272F.	24/10/2024
366		By Thomas Young Abellio was renamed as Transport UK at the start of 2024, although the old name could be seen on a few buses several months later, and was also still carried on most of the engineering support vans. This pair seen at Twickenham (Fulwell) Garage on 17th July 2024 appear almost identical but are in fact badged differently. DV69EOO on the left is a Vauxhall Vivaro (fleetnumber 6911) that has been here since it was acquired in 2021. MC19XNE on the right was acquired the year before, is numbered 6907 and is a Peugeot Expert. On the far right is bus 1726, one of 36 Wright GB-Kite electric single-deckers acquired in 2024 and which had only entered service the day before this photo was taken.	24/10/2024
367		By Thomas Young Metroline opened a completely rebuilt Brentford Garage in mid-2024, buses having been kept on an adjoining plot of land during the building work. When we visited on 17th July 2024, three of Metroline's Ford Transit Connect vans were present, although it is possible some were there in connection with the move rather than being allocated here. This view shows AY71JDF and AX19FLA. Brentford currently has an allocation of 112 double-deck buses, all Volvo/Wright Geminis (of classes VW and VWH) apart from 32 New Routemasters used on routes 9 and H91. The garage also maintains the 38 VW/VWH class buses allocated to the outstation at Lampton.	24/10/2024
368		By Ray Monk It seems that some of the nine Seat Ibiza cars allocated to Arriva London's Norwood Garage in early 2023 are now surplus and have been moved elsewhere. BP72VAO, still with its local fleetnumber of S2 in the windscreen, went to Dartford and was photographed at the bus stand in Bexleyheath on 17th July 2024.	24/10/2024
369		By Dave Wolstencroft The LUL Toyota Prius latterly allocated to Golders Green Station (8550T) was replaced in mid-2024 by TfL liveried Ford Transit Connect crew van 9285F. The new van was seen in the usual parking place (in the corner of the bus station) on 16th July 2024.	24/10/2024
370		By Dave Wolstencroft There are about 20 Toyota Yaris cars in TfL livery in the current fleet, having been delivered between 2014 and 2020. Most are rather hard to track down, with few sightings and no solid allocation or function information. Apart from when it was new at Acton Works in 2019, 8837T had only been reported twice, both when it was on the move in South London. Dave found it parked at the Dial-a-Ride depot in North Wembley on 16th July 2024.	24/10/2024
371		By Bob Milner Most of the Ford Transit Connect vans and crew vans delivered from spring 2024 have had London registration numbers (for example LD24xxx and LJ24xxx). However, there have also been a quantity with Yorkshire marks, as shown here by 9243F (YR24KZF). These vans are largely identical apart from having different wheeltrims. 9243F was new in June or July 2024 and it was allocated to High Barnet Station, where it was photographed on 14th July. Although many of the new Fords were used to replace Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans, this one appears to be a replacement for Toyota Prius car 8571T.	30/09/2024
372		By Ray Monk Showing the size difference between the Ford Transit Connect and the tallest variant of the Ford Transit, this pair was found at the end of Bollo House in Acton on 13th July 2024. 8378F on the left was one of relatively few Transit Connect vans remaining in the central fleet prior to the large influx of new deliveries in mid-2024. It was primarily based at nearby Hearne House and it spent some time in the lorry yard later in the month before going off lease in August. 8483F on the right is a regular sight at Acton Works. Note that vehicles parked here are sometimes awaiting entry into the adjoining Small Bills auto repair shop, rather than being in use by Bollo House.	30/09/2024
373		By Ray Monk Lots of vehicles were parked at the south end of the lorry yard at Acton Works on 13th July 2024. To the fore is new Ford Transit Connect crew van 9189F in TfL livery. Although licensed at the end of April 2024, this appears to have been delivered in June, and it had been allocated to Stratford Market Depot by August. Parked in the middle is KS73MTY, one of a pair of plain white Citroen Berlingo vans that had perhaps been hired pending new deliveries, while beyond that are Peugeot Partner Tepee 8565P (far right) and TfL Toyota Yaris 8893T, neither of which seems to be old enough to be due for replacement. Other vehicles were mainly Renault Kangoo vans that were on the way out.	30/09/2024
374		By Ray Monk LUL likes (or liked) Renault Kangoos, and they like crew vans, but not together. Over 360 Kangoo vans have been leased since 2008, but all except four were plain vans. The exceptions were four electric crew vans that arrived in 2018. One (8681R) was in LUL Incident Response Vehicle livery, and this left the fleet in late 2023. The other three were in normal LUL white/blue/red and based at Lillie Bridge, and Ray found two of them in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 13th July 2024. Nearest was 8603R with 8604R beyond. Their presence here would suggest they were due for disposal, but in the event it looks as though they did not leave until September. I should perhaps mention that it is possible that some of the other Renault Kangoos were 'secret' crew vans, i.e. with a second row of seats but without the windows in the cargo doors. Also visible in this photo is Ford Transit crew van 8284F, and this did leave the fleet later in July, even though we are not aware of any new comparable-sized vans being delivered.	30/09/2024
375		By Ray Monk Many of the Ford Transit Connect vans delivered from Easter 2024 onwards have replaced similarly-sized Renault Kangoo and VW Caddy vans dating from 2016/2017. The replaced vans can often be seen at Acton Works ahead of their being returned to the lessors. On 13th July 2024, the south end of the lorry yard contained several Renault Kangoos, including 8391R seen here. This example was new in April 2017 and had spent most of its career working out of Edgware Track Depot.	30/09/2024
376		By Ray Monk MAN LE demountable lorry 2587 was the dedicated carrier for the Emergency Control Unit body from 2015 until 2023, when it was replaced by newer WU67AJY. However, it seems that 2587 is not going to be disposed of as we predicted. Although unlicensed (SORN), it has remained at Acton Works and is moved around. On 13th July 2024 it was found parked outside the REW building. It was fitted with an unidentified demountable body, lacking a floor and finished in red primer. This combination was noted again in late September, this time in the lorry yard.	30/09/2024
377		By Ray Monk Museum Way in Acton Town latterly had several LUL Renault Kangoo Maxi vans allocated, but most have recently been replaced by new Ford Transit Connect crew vans in TfL white livery. Seen parked outside the facility on 13th July 2024 were 9370F (nearest) and 9369F.	30/09/2024
378		By Peter Terry Another vehicle being used by Go-Ahead London to support its Wimbledon Tennis bus services was Citroen C3 car MT24XMB, seen outside the station on 10th July 2024. It was unmarked and was perhaps just a short-term hire. Inside the windscreen was a notice stating that it was a 'Go-Ahead London. Staff Vehicle. Wimbeldon Tennis' (sic).	30/09/2024
379		By Dave Elison BT20ZPZ is a Mercedes Vito minibus used by Diamond North West and photographed at Ashton-under-Lyne Interchange on 12th July 2024. This operator was renamed from South Lancs Travel when it was bought by the Rotala Group in 2015 and it now has a sizeable presence in the Manchester area. Note the curious application of a GB sticker to the front bumper.	30/09/2024
380		By Derek Everson By early July 2024 we had found over 50 of these TfL Ford Transit Connect crew vans, and they were evidently being allocated around the system, particularly to locations that had elderly Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans. 9277F went to Finchley Central Station, where it was photographed on 8th July.	30/09/2024
381		By Derek Everson LUL's Emergency Response Unit tenders can turn up anywhere on the network, and sometimes help out at incidents on Network Rail tracks. 2606 was seen passing Enfield Garage (actually in Ponders End) on 8th July 2024.	30/09/2024
382		By Ray Monk LUL VW Caddy Maxi crew van 8268VW kept a low profile during its 7-year working life, only being photographed at the beginning and (perhaps) the end. Even sightings were few and far between, with a couple suggesting that it was based at Hainault Depot. Ray found it in the lorry yard at Acton Works on 6th July 2024, which made me think it had been withdrawn for disposal. However, nearly 3 months later, it has not yet had a licence or V5C change, so it could have been retained for further use. Alongside was VW Transporter minibus 8422VW, and this one has gone, being auctioned at BCA later in July. This is interesting because, as far as we know, no new minibuses have been added to the fleet recently.	30/09/2024
383		By Ray Monk Yet another anonymous car working for Arriva London from Dartford Garage, though at least this one is of a more familiar type. CX23VTF is a Seat Arona, seen at Bexleyheath Bus Stand on 3rd July 2024.	30/09/2024
384		By Derek Everson EY67WUB is a Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew van in the fleet of Go-Ahead London. Now based at Merton Garage, each summer it is used to support the bus services run to the tennis championship in Wimbledon. It was photographed by Derek on 2nd July 2024, parked outside the same shops as in his photo from 2 years ago. One change to note is the addition of gold Go-Ahead London lettering.	30/09/2024
385		By Derek Everson Whilst in Clapham on 2nd July 2024, Derek found another of the ABM / Works for London Citroen E-Dispatch vans, similar to the one recently photographed in Rotherhithe. This view shows the chevrons and lettering applied to the rear, and also a removable 'Maintaining bus stops and shelters on behalf of London Buses' label on the driver's door.	30/09/2024
386		By Derek Everson Seen just near the Clapham Old Town bus terminus on 2nd July 2024 was Dynes Volvo recovery truck AY69RHO, named Belle. It was attending to Go-Ahead London Enviro 400 EH307, which presumably expired just after leaving the terminus on route 88. The bus was able to get to a layby but the position of a lamp-post meant that the only way the truck could get to it was by blocking the whole of the (one-way) road. I used to live near here and I can imagine that this would have resulted in some serious problems, with no convenient alternative routes for traffic.	30/09/2024
387		By Derek Everson We haven't seen any service vehicles from the sightseeing operation at Wandsworth Garage for a while now. Once branded 'The Original Tour', the services are now run under the Tootbus name, this apparently being derived from the initials of 'The Original Open Top'. Carrying just this name on a plain white livery was Ford Transit Connect van AV17JKF, photographed (with permission) inside Wandsworth Garage on 2nd July 2024.	30/09/2024
388		By Ray Monk Oh look, another VW Caddy Maxi crew van in the lorry yard at Acton Works. Who is selecting these photos?! Well, there is a minor comment to make. When seen on 15th June 2024, 8332VW had similar 8215VW alongside. But by 29th June it had Ford Focus estate 8446F instead. As mentioned, 8332VW had latterly been at London Road Depot, and it was to be left here for about a month until it was delicensed in July. 8446F was a 'lesser-spotted' Hainault vehicle.	11/08/2024
389		By Les Savine Go-Ahead London currently has about 58 Mercedes Vito minibuses in use as crew ferry vehicles, of which 13 had yet to be shown on LTSV. Les enables that figure to be reduced to 12 with this photo of RX71SYS arriving at Tottenham Hale Station (from Northumberland Park Garage) on 27th June 2024. This is one of many to have been given vinyl wraps to promote bus driver recruitment. The wraps cover the side windows, making the minibuses look more like vans at first glance.	11/08/2024
390		By Jon Pye TfL Volvo FE lorry KY73JXF has a 'low-entry' cab, mounted further forward than the standard model. It was delivered in September 2023 and was seen leaving Loughton Station on 23rd June 2024.	11/08/2024
391		By Peter Terry During Central Line engineering work on 22nd June 2024, Peter found and photographed a number of service vehicles at Loughton Station. Most of the LUL vehicles had already been shown on LTSV, so I have instead selected this view of Balfour Beatty van FA19OAY. This carries the same 'TfL - Balfour Beatty, Integrated Track Team' lettering as seen recently on an Isuzu Forward truck at Hammersmith. FA19OAY is a Vauxhall Movano crew van, a type that has not found favour with LUL but which has been a staple of the Network Rail fleet over the past decade, with almost 3,000 operated (although this includes dropsides as well as vans). The large poppy on the front grille is a curious sight in June.	11/08/2024
392		By Ray Monk The VW Transporter van is something of a rarity in the current central fleet. 8523VW is the sole low-roof example, latterly based at Stratford Market Depot but seen at Acton Works on 22nd June 2024, suggesting it has now been replaced. 8675VW is a mid-height van at Edgware Track Depot, and there is also similar 8199VW with Croydon Trams. Apart from these and 22 minibuses, the only other Transporters are 11 crew vans. The larger van in the background is believed to be a hired vehicle.	11/08/2024
393		By Kim Rennie Several people have noticed these vans around London. Operated by contractor ABM but also carrying 'Works for London' and TfL lettering, they have a livery that is similar to the previous standard LUL scheme. The shade of blue on the skirt is a bit more purple though. Citroen E-Dispatch van BK24XNA was found in Rotherhithe in mid-June 2024.	11/08/2024
394		By Ray Monk It would appear that the new batch of Ford Transit Connect crew vans is being used to replace some cars as well as vans. Toyota Prius 8524T seen in the lorry yard on 15th June 2024 had previously been based at Stratford Market Depot. Alongside is 9379F, still the highest-numbered SV reported and which entered service in July.	11/08/2024
395		By Ray Monk Another week, another VW Caddy Maxi crew van awaiting disposal in the lorry yard at Acton Works! Seen on 15th June 2024 was 8215VW with similar 8332VW alongside. Neither van had been spotted very much and it is believed that both had been based at London Road Depot near Elephant & Castle. Also just visible is LBSL Vauxhall Movano minibus 8303V, although whether this has been replaced (by a Ford Transit Connect?!) is not known.	11/08/2024
396		By Ray Monk As regular visitors will know, Arriva London's Dartford Garage uses various hired cars for use as crew ferries, with many only been kept for a short period. A recent addition has been VW Golf hatchback PK24VZO, seen at Bexleyheath on 9th June 2024.	11/08/2024
397		By Ray Monk With delivery of new vehicles now in full swing but both the van yard and staff car park at Acton Works out of use, displaced vehicles are now usually parked at the south end of the lorry yard. As such, they can be seen from passing trains, offering a 'last chance to see' for some rather rare vehicles. Most so far have been Renault Kangoo or VW Caddy vans. LUL VW Caddy Maxi crew van 8534VW was present on 8th June 2024 but had departed for pastures new by July.	11/08/2024
398		By Ray Monk 8205VW and 8205VW are both VW Caddy Maxi crew vans with LUL livery and 'Incident Response' markings. They are nominally based at Palestra in Southwark, though they are not seen very often. 8206VW was parked in the lorry yard at Acton Works for a while recently, as seen on 8th June 2024. It could be that it has been replaced by one of the new Ford Transit Connect vans, but if so, it would be interesting to know if this entailed a change from the new standard white/blue TfL livery.	11/08/2024
399		By Derek Everson Also found at the MAN/VW dealership in Bedfont on 7th June 2024 was this plain white VW Crafter van. GL23UZH had a removable sign on the nearside door stating that it is used for bus stop maintenance, although the firm involved is not known.	11/08/2024
400		By Derek Everson MAN lorry RK14ETT - which celebrates its 10th birthday in a few days - is no stranger to LTSV. It can usually be seen at Acton, either at Frank Pick House or in the nearby lorry yard, and is used primarily by the Lifts and Escalators section. On 7th June 2024 Derek found it visiting the MAN/VW dealership in Bedfont.	11/08/2024

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