LTSV Latest Data - Detail View

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

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
4,301		By Malcolm Conway Although he was soon rained off, Malcolm managed to capture some excellent shots of new vehicles on Bollo Lane on 20th April 2012. Seen entering Acton Works is Mercedes-Benz Actros artic tractor WP61ZXE, new two months earlier. I'm not sure what purpose the 'eye-brows' above the windscreen serve. Trailer CT44 is looking good considering that it is over 21 years old.	29/04/2012
4,302		By Derek Everson Another photograph taken at Chiswick Works on 19th May 1987, this time showing what appears to be the small vehicle yard. The main subject is a pair of brand-new Bedford CF vans, with 3441B nearest the camera. Licensed just a few days previously, the vans had yet to be lettered. Curiously they are listed as not being taken into stock until July. On the left is 5-month old Bedford Astra van 3480B, while various Ford Escorts and larger vehicles can be seen in the background.	29/04/2012
4,303		By Derek Everson This photograph taken at Chiswick Works on 19th May 1987 shows two lorries that were added to the fleet the year before. 2435L was a Leyland Freighter dropside lorry with crane, wearing the short-lived twin pinstriped livery. It was repainted into white and blue (with a black body) in 1991 and lasted until 1999. The lorry was often used with one of the cable-drum carrying trailers, one of which is just visible coupled behind. The lorry on the right is rather more interesting. 2455V was a Volvo F717 articulated tractor unit in unmarked grey livery and one of very few central fleet vehicles that were bought second-hand. The reason for its purchase is not known but it didn't last long, and was already out of use when this photograph was taken. Last licensed in March 1987, it never worked again.	29/04/2012
4,304		By Richard Eversden Although the handling characteristics must surely be different, several bus companies have used articulated lorries as training vehicles for bus drivers. In the LTSV area, examples known of were Kentish Bus and London Coaches. Moving somewhat further afield, this photograph taken in Newcastle in 1992 shows Mercedes-Benz SK tractor E874PBE in the striking grey, red and blue livery of Northumbria Motor Services. Northumbria was formed in 1986 from the northern part of the United company. It was privatised in 1987 and bought Kentish Bus in 1988. All three operators are now part of the Arriva group. Note that the lorry has fleetnumber 60 while the trailer appears to be 61A.	22/04/2012
4,305		By John Hillman Vauxhall Combo van FA05CRZ has been part of the Arriva the Shires fleet for the past few years, allocated fleetnumber 1150 and based at Hemel Hempstead. It was photographed in the town's bus station on 22nd March 2012. Note that the offside wing mirror has been replaced with one off a bus.	22/04/2012
4,306		By Derek Everson RV61CZF is one of several plain white Volkswagen Caddy vans used by Tube Lines apparently for internal mail deliveries. On 9th February 2012 it was found parked outside the Allsop Place offices behind Baker Street Station.	22/04/2012
4,307		By Ray Monk From 2003 onwards, the Ford Transit Connect van had been a popular choice for the leased fleet. However, since 2009, very few have been taken, similar sized Renault and Volkswagen products arriving instead. 7076F is one of only two (that we know of) delivered in 2011, the other being unmarked red LT11XFY. On 13th April 2012 it was caught coming out of Museum Way at Acton Town.	22/04/2012
4,308		By Ivor Norman London Underground's Smart cars have been a bit less camera-shy recently. 7072SM, normally based at Lillie Bridge, was found parked in Harlow on 1st April 2012.	22/04/2012
4,309		By Thomas Young Some Ford Transit trucks have tipping dropside bodies, although they are hard to distinguish from those with fixed bodies. A few have squared rear wheelarches (as seen on 6480F) but 6869F, new in December 2009, is one with the more normal round ones. As the vehicles are unlike the normal conception of a 'Tipper', perhaps I should revise the description to 'Tipping Dropside Lorry'. 6869F is based at Lillie Bridge but often to be found in the small yard alongside West Kensington Station. On 6th April 2012 it was parked near the ramp down into this yard.	22/04/2012
4,310		By Derek Everson Another of the numerous vehicles displaced from the Tube Lines fleet in recent months is Ford Transit van 6237F. It was never photographed while in service, but was caught at the British Car Auctions premises in Blackbushe on 21st February 2012.	22/04/2012
4,311		By Derek Everson Another interesting photograph from Derek Everson's collection, this one shows a pair of Mk2 Ford Transit vans near Aldenham Works on 10th October 1986. Both are in grey livery and unusually have roof beacon lights. 3293F in the lead also has lettering for Work Force, the LRT Builders. Previously seen on Astra vans and Mercedes trucks, this is the first evidence of it being applied to a Ford van. Both vans were allocated to Parsons Green and had perhaps been engaged in decommissioning work at Aldenham, the facility closing down the following month.	22/04/2012
4,312		By Derek Everson Not previously illustrated, 2384D was one of four Dodge Commando box trucks bought by London Transport in the early 1980s. It was based variously at Parsons Green, Chiswick and Acton, and was photographed arriving at the latter on 11th June 1990. It was withdrawn in April 1993, just short of its tenth birthday. Note the newly erected advertising hoardings in front of the car park. One of the Sherpa minibuses is just visible beyond.	22/04/2012
4,313		By Derek Everson Having just published a photograph of unique Bedford lorry 2252B, I was very pleased to get two more amongst a bundle of 1980s photographs sent in by Derek Everson. The more interesting of the two shows 2252B parked in a crowd of grey service vehicles at Acton Works on 11st August 1985. There was an open day at the adjoining Chiswick Bus Works on this date and it is possible that the service vehicles had been moved across to make way for bus displays. The dark grey cab of 2252B is apparent, although the bodywork appears to be the normal shade. The other vehicles visible include Dodge box truck 2400D, one of the Leyland Freighter crane-equipped lorries, a Bedford TL crew-cab lorry and several Mk2 and Mk2a Ford Transit vans. The crane just visible above the cab of 2252B belongs to Ford Cargo artic 2373F.	22/04/2012
4,314		By John Marshall Ford A0609 box truck 2136F was withdrawn from use in early 1986, this photograph probably showing why. Seen at Chiswick Works on March 3rd, there is fairly extensive damage to the front offside corner.	22/04/2012
4,315		By Malcolm Conway Taken on 7th September 1982, this photograph shows Ford D1000 lorry 1781F leaving the 'front' entrance of Chiswick Works. Of the 143 Ford D lorries bought by London Transport between 1966 and 1981, this was the largest type. Two batches were bought, 1655F-1663F in 1971 and 1780F-1783F in 1972. 1662F and 1663F were badged as D1614s but this is thought to be due to a change in Ford's model numbers. The first batch comprised a mix of dropside and fixed-side lorries, while the second batch has always been recorded as being all fixed. However, as this photo clearly shows, at least 1781F had dropsides. It could have been modified, especially as the panelling on the bolster usually matched the sides in height. Other photos confirm that 1782F and 1783F had fixed sides. Another oddity of this vehicle is the chrome grille between the side indicators and the chrome bumper. It seems that these were carried only by these largest Ford D lorries, plus 1945F.	22/04/2012
4,316		By Derek Everson As mentioned recently, British Transport Police's two Iveco Daily rescue tenders are now working with the Emergency Response Unit. Interestingly, KE05JLV retains its L91 callsign/fleetnumber, despite this also being carried by 2593. Both are based at Pratt Street in Camden, where KE05JLV was photographed on 9th February 2012. The ERU truck visible in the background is 2595. BTP branded 2593, along with Iveco KE05JLX were at the launch event at Canary Wharf at the time. I suppose I should now add the Ivecos to the database...	21/04/2012
4,317		By Ray Monk Keeping up with the service vehicle fleets of some of the bus companies is difficult, particularly when the vehicles are unmarked. Two previously unreported vans were seen at Uxbridge on 5th April 2012. First up was Volkswagen Transporter VK59GWW, at least carrying the yellow stripe worn by some First vehicles. It was followed a few minutes later by plain red Volkswagen Caddy VN10YJO. Both vans were registered in series with other First vehicles, although they may not in fact be based at Uxbridge. One of the Volkswagen Crafter vans was also visible parked at the back of the bus garage.	21/04/2012
4,318		By Ray Monk Not visible in the previous photo published of this van is the large red area above the windscreen. This might have been added to allow the application of the white Buses roundel and Abellio logo. Ford Transit BT53RVV has been based at Abellio's Fulwell garage for the past few years. It was caught passing through Acton on 23rd March 2012.	21/04/2012
4,319		By Richard Eversden Ford Transit Mk2 van C554NFG was new to London Country in September 1985, carrying green livery and the fleetnumber 71F. When LCBS was split-up in 1986, 71F passed first to London Country South West before moving to London Country South East. That company was renamed Kentishbus in 1987 and also introduced a new livery and fleetnumbering scheme. 71F became 926 (although the number is not visible in this view taken at an unknown location) and was repainted cream with a maroon stripe. It is not known how long the van remained in use, but it was last licensed in 1997.	21/04/2012
4,320		By Derek Everson Once a main feature of the central fleet, comparatively few Vauxhall Astra vans have been leased over the past few years. Redressing the balance somewhat was the arrival of at least eleven examples for the Tube Lines Lifts and Escalators fleet in January 2012. About half are based at Frank Pick House in Acton, where 7195V and 7253V were photographed on 6th March 2012. The vans were numbered in two groups (7194V-7198V and 7250V-7255V) and appear to have come from different lessors.	21/04/2012
4,321		By Colin Smith Diminutive Smart fortwo car 7067SM is one of seven leased in May 2011 that are mainly allocated to Lillie Bridge Depot. 7067SM however seems to spend almost as much time at Northumberland Park Depot, as seen on 14th February 2012. The role of the cars is not clear, but they are most active at night.	21/04/2012
4,322		By Derek Everson Although largely renewed in late 2011/early 2012, the Tube Lines Lifts and Escalators fleet does retain a couple of slightly older vehicles. Among these is Ford Transit Connect van 6774F, photographed at Frank Pick House in Acton on 6th March 2012. The silver Ford Transit behind the contractor's van is 6728F.	21/04/2012
4,323		By Malcolm Conway Despite the recent headlines about water shortages and hose-pipe bans, the weather in mid-April 2012 was rather on the wet side. Malcolm made a trip to Bollo Lane on the 20th and caught this fine view of Iveco lorry 2602 heading for the works. This vehicle latterly had a fleetnumber on the offside only, but the apparent replacement of the corner panel means that it is now effectively un-numbered. Lorries are in any case now officially referred to by their registration numbers only.	21/04/2012
4,324		By Derek Everson LT bought three red Freight Rover Sherpa long wheelbase vans in December 1984. 2412L was a high-roof example that was unlettered, while 2413L and 2414L were low roof vans with LT Emergency Vehicle lettering and used by the signal engineers. On 19th May 1987 2413L was found parked on what is now known as Museum Way, close to Acton Town Station.	21/04/2012
4,325		By Derek Everson A lucky catch on Bollo Lane on 11th October 1984 was this view of Leyland Freighter recovery truck 2372L towing Ford D0607 dropside lorry 1983F. 2372L spent its first 8 or 9 years based at Cricklewood Garage, as evidenced by the Cardinal District sticker on the front (Cricklewood was reassigned from Watling District in the reorganisation of January 1984). Ironically 2372L was later reallocated to Acton Works and repainted white/blue for a new role as a service vehicle recovery truck. The Ford lorry, allocated to Holloway Garage, still has the framework for its tilt cover. It is a pity that this vehicle was not selected along with RM1983 and T1983 (aka T747) for repainting in gold livery for LT's 50th anniversary in 1983. Bringing up the rear is trainer bus DM1909.	21/04/2012
4,326		By John Marshall Photographed on 24th July 1976, Land Rover 1842LR was an interesting vehicle for a number of reasons. New in January 1974, it was one of the first service vehicles to be given a registration number matching its fleetnumber (TJJ42M), and carried a non-standard green livery with a cream cover. It was allocated to the Chiswick High Road Garage, used at the time as the base for the Routemaster buses operated on behalf of British European Airways (later British Airways). It seems that 1842LR was used as an engineering support vehicle for this fleet, which would explain the roof beacons fitted. It is listed on LT Variation Sheets as being assigned to Chiswick BEA. Unfortunately the lettering below the fleetname cannot be made out in this picture. The airport buses were moved to Stonebridge in August 1978, to allow the Chiswick garage to be rebuilt for LT use (eventually re-opening as Stamford Brook in 1980), while the service was withdrawn the following March. 1842LR apparently stayed at Chiswick until May 1979, when it was transferred down the road to Chiswick Works for use by the RSE (Buses). It was withdrawn in 1982, but not sold until 1986. As already seen, it then re-appeared at Norwood Garage in 1987, undergoing restoration and repainted red. However, it does not seem to have survived, last being licensed in 1989.	21/04/2012
4,327		By Derek Everson Ford D-series lorry 1749F was found at the small Works and Buildings yard near Chiswick Park Station on 17th June 1983. Delivered on 10th April 1972, but not licensed until 1st May, it was initially allocated to Parsons Green. It was part of a batch of seven dropside lorries (1748F to 1754F) all of which were fitted with crew-cabs and half-tilt covers (later removed). Interestingly 1749F (the last to arrive) was officially listed as a D0910 lorry, while the others were D550s. This is thought to be due to a change in Ford's model numbers rather than meaning that 1749F was different from the others. The whole batch lasted over 10 years, with 1749F achieving a very respectable 14 years' service.	21/04/2012
4,328		By Malcolm Conway Along with Derek Everson and John Marshall, Malcolm has also been sending in some 'vintage' photos. This Ford D recovery truck was photographed at the Metrobus garage in Orpington sometime in the late 1980s. I'm not sure if it was actually a Metrobus vehicle though. It appears to have been delivering (or collecting) the DMS parked behind. Notably this carries the livery of Davies of Rye. Davies bought DMS702 and DM1725 in the early 1980s, but the identity of the one shown here is not known. It had possibly been acquired by Metrobus as a source of spares for their own former DMS buses. ALE861H was last licensed in 1991. Note the rather humungous front bumper, perhaps a balance weight.	20/04/2012
4,329		By Ray Monk London United's large batch of Ford Fiesta vans continued to enter service through April 2012. Photographed at Hatton Cross Station on 19th April, EO12UFP carried fleetnumber FF5 and was working from Hounslow Heath Garage. The buses are an Abellio Caetano-bodied Dart on route H25 and a Metroline Enviro 200, presumably doing an odd working on route 90.	20/04/2012
4,330		By Ray Monk Several newish Arriva London Vauxhall Corsa cars have been on the move recently, and further transfers are likely to have resulted from the closure of Edmonton Garage in March 2012. Number 95 (FG11YBJ) was new to Lea Valley Garage but moved south to Beddington Farm in late 2011. It was photographed at Addington Interchange on 21st March 2012, suggesting that it had transferred again to South Croydon Garage (which works route T31). Similar 96 (FG11XPY) parked behind has made the same moves.	20/04/2012
4,331		By Ray Monk Following the delivery of some newer examples, several of the Metrobus Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses have been transferred elsewhere within the Go-Ahead group. RE56OUL (latterly Metrobus 8019) is one of three to have swapped the desolate industrial environment of Beddington Lane for the desolate industrial environment of Rainham! Their arrival was no doubt prompted by Blue Triangle's take up of the route 20 and 462 contracts in March, neither route going anywhere near Rainham. The now unmarked minibus was photographed leaving the garage on 2nd April 2012.	20/04/2012
4,332		By Ray Monk A third new MAN truck was seen at the Stanwell Road dealership in mid-April 2012. Registered RV12OFK, it was rather different to the earlier pair. This photograph taken on the 19th shows a three-axle dropside configuration (no crew-cab or tail-lift), with a large crane mounted behind the cab. It is therefore rather similar to Iveco Stralis LK08BHX.	20/04/2012
4,333		By Ray Monk As expected, another quartet of Incident Response Unit vans (numbered 7290M to 7293M) arrived in mid-April 2012. Licensed on Friday 13th, they were at the Rygor dealership in Bedfont over the weekend, moving to Acton by the following Tuesday. By Thursday (19th) some at least were in use, with 7292M being photographed at Eltham Bus Station. Parked behind is 7012M from the previous batch. Having spent most of its first year based at Sycamore House (Thornton Heath), this example was transferred to Eltham in early 2012.	20/04/2012
4,334		By Ray Monk 7271F to 7274F are a quartet of Ford Transit vans delivered in early 2012 and based at Hearne House in Acton. They have most likely displaced 6544F to 6547F, a batch of silver Ford Transit vans used by the Depot Engineering Support Unit. It is notable that non-standard liveries (such as silver) are becoming rarer with replacement vehicles arriving in standard white/blue/red. 7271F was photographed coming down Bollo Lane on 23rd March 2012.	20/04/2012
4,335		By Derek Everson The London Underground Lifts and Escalators division based at Griffith House has a large quantity of vans at its disposal. In recent years there have been several batches of Ford Transit low-roof crew vans allocated. Vans 7020F to 7030F were delivered in spring 2011, replacing 6413F to 6423F. Although not kept at Griffith House, they can regularly be seen there in the late evenings. On 23rd February 2012 7028F was found parked on Grove Park Road in Chiswick.	20/04/2012
4,336		By Ray Monk Apart from the 'pool' vehicles (such as 6643), transfers of service vehicles between Tube Lines and LUL (or Metronet as was) have been rare. A recent exception was Vauxhall Combo 6763V, new in 2009 for Tube Lines. In late 2011 it was reallocated from Stratford Market to Hainault and had its livery modified to suit. On 21st March 2012 it was parked far from either operator's territory, in Addington.	20/04/2012
4,337		By Ray Monk Central fleetnumbers 6627 to 6646 were assigned to a variety of Renault and Peugeot vehicles in unmarked liveries. Some of these seem to be 'pool' vehicles, being reallocated between operators as required. However, some others have stayed put. 6643 is a Renault Trafic crew van allocated to Tube Lines at Bollo House, Acton from new. It can normally be seen briefly from passing trains, parked in the gap between the two buildings. However, on 17th April 2012 it had made the lengthy journey to Smallbills Garage (all of 20 yards away) for servicing.	20/04/2012
4,338		By Derek Everson 6445F was a somewhat non-standard Ford Transit van, having a high-roof on a medium wheelbase chassis. This configuration was common on LBSL vehicles but has only featured on two vans new to underground-related roles (6082F being the other). It is also curious for having 'disappeared', or at least not been reported, for all of 2011. Thought to be based at Northfields depot, it broke cover on 6th March 2012 when Derek found it at Smallbills Garage on Bollo Lane, Acton. Minus both rear wheels, it was evidently undergoing fairly heavy repairs. Note that since last being shown, the van has had its roof-rack removed.	20/04/2012
4,339		By Derek Everson As well as sending me loads of recent photographs, Derek has been busy having some photos he took in the 1980s scanned. He very kindly sent a bundle over last week, the first of which is shown here. Many more will feature in the next few updates. Seen in the stretch between the two level crossings on Bollo Lane on 17th June 1983 was AEC Mercury dropside lorry 1841Q. One of a pair bought in 1973/1974 (curiously they were delivered five months apart), their main use was in ferrying bus engines to Chiswick Works. The pair stood out from the much more numerous Ford D lorries in the fleet, and were based at Stockwell (1840Q) and Walthamstow (1841Q) garages. Both lasted for around 10 years, with 1841Q later used a towing lorry by Blue Triangle. Leyland Lynx artic 1995L was the only other service vehicle to carry the 'Ergomatic' cab design, though the four-squared style was briefly fashionable, also featuring on the Bedford TM and Ford Transcontinental models. One of the latter is visible in the background.	20/04/2012
4,340		By Malcolm Conway Barclays/TfL Cycle Hire Ford Transit BN12AEY was photographed at St Pauls on 24th March 2012. The rear of the box body has a curious negative rake, while a very large folding ramp is provided to ease the loading and unloading of bicycles. This may form the rear of the body when closed, but note that there also appears to be a tail-gate, folded down beneath the ramp. Inside the body are brackets to hold the bicycles in place.	13/04/2012
4,341		By Malcolm Conway The last two pictures today show a recent addition to the Barclays/TfL cycle hire support fleet. Photographed at St Pauls on 24th March 2012, BN12AEY is a Ford Transit box van with some unusual features. The box body has tree deflectors at the top corners, and huge logos on the sides. Most strange however is the sloped rear, seen more clearly in the next picture. Note that unlike previous vehicles with this operation, no fleetnumbers were apparent.	13/04/2012
4,342		By Kim Rennie Tramlink Ford Ranger pick-up EY57OXH was illustrated recently, but this view shows more clearly the lettering that is applied. It seems we now have IRVs as well as IRUs and ERUs! When I passed the depot recently, anonymous central fleet Ford Transit van 6834F was parked in this spot.	13/04/2012
4,343		By Derek Everson Plough Lane Garage's three Renault Kangoo Maxi crew vans were photographed lined-up at home on 16th February 2012. Delivered the previous October to replace the last of the former East Thames Buses crew ferry minibuses, the trio remained in anonymous (and dirty) red livery.	13/04/2012
4,344		By Ray Monk Identifying bus company service vehicles is not always easy. Metroline is one of a few companies that applies clear markings to its vans (although its minibuses and cars are usually anonymous). Vauxhall Astra van KY08MXH, photographed at Edgware Bus Station on 13th March 2012, even has an allocation code, showing that it is based at the garage here.	13/04/2012
4,345		By Derek Everson Vauxhall Corsa van GV57KJZ started life as a crew ferry van at Blue Triangle's Rainham depot, in anonymous red livery save for a small fleetnumber 4 on the sides. By spring 2011 it had gained a light-bar and been transferred within the Go-Ahead group to London Central's Bexleyheath garage. It later gained London Central logos, yellow/blue side stripes and chevrons on the back, although still carrying the number 4. It was photographed on 16th February 2012 parked in the London General garage at Merton. Note the war memorial on the wall alongside, and the garage map further back. The latter shows how the narrow entrance area (marked in yellow and visible from the road) disguises the huge size of the garage.	13/04/2012
4,346		By Ray Monk Photographed at an unknown location (!) on 6th April 2012, YR56NEF is a Ford Transit crew van recently acquired by Abellio and given fleetnumber 6743. It was being used as crew ferry vehicle and was passing elderly Dennis Dart bus 8008, blinded for route P13 and notable for still carrying the slogan 'Low floor easy access for everyone'.	13/04/2012
4,347		By Ray Monk An unexpected sight in spring 2012 was that of Abellio's two remaining Ford Courier Kombi vans at Hatton Cross, suggesting that they had transferred from Byfleet to Fulwell. Acquired in 2008 (along with two others, since withdrawn), the vans have always worked in anonymous silver livery. Y374SBP was photographed on 27th March 2012, parked alongside a Peugeot Car (with a Buses roundel in the windscreen). Passing in the background is one of the curious lorries used to load catering trollies onto aircraft. These have the cab mounted lower and further forward than normal, with a loading gantry above.	13/04/2012
4,348		By Richard Eversden Another Grey Green picture from Richard Eversden, this one taken at Southgate Station in 1990. Ford Transit van E415ATN carries the coach livery of white with orange and green stripes turning into flags towards the rear. First licensed in 1987, it was probably with Grey Green from new, although it later passed to Arriva London and was withdrawn in about 2001. The van was photographed attending to bus 497, one of twelve Northern Counties-bodied Daimler Fleetlines acquired from Greater Manchester PTE in 1987. The Grey Green bus livery at the time was white with orange lower parts and brown uppers, i.e. no grey and no green!	13/04/2012
4,349		By Thomas Young The latest Incident Response Unit vans for London Buses are being delivered in batches of four in reverse numerical order, with 7290M to 7293M due on the road this week. One of four licensed on 2nd March 2012, 7301M was allocated to Uxbridge Bus Station. It was photographed there on 5th April, parked in front of Infrastructure's electric Ford Transit 7161F. The latter is usually kept here since it is plugged in to an electricity supply mounted on the adjacent column.	13/04/2012
4,350		By Thomas Young Lillie Bridge Depot received a large quantity of new vehicles in the latter half of 2011, including nine Ford Transit dropside trucks numbered 7104F to 7112F. More of the type were delivered in spring 2012, including 7245F photographed at the depot on 6th April. The change to silver radiator mesh is apparent in this view.	13/04/2012
4,351		By Ray Monk 6965F is a rarely reported Ford Tourneo Connect new in autumn 2010. Being based at Hainault depot it was possibly acquired to replace similar but dark blue 6272F. It was photographed leaving the depot on 29th March 2012. At present Tourneo Connects are classified as minibuses on this website. Given their small size, I am considering changing them to estate cars.	13/04/2012
4,352		By Ray Monk London United started receiving a new fleet of crew ferry vehicles in spring 2012. Caught making the turn into Hatton Cross Bus Station on Easter Sunday (8th April) was Ford Fiesta van EO12UGE. Note the application of fleetnumber FF1 as well as the RATP logo below the fleetnames. About a dozen similar vehicles were seen in the car park at Stamford Brook Garage, presumably awaiting entry to service. It seems likely that these will replace the motley collection of old Ford vans at Hounslow Heath Garage, and perhaps also the newer cars inherited from NSL at Twickenham and Park Royal.	11/04/2012
4,353		By Graham Smith The biggest surprise of the London bus scene in 2012 (so far) has to be the sale of First London's Northumberland Park Garage to the Go-Ahead Group. The transfer involved 15 TfL routes and 130 buses, now operated under an extended London General license. One vehicle that was not transferred was Volkswagen Transporter van YT56AWX, photographed at Edmonton Green Bus Station on 10th November 2010. This van was sold through British Car Auctions in March 2012. The only other service vehicle we have as being allocated to Northumberland Park is Vauxhall Combo van EX03MHA, believed to be out of use.	11/04/2012
4,354		By John Hillman The small fleetnumber (CF77) on the offside is the only clue to this being a service vehicle. Photographed at Hemel Hempstead Bus Station on 22nd March 2012, S875FGU is a LTI TX1 taxi, acquired by Arriva the Shires around the beginning of the year. Only the second TX1 reported as a service vehicle, it is of course used as a crew ferry.	11/04/2012
4,355		By Richard Eversden Details of service vehicles operated by tendered bus operators in the 1980s and 1990s are rather sketchy. Here is one vehicle I didn't know about until Richard sent in the photo. Seen at Finsbury Park (Wells Terrace), B118OHN was a Ford Transit Mk2 minibus in the Grey Green fleet. It carried a curious livery with a green bonnet, orange roof and one green wheel. Although featuring a minibus bodyshell, no additional seats are visible inside. The picture must have been taken in the early 1990s. A Grey Green bus on route 210 is visible in the background (route taken over in September 1990), while the minibus carries a phone number with an 081 prefix (introduced in May 1990).	11/04/2012
4,356		By Alan B Cross I promised to publish a photo of this vehicle ages ago, and today I remembered. BL1 was an un-registered left-hand drive Bedford Lacre sweeper new in about 1955. As can be seen, it was based on a Bedford truck chassis/cab of the time. BL1 was allocated to Aldenham Works, where it was photographed in August 1967. It differed from Chiswick Work's BL2 in having a canvas tilt cover to the waste hopper, rather than a curved metal cover. BL1 is reported to have lasted until about 1985, possibly being disposed of as Aldenham Works was wound down. Interestingly I recently found my spotting notes from the Aldenham open day held in 1983. My scrawls did include a sighting of BL1, but I am not sure if that was this vehicle or the Bristol LH bus BL1!	11/04/2012
4,357		By Ray Monk Photographed coming down Bollo Lane towards Acton Works on a sunny 23rd March 2012, this Ford Transit van is very slightly unusual. Numbered 7320F and delivered less than a fortnight earlier, the position of the gutter rail shows that this is a short wheelbase mid-height Ford Transit. Only two other vans of this configuration are known to have featured in the numbered fleet in recent years (5916F and 6437F). This picture also shows a recent change to the Ford Transit design, whereby the mesh behind the radiator grille is finished in silver instead of black, making it much more visible.	11/04/2012
4,358		By Derek Everson The Tube Lines Lifts and Escalators fleet has been renewed recently, additions including ten Peugeot Bipper vans numbered 7166P to 7175P and ten Renault Kangoo Maxi vans numbered 7176R to 7185R. Several of the latter can usually be found parked at Frank Pick House in Acton, as was the case when 7176R was photographed there on 22nd March 2012. Note the escalator steps on the pallet in the background.	11/04/2012
4,359		By Derek Everson Following a batch of seven Smart fortwo cars delivered to London Underground in May 2011, at least two more have joined the fleet. 7164SM was photographed passing Chiswick Park Station on 9th February 2012.	11/04/2012
4,360		By Derek Everson A colourful pair of vans photographed at Aldgate Bus Station on 13th March 2012. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 7010M on the left is an Incident Response Unit van that started out working from Victoria. Ford Transit 7160F on the right is one of the four Smiths electric van conversions operated by Bus Infrastructure. Note that 7160F is plugged in to the electric supply.	11/04/2012
4,361		By Adam Floyd New contributor Adam Floyd sent in this interesting photo of former 6658V parked at the University of Buckingham on 14th March 2012. The blue skirt gives away its service vehicle parentage, and it has had lettering applied for the University's security department. This used to be the only way we found out about vehicle disposals; when they were seen or photographed with a subsequent user. Now however we have the licensing dates on the DVLA website (the dates often change when vehicles change hands) and also the lists of vehicles for sale on the British Car Auctions website. Although a large proportion of former leased service vehicles do seem to go through BCA, 6658V was not one of them.	11/04/2012
4,362		By Colin Lloyd This may be the last remaining Honda Civic in London Buses use. Sixteen such cars were leased in Summer 2007, fifteen carrying this Maroon with orange squares livery and the sixteenth in unmarked dark blue. Most were withdrawn in late 2011, although one or two briefly saw some further use with LUL at Acton. 6310H spent its first four years based at Eltham Bus Station but was then transferred north in early 2012. It was photographed passing through Ponders End on 25th February 2012, suggesting that it was then based at Waltham Cross. Similar 6305H may still be in stock but has not been reported since September 2011.	11/04/2012
4,363		By John Marshall Another interesting photograph from John Marshall's collection. The subject this time is 2138F, a Ford A0609 van new in May 1979. Contemporary London Bus Handbooks listed this vehicle as being a 4 ton railway breakdown tender with crew-cab and tail lift (ie the same as 2135F to 2137F). However, as this photo shows, 2138F was in fact a normal parcels van bodied A0609, rather like 2087F. It was allocated to the Permanent Way Engineer at Lillie Bridge for use as an emergency vehicle and, according to Kim Rennie's service vehicle book, had extra seats in the rear. It was photographed at Chiswick Works on 9th April 1987, near the end of its life. The livery looks a rather darker than normal shade of red, while there may still be a London Transport gold fleetname on the door. The van was delicensed two months later and was presumably sold for scrap.	11/04/2012
4,364		By Thomas Young The new Arriva the Shires Citroen Berlingo vans are slightly more distinctive from the rear. The fleetnumbers (in the new prefixed series seemingly borrowed from Arriva Southern Counties) are carried on the offside and rear, while there are half-height chevrons on the back, using yellow and black rather than the more common yellow and red. V208 was photographed leaving Edgware Bus Station on 5th April 2012, passing resident Incident Response Unit van 7001M.	08/04/2012
4,365		By Ray Monk Arriva the Shires acquired a fleet of eleven Citroen Berlingo vans in March 2012, all for use as crew ferry vehicles from Garston garage. As such they should become a familiar sight at London locations such as Edgware and Golders Green. Photographed at the former on 5th April 2012 were V215 (LG12YRN), V214 (LG12YRA) and V208 (LG12YRE). From this aspect, the only identifying factors are the Arriva markings on the bonnets. The new vans should have replaced all of the mixed fleet of cars and vans operating from Garston. Although fitted with an extra pair of seats (with sliding access doors on each side), no windows are provided for the back-seat occupants.	08/04/2012
4,366		By Ray Monk Metrobus acquired some new Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses in March 2012 (seven have been reported so far), to replace similar vehicles at their Croydon base. Photographed at Addington Interchange on 21st March were 8045 (BV12PXM) and 8047 (BV12PXO). Comparison with photos of the earlier vehicles (such as 8023) show that the frontal design has changed slightly (revised headlights and more black trim), while the new vehicles also have the Metrobus logo on the offside.	08/04/2012
4,367		By John Hillman Arriva the Shires has followed its Southern Counties counterpart in becoming a keen user of former London taxis as crew ferry vehicles. CF25 (R146NGT), photographed at Hemel Hempstead Bus Station on 22nd March 2012, is rather interesting. It is the first example of the London Taxicabs International (LTI) TX1 model to be reported as a service vehicle. This design supplanted the long-lived FX4 in 1997. CF25 is reported to have been acquired for Southern Counties at Dartford, but soon moved to the Shires, perhaps before entering service. The number CF25 follows on from recent ASC taxis, while the Shires has since used numbers from CF73 upwards. Finally the colour scheme with yellow bonnet, boot and upper parts is rather distinctive.	08/04/2012
4,368		By Derek Everson The two MAN TGM lorries entered service in March 2012 carrying new '12 registrations, although as of early April they had yet to gain company logos. RV12OEY was still at the Stanwell Road dealership on 6th March 2012, this rear view showing the details of the tail-lift. The lift appears to have a fold-over platform, while the height of the runners suggests a large range of loading heights.	08/04/2012
4,369		By Thomas Young At present this is the highest numbered vehicle in the leased fleet (that we know of). 7349R is a Renault Kangoo Maxi van delivered in late March 2012. It was photographed parked at Bollo House on 6th April. The presence of similar 7347R at the nearby Operations Centre suggests that three vans have been leased to replace Transit Connects 6474F-6476F.	08/04/2012
4,370		By Ray Monk Four Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for London Buses were first licensed on 2nd March 2012, with two of them being photographed still at the Rygor premises in Bedfont on 5th March. To the fore is 7298M, allocated to Turnpike Lane a few days later. 7301M behind was sent to Uxbridge.	08/04/2012
4,371		By Thomas Young Delivery of the fourth generation of Incident Response Unit vans for London Buses was spread across February to May 2012, with a batch of four or five arriving every three weeks. 7297M was licensed on 23rd March, and was photographed on 6th April parked outside Sycamore House in Thornton Heath. It was keeping company with earlier 7006M and Ford Transit Ashwoods Hybrid 6985F. The latter van has been moving around a bit, presumably for trials. Initially at Kingston it then went to Uxbridge, Stratford and Turnpike Lane. Curiously, the other Ashwoods van (6986F) started out at Sycamore House before moving to Eltham and Aldgate.	08/04/2012
4,372		By Colin Lloyd 6475F was one of a trio of Ford Transit Connect vans (6474F-6476F) leased for Tube Lines in June 2008, and often to be seen in Acton, either at Bollo House or at the Operations Centre on Museum Way. It was photographed at Trafalgar Square on 27th February 2012. Replacements in the form of Renault Kangoo Maxi vans 7347R-7349R arrived the following month.	08/04/2012
4,373		By Derek Everson Vauxhall Astra van LT57OUE was number 6424V in the Tube Lines fleet from October 2007, working mainly from Acton. However, it was not photographed until 14th February 2012, by which time it was at the British Car Auctions base at Blackbushe awaiting sale. BCA seems to handle a large proportion of vehicle sales from the central fleet.	08/04/2012
4,374		By Ivor Norman This Volkswagen Caddy van, not carrying its allocated fleetnumber of 6409VW, has had a rather nomadic existence. New in late 2007, it was based at Orpington by mid-2008, moving across London to Wembley Park at the end of that year. When that base closed it was transferred to Uxbridge Station, but by the end of 2011 it had crossed London again to the new Stratford City Bus Station. It was photographed at its new (and most likely final) home on 6th March 2012. Note that the original light-bar (mounted on the roof bar that is still in situ) was replaced by a low-profile one in late 2008, and the lettering was later changed from 'Infrastructure Development' to 'Bus Infrastructure'.	08/04/2012
4,375		By John Marshall An interesting photograph taken at Chiswick Works on 14th October 1987. The main subject is 2462L, one of four red Freight Rover Sherpa minibuses bought earlier in the year. It is not clear whether any lettering was carried. Also visible are a pair of Ford Transit Mk2 minibuses in non-standard colours. However, these were also service vehicles, WWK613X on the left being allocated number 2458F. The yellow minibus on the right is most likely 2459F (A289SHV). These two were unusual for being purchased second-hand, and both later passed to Bus Engineering Ltd.	08/04/2012
4,376		By Richard Eversden Richard Eversden has submitted some nice provincial photos recently, unfortunately without dates or locations. This yellow Leopard (no spots) was a former coach converted into a towing vehicle by Midland Red. The logos appear to be the ones used by Midland Red South after the company split in 1986 but before it was acquired by Stagecoach.	03/03/2012
4,377		By Ray Monk London United's Hounslow Heath garage has used ageing Ford Fiesta vans as crew ferries for several years. Perhaps a sign of changes is this view taken at Hatton Cross Bus Station on 24th February 2012. Both vans are anonymous but new Transit Connect HN61FCE has the HH garage code in its windscreen. Vauxhall Combo FL58YWV is also unmarked but thought to be HH based as well. It seems that the new owners of London United do not think it necessary to apply company lettering to their support vehicles. A couple of unmarked white Ford Transit vans have also been seen at Shepherds Bush Garage, but have not been added to the database until confirmation can be obtained.	03/03/2012
4,378		By Ray Monk Another anonymous Ford Transit crew van photographed at Hatton Cross, this time on 24th February 2012. HV07KMY is a Mk7 Transit (although badged as a 'ransi' on the offside!) with high-roof bodywork and most likely operated by Abellio.	03/03/2012
4,379		By Ray Monk The following three photographs all show plain white vans at Hatton Cross Bus Station. First up is this view taken on 22nd February 2012. The Mk6 Ford Transit crew van on the left is anonymous but believed to be an Abellio vehicle. It has possibly replaced Mercedes Sprinter T573FFC (which was very often seen parked here) as a crew ferry and rest room. Alongside is Vauxhall Combo DU07NNO.	03/03/2012
4,380		By John Marshall TT41 is a bit of a mystery. It was a Tasker drawbar platform trailer acquired in 1984 and sold by 1987. Photographed in the yard at Chiswick Works on 3rd March 1986, it already looks out of use. Although listed as being grey, there appears to be green paint on the front section. There is also no floor. Why this trailer was acquired, what it ever carried, and what pulled it are all unknowns. Ford Escort van 3314F is on the left and tanker trailer BT30 on the right.	03/03/2012
4,381		By Thomas Young This is the best shot I could manage of a new lorry that was seen in the yard at Acton Works on 24th February 2012. WP61ZXE is a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2-axle articulated tractor unit. Some new tractors have been expected for some time, to replace the remaining 1998 Actros units, and perhaps also the 2002 Ategos. Note the long wheelbase, the skirted sides, and the 'eye-brows' above the windscreen. A rather more dramatic restyling of the Actros is due to be launched later this year.	03/03/2012
4,382		By Ray Monk A second new MAN TGM dropside lorry had joined RJ61LTF at the Stanwell Road MAN dealership by 23rd February 2012. RJ61LTE was photographed on the 29th, and was still there, unlicensed, a week later, suggesting that the 61 registrations may be voided and replaced with 12 ones. This view shows the bodywork more clearly, and also the silver reflective stripe on the lower cab sides.	03/03/2012
4,383		By Thomas Young Apart from communications truck 2488M (and various trailers and cranes), the oldest active vehicle in the central fleet is Land Rover Defender N435CMF. New in 1996 as a British Transport Police vehicle, it has been with Tube Lines since at least 2004. It is based at Acton Works and is only rarely seen on the road. On 24th February 2012 it was found parked outside Smallbills Garage on Bollo Lane. Since last illustrated, the Tube Lines logos have been removed. The winch on the front bumper was fitted from new.	03/03/2012
4,384		By Thomas Young Photographed in the car park at the north end of Acton Works on 25th February 2012 (with a long zoom, through a dirty window of a moving train, against the sun!) was Mitsubishi L200 pick-up 7318. This vehicle is unusual in several respects. It is the only Mitsubishi to have featured in the leased fleet, it wears a non-standard all-white livery, and it had a very high fleetnumber for its age. It has a crew cab and a flat cover over the load space. The lack of a suffix letter is also unusual. Since the rebranding of vehicles in London Underground livery, several new suffixes have been introduced (C, N, S and SM). M is already in use for Mercedes, while the MAN lorries in the Tube Lines fleet are unsuffixed. MI would have been easily confused with M1, but perhaps MT could have been used. It does make me wonder what is the purpose of continuing with the suffix letters at all.	03/03/2012
4,385		By London Spotter Turnpike Lane received one of the fourth generation of IRUs in February 2012, 7306M being photographed on the 20th. It was parked alongside Ford/Ashwoods Transit hybrid 6985F, which appears to have settled here after some earlier travels. Note the white labels on the side door of the Transit. These read 'Mind Your Head', no doubt due to the sill height being somewhat lower than on the more common Mercedes vans.	03/03/2012
4,386		By Thomas Young The latest batch of Incident Response Unit vans for London Buses are indistinguishable from the earlier ones. 7302M was photographed on the ramp at Victoria Coach Station on 25th February 2012.	03/03/2012
4,387		By Ray Monk Photographed against the sun outside Acton Town Station on 1st March 2012, this van had come out of Museum Way. This suggests that 7273F (and 7272F seen in the same place a few days earlier) is a replacement for the set of four Transits allocated to the Depot Engineering Support Unit at Hearne House. This is supported by the sighting of 7273F at Neasden Depot (which is undergoing considerable reconstruction) a few days earlier. The previous two sets of vans (5820-5823F and 6544-6547F) wore silver livery but 7273F has standard LUL livery.	03/03/2012
4,388		By Kevin Bullions As far as we know, no Ford Focus cars have been added to the leased fleet in the past year. In their place have come several batches of Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars. Many are based at Lillie Bridge, including 7227P photographed in the depot on 23rd February 2012. As usual with this location, the vehicles in the background are of interest. Behind the car is unique VW Crafter van 6558VW, while beyond that is one of the very few (perhaps only 3) vehicles to still wear Metronet logos. Also visible are one of the three Renault Master trucks (6644 to 6646), a Ford Transit crew van, dropside 7110F and one of the Smart cars.	03/03/2012
4,389		By Ray Monk Ford Transit Mk7 crew van 7220F is used by the Tube Lines lifts and escalators section and is normally parked at Frank Pick House during the day. On 20th February 2012 it was caught at the nearby entrance to Acton Works.	03/03/2012
4,390		By Ray Monk Ford Transit van 7210F was new in February 2012 and allocated to the TfL Uniform Service (based at North Acton) as a replacement for similar 6190F. On 1st March 2012 it almost caught Ray by surprise when it popped out of Bollo House. I'm not sure why the Uniform Service changed from being an LUL branded operation to a TfL one. Presumably the vast majority of its 'clients' are London Underground employees. The Transit Connect in the background is 6278F, rarely seen out in the daytime. Curiously it was photographed parked at the same location exactly two years earlier.	03/03/2012
4,391		By Thomas Young Over the winter or 2011/2012, the van fleet of Tube Lines' lifts and escalators section was almost completely renewed. Most of the Ford Transit and Transit Connect vans were replaced by a variety of Peugeot Bipper, Renault Kangoo and Vauxhall Astra vans, although a handful of Transits were also received. This view of their main depot at Frank Pick House, Acton, was taken from a passing train on 24th February 2012. To the left is Renault Kangoo Maxi (note the stretched bodywork) 7181R, while Vauxhall Astra van 7194V is in front. The Transit behind is 7220F.	03/03/2012
4,392		By Thomas Young The car park next to the entrance of Acton Works is usually quite full on weekdays, as shown by this view taken from a District Line train on a gloomy 24th February 2012. Along with staff cars, a few service vehicles are usually present, including a handful of unmarked examples. The most visible here is Peugeot Partner Tepee estate car 7144P. The red-striped Fiat 500 parked alongside is certainly not a service vehicle, nor is the white M-registered Vauxhall Corsa van towards the right (despite carrying a light-bar). However, on the furthest row can be seen Vauxhall Combo van 6947V in LUL livery and Ford Focus hatchback VN08OXW in unmarked white/blue. The silver Renault Kangoo nearby is unmarked WR10ZZP. A view into the car park can be had from the bus stop on Bollo Lane, though the large advert hoardings and extensive foliage can be obstructive!	03/03/2012
4,393		By London Spotter Ford Transit dropside truck 7135F was new in November 2011 as a replacement for similar 6371F. As such, it can often be found parked at Neasden Station, as here on 15th February 2012. Alongside is crew van 6974F.	03/03/2012
4,394		By Ray Monk Rush hour on Bollo Lane! All heading in different directions, three service vehicles are seen at the entrance to Acton Works on 20th February 2012. Nearest is 6758, one of five Renault Master vans leased in 2009. All five wear non-standard all-white livery, complete with Tube Lines logos. Heading into the works is Mercedes Atego Emergency Response Unit tender 2592, latterly based at Camden. The Ford Transit van heading the other way is identifiable as being 6527F thanks to its unique lettering and body configuration (low roof on a medium wheelbase - note the longer gap between the panel join and the rear wheel arch). According to the Distribution Services brochure produced in 2009, this vehicle carries a generator, high-pressure jet washer, vacuum cleaner, upholstery cleaner, tyre compressor, 360 litre water storage tank, floodlights and various other equipment. It is also unusual for having cargo doors on both sides.	03/03/2012
4,395		By Ray Monk Ford Focus estate cars 6746F and 6747F are both allocated to Tube Lines' Stratford Market Depot. The latter of the pair was found parked outside the sub-station near the entrance to Northfields Depot on 24th February 2012. Note the lack of wheeltrims.	03/03/2012
4,396		By John Marshall Ford Escort van 3189F was taken on lease on 19th June 1984 as a replacement for Bedford HA van 2237B, being allocated to the Chief Electrical Engineer's Tower Hill sub-station. However, it was evidently later transferred elsewhere. In this picture taken at Chiswick Works on 29th May 1986, it is carrying a very non-standard livery, with Selkent Travel advertising on the front and sides.	03/03/2012
4,397		By John Marshall Ouch! This pair of rather sorry-looking Ford Escort vans was photographed at Chiswick Works on 25th April 1986. Nearest is 3031F which was crumpled pretty much all over. New in 1982, it never worked again. Although apparently not disposed of until December 1986, it was last licensed on 29th April. Newer 3125F behind seems to have been very unlucky, having been already illustrated at the same location with accident damage in December 1983. This appears also to have never worked again, last licensed in July it was also disposed of in December.	03/03/2012
4,398		By John Marshall The Morris Marina was never common as a service vehicle. Just five estate cars featured in the numbered fleet, between 1975 and 1986 (45 saloon cars were operated as private cars). Interestingly the five cars appear to have had only two users. 3019L (shown here) was the only Marina in the leased series, being received from Hertz on 16th July 1982. It was acquired to replace similar 2132M for the Chief Signal Engineer at Acton, the latter having seemingly replaced earlier 1894M. The Rolling Stock Engineer at Neasden had 1997M, replacing it with 2263M in 1980. Curiously, Morris was unable to supply vehicles in London Transport red. The five cars were listed as being variously maroon, crimson or tangerine. However, this photo of 'tangerine' 3019L suggests that the differences were minimal. The photo was taken on 13th April 1985 outside Hogarth Garage, a commercial premises on Cranbrook Road in Chiswick, where some smaller vehicles were serviced.	03/03/2012
4,399		By John Marshall 2421D was one of three Dodge Commando refuse trucks bought in spring 1985, but it appears to have been the least photographed of the trio. It was only a month old when photographed in the lorry yard at Chiswick Works on 3rd April 1985, and was carrying the incorrect fleetnumber 2420D in a curious location. As already seen, 2419D and the real 2420D had front and corner numbers applied. Two of the five Dodge S66 vans can be seen in the background.	03/03/2012
4,400		By John Marshall 2358B was a Vauxhall Chevette estate car, new in June 1981 and the first of a batch of thirteen such vehicles. They carried a slightly darker than normal shade of red. When photographed at Chiswick Works on 19th December 1986 the car had no visible fleetnumbers. However, it did have an unusual advert for bus and coach hire applied to the door. Parked alongside is VLF977S, a Ford Transit bullion van with toughened glass windscreens. 2358B was sold shortly after this picture was taken.	03/03/2012

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