View Latest Data |
|
Log-in Register |
||||||||||
| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 4,501 |  |
By John Marshall Having illustrated lots of service vehicles with four wheels, a few with three or two, and one with just one, here is one with five! Sadly, the fifth wheel is not visible in this photograph taken at a slushy South Harrow Station on 17th February 1970. Ford Thames 400E 1317F was used as a route survey van for which it was equipped with a retractable spoked wheel for measuring distances. The wheel can be seen in the photographs published in SUP15B and the Capital Transport SV book. Other modifications included a window in the front roof, presumably for checking potential overhead obstructions. Also note that the fleetname is carried on a removable board, perhaps so that the vehicle could be operated covertly if required! New in 1964 it remained in stock until 1972. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,502 |  |
By John Marshall A very awkward-looking combination was that of Karrier Bantam Prime Mover 1310KB and Carrimore trailer C21. Used mainly for moving bus stop shelters, the trailer seemed to dwarf the diminutive tractor unit and featured an alarmingly sloped floor. Its single wheels were almost twice the size of those under the tractor. Although numbered in the unified trailer sequence (between YT20 and YT22), it lacked the usual T prefix. The unique pairing was photographed taking a break at Cornwall Road, Waterloo on 28th April 1971. By the end of that year it had been replaced by new 1684F/K1. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,503 |  |
By John Marshall This photo is not what it at first appears. Taken in the sidecourt of London Transport's Victoria Garage on 8th December 1971 it shows a Ford Thames Trader in London Transport livery with a London Transport fleetnumber. However, this vehicle was one of several that were transferred to the newly created London Country Bus Services in 1970. 1148F was one of four (1148F to 1151F) Trader 5-ton half-tilt lorries delivered in summer 1960. They initially ran on trade plates, only gaining registrations in 1970 following a change in legislation. Curiously they were given contemporary H-suffix registrations, making them appear 10 years younger than they actually were. All were transferred to LCBS in 1970 although none remained in use for more than 4 years. 1148F was allocated to Reigate, having transferred from Romford in August 1971. As can be seen, it was sometimes used as a driver trainer, although it is not clear why it had travelled so far back into London on this occasion. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,504 |  |
By Ray Monk Four AEC Mercury pole carriers were bought in 1958 for use in the dismantling of trolleybus overhead wiring. Two were withdrawn in 1967 but the other pair remained in stock until the mid-1970s. On 25th January 1972 1079Q was photographed on Hoskins Street in Greenwich, carrying cable drums from the nearby power station. Apart from the fitting of side indicators and enlarged mirrors, the vehicle was in almost original condition. Note the hand-operated chain winch crane, and also the registration number repeated on the front of the bodywork. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,505 |  |
By John Marshall Tower wagons were used to enable access to tram and trolleybus overhead wirings for repairs and maintenance. Most were therefore withdrawn once the last trolleybuses were withdrawn in 1962. However one vehicle managed to remain in stock for a further 17 years. AEC Mercury 1077Q was one of four bought in 1958, and was kept on for any remaining high-level access requirements (such as maintenance of bus garage lighting). It appeared to be out of use by the time of this photograph, taken at Chiswick Works on 16th April 1975. Note that the lettering has been painted out. Parked behind is another AEC Mercury, an open lorry from the 1070Q-1072Q batch. In the left background is the road leading over the BR tracks and into Acton Works. 1077Q was eventually sold in May 1979. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,506 |  |
By Ray Monk Three of the eight AEC Matador breakdown tenders acquired in 1947/1948 lasted until the mid-1970s. 747P was photographed inside Poplar Garage on 24th April 1971 keeping company with some early DMS class buses. Note the covered rear wheels. As far as I know, 747P was the only one of the batch to have this feature. |
22/01/2012 |
| 4,507 |  |
By John Marshall As well as ambulances (one of which is visible to the left), both Aldenham and Chiswick Works had an unregistered left-hand drive Bedford-Lacre sweeper truck. Chiswick's example was numbered BL2, and was photographed in the works on 24th April 1967. BL2 was later fitted with a framework extension on the front, to permit the fitting of a snow plough (as seen here). Aldenham's BL1 had a slightly different appearance, and I will publish a photo of it next time. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,508 |  |
By Ray Monk RV61CZE is one of (at least) four Volkswagen Caddy vans delivered in late 2011. Although in the same registration series as those leased for London Underground (such as 7151VW), these four are plain white and carry removable Tube Lines labels rather than having permanent lettering. Reports suggest that they are being used as internal mail vans from Acton Works, and they appear to have replaced the four plain white Ford Transit Connect vans used for this role since 2010 (such as CP10JXZ). The reason for this, and whether or not they are allocated fleetnumbers, remains unknown for now. On 28th November 2011, RV61CZE was caught leaving Acton Works. Note the papered over rear windows. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,509 |  |
By Ray Monk Acton on the 28th of November 2011 again and the transporter lorry with its load of nine Peugeot Bippers is now making the tricky manoeuvre into the Works entrance. I hope they checked the clearance under the railway bridge! Unloading must have taken some time, and would require the lorry and trailer to be parked in a straight line. The vans would then presumably be lettered (and numbered) and made ready for service. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,510 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographed outside Acton Works on 28th November 2011, LT61WHM was one of nine Peugeot Bipper vans loaded onto a Renault transporter lorry. Although it clearly has a tax disc, the DVLA reports that it was not licensed until the following day (29th). These are the first Bippers for the London Underground fleet, suggesting that the operation of 5 similar vans by TfL Streets since mid-2010 was successful. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,511 |  |
By Ray Monk Yet another case of Ray being in the right place at the right time. On 28th November 2011 he paid a visit to Bollo Lane and found this transporter lorry parked opposite the works entrance. Loaded on board were no fewer than 9 brand new Peugeot Bipper vans, all in unmarked white/blue livery. New vehicles are usually driven to Acton Works for commissioning, although Ray has seen old vehicles departing by transporter in the past. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,512 |  |
By Ray Monk Of the four Ford Fiesta cars delivered for London Buses in mid-November 2011, two had been allocated to Stratford by the end of the month. On the 30th, Ray photographed LM61FSU and LM61JHX parked in the Office Village complex. This location is off the south side of Stratford Broadway and has, for the past few years, been home to one or two of the LBSL cars. LBSL presumably lease some of the office space here. It remains to be seen whether these cars turn up in the bus station once its redevelopment is completed. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,513 |  |
By Ray Monk The central fleet has become quite diverse in the past few years. Although the Ford Transit remains dominant for mid-sized vehicles, many new models of smaller vans and cars have been added. Shown here leaving Acton Works on 5th December 2011 is a Peugeot Ion electric car. Given that it was not brand new, and has plain white livery (with Tube Lines label), this may have been a demonstrator or dealer loan. The Peugeot Ion appears to be a badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV design, or perhaps it was vice-versa. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,514 |  |
By John Marshall This must be the strangest 'service vehicle' I have shown on this site to date! Quite clearly a hand-operated road-roller, it was nevertheless road-licensed. Built by Stothert and Pitt and new in 1963, it was registered as 525FJJ. A similar vehicle acquired 2 years previously became 219CXK. Information on vehicles like this would not have been published at the time, so it is fortunate that photographers such as John Marshall took note of them. The registration number may have been a clue, London Transport having used several 5xxFJJ marks on service vehicles (like 1292R) and also on the TT class buses used as bicycle transporters at the Dartford Tunnel. The disposal dates for these machines are not known, although 219CXK was seen still in use in November 1980. They may have lasted longer, as both were apparently last licensed on 30th April 1991. The photograph was taken at Waterloo (Cornwall Road?) on 14th May 1969. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,515 |  |
By John Marshall WYL724 was one of two road-registered Coles mobile cranes operated by London Transport. New in 1959 it spent many years at Parsons Green depot, where it was photographed on 20th September 1966. This photograph usefully shows that the livery was yellow. A photo was published in SUP22 (an LT registrations list produced by LOTS in 1981) but was in black and white. The crane lasted until at least 1977. Also visible are one of the Ford Thames 7-cwt vans, and a Bedford TK lorry in what looks like BOC livery. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,516 |  |
By John Marshall The adjective 'cute' does not spring to mind when looking at most service vehicles, but this one might be an exception. Painted in plain Chiswick Green, JXC354 was a Mercury electric platform truck, photographed at Lillie Bridge depot on 11th June 1968. Apart from it being new in 1948, not much else is known about it. However, it does seem likely that it performed the same role as VLW676G, a Lancing Bagnall battery electric truck new in 1968, perhaps being replaced by it. The Capital Transport book on service vehicles states that VLW676G was kept at Earls Court Station, and that it was road-licensed so that it could operate (with a trailer) between there and Lillie Bridge. It adds that the vehicle operated along the walkways above Earls Court Station! JXC354 also had a trailer, although it was not attached when photographed. The entire block of registrations between JXC1 and JXC500 was used by London Transport, featuring on RT and TD clas buses as well as numerous service vehicles. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,517 |  |
By John Marshall Not a great photo alas, but a very interesting subject. Seen at West Acton on 13th January 1967, this is apparently Priestman Excavator GKH349, one of three acquired during the war. I have never seen a picture of one before. The Capital Transport SV book of 2003 mentions just GKH349, adding that it was registered by the manufacturer in Hull. Since all three had Hull registrations (GAT978 and GKH212 being the other two), they were presumably all acquired new. As the photo shows, these are drag-bucket excavators. I can't make out any details of the chassis, though being registered suggests they were capable of being driven on the road. I wonder how they got that jib around tight corners? It looks like the machine is working on a railway embankment. Any further information on these machines would be welcomed. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,518 |  |
By Ray Monk A second batch of Volkswagen Caddy crew vans for London Underground arrived in October 2011, following from 7118VW-7128VW the previous month. Both batches appear to work mainly out of Lillie Bridge, although only the first batch seems to be kept there. On 28th November 2011, Ray caught 7151VW leaving Acton Works. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,519 |  |
By Graham Smith Catching some winter sunshine as it rounds Marble Arch on 2nd December 2011, Ford Transit minibus 7037F has a small claim to fame. It was, by a couple of months, the first 7xxx numbered service vehicle to enter service. Operated by London Underground, it is normally kept at Edgware Road Station. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,520 |  |
By Peter Horrex Here is a nice shot by new contributor Peter Horrex. Taken on the late afternoon of 30th November 2011, it shows LBSL Infrastructure's Volkswagen Transporter 6898VW parked at Finsbury Park Bus Station. Incident Response Unit 7015M is visible in the background. The exposure of 1/25th at f1.8 has resulted in the curious but attractive focus effects. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,521 |  |
By John Marshall Photographed at Chiswick Works on 30th August 1968, these two vans appear to have suffered from fire damage. 1319F and 1321F were both Ford Thames 307E vans new in 1964. They were among the last LT service vehicles to be allocated body numbers, M49 and M51 respectively. Numbers up to M103 were issued (following an earlier series that ran up to 9999) but vehicles new after January 1965 dispensed with this feature. 1321F was sold in December 1968, 1319F in February 1969. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,522 |  |
By John Marshall Like 968R, 1292R was registered despite being used only within Chiswick Works. Unlike 968R, it did actually display its registration number, as seen in this photo taken on 8th November 1966. Red livery was not standard for such vehicles at the time, but was also worn by a similar un-numbered crane, since preserved. At first glance, I thought the red object in the background was an LSBL Ford Transit van like 5301F, but they were still 35 years away! It certainly appears to have wheels, and chevrons on the end. Any suggestions? |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,523 |  |
By John Marshall 1135F was a Ford Thames Trader lorry delivered in 1959, and photographed at the top end of Parsons Green depot on 3rd January 1967. The lorry was fitted with a full-length (expanding) tilt cover, and also featured the curious combination of grey cab and green bodywork. It was withdrawn and sold two months after this picture was taken. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,524 |  |
By John Marshall 1014MY was one of two Maudsley Mogul tankers bought second-hand from Shell-Mex in 1954. 1013MY was withdrawn in 1962 but 1014MY lasted a further 10 years. It was photographed at Rye Lane Garage on 21st March 1969. Comparison with earlier photos - such as the one published in the 2003 Capital Transport book on service vehicles - show that it had been modified with new headlamps (replacing smaller ones higher up, where the circular plates are) and side indicators. 1014MY was sold to the Commercial Vehicle club in 1972 suggesting it was preserved. I do remember seeing a similar vehicle, although not in LT livery, at one of the Chiswick Works open days in the 1980s, but I can't seem to trace any pictures of it. Rye Lane Garage was opened in 1952, having built on the site of the former permanent way depot. It closed in March 1969, the same month as this photo. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,525 |  |
By John Marshall This view taken inside Chiswick Works on 24th April 1967 shows three service vehicles. The main subject is Bedford CAV Ambulance 976B, then over 13 years old. It was to last another two years before replacement by CALV model 1532B. On the right is Bedford-Lacre sweeper BL2, while on the far left is a small grey or cream van. I'm not certain but this could be one of the four Beford HAV vans delivered between 1964 and April 1967 (1373B, 1382B, 1383B and 1405B). Also visible, reflected in the windows of the bus from which the photograph was taken, is what appears to be a GS-class bus in white livery. This was probably a St.Johns Ambulance vehicle. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,526 |  |
By John Marshall The two numbered cranes at Chiswick Works (968R and 1292R) lasted until the mid-1980s, so photographs are not all that rare. However, the two published today from John Marshall are the first I can recall seeing in colour. 968R was a Jones 2-ton crane, bought second-hand in 1952. It was registered JXE356 but was never (as far as I know) used beyond the confines of the works. Indeed there is no evidence of a number plate in any of the photos seen. It carried standard green livery throughout, and was photographed on 3rd July 1967. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,527 |  |
By John Marshall Almost hidden amongst a jumble of equipment at Parsons Green depot on 20th September 1966 is Green 30-cwt road roller 962R. Although a better photo has been published already, this colour view shows the green livery applied to this and other items of plant, such as cement mixers. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,528 |  |
By John Marshall Bedford OLBD 826B was almost at the end of its second career when photographed at Chiswick Works on 4th November 1966. New in 1949 it originally had a dropside body and was shown on official lists as being a towing lorry. However, as Clive's recent article suggests, this probably referred to the fitting of a tow bar for trailers, rather than a capability to tow buses. In 1953 826B was rebuilt, being fitted with a 600-gallon tank removed from Albion lorry 376A. In this form it was used to transport distilled water used for vehicle batteries. It was replaced by Ford D-series 1390F in early 1967 and was sold in April. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,529 |  |
By John Marshall I am today publishing several photos submitted by John Marshall. All were taken in the 1960s, and were scanned from slides. The resulting images are rather on the small size (I have enlarged them slightly), but the fact that they are in colour, and include some very rare subjects, makes them rather special. First up is a curious angle on 700B, seen from the top deck of a bus (note the seat moquette reflected in the window) at Chiswick Works on 1st May 1967. 700B was of course one of the 10 Bedford OSS tractor units used with the mobile canteen trailers. It was the only one of the batch not to have a matching JXC registration, and was also the last in stock, being sold in September 1967. |
11/12/2011 |
| 4,530 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Photographed at Lakeside Bus Station on 5th October 2011, YD05AFN is a high-roof Mk6 Ford Transit van in the First Essex Buses fleet. It carries fleetnumber 90413 on the fuel filler cap, and is lettered for Roadside Publicity - Clacton. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,531 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Volvo FH recovery truck GN06CNZ is one of the lesser-spotted members of the Sovereign Recovery fleet. Named Vulcan, complete with appropriate graphics on the back of the cab, it was seen passing Turnpike Lane station on 13th October 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,532 |  |
By Ray Monk Fleetnumber MF1 has been applied to two battery-electric Ford Transit dropsides used by Go-Ahead London, the first one having been destroyed in a fire at Camberwell. On 24th October 2011 Ray caught its replacement waiting to turn in to Merton Bus Garage. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,533 |  |
By London Spotter The Silvertown Garage used by Docklands Buses has seen an increase in work recently, with several route tenders won, and a large allocation of new Enviro 200 buses. Crew ferry duties are performed by anonymous Mercedes-Benz Vito crew vans, including white RJ60ZGE photographed at the garage on 29th October 2011. Alongside is Renault Kangoo van GY03PFG, based here since 2008 but not seen in use recently. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,534 |  |
By Ray Monk Metroline's Kings Cross garage has a fleet of anonymous cars used as crew ferry vehicles, most displaying the company name only on papers stuck in the rear window. A recent addition was Renault Scenic car LM60YTO, seen coming down the road from the garage on 15th October 2011. This road also leads to an aggregate loading depot, hence the rather dusty conditions. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,535 |  |
By Graham Brown Arriva London have two silver Vauxhall Corsa vans for use by service controllers. FP60GYZ is based at Edmonton (the other is at Norwood), but on 20th September 2011 it was called to an accident at Aldwych. Note the varied collection of lettering, including an Arriva name and logo along with two London Buses stickers squeezed onto the light-bar. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,536 |  |
By Graham Smith Arriva the Shires covers a huge area from London northwards as far as Milton Keynes. Apart from the crew ferry cars used in connection with the London Buses routes, photographs of Shires service vehicles are rarely received. Redressing the balance is this view of Ford Transit Connect van NC04XLH at Waltham Cross on 24th August 2011. This van is based at Ware garage and is allocated fleetnumber 1172. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,537 |  |
By Ray Monk Further variety was added to the TfL Streets in 2011 with the arrival of a pair of Renault Modus hatchback cars. The second was WN61BRX, photographed outside Chancel Street on 25th November 2011 (another vehicle was blocking the entrance to the garage). In the background can be seen the Palestra office building where the TfL Streets staff are believed to be based. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,538 |  |
By Colin Lloyd We had expected London Buses to receive a reasonable batch of Toyota Prius cars some time in 2011, to replace the 16 Honda Civics operated since 2007. Four arrived in September but there have been no reports of any more since. One of the four was LN61ZGR, photographed near its home base of Turnpike Lane on 13th October 2011. It could be that the new Ford Fiesta cars will also share the duties. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,539 |  |
By Ray Monk An unexpected find at Acton Works on 18th November 2011 was a quartet of new Ford Fiesta cars in full London Buses livery. They were parked in the staff car park, presumably awaiting collection, and indeed one (LM61JHZ) left while we were there. The cars have additional lettering for Bus Operations, suggesting that they may be to replace Honda Civic cars, although Toyota Prius cars had been expected for this. Fleetnumbers were not carried. London Buses has used Ford Fiesta cars before, a dozen (like 4912F) being leased between 1998 and 2003. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,540 |  |
By Ray Monk We have not had any official fleet information for almost two years now, which can cause problems when vehicles do not carry their fleetnumbers. Worse is when numbers are incorrectly applied. Vauxhall Combo van LR60YSG was new in November 2010 and used by London Underground in the Harrow and Ruislip areas. It had fleetnumber 6962F applied on the nearside at least (another report mentioned 6962V). This number had already appeared on a Ford Transit van. The F suffix applied to the Vauxhall suggests that it is the one with wrong number, but for now we don't know what it should be. Photographed at Ruislip Station on 16th November 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,541 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The fourth electric Transit van was found by Malcolm, also on 18th November 2011. It was parked near Red Lion Square in Holborn, and was carrying the fleetnumber 7193F. It seems odd to be given a number separate from the other vans, but perhaps this is an error for 7163F. 7162F and 7163F appear to work in central London so they may be kept at Victoria Coach Station. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,542 |  |
By Damon Cross Photographs of the remaining three electric Ford Transit vans were all obtained within a few days of each other in mid-November. 7162F was in use by September but remained elusive. Damon found it parked outside Victoria Station on 18th November 2011. Note the additional lettering, and also the notice for the charging point below the door handles. Given that these vehicles were ordered some time ago, they have been given surprisingly high fleetnumbers. The result is some '60 registered vehicles among mainly '61 registered ones. We had assumed that vehicles were assigned fleetnumbers when they were ordered. Somebody must now, but they're not telling.... |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,543 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin The four electric Ford Transit vans acquired for London Buses have been extremely slow in entering service. First registered in February 2011, some were seen at Acton Works in July and 7160F was in use at Aldgate by early August. 7161F was eventually allocated to Uxbridge by mid-November, and it was photographed in the bus station on the 19th. Infrastructure vehicles are usually kept in the car park on the south side of the station. However, an electric charging feed has been set up in the bus station. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,544 |  |
By Kim Rennie Seen at Lillie Bridge depot on 26th October 2011, 7115F is one of three 'jumbo' Ford Transit vans delivered recently. A London Underground logo is usually added on the rear (as on 6837F) but the fold-over hazchem warning plate appears to have precluded this. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,545 |  |
By Kim Rennie 7111F is a recent Ford Transit dropside truck in London Underground livery and based at Lillie Bridge (where it was photographed on 26th October 2011). This example has a crew-cab but no tail-lift. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,546 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Glyn was working on the Central Line replacement bus service on Sunday 13th November 2011, and he found a few service vehicles at Epping, interestingly not the same ones that we had seen there the day before. 7106F was one of a pair of Ford Transit dropside trucks that seem to have worked up from Lillie Bridge (the other one being 7104F). To the left can be seen one of the many Cleshar vans that were also present. These all seem to have gained large stencilled fleetnumbers recently. Does anyone reckon we should add these vehicles to the database?! |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,547 |  |
By Kim Rennie Ford Transit dropside truck 7105F still looked factory-fresh when photographed at Lillie Bridge depot on 26th October 2011. Note the London Underground label and hazchem board on the underside (or back!) of the mesh tail-lift. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,548 |  |
By Kim Rennie 7094F is a standard short-wheelbase Mk7 Ford Transit van new in June 2011 and based at Acton Works. It was photographed there on 26th October 2011, parked in front of one of the Honda CR-V cars. The parking bays are marked SIGNAL COMMS ONLY. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,549 |  |
By Kim Rennie As already seen, there are dedicated parking spaces for four Smart cars at Lillie Bridge depot. However, on 26th October 2011, five were present, comprising 7066SM to 7069SM (nose in) and 7072SM (nose out). The Ford Transits parked beyond are 6123F and 6230F, the latter still with Metronet logos. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,550 |  |
By Ray Monk A few more service vehicles were found at Epping Station during the planned closure on Saturday 12th November 2011, including short wheelbase VW Transporter crew van 6994VW. New in December 2010, we did not find out this van's fleetnumber until almost a year later. Note the large rear bumper, and the lack of London Underground logos on the sides. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,551 |  |
By Ray Monk Most weekends there are at least one or two planned underground line closures for maintenance purposes, and these can be a good opportunity to find service vehicles out in daylight. Closures on the Central line have been very rare over the past couple of years but on the 12th and 13th of November 2011 there was one between Loughton and Epping. Several of us ventured there on the Saturday, using the replacement bus services to reach each of the stations. Sadly there was not much of interest, in particular the hoped-for VW Golf cars were notably absent. A few vehicles were parked at Debden Station, including Ford Transit crew van 6929F. This is one of the large batch of vans delivered in mid-2010 and is usually based at Acton. Ironically one of the VW Golfs was seen twice a week later. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,552 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Although nominally allocated to Acton Works, some of the large batch of Ford Transit crew vans delivered in mid-2010 can be seen parked up in the suburbs when not in use. Malcolm found 6908F in Ilford on 6th October 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,553 |  |
By Thomas Young Open days at the Acton Museum Depot provide a good opportunity to view the services vehicles at the nearby Piccadilly Line Track and Signals Operations Centre. This location has a small front yard that can hold two vehicles, while others often park outside. However, there is a larger yard at the back. Photographed from the gate on 8th October 2011, three service vehicles can be seen. The two vans are identical (apart from the roof rack on one) Ford Transit crew vans new in spring 2010, both of which I have marked as being allocated elsewhere. 6872F on the left was latterly at nearby Bollo House, while 6892F has been seen several times at Arnos Grove. Just visible on the right is elderly Ford Transit dropside truck 5963F, based here since new over five years ago. A much newer Transit dropside with black bodywork was parked alongside but is thought to be a hire. Out of sight behind the building was Ford Transit Connect van 6476F. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,554 |  |
By Kim Rennie Although recently based at North Crescent, West Ham, Ford Transit van 6858F seems to make frequent visits to Lillie Bridge where sister vehicle 6859F is based. Both are lettered as Plant Services Mobile Maintenance Units, one of very few instances of additional lettering being applied to a standard livery. 6858F was photographed outside TransPlant House (at Lillie Bridge) on 26th October 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,555 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Somewhat unusual are a batch of five Renault Master vans leased in 2009 and given numbers 6758 to 6762 (without suffixes). Although they have a full set of lettering, they have never gained the blue skirts to complete their livery. They are also rather elusive, seeming to mainly work from Acton. Malcolm caught 6759 rounding Trafalgar Square on 18th November 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,556 |  |
By Thomas Young This photo was taken from the footbridge at Wembley Park Station on 19th November 2011, and shows Ford Focus estate car 6738F parked in the 'signals' yard to the north of the station. I had thought this location was closed recently, since the allocated Ford Transit vans (6338F and 6435F) had been moved elsewhere. 6738F is normally to be found parked at Bollo House in Acton. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,557 |  |
By Thomas Young Most of the service vehicles at Uxbridge Bus Station are now hidden away behind a nearby building. In this view taken on 19th November 2011 three are (just) visible. Honda Civic car 6308H was still lacking fleetnumbers, but is likely due for replacement soon. Incident Response Unit 6612M had a fleetnumber, but the wrong one, having carried 6610M since new. These vans are also likely to be replaced early in 2012. Just visible on the right is newer IRU 7004M. The alley in the foreground leads (on the right) to Station Approach, while the bus garage is beyond the white-clad building in the background. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,558 |  |
By Thomas Young At dusk on November 18th 2011, three service vehicles were photographed at the Tube Lines depot on North Crescent (West Ham), underneath a load of no parking signs! Nearest the camera was Ford Transit dropside truck 6386F, the only example with a non-blue body. Behind are dropside 6570F and plant services van 6858F. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,559 |  |
By Kim Rennie 6324F is a long-wheelbase mid-height Ford Transit crew van new in 2008. Now wearing London Underground livery, it was photographed at Acton Works on 26th October 2011, parked in front of newer 7094F. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,560 |  |
By London Spotter New in May 2007, Ford Transit short-wheelbase crew van 6253F was used by the Tube Lines lifts and escalators department. Although they are based at Frank Pick House in Acton, this van has only rarely been seen there, most reports being of it at work during the night. It was found parked at Heath Park (near Romford) on 15th October 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,561 |  |
By Kim Rennie Fewer than ten service vehicles still carried Metronet logos by November 2011, and most of them were based at Lillie Bridge. Photographed there on 26th October was Ford Transit van 6191F, new in March 2007. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,562 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Former service vehicle 5326F still retained the basic white/blue livery when seen passing Marble Arch on 22nd October 2011. A long-wheelbase Mk6 Ford Transit van, it had been new in July 2002. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,563 |  |
By Damon Cross Former 1456MR, the AEC Militant recovery truck now preserved at Brooklands, has recently been repainted. Sadly it has retained National Rescue brown/silver, rather than reverting to London Transport red. It was photographed at the museum on 23rd October 2011. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,564 |  |
By Damon Cross Bedford OSS tractor unit 702B has been fully restored over the past few years, but its trailer is still awaiting attention. Numbered MC11, this semi-trailer mobile canteen survived by virtue of being sold on to Liverpool Corporation after withdrawal by London Transport in 1959. Tractor unit 706B (another which went to Liverpool) has also survived, although restored in non-authentic livery. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,565 |  |
By Malcolm Glover The London Bus Preservation Trust moved from its long-standing home at Cobham to the Brooklands complex in 2011, with a new purpose-built shed to house some of the exhibits. The three service vehicles were among the vehicles moved in and a line-up was staged during an event on 23rd October 2011. They are Ford 100E van 1096F, Bedford CALV ambulance 1492B and Bedford-Scammell mobile canteen 702B. It would be nice if they could add a Ford Transit or Escort van, to represent the 1970s. Note part of the banked race track visible in the background. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,566 |  |
By Paul Almeroth I don't get many photographs from America, so here is another view of AEC Regent 739J in Florida on 4th November 2011. No doubt it will look a lot better once Ensign have given it some attention, and it may be possible one day to stage a line-up of all four survivors. Three were featured at the Cobham open day in 1994. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,567 |  |
By Paul Almeroth Of the four AEC Regent Auxiliary Breakdown Tenders that were preserved, 739J was exported to the USA in the mid-1990s. Good news is that has recently been bought by Ensign, and Paul went over to Deland, Florida to view it and make preparations for its return. This photo, taken on 4th November 2011, shows that the vehicle has been somewhat neglected. Hopefully the problems are just cosmetic. |
27/11/2011 |
| 4,568 |  |
By Ray Monk Another of the rather ungainly Renault Kangoo Maxi crew vans, this time Bexleyheath's LX61TKY caught at Foot's Cray Tescos on 21st October 2011. The rear wheelarch contouring has been extended forwards, presumably to allow the use of a standard side door. Note how the more circular wheelarch protrudes onto the door on shorter 6816R. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,569 |  |
By Ray Monk The Renault Kangoo has never been the most graceful of vehicles, but this new version stretches the point! Known as the Kangoo Maxi, it places the normal estate car cabin on an extended chassis, with a goods compartment behind. Go-Ahead London acquired four such cars in October 2011, three going to Plough Lane and one to Bexleyheath. As the quantities match up with the remaining Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses (ex East Thames Buses), the cars are most likely replacements for these. LV61EYF was photographed at Plough Lane garage on 24th October 2011. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,570 |  |
By Ray Monk Despite a published ambition to have an all 'green' support fleet within a couple of years, Go-Ahead London continues to take conventional (diesel) vehicles for most duties. Recently delivered to Bexleyheath Garage was Ford Transit EX61MZL, photographed at Eltham Church on 1st November 2011. This short-wheelbase mid-height van has replaced similar EF05YJC. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,571 |  |
By Colin Lloyd This Metroline Ford Transit Connect van carries the HT code for Holloway Garage. However, it was photographed on 22nd October 2011 passing through Hounslow. This suggests that it was actually working from Brentford (AH). As the former Brentford van (YC09PVD) was seen at the recent Holloway Garage open day the allocations have presumably been swapped over. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,572 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Newly acquired Vauxhall Combo van VU57MTX was photographed at the Ensignbus premises in Purfleet on 19th October 2011. To the left is a former East Thames Buses Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus. This is not thought to be one of the pair acquired in August 2010. P185OLC was soon repainted blue while P851OLL was sold without being used. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,573 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Ensignbus acquired a pair of second-hand Vauxhall Combo vans in October 2011 and painted them in its smart blue and silver livery. DN07HWJ was photographed at Purfleet garage on 17th October 2011. Note that consecutively registered DN07HWK was acquired by Abellio in 2010. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,574 |  |
By Derek Everson This anonymous high-roof Ford Transit crew van photographed at Staines Bus Station on 5th October 2011 is apparently part of the Abellio fleet. Most of their recent additions have been treated to fleetnames but perhaps this one was rushed into service. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,575 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Here is another van that has been rather nomadic of late. VU04UDT was one of six similar vans acquired by Arriva London in spring 2004 for use by the engineers. Based at Tottenham and Lea Valley, it had a light-bar and operated in anonymous white. By spring 2011 it had lost its light-bar and gained lettering, including a large bonnet number, suggesting that it was now a crew ferry van. I noted it at South Croydon garage (TC) but it was listed by Arriva as being at Beddington Farm. However, on 13th October 2011 Colin caught it arriving at Wood Green garage. More sightings are required to confirm whether this is a transfer. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,576 |  |
By John Hillman Vauxhall Combo van W214LFS is number 1186 with Arriva the Shires. One of three W/LFS vans used, it is the last to remain and is now one of the oldest vehicles in their fleet. As with many of the Combos, it has been used as a crew ferry vehicle, but also as a salt-spreader, which may account for the unusual roof rack fitted and the bodyside lettering. Having spent some time at Aylesbury, it was at Hemel Hempstead by August 2011, being photographed in the bus station there on 23rd September. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,577 |  |
By Ray Monk Unique Vauxhall Insignia estate car LT59HWD is usually parked at the offices behind Morden Station. However, it often visits the control room at Euston, and it was photographed there on 28th October 2011 parked behind resident 6768V. It is lettered as an LUL Incident Response Vehicle and (as with 6552F at Wembley) has the 'Incident Officer' lettering placed curiously over the rear wheels. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,578 |  |
By Kim Rennie Volkswagen Caddy crew vans have a second row of seats, with a window in each side. However, access is by means of a sliding door in the nearside only. Six week old 7128VW was photographed in the lower yard at Lillie Bridge on 26th October 2011. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,579 |  |
By Kim Rennie Seen at Lillie Bridge on 26th October 2011, Volkswagen Caddy Crew van 7124VW was parked in the main yard. Eight more vans from the same batch were in the lower yard, just beyond the wall in front of 7124VW. Note the 'chopped-in-half' appearance of the side window, and also the different sized rear doors. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,580 |  |
By Kim Rennie The most numerous 61-registered service vehicles so far have been Volkswagen Caddy crew vans, with two batches being leased for London Underground. 7118VW to 7128VW arrived in September (apart from 7126VW, which has yet to be reported) and seem to have made the lower yard at Lillie Bridge their home. This suggests that they have replaced Vauxhall Combo vans and perhaps some of the Ford Rangers. When Kim visited on 26th October 2011, nine of the vans were present, including this line up headed by 7118VW. A second batch started arriving in October, with numbers 7149VW to 7153VW reported so far. These also work out of Lillie Bridge but are presumably parked elsewhere in the complex. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,581 |  |
By Kim Rennie Lillie Bridge's trio of jumbo Ford Transit vans was renewed again in August 2011, with 7113F to 7115F replacing 6205F to 6207F. As mentioned before, the latter replaced 5530F to 5532F in 2007, while it looks like 5089F to 5091F were the first batch, used from 2000 until 2003. 7113F was seen at Lillie Bridge on 26th October 2011. Here's a trivia question. Is sister vehicle 7114F (LL11LLW) the first service vehicle to have a fleetnumber AND registration made up of digits without curves? |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,582 |  |
By Kim Rennie The Ford Transit dropside trucks based at Lillie Bridge are a mix of short- and long-cab versions, some with tail-lifts and some without. 7107F was new in October 2011 and features a crew-cab and tail-lift. It also has the fold-over plate on the bumper. Photographed at Lillie Bridge on 26th October 2011. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,583 |  |
By Kim Rennie Deliveries of leased vehicles over the past few months have been given numbers in the 71xx range, and most have been allocated to Lillie Bridge to renew their stock. Not surprisingly, Ford Transit vans and dropsides feature, the latter including several formats. 7104F, photographed at home on 26th October 2011, has a tail-lift and short cab. It also has a fold-over plate on the front bumper, of the type normally used to carry hazardous material warning signs. Visible on the right is one of the unmarked Renault Trafic crew vans in the 6637 to 6643 range. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,584 |  |
By Kim Rennie Two new Ford Transit vans were photographed in the electrical department yard at Acton Works on 26th October 2011. Nearest the camera is high-roof crew van 7100F. Although carrying LY61YSD plates, it is believed that this van is actually registered LT61YSD. Alongside is 7139F, a high-roof van with a memorable number plate. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,585 |  |
By Kim Rennie Seven Smart fortwo cars were delivered in May 2011. Several are based at Lillie Bridge Depot but they have also been seen at Acton Works. On 26th October 2011, five were present at Lillie Bridge, including 7072SM. Just visible in the top left is one of the three unmarked Renault Master dropside trucks, most likely 6644. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,586 |  |
By Kim Rennie Nine Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars were delivered in spring 2011, with at least two more later in the year. I haven't given them allocations as yet. They do seem to work out of Acton but are thought not to be kept there. Having said that, on 26th October 2011, 7048P was to be found parked in the DSM yard in company with an unmarked Ford Focus, one of the Renault Master vans and a Ford Transit. As mentioned before, the Partner Tepee is identical to the current Citroen Berlingo model. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,587 |  |
By London Spotter The allocation of service vehicles to Westdown Road in Leyton includes two Volkswagen Passat estate cars, the only examples in the leased fleet. On 12th September 2011, 7042VW was present. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,588 |  |
By Kim Rennie 6947V is one of a batch of seven Vauxhall Combo vans delivered in October and November 2010 for use by London Underground from Acton Works. Most are only active at night, but this one has been more visible, often to be seen in the staff car park. On 26th October 2011 it was photographed inside the works. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,589 |  |
By Kim Rennie There are four Honda CR-V cars in the current leased fleet, and this photo shows three of them. 6787H and 6712H behind it both have roof bars, usually used for carrying small ladders. 6874H at the back lacks racks (!). Missing 6875H was in fact parked nearby. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,590 |  |
By Graham Smith As has been seen many times on this site, London service vehicles can often be found parked at unusual places. On 14th October 2011, Graham came across Ford Transit van 6784F among the rustic architecture of Takeley in Hertfordshire. The van can regularly be seen visiting Griffith House in the evenings. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,591 |  |
By London Spotter Today's photos include a couple taken on 12th September 2011 inside the Westdown Road base in Leyton. The first shows two of the regular Ford Transits (silver minibus 6819F and white/blue crew van 6778F) along with Ford Transit Connect 6318F. The latter van seems to divide its time between Hainault Depot and here. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,592 |  |
By Kim Rennie Ford Transit crew van 6578F is one of a small number of service vehicles to operate in unmarked white/blue livery, most likely because they are used as pool vehicles. It was found in the DSM yard at Acton Works on 26th October 2011 parked alongside a London Underground Vauxhall Combo. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,593 |  |
By Kim Rennie 6559F is a high-roof Ford Transit crew van new in 2009 in Metronet livery. It was rebranded to London Underground in early 2010 and was photographed at Acton Works on 26th October 2011. The remains of a Metronet logo is still visible on the passenger door. Parked behind was identical and consecutively numbered 6560F. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,594 |  |
By Kim Rennie Unique Volkswagen Crafter van 6558VW had its Tube Lines logos (and all lettering) removed in late 2010, although it remained in use. On 26th October 2011 it was found parked in the yard at Lillie Bridge Depot. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,595 |  |
By Derek Everson Replacement of London Buses' sixteen Honda Civic cars has been expected for some time. A start was made in September 2011, with the arrival of four red Toyota Prius cars. However, as of early November, no more examples have been reported. On 9th October, LN61ZGO was photographed at the LBSL offices in Isleworth alongside Honda Civic 6305H. In contrast to some of the Hondas, 6305H has been somewhat nomadic. It appears to have been based at Kingston, then Uxbridge, back to Kingston, on to Isleworth, across to Eltham then back to Isleworth! |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,596 |  |
By Kim Rennie Judging by reports, Honda Civic saloon 6302H has spent the last four years in Stratford, apart from an outing to Turnpike Lane! It was sometimes to be found in the bus station, but more often than not it was hidden away in the 'Office Village' on the other side of the Broadway. From September 2011 a second bus station opened in Stratford, north of the railways lines in the new Westfield development. Referred to as Stratford City, it was opened to the public on the 13th, and was also visited on that day by 6302H. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,597 |  |
By Kim Rennie A slightly odd coincidence was that the only broadside shot in the batch sent by Kim should be of a vehicle without a fleetnumber. However, there are only two Tube Lines Ford Transit dropside trucks at Lillie Bridge, and only one of them has a crew-cab. Comparison with earlier photographs (in particular the various scrapes on the bodysides) proves that this is 6281F. This had earlier carried the incorrect fleetnumber 6218F on the nearside, which has evidently now been removed but not yet replaced. Given that the vehicle is over 4 years old, they probably won't bother. Photographed at Lillie Bridge on 26th October 2011. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,598 |  |
By Kim Rennie Metronet liveried vehicles were becoming scarce by autumn 2011, with no more than a dozen remaining. Almost all of them were allocated to Lillie Bridge Depot, including Ford Transit crew van 6002F seen there on 26th October. This van was unusual for having had Tube Lines logos when new, being reassigned to Metronet later on. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,599 |  |
By Kim Rennie Kim recently sent me a bundle of pictures taken at Lillie Bridge and Acton Works, and these form the majority of today's update. First up is this overview of the ERU base and adjoining parking area at Acton Works on 26th October 2011. ERU tenders 2601 (short cab) and 2594 (long cab) were parked outside the shed, while beyond was a line of mainly Ford Transit vans (all from the large batch numbered 6907F-6940F). The all-white van is Renault Master 6760 while the silver vehicles at the back are Ford Ranger 6502F, VW Caddy 6532VW and a private car. |
03/11/2011 |
| 4,600 |  |
By Thomas Young Ford Transit mobile exhibition unit 5494F remains in use with TfL's Safety and Citizenship program, although it lost its fleetnumbers when repainted recently. Comparing this photo with an earlier rear view shows that the bodywork has been extensively modified, and some sort of folding lift or ramp has been fitted under the back. |
03/11/2011 |
| < Previous (later) 100 | Next (earlier) 100 > |