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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 4,201 |  |
By Richard Eversden Another traditional independent in the South Wales area was Brian Isaac of Morriston near Swansea. Many of their vehicles featured a very pale blue livery, as also carried by this Austin/Leyland/Rover Maestro van with fleetnumber 89. Although locally registered, the style of roof-rack makes me think this was a former British Telecom vehicle. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,202 |  |
By Richard Eversden Davies Bros of Pencader was a traditional independent operator in South Wales, eventually taken over by SWT (South Wales Transport, now part of First). Photographed at their garage at about the time of the takeover, D367YAY was a recovery vehicle based on a very late model Bedford TL truck. The lifting gear looks rather antiquated. Note also the stripped down bus in the background. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,203 |  |
By Richard Eversden Cardiff Bus has featured on this site before, but here is their Land Rover Defender van B56MSB, photographed at the garage on 30th April 1995. Although it looks rather rugged, Richard commented that it wouldn't 'pull the skin off a rice pudding'! |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,204 |  |
By Richard Eversden Newport Transport based in south Wales had an interesting bus fleet painted in a green and cream livery. In a contrasting red livery, Ford Cargo recovery truck FNM875Y was fleetnumber 182 when photographed at the garage on 23rd March 1998. The non-Welsh registration suggests this was a 2nd hand acquisition. Note the low-profile lifting gear. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,205 |  |
By Richard Eversden The next eight photographs were all taken in Wales, although at least two have a London connection. First up is this view of Leyland Leopard towing bus TXA114K of Arriva Wales, taken at (I think) Aberystwyth Garage on 1st April 1998. This Alexander-bodied vehicle started life as bus FPE14 in the Fife Scottish fleet in 1972. It was later neatly rebuilt as a towing vehicle, renumbered L10 then 1044, and repainted yellow. Having disposed of all my old TAG and Capital Transport bus handbooks I'm not sure how this vehicle ended up in the Arriva empire. I also can't find my old 'I-Spy Car Registration Numbers' book (!) but I believe that X group registrations (such as TXA) were not normally issued after the licensing office reorganisation of 1974. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,206 |  |
By Thomas Young Steve and I made the long and rather bleak walk down to First's Dagenham Garage on 1st August 2012, primarily to try and determine whether this recently reported van was actually a service vehicle. As the photo shows, the results were somewhat inconclusive. SP12UVE was an anonymous Ford Transit Connect van, in a similar registration series to lettered SV SP12LUO. However, it was parked in an area usually used by crew ferry contractors (note the D2D markings on the parking bays, this being for the firm Door-2-Door), and two other larger vans were seen nearby in First livery (albeit unlettered). Anyway, I have added SP12UVE to the database as a First vehicle for now. Also visible in this photo is one of two anonymous white 58-reg Ford Transit minibuses and also parts of two silver Ford Galaxy cars. All of these had private hire licence stickers in the windscreens, proving that crew ferry duties here are still undertaken by contractors. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,207 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva London's Vauxhall Corsa crew ferry cars do seem to be rather prone to reallocation, due to both route changes and attempts to balance the mileages. Photographed in the car park of Tesco on the Old Kent Road on 13th July 2012, car number 99 (FP11XAY) was evidently working from Ash Grove, whose route 168 has crew changes nearby. This car and similar 98 FG11XZZ (which was also present), both started out at Lea Valley garage (LV) before moving to Barking (DX) then on to Ash Grove (AE). By the way, all but the last 7 of the 1st generation of Corsa cars have now been withdrawn (fleetnumbers 92 to 136). 32 of these numbers have been reused on 2nd generation cars, with 13 not yet seen. It may be that route tendering losses have reduced the requirement and that the remaining numbers (112-120, 122, 125, 130 and 136) will not reappear. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,208 |  |
By slr As mentioned recently, First group sold its Northumberland Park garage, along with the buses and routes operated, to the Go-Ahead group in March 2012. It wasn't clear at first if any service vehicles were involved. However, this Volkswagen Crafter van, latterly based at Willesden Junction garage, was seen at Finsbury Park just before the sale. It had recently gained 'First Engineering Support' lettering. The next sighting was on 2nd August 2012, when it was photographed parked off Gaunt Street near Elephant and Castle. It was by then being used by Go-Ahead from their Stockwell garage, and had had its lettering suitably amended. It had also had IRU-style chevrons added, seemingly underneath the original yellow stripe. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,209 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Two of Quality Line's seven Toyota Yaris Verso crew ferry cars were withdrawn earlier in 2012 and this seems to have led to a renumbering of the remainder. LA04CGG shown here was originally Car7 but is now known as Car4 (latterly on LB04SBZ). Perhaps more curiously, this photograph was taken on 15th July 2012 in Sloane Square, rather far from any of Quality Line's routes (as their former name of Epsom Buses suggests, operations are centered on the south west fringes of London). It was perhaps on loan to co-owned London United, Quality Line having been bought by RATP Dev in April. LA04CGG was seen in use back in the Epsom area in early August. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,210 |  |
By John Hillman Both of these Arriva the Shires service vehicles were shown on LTSV back in April this year. However, since then, one of them has had a makeover. Originally in an unusual black and yellow colour scheme, former London taxi R146NGT has been repainted green and blue and given signwriting advertising Green Line service 758. It remains in use as a crew ferry vehicle at Hemel Hempstead, and was photographed in the bus station on 2nd August 2012. I have had a report that some crew ferry vehicles at Stevenage are also now in a green/blue livery, while one at Aylesbury now carries Arriva corporate blue and cream. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,211 |  |
By Ray Monk Tube Lines has taken delivery of two new Mercedes-Benz Actros artic tractors this year, but still has need to sometimes hire additional units. Photographed passing Acton Town station on 23rd July 2012, this Renault Premium has a sleeper cab and a large crane. Although barely visible in the sunshine, a Tube Lines label had been applied behind the cab door. The short flatbed trailer looks to be in LUL blue but its appearance does not match any of the known fleet members. It may also have been hired. Ray gets extra points for another 'SV plus girl/s' shot. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,212 |  |
By Ray Monk Another Renault Kangoo, this time estate car LX12ZVP, was photographed entering Acton Works on delivery on 25th June 2012. I would guess that this car will be destined for Tube Lines and numbered in the 7382R to 7399R range. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,213 |  |
By Ray Monk Ray recently discovered that the Renault vehicles leased for the central fleet are being supplied by the dealership off Western Avenue near Park Royal. As evidence, this photo shows one of three Kangoo Maxi vans found there on 23rd July 2012. Over 50 Kangoos (a mixture of vans and estates) have been added in the past 6 months, vehicles being given fleetnumbers in the 73xx and 74xx ranges. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,214 |  |
By Graham Brown A much more straightforward TfL Streets Toyota Prius is LS61XPG, delivered (via Acton Works) in January 2012 and based most likely at Chancel Street in Southwark. It was photographed nearby, outside the Palestra building on 4th July 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,215 |  |
By Graham Brown Recently reported for this time, this Toyota Prius is a bit of a mystery. Although lettered for TfL Streets, it carries a non-standard silver livery and is also unusual for not having been operated from new. It could in fact belong to a contractor. Various firms such as Volker and Mouchel operate vehicles (including Prius cars) on behalf of TfL, and these often carry TfL lettering and/or logos. They also always show the contractor's name as well though, whereas this example does not. Photographed opposite the Palestra building in Southwark on 23rd July 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,216 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographed on delivery to Acton Works on 26th June 2012 (the day it was licensed), LX12UHL is a 'normal' length Renault Kangoo van. These have been outnumbered recently by the longer Maxi model. This van soon entered service with LUL, having gained a red stripe and fleetnumber 7426R. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,217 |  |
By Ray Monk Two of the newest and one of the oldest service vehicles, photographed at Finchley Central Station on 2nd August 2012. The allocation here was largely renewed in mid-2012, with new deliveries of three types. On the left is Ford Transit crew van 7409F, a medium wheelbase example. On the right is Renault Kangoo estate car 7385R, one of a large batch (numbers in the range 7382R to 7399R have been reported so far) recently taken for Tube Lines. The third type is the Ford Focus estate car, but this is represented here by 5-and-a-half year old 6081F, transferred up from Euston in 2011. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,218 |  |
By Ray Monk Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7362R was found parked on North Crescent at West Ham on 23rd July 2012. Quite a few Vauxhall Combo vans were latterly based here and at nearby Stratford Market Depot and the recent Kangoo vans are probably replacements. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,219 |  |
By Ray Monk High-roof Ford Transit crew van 7334F was seen leaving Acton Works on a sunny 12th July 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,220 |  |
By Ray Monk Deliveries of Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars have continued since the first arrived in early 2011, alongside examples of the broadly similar Renault Kangoo estate. 7314P was seen approaching Acton Works on 26th June 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,221 |  |
By Ray Monk LBSL Incident Response Unit 7305M has been a regular at Cromwell Road Bus Station in Kingston since delivery in February 2012. Seen on 8th May 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,222 |  |
By Ray Monk Of the twenty-one new MB Sprinter vans leased for LBSL in spring 2012, five were first allocated to Eltham Bus Station. 7289M however did not stay long, and its current allocation is not yet known. It was photographed at Eltham on 12th May 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,223 |  |
By Ray Monk Tube Lines took eleven new Vauxhall Astra vans in January 2012, all for use by the lifts and escalators section. Several are usually parked at Frank Pick House in Acton, but the remainder are outstationed. 7255V was found parked in front of the old cinema at Well Hall Roundabout in Eltham on 29th March 2012. Ray extends his domination of the photos section of this website, this being his 800th to be published. For the record, as of last week, he has e-mailed me a total of 2,000 SV photographs. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,224 |  |
By Ray Monk Delivered in April 2011, Ford Transit dropside truck 7035F was not seen in daylight until Ray caught it leaving Hainault depot on 9th July 2012. As can be seen, it has a tail-lift but no crew-cab. There also appears to be a small crane or hoist behind the cab. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,225 |  |
By Graham Brown Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans 7002M, 7009M and 7010M are seen at their home base of Aldgate Bus Station on 12th May 2012. All have been shown on this site before. However, this view is the first to show both types of 'green' red Ford Transit together. Nose out is Ashwoods hybrid 6986F, part of the operations fleet and therefore in the same livery as the Mercedes vans. This and sister 6985F have been moving around various locations since delivery in late 2010, presumably to test their accumulator power packs under various conditions. Next to 6986F, and nose-in as usual, is Smith electric conversion 7160F, used by LBSL Infrastructure and carrying the orange squares livery. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,226 |  |
By London Spotter This is an odd one. This Ford Focus estate car was seen at Acton Works when brand new in September 2010. However, nothing more was seen of it until 29th June 2012, when it was found (coincidentally by the same person who originally reported it) parked in Whitstable in Kent. Presuming that it does actually come in to London sometimes, it has done well to avoid being seen by our (very dedicated) reporting team. Anyway, at least we now know its fleetnumber and operator. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,227 |  |
By Ray Monk Continuing our gradual coverage of the large batch of LUL Ford Transit crew vans numbered between 6907F and 6940F, here we see 6935F passing Acton Town station on 23rd March 2012. One of this batch was withdrawn early, 6932F suffering very severe accident damage in May or June 2011. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,228 |  |
By Ray Monk 6818F is one of a pair of silver Ford Transit minibuses kept at the Westdown Road facility in Leyton (originally known as Drapers Field). It has been seen out and about both at night and during the day, as here on Eastcheap in the City of London on 5th April 2012. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,229 |  |
By Adam Floyd Rather curiously, the second photograph from Adam Floyd is also a rear view of a former Metronet Vauxhall Combo van now to be found in Buckingham (see the other one here). 5748V was used by both the SSL and BCV divisions of Metronet before being sold in 2008 or 2009. Photographed on 12th May 2012, traces of the Metronet logos can still be made out on the bodysides and doors. It was parked off the road and was actually unlicensed (SORN) at the time. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,230 |  |
By Derek Everson Photographed emerging from Acton Works on 11th June 1990, 3494F was a LWB petrol Ford Transit Mk3 van new in autumn 1987. It was unmarked apart from fleetnumbers and 'Installation Manager' lettering on the doors. Something I had not noticed before is that the switch from grey to red livery on LT's Ford Transit vans seems to have happened with the change from the Mk2 model to the Mk3. Could it be that grey was not an option on the Mk3? |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,231 |  |
By Derek Everson 3049F was a Ford Escort van leased in August 1982 and kept for a little over 4 years. It was allocated to Chiswick but was photographed inside Turnham Green garage on 17th June 1983. Turnham Green had closed as an operational bus garage in May 1980, its buses (and the V allocation code) transferring to the former Chiswick High Road tram depot (which was renamed Stamford Brook). However, Turnham Green was retained for other functions, including the storage of new and redundant buses. A BL, RM and DMS bus can be seen in the background. The allocation code XV was used (perhaps derived from ex-V) but it is not known if this was official, and it was almost certainly never applied to any vehicles. The garage was finally closed in 1986 and has since been demolished. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,232 |  |
By Derek Everson Another 'vintage' Bollo Lane view from Derek, this time showing Bedford TL artic tractor unit 2300B (new in 1981) with Crane Fruehauf dropside trailer CT36 (new in 1984) hitched up. Following behind is a red Ford Escort van, most likely also a service vehicle. Although the tractor and the van are long-gone, trailer CT36 is believed to be still in stock, now repainted blue. 27th February 1985. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,233 |  |
By Derek Everson This photograph was taken at the Chiswick Works open day on 11th August 1985 and shows two of the distinctive Ford D-series uniform issue units parked up. 1993F is to the fore, with 1947F behind. Also visible are that curious tripod thing and bits of two sweepers, as also seen here. More SVs were parked further left, as seen here. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,234 |  |
By Kim Rennie I was surprised to find that I had not yet published a photograph of well-known Ford Trader 1282F in its pre-preserved red livery. New in 1963 as an auxiliary railway breakdown tender, it was later converted into a communications vehicle. Interestingly I have been unable to determine when this conversion took place, although it was before May 1976. Upon replacement in 1982 (by Ford A-series 2086F) 1282F was retained as a 'heritage' vehicle, and repainted in non-authentic Chiswick green livery. Although no longer kept on LUL premises, the vehicle is believed to still exist. Whilst active, 1282F was kept at Neasden Depot, as seen here. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,235 |  |
By John Marshall Here is a nice view of Bedford CAV route survey van 989B in its 'covert' black livery. It was found at Chiswick Station on 17th July 1957, parked alongside RT2947 working route 55. |
06/08/2012 |
| 4,236 |  |
By Kim Rennie Kim has recently sent in some beautifully high-resolution scans of slides taken in the 1970s and 1980s. The first of these shows (for the first time here) AEC Swift bus SMD441 parked at Victoria Bus Garage. Five redundant AEC Swift buses were converted for other roles between 1978 and 1981. SMD441 became a mobile recruitment bus in May 1979 and was repainted in this attractive red and white livery. It also later carried the spurious fleetnumber 441R. Eventually sold in March 1987, it was outlived only by mobile classroom STB91. Another AEC saloon is just visible parked in front, but this may be one of the buses based here for Red Arrow services until replaced by Leyland Nationals in 1981. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,237 |  |
By Richard Eversden Ensign sold its LT bus operations at the end of 1990 (these being renamed Capital Citybus), leaving it with the sightseeing tours operated under the London Pride fleetname. DAF tow truck TSE299X was evidently retained and repainted into the mainly red livery used by London Pride. This photograph was taken in 1997 in Cardiff, when the truck was recovering an MCW Metrobus from the recently closed Cardiff Bluebird operation. Although licensed until the end of 2007, the subsequent history of TSE299X is not known. London Pride was sold to the Arriva group in 2001 and it may be that it was disposed of then. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,238 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Two contributors sent in photographs of this previously unknown vehicle recently. TSE299X was a DAF 2800 recovery truck with Wreckers International bodywork. New in May 1982, the Scottish registration suggests it was not new to Ensign, although it was with them by 21st May 1989 when it was photographed at Purfleet garage. The Ensignbus fleet at the time was painted in blue and silver and served about half a dozen LT routes. Although still utilising former LT DMS buses (one is visible in the background) more modern MCW Metrobuses were being bought new and second-hand. It is not known whether the red Vauxhall Astramax van parked in the background was also an Ensign service vehicle. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,239 |  |
By Ray Monk The relatively new bus garage off Ruckholt Road in Leyton is operated by First London and known as Lea Interchange (with the code of LI). A new engineers van was allocated there in spring 2012, Ford Transit high-roof van SP12LUO replacing VW Transporter YT56AXA. It was photographed at home on 29th June 2012, showing its allover red livery relieved only by grey First logos. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,240 |  |
By Malcolm Conway To call the event held at Fulwell Bus Garage on 12th May 2012 (for the 50th anniversary of the Trolleybus closure) an open day would be a bit generous. Most of the front yard was roped off and used for the display of several buses and trolleybuses (and 89Q), but the garage itself was out of bounds. However, the event did draw huge crowds and the weather was pleasant. London United had recently taken delivery of a large fleet of new service vehicles but none of these was on display. Two could be glimpsed (just) within the garage, while a third was more visible, parked on Wellington Road opposite the garage. Numbered FF14, this Ford Fiesta van is reportedly allocated to the former NCP/NSL garage at Twickenham. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,241 |  |
By Ray Monk The weather in July 2012 has (so far) been rather remarkably wet. July 7th was the date of this year's Potters Bar Garage open day, and this was rather damp to start with. In terms of service vehicles, there was very little of interest. No vehicles were on display, and even the resident engineer's van was absent. Apart from an Uno van parked nearby (again), the only SVs were three unmarked cars hidden among the staff cars in the front car park. Two were Vauxhall Zafiras, the third was this previously unreported Renault Grand Scenic (the 7-seat version of the Scenic car). Note the usual loving car lavished on such vehicles! |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,242 |  |
By Ray Monk Another one pops up! This Volkswagen Transporter van photographed at First's Lea Interchange Garage on 29th June 2012 was remarkably similar to VK59GWW seen at Uxbridge a few months earlier. Although over 2 years old, neither had been reported before. It could be that they were recently transferred in from other parts of the First empire, although this seems unlikely given the red livery. LI garage had recently lost an earlier VW Transporter van, but this appears to have been replaced by a new Ford Transit. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,243 |  |
By Ray Monk Vauxhall Astra van BN55NFH joined the Arriva Shires fleet based at Garston in March 2008, but was not reported by anyone for the next 4 years. This photo taken at Edgware Bus Station on 7th July 2012 shows how it could perhaps have been easily overlooked. The only clues to its operation were an Arriva sign on the dashboard, and the fact that the driver got out and started topping up the water in an Arriva DAF Cadet bus parked nearby! |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,244 |  |
By Ray Monk A slightly unusual sight at Acton Works on 3rd July 2012 was of Ford Focus Estate car LL12HXN arriving on the back of a Dagenham Motors Ford Transit car transporter. Some new vehicles are delivered by lorry but the majority are driven in. As the car was still unlettered, the operator and fleetnumber remain to be determined. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,245 |  |
By Richard Jones The highest fleetnumbers reported so far are 7466 and 7467, carried by a pair of Ford Transit minibuses delivered to London Buses Network Development (aka Passenger Data) in mid-2012. 7466F came first, and was photographed a few days after delivery, basking in the sunshine in Chislehurst on 26th June. As normal with this department, an abbreviation of the fleetnumber is carried on the front bumper. The pair replaced similar 6460F and 6498F, these being retained for use by LBSL Bus Operations during the Olympic games. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,246 |  |
By Ray Monk Within two days of my posting a comment about Barking Wakering Road last month (see here), I got a report that the four Renault Kangoo cars based there had indeed been replaced. Rather surprisingly, given the number of new Kangoos coming into stock at the time, the replacements were actually Peugeot Partner Tepee cars. This photo taken on 13th June 2012 shows 7449P parked at the entrance to the tiny yard. Three others were tightly parked in a line on the right, headed by 7450P with 7451P and 7452P out of view beyond. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,247 |  |
By Thomas Young Deliveries of Ford Focus estate cars for the central fleet resumed in Spring 2012, after an 18-month gap. Among them was 7404F for Tube Lines, seen parked at Bollo House on 7th July 2012. It would seem likely that this vehicle was a replacement for similar but un-numbered (and blue) VN07CKO. It is slightly curious that a sliver of blue skirt is carried on the back door but not around the rear corners. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,248 |  |
By Ray Monk A seemingly huge number of Renault Kangoos was delivered from spring 2012, including both estate car and van versions. 7391R is an estate car assigned to Tube Lines and photographed leaving Acton Works on 3rd July 2012. A large proportion of the fleetnumbers in the 73xx range have been allocated to these vehicles but, in the absence of any official fleet information, it may be a while until they are all reported. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,249 |  |
By Ray Monk Delivery of the latest batch of London Buses Incident Response Unit vans was completed in early May 2012, but it is taking a while to get quality photographs of them all. At least 4 of the 21 vans are based at Eltham, including 7288M photographed there on 12th May. Slightly older 7011M is parked behind. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,250 |  |
By Kevin Bullions Renault Kangoo estate car 7262R was delivered in April 2012 and was slightly unusual for carrying white/blue livery with London Underground lettering but no red stripe. It was photographed parked outside the Museum Depot in Acton on 5th July 2012. Although it is not based here, the location suggests it may have replaced similar (and elusive) 6523R. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,251 |  |
By Ray Monk Delivered in February 2012, 7209F and 7210F were a pair of mid-height Ford Transit vans for the TfL Uniform Service operation based at North Acton. They replaced similar 6190F and high-roof 6584F and were photographed at their home base on 4th June 2012. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,252 |  |
By Ray Monk The Volkswagen Caddy van has been an increasingly common choice for the leased fleet over the past few years. The lengthened 'Maxi' version remains rare however, the first having been crew van 6971VW in 2010. This vehicle is believed to be based at Stonebridge Park depot but has only rarely been seen. On 4th July 2012 Ray caught it entering Acton works. The difference in length is apparent if you compare this photograph with one of normal length 7128VW. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,253 |  |
By Ray Monk Another addition to the lorry fleet recently was this Mercedes-Benz Actros prime mover, delivered in June 2012. WN12NDV is similar to earlier WP61ZXE but has roof-mounted beacon lights and the yellow safety warning signs on the sides. On 26th June it was caught arriving back at Acton Works after doing some work for the Crossrail project (at least that is what the sign in the windscreen says). |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,254 |  |
By Ray Monk Passing the distinctive chimneys of the Frank Pick House complex at Acton on 26th June 2012, RV12OEZ is one of two MAN TGM dropside lorries delivered earlier that year. The pair initially carried '61 registrations. Comparing the position of the windscreen stickers I would say this photo confirms that the lorries were re-registered (before delivery) in order, ie RJ61LTE became RV12OEY and RJ61LTF became RV12OEZ. Note the 'Health and Safety' additions of handrails around the load space, reflective striping on the cab sides (just above the blue skirt) and the yellow-boxed notice. The last item has started appearing on several lorries recently, although I have yet to read what it actually says. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,255 |  |
By Derek Everson During the open day at Chiswick Works on 11th August 1985, Leyland Freighter lorry 2397L was again part of the vehicle display. As in the previous year, its crane was deployed, but this time the stabiliser legs were also extended. Not apparent in this rear view is the fact that it had also gained the twin pin-striped livery variation (as seen on Bedford 2275B). The trailer is SEB cable-drum carrier SEBT42 (lettered as SEB-T-42), new earlier in the year. On the left is Bedford TL box lorry 2318B with its sliding doors open and steps arranged to allow visitors to walk through it. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,256 |  |
By Derek Everson Leyland Freighter dropside lorry 2397L was on display at the Chiswick Works open days in both 1984 and 1985. On 5th August 1984 it was photographed in as-delivered grey livery, with its HIAB crane extended. Note the rather spindly stabiliser legs, in this view retracted and rotated to clear the front wheels. In the background are preserved Bedford prime mover 702B and mobile canteen trailer MC11. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,257 |  |
By Derek Everson On a slightly misty 27th February 1985, Derek caught lorry 2302L coming up Bollo Lane at Acton with a load of train wheelsets. One of only two Leyland Boxers operated by London Transport, 2302L was new in January 1982 and lasted until 1988. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,258 |  |
By Damon Cross Also present at the Carlton Colville event in May 2012 was AEC Mercury pole carrier 1081Q, still undergoing restoration. This rear view shows the low bolster at the back of the body, and also the remains of what looks like a towing bar. In the background is 'Diddler' trolleybus number 1. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,259 |  |
By Damon Cross Another view of AEC Mercury tower wagon 89Q at Carlton Colville on 8th May 2012. No fewer than 8 former London Transport trolleybuses attended this event and, thanks to the East Anglian Transport Museum's overhead wiring system, were able to move under their own power. Two of the trolleys are seen in this view, although I will have to leave it to someone more knowledgable than me to say what types they are. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,260 |  |
By Damon Cross As well as a mini open day at Fulwell Garage, the 50th anniversary of the demise of London's last trolleybuses was marked by a multi-day event at the East Anglian Transport Museum in Carlton Colville. A large number of relevant vehicles was on display, including the LT Museum's AEC Mercury tower wagon 89Q. This side view taken on 8th May 2012 clearly shows the lettering and layout of the vehicle, and has a nice backdrop in the form of a preserved London tram. |
11/07/2012 |
| 4,261 |  |
By Damon Cross No stranger to this website, Sovereign Recovery Volvo FH GF10XSB has been seen at various locations since new in 2010, usually dealing with Arriva group vehicles. 2nd June 2012 was no exception, when it was called out to Hyde Park Corner to pick up a Leyland Olympian bus belonging to Arriva The Original Tour. Their Transit Connect van EO06OCN was also present. It is believed that Stagecoach will be drafting a couple of bus recovery vehicles into London for use during the Olympic games. |
11/06/2012 |
| 4,262 |  |
By Dave M Busman These four brand new Ford Transit Connect vans were parked outside Metroline's CELF works in Perivale over the Jubilee weekend. Several people sent in photographs, but this was the only one to show all four. Although unmarked, the location (plus the light bars) makes it likely that these will be a new generation of engineering support vans for Metroline. It has been suggested that Transport for London might now be specifying red livery for vehicles involved in bus-related work. It does seem to be becoming more prevalent. Also present were several VW class buses, destined for Holloway Garage. |
11/06/2012 |
| 4,263 |  |
By Ray Monk I uploaded a new set of vehicle icons last week, including the FX4 taxi in various liveries. It is unfortunate therefore that the next such vehicle added to the Arriva Southern Counties fleet was in yet another livery! Brown (or maroon!) N391CMT was photographed on Eltham High Street on 4th June 2012. Although unmarked, it is most likely allocated a fleetnumber in the CFxx series. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk Another Kangoo Maxi van, this time Tube Lines 7347R, trying to hide in the Track and Signals Operations Centre on Museum Way in Acton on 17th April 2012. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Colin Lloyd Making what might be its first public appearance since 1983, AEC Mercury Pole Carrier 1081Q was photographed at the East Anglia Transport Museum in Carlton Colville on 7th May 2012. Some restoration work has been undertaken but it looks like there is plenty more still to do. It was taking part in an event to mark the 50th anniversary of the demise of the London trolleybus network. Tower wagon 89Q was also taking part and some pictures will be published next time. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Paul Almeroth M3MJS again, this time with friends. Photographed at the same location, but on 20th May 2012, Volvo recovery truck M3MJS was parked alongside veteran Scania UJF182. The latter is believed to be for sale, and has since been given an E-prefixed registration. The UJF182 mark will presumably then go onto the Volvo. On the left is Ford Transit minibus S549XNP, with parts of various other vans visible beyond. On the right is a Mercedes Sprinter minibus with an identity crisis. Registration number P852OLL was worn by minibus E58, last used by London General from Plough Lane in late 2011. It carried East Thames Buses logos until the end. However, similar E22 (R963SLL) last worked from Bexleyheath and carried London Central logos. This suggests that the minibus here is E22 with E58's registration plate. Both were replaced by Renault Kangoo vans in late 2011. Ensign previously bought two Sprinter minibuses from Go-Ahead London, though it only retained one (P185OLC). It is not known if P852OLL and/or R963SLL is/are for use, sale or spare parts. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Glyn Matthews In the 'old days' some vehicles had a lengthy period between delivery to London Transport and eventual entry into service (as will be apparent when I eventually get the historical section of this website up to scratch!). This photo shows a much more recent vehicle with a similar story. Bought second-hand by Ensignbus in March 2011, a lot of work was required to bring it up to that company's high standards. It was photographed at the Purfleet Garage on 17th May 2012, having recently been repainted into standard blue/silver livery. Comparison with an 'as-received' photograph shows that it has gained a front bumper extension and sun-visor but lost its cab-top fairing and light-bar. Glyn, if you're reading this, I am still getting your e-mails but you are evidently not getting mine. I have tried everything I can think of... |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk At least two of London United's 22 new Ford Fiesta vans have additional 'CCTV Support' lettering, suggesting that they have replaced the youthful pair of Suzuki Alto cars and/or the slightly older Ford Fiesta van. FF20 is based at Shepherds Bush Garage (photographed there on 30th May 2012), while FF19 is at Fulwell. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk Photographed on Atlas Road in Harlesden on 30th May 2012, Ford Fiesta Van EO12UBZ is number FF11 in the newly updated London United fleet. Officially allocated to Hounslow, it was evidently working from the nearby Park Royal Garage. On the other hand, it could be that this vehicle was performing some administrative or engineering role, rather than acting as a crew ferry. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk The main development with the bus companies recently has been the complete renewal of London United's service vehicle fleet. The first were Ford Fiesta vans that started to appear in April 2012. In May I was forwarded a list from the company, showing that there were no fewer than 22 Ford Fiestas and 9 Ford Transit vans. However, the latter were slow to emerge, and when they did, the details did not match up with the information provided. Among the first to be seen was EK12OLR. Although supposed to be fleetnumber FT9 at Fulwell, this was numbered FT7 and allocated to Park Royal (where it was photographed on 4th June 2012). It seems that the fleetnumbers have in fact been applied in registration number order. However, reports are required to confirm the actual allocations. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Thomas Young Despite many 73xx numbers having yet to appear, the first 74xx vehicles arrived in April 2012. The highest numbers to date are on a small batch of Ford Transit crew vans for Tube Lines. Three have been seen so far (7430F to 7432F) and they are rather unusual. They are all white and have Yorkshire registrations (implying a conversion by Clarkes of Doncaster). 7431F was found parked on Drummond Street (Euston) on 6th June 2012 and we were able to take a closer look. The forward section of the van has windows on both sides, and a table with four seats around it. The rear section is enclosed. However, the ventilators on the roof, along with the hand-wash box visible on the bulkhead, and the large rear step, would suggest that these are staff welfare (i.e. toilet) vans. Two of the vans had been seen at Frank Pick House, while this example was parked with other lifts and escalators vehicles. Quite why such vehicles are needed when Tube Lines already has a large fleet of welfare vans is not clear. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk A largish batch of (yet more) Renault Kangoo Maxi vans was delivered in May 2012, with fleetnumbers spread across a wide range of 73xx numbers. 7375R was photographed passing Acton Town Station on 28th May 2012. This van had yellow/red chevrons on the rear and appears to have joined the group of vehicles that regularly congregate around Griffith House every evening. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Kevin Bullions One of the objectives for my recent night-time trip was to try and photograph an LUL Renault Modus car. I failed, the only one seen was passing at high-speed. Luckily, a few days before, Kevin had sent in this picture taken at Lillie Bridge on 27th May 2012. To the fore is 7331R, a Modus Dynamique 5-door hatchback new in April. This appears to be unique, all the other Moduses being the 'Expression' model, and based at an unknown location. Also visible is Peugeot Partner Tepee 7222P and Volkswagen Caddy crew van 7207VW. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk The Renault Kangoo van has been a very popular choice for the leased fleet in the past year or so. As well as numerous examples of the standard van and stretched 'Maxi' model, there are also at least three of the shorter 'Compact' variant. These cute little vans lack cargo doors and look even smaller than the Peugeot Bipper. Two are based at Stratford Market Depot, while the third (7325R) was photographed turning into Museum Way at Acton Town on 28th May 2012. It may be based at Hearne House, behind the museum. It is notable that two service vehicles were delivered in April 2012 with the letters UGE in their registrations, although they just happen to be two of the smallest vehicles around! |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk Ford Transit dropside truck 7218F is fairly easy to see, either parked at Frank Pick House or tootling up and down Bollo Lane. On 28th May 2012 it was parked just outside the main Works entrance. Allocated to the Tube Lines lifts and escalators department, it appears to have replaced similar 6065F. Both trucks were plain dropsides (ie no crew-cab or tail-lift), although 7218F does have a very small light-bar fitted to the cab roof. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Kevin Bullions Numbers 7206VW and 7207VW are a further pair of Volkswagen Caddy crew vans delivered to Lillie Bridge at the end of 2011. However, they are very rarely seen, even by our (very) dedicated night-time correspondent. Fortunately one of our 'inside' contacts took this photograph of 7206VW parked in the yard on 27th May 2012. To the left is one of the Peugeot Partner estate cars, while Ford Transit dropside 7240F is on the right. Cases like this are where having some official information would be really useful. For instance, we don't know what department these vehicles are allocated to, nor if there are any more (fleetnumber 7208 has yet to be reported). Still, in some ways all the unknowns make this hobby more interesting! |
11/06/2012 |
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By Thomas Young Also photographed on Drummond Street on 6th June 2012 was Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7182R. One of a batch of ten vans for Tube Lines' Lifts and Escalators division, they followed on numerically from their ten Peugeot Bippers. Predictably, they are also most active at night, although one or two can usually be seen parked at Frank Pick House (Acton). The building in the background is the Cobourg Street Control Room, originally built for the Victoria Line. The large gates (between the tree and the street-light) conceal a small parking area, although I have never seen anything inside. Of note is that this is the 4000th photograph to be published. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Thomas Young Since being delivered in November 2011, Tube Lines' ten Peugeot Bipper vans have joined the ranks of service vehicles that can only regularly be seen at night. On the 6th June 2012 7169P was found parked outside the old Euston Tube Station building on Drummond Street. Since delivery it has been fitted with roof-bars. |
11/06/2012 |
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By London Spotter Another batch most active at night are the Volkswagen Caddy crew vans that work from Lillie Bridge depot. Three distinct batches were delivered in 2011 and here we see 7149VW, one of seven in the second batch. These seem to be kept elsewhere, driving in to Lillie Bridge each night. 7149VW was photographed parked near Hackney Wick Station on 9th May 2012. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk Renault Kangoo estate car 7132R can usually be seen parked at the offices on Allsop Place (Baker Street Station). On 17th May 2012 it was paying a visit to Acton Works, and was photographed on Bollo Lane. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Derek Everson One of several Ford Transits new in autumn 2011 to re-stock Lillie Bridge's allocation, 7109F was a dropside truck with crew-cab (but no tail-lift). On 6th March 2012 it was seen on the Uxbridge Road in Acton. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Ray Monk (At least) 24 Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars were leased in 2011, all for use by London Underground. It is quite rare to see them on the road in daylight hours so Ray was lucky to capture 7063P passing Acton Town Station on 17th May 2012. This particular example has been noted at Northumberland Park and Hainault Depots as well as Acton Works. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Graham Brown Stratford City Bus Station was closed on 6th June 2012 for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Although the bus station adjoins the Westfield shopping center (which will remain open), some of the access roads will presumably be reserved for Olympics-related vehicles. The affected bus routes reverted to the main Stratford Bus Station. However, when I passed on 7th June, the location was still used for parking of the LBSL Infrastructure vans. This photo was taken on 12th May 2012 and shows a typical line up of VW Transporter vans along with the sole VW Caddy. The slightly darker shade of red on 6901VW (second from front) is just discernible. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Derek Everson Barking (Wakering Road) must be due an allocation of new vehicles soon. The four Renault Kangoo cars that are based there were all new in 2008. 6442R was photographed in the yard on 13th March 2012, with rack-less 6520R behind. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Coming down Bollo Lane at Acton on 20th April 2012, MAN LE14.220 demountable lorry 2590 was carrying Feltham box body DB20. This body is now in regular use following a long period of storage. |
11/06/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Normally working out of the Chancel Street garage in Southwark, TfL Streets Toyota Prius KP60WWF was probably paying a visit to Acton Works when it was photographed on Bollo Lane on 20th April 2012. |
27/05/2012 |
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By Ray Monk Delivery of the latest batch of 21 Incident Response Unit vans for LBSL was completed in early May, the last four being 7286M to 7289M. Eltham seems to be the best place to see these vans, with five of the new batch allocated. Photographed on 29th March, 7294M was parked in front of the electric charging station. |
27/05/2012 |
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By Colin Lloyd Caught passing through Victoria on 27th February 2012 was LUL Ford Transit Mk7 van 7272F. |
27/05/2012 |
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By Derek Everson During the open day at Chiswick Works on 11th August 1985 a collection of service vehicles was on display. Among them was Freight Rover Sherpa van 2422L attached to Scottorn vehicle recovery trailer ST40. To show the method of loading the trailer, Ford Escort van 3319F was winched half way up the ramp. Also visible are Dodge dustcart 2419D and Ford tipper 2319F. |
27/05/2012 |
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By Derek Everson Two for the price of one at Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station on 23rd December 1985. To the fore is LT 3160L, a Freight Rover Sherpa van used by the Cleaning Services department. Parked behind is London Country 53F, a standard Mk2 Ford Transit van. |
27/05/2012 |
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By Derek Everson Seen on the Bollo Lane level crossings on 11th October 1984, 2142F was a Ford D0710 dropside lorry new in early 1979. As well as a crew-cab it was fitted with a tail-lift, and was allocated to Parsons Green. Note that the wheels look rather too small for the wheelarches! |
27/05/2012 |
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By Andrew Colebourne ISS Facility Services took over some of the London Buses work latterly performed by Dougland, primarily the cleaning of bus stations and shelters. Various vehicles can now be seen with Buses roundels, including this electric Renault Kangoo van. New contributor Andrew Colebourne photographed it charging up on The Cut, near Southwark Station on 18th April 2012. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Kevin Bullions Taken in the back yard of the Museum Depot in Acton on 23rd April 2012, this photograph shows Lantern Recovery Volvo FH FH07LRS preparing to take trolleybus 1768 on holiday. May 2012 sees the 50th anniversary of the closure of the London trolleybus network, and various events are taking place. To the left is one of the newest preserved buses in the world, Mercedes-Benz Citaro hydrogen fuel cell bus ESQ64993. This was one of three new in 2003 and used for a few years on route RV1. A second generation of fuel cell buses can now be seen on the RV1. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Having recently mentioned the Bedford TM as being one of several 'squarish' lorry designs fashionable in the 1980s, I am now able to illustrate one in use as a service vehicle. Photographed at the Luton garage of Luton and District, B919UBM was a recovery truck with fleetnumber 1020. Although the picture is undated there are some clues. The vehicle behind is Ford Transit dropside truck D803LVS, new in August 1986. The recovery vehicle is carrying a trade plate as well as a normal registration plate. The use of trade plates on recovery vehicles ended with a change of legislation in January 1988, although it is possible the photo was after this date and the vehicle was on test. In any case, the vehicle was withdrawn by the end of 1992. Note the dual Bedford/Vauxhall badging on the lorry, and also the 'Detroit Flyer' name on the grille. The livery is identical to that still used by Lantern Recovery Services, suggesting the vehicle was acquired from them. This and several other Luton and District vehicles will be added to the database soon. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Photographed a very long way from home, Bedford CF van B144DCS was at Victoria Coach Station on an unrecorded date in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Carrying Scottish Citylink livery, the van belonged to Western SMT. Its presence was probably due to the reliability problems experienced with the MCW Metroliner double-deck coaches used on the London to Scotland services. Given that the phone-number on the door of this van has an 01 prefix, it is likely that it was in fact outstationed to London. In the background are several Plaxton Paramount coaches, including two of the less common '4000' double-deck variant. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Ray Monk An unexpected arrival at Eltham Bus Station in April 2012 (photographed on the 26th) was this electric-powered Ford Transit Connect. It was converted by a firm called Azure Dynamics, and is actually licensed as an 'Azure Dynamics Estate Car'. In white livery with yellow/orange chevrons on the skirt and rear doors, its role remains to be seen. Also unclear, thanks to the tinted glazing, is the interior configuration. It has the cargo door windows of a crew van but also smaller windows in the rear section. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Derek Everson Ford Transit jumbo crew van 7088F is one of many LUL vehicles that are only normally seen at night. However, on 6th March 2012 Derek caught it sneaking into Acton Works. This view can be compared to another taken by Derek at the same place almost 22 years earlier. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Ford Focus estate 6780F started out as a rather elusive vehicle, only being seen once in its first year (at the Upminster Depot open day). It appears to have then moved to Acton Works and the sightings consequently increase. Initially in anonymous white/blue livery, it gained the LUL variant by 2011, including the curious addition of a second set of fleetnumbers. On 20th April 2012 it was caught heading up Bollo Lane. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Derek Everson On a dull 9th February 2012, three LUL-liveried Ford vans were found parked in the yard at Edgware Road Station. Nearest the camera is Transit Connect 6683F, with Transit van 7117F and crew van 6957F beyond. The only vaguely interesting thing I can find to say about these three is that 7117F is notable for having no curves in the characters of its fleetnumber or registration! In the background work is ongoing on the power supply building on the site of the Griffith House yard. |
29/04/2012 |
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By Malcolm Conway Two new MAN lorries were delivered in March as RV12OEY/OEZ, having earlier carried marks RJ61LTE/LTF. Tube Lines logos were applied in April, as seen in this photo of RV12OEY leaving Acton Works on the 20th. |
29/04/2012 |
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