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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 4,901 |  |
By Ray Monk Stratford Bus Station is home to several LBSL Bus Infrastructure vans, as well as the IRUs of the Network Operations division. 6827VW was one of several that arrived towards the end of 2009, and has been seen here (and nowhere else) on many occasions since. However, it usually parks against the back fence, making photography difficult. On 13th March 2011 it was positioned on one of the islands for a change. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,902 |  |
By Ray Monk Volkswagen Transporter van 6826VW of the LBSL Bus Infrastructure fleet is normally kept at Orpington Station. However, on 9th March 2011 it was found parked outside the TfL garage at Chancel Street, Southwark. Note the orange lights built into the grille. These are presumably required as the rear-mounted light-bar would barely be visible from in front. The large glass building in the background is the Palestra, home to various TfL offices. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,903 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Malcolm paid a visit to Bollo Lane on 4th March 2011 hoping to be the first to photograph a service vehicle with an '11' registration. He was not successful in that respect, but he did capture this rather rare vehicle. 6391F is one of just two Transit box vans in the main fleet (the other being Metronet/Underground 6685F). 6391F is believed to be one of the many service vehicles that are normally tucked out of sight within Stratford Market Depot. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,904 |  |
By Colin Lloyd The 16 Honda Civic cars leased for London Buses in 2007 are due for replacement later this year, most likely by Toyota Priuses. Photographed at Waltham Cross Bus Station on 19th February 2011, 6302H is normally based at Stratford. However it is usually hidden away in the 'Office Village' to the south of the Broadway rather than parking in the bus station. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,905 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Coverage of the service vehicle fleet is better than ever these days, thanks to the numerous contributors to this site. However, a few vehicles remain elusive. For example, this Ford Transit Connect van seen leaving Lillie Bridge depot on 4th March 2011 was new in October 2006 but this was the first picture of it that I have seen. Given that it was by then over four years old, replacement is likely soon. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,906 |  |
By Alanna Young The London Transport Museum's van is often parked near the entrance to the museum during open days, as seen here on Sunday 13th March 2011. I am using Editor's prerogative here as I did receive a couple of better photos of the same subject. However, this one was taken by my 3 year old daughter, who was sitting on my shoulders at the time! As mentioned recently, the museum has used a string of anonymous vans over recent years. It is a shame they could not be given 'heritage' livery or markings. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,907 |  |
By Keith Grimes This Ford has given me some trouble. I have twice in the past reported its withdrawal, and I've been proved wrong twice! Visitors to the recent open weekend at the Acton Museum Depot might have noticed it parked at the top end of the yard. Comparison with previous photographs will show that it has recently had a repaint into a slightly darker shade of blue, losing its fleetnumbers in the process. It has also had some modifications. Changes to the underslung boxes are evident here, while the lifting panel that used to form the nearside of the bodywork was visible elsewhere in the museum (still in light blue). We will have to wait and see what the nearside looks like now. The vehicle beyond was also interesting. I assumed it was Citroen Relay AY58GDX without its bodywork. However, I was also to be proved wrong on that! Photographed on 13th March 2011. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,908 |  |
By Kim Rennie A lovely shot of Iveco EuroCargo 2585I resting outside Victoria Station in the early hours of 24th March 2011. This is (so far) the only lorry in the fleet to carry London Underground branding. |
27/03/2011 |
| 4,909 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Running the TfL Cycle Hire scheme involves a number of vehicles with bicycle carrying trailers. These move bikes around to try and balance supply with demand. Vehicles used have included Ford Focus cars and Alke electric trucks. At least in the area where I work (Southwark), the Alke trucks have been rare for the past few months, a further batch of Ford cars being the most commonly seen. The new cars are Mondeos like number M04, seen speeding past Bishopsgate Police Station on 6th February 2011. Note that the car is running on a spare wheel, and that the trailer is a hired one rather than one of the custom built examples seen in the photo linked above. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,910 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The various vehicles operated to support the Barclays TfL Cycle Hire scheme could be considered to be LTSVs, especially as they have fleetnumbers and a familiar-ish white/blue livery. Shown here near Mansion House Station on 17th February 2011 is van number N08. This is a Nissan NV200, a type that has not featured in any of the other SV fleets. Rather than towing cycle trailers, these vans seem to be engaged in dealing with faults on the bicycle docking stations and pay-points. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,911 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Ensignbus acquired this Vauxhall Vivaro van in February 2011 and soon had it repainted from plain white into this smart blue and silver livery. It was photographed at Purfleet garage early on the 26th of that month, the gloom allowing the numerous lights to be shown in action. These were already on the vehicle when it was acquired and it is believed it was previously owned by a security contractor. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,912 |  |
By John Hillman As has been described recently, many of the early Leyland Nationals bought by LCBS had a relatively short service life before being sold or converted for other uses. The early examples were 11.3m long models (coded LN, LNB and LNC) while the bulk of the fleet was made up of 10.3m versions (SNB and SNC). LN7 was selected for conversion into a mobile shop and information vehicle, primarily for use during the Green Line golden jubilee celebrations of 1980. Its first outing was to Battersea Park on the 6th of April, where John took this photo. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,913 |  |
By John Hillman My comments last month prompted John Hillman to send in some pictures of some of the single-deck buses converted for other uses in the late 1978s and early 1980s. First up is mobile shop and information vehicle SPB753, converted from SMS753 in 1978. It was originally painted white with red skirt and roof (as illustrated in the Capital Transport SV book) but by 1981 was repainted into this attractive blue, white and red livery. On the 27th June of that year it was photographed at Finchley Garage open day. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,914 |  |
By Ray Monk Four Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars were delivered to TfL Streets in summer 2010 but they have proved to be elusive. I only identified the fourth car this month, and I am not certain of where they are based. Southwark Chancel Street would seem to be the obvious choice, and I have seen them on the move in that area. But whenever I walk past, none seem to be there. However, on 2nd March 2011, Ray found WX10JUW tucked at the back of the old shed. This area is normally filled with Toyota Prius cars. The photo was taken with permission, and Ray did a great job despite the gloom. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,915 |  |
By Ray Monk The Chancel Street base of TfL Streets is quite quaint, being a small old building on a quiet back road a short walk from Southwark Station. It was extended by opening up the arches of the railway viaduct above (just visible inside is a car parked in the new area) and it appears to be the main base for TfL Streets vehicles. Observations suggest that the staff actually work in the Palestra building around the corner. On 2nd March 2011 Ray caught one of the Toyota Prius cars leaving the base. After a hiatus in new vehicles for a year or two, a sizable batch of Prius cars has been delivered recently. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,916 |  |
By Ray Monk This van, photographed at the back of the Palestra building in Southwark on 2nd March 2011 is presumably a replacement for similar-looking 6155F, and as such may be allocated a fleetnumber, although none is carried. As the front and side badging show, this Mk7 Ford Transit has an Ashwoods hybrid conversion, the same as on LBSL IRUs 6985F and 6986F. The purple roundels are the same as those recently applied to several Toyota Prius cars. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,917 |  |
By Ray Monk A surprise to us was the arrival in February 2011 of a new batch of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for use as London Buses Incident Response Units. The first to be seen was 6998M, photographed at Eltham Bus Station on the 17th. This van has regularly been assigned to the London Bridge duty since delivery. Although almost identical to the previous batch of IRUs, the side lettering has been changed from 'Network Operations' to 'Bus Operations'. The large grey object on the left is now known to be a charging station for electric service vehicles. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,918 |  |
By Ray Monk The second of the 2011 batch of LBSL Incident Response Unit vans to be found was 6996M, seen parked at Turnpike Lane Bus Station on 18th February 2011. It was notable that this was the only IRU present at the time, although another earlier van arrived shortly afterwards. It is more normal to see 4, 5 or even 6 IRUs parked here. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,919 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Another mystery van. New in July 2009, Volkswagen Caddy van 6733VW is assigned to London Buses but is rarely seen. We don't know what role it performs, or where it is based (although it has been seen parked in Cheshunt a couple of times). It is similar to equally shy 6462VW but has extra side windows. Colin caught it passing Grosvenor Gardens at Victoria on 10th January 2011. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,920 |  |
By Colin Lloyd You can't miss London Buses' Incident Response Units, with their extensive lettering and wrap-around chevrons. The first batch arrived in early 2008 and thus nominally became due for replacement from early 2011. Rather surprisingly, a new batch of broadly identical vans did start arriving in February, so this view of 6356M passing Mansion House on 17th February may be the last. Note the slight damage to the chevrons along the side skirt. This suggests that they are formed by applying red vinyl stripes on top of a yellow vinyl band. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,921 |  |
By James Mair There is a small yard in the corner of Golders Green Bus Station (adjoining the station) that has for many years been home to a single van. On 15th February 1998 the resident was Ford Transit long-wheelbase van 4753F. However, on this day it was joined by Ford Escort estate car 4591F. Both vehicles were lettered for LUL's Northern Line. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,922 |  |
By Colin Lloyd 4548F was a long-wheelbase Mk5 Ford Transit minibus, new in 1995 as one of several vehicles dedicated to the Jubilee Line extension project. With smart wheeltrims and suitable (but discrete) lettering, it was caught approaching Parliament Square on 9th September 1996. The black objects on top of the bumper appear to be headlight washing jets. Note that the registration number on the following Mercedes-Benz van falls between two SVs (flatbed lorry 2553M and East Thames Buses (ex London Dial-a-Ride) minibus N623FLA) but as the refrigeration unit on the roof reveals, this was not an service vehicle. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,923 |  |
By James Mair The yard at Griffith House used to be a good place to find LUL service vehicles, although as of 2010 it has been closed and is being built on. This view, taken through one of the gaps in the fence in about 1996, shows at least three Ford Transits present. On the right is Mk4 van 4406F, while towards the centre is Mk5 dropside 4533F. Most of the differences between these two versions of the Transit were in the front radiator area. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,924 |  |
By Colin Lloyd In the early 1990s, vehicles used in connection with bus stations and bus stops carried 'Bus Passenger Infrastructure' lettering. Most were white Ford Escort or VW Transporter vans, but one of the first was an Escort in the red livery that had been standard until then. 4098F was photographed at Harrow Bus Station on 10th January 1992. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,925 |  |
By James Mair Over the past couple of decades a single van has always been allocated to the London Transport Museum, its use including taking sales stock to rallies and events. The first recognisably dedicated van was Sherpa 3011L between 1984 and 1992. This was followed by three unmarked VW Transporter vans. The first of these was 4095VW, photographed here at Vincent Square during one of the LOTS ATS events in the early 1990s. It was replaced in 1995 by 4498VW which in turn was replaced by 4971VW in 1999. Since 2003, larger Vauxhall Movanos have fulfilled the role, although are again unmarked (5481V and 5911V). |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,926 |  |
By James Mair This is one of a handful of service vehicles that are stuck in a time-warp, and I did a double-take when I saw the date of the photograph. Most leased vehicles are taken on for a period of just three years, and Ford Escort van 4070F was new in July 1991. It still looks smart here, but the photo was actually taken on 2nd August 2003! 4070F had passed to London United upon privatisation in 1995, along with three similar vans (4071F is probably the vehicle on the right), a quartet of Ford Transit dropsides (including 4110F in the background) and a handful of other vehicles. It retained its fleetnumber and dual tyre pressure markings and remarkably remained at Fulwell Garage until at least 2010. It was by then almost certainly the oldest service vehicle with a London Bus Company. Ensign's Scania recovery truck (built in 1988) and the LUL Communications truck 2488M (new in 1990) are likely to be the only other older SVs that remain active. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,927 |  |
By James Mair 4015F was a standard Mk3 Ford Transit van delivered in LUL white/blue livery in 1991 and remaining in use until 1995. It was photographed in Pinner sometime later, still in white/blue but with the addition of a thin red stripe and a large roof rack. The revised livery is reminiscent of the new LUL livery introduced in 2009, and also of that on unique Vauxhall Frontera 4479. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,928 |  |
By Richard Eversden A lot of service vehicles in the late 1980s and early 1990s wore unmarked liveries (apart from fleetnumbers). Typical of these is Mk3 Ford Transit van 4008F, new in March 1991 and allocated to Wood Green Bus Garage, where it was photographed on 2nd November that year. Records indicate that 4008F was prematurely withdrawn the following September. The reasons for this are unknown, though the van did remain licensed until 2003. |
04/03/2011 |
| 4,929 |  |
By Graham Scrivener One more bus to round off today's set, this is one of one only two 'modern' buses to have been converted specifically for use lopping trees. Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean OYS200M was new to Greater Glasgow, passing in the late 1980s to London Country South West as their AN330 for use on LT tendered services. After replacement on these duties, it was converted into a partial open topper in late 1989 and given the new London and Country two-tone green and red livery. It was photographed at its home garage of Leatherhead on 26th April 1994. It was finally withdrawn the following year. The other tree lopper was a former Lincoln Bristol VRT converted by Luton and District in 1993. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,930 |  |
By James Mair Like London Country, London Transport also converted some redundant single decker buses for other roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Of the five AEC Swifts involved I only seem to have photos of two, the one shown here being former SMS753. In November 1978 this was rebuilt as a mobile publicity vehicle and renumbered SPB753. It lasted in this role until it was replaced by 1234L in 1982, although it remained in stock until the end of 1985 and was eventually acquired for preservation. It was photographed at an unknown location (Potters Bar garage perhaps) before it was restored to original condition. By co-incidence the other vehicle that I have photographs of (SMD/STB91) also started its second life in November 1978, and was also later preserved. Photos of the other three vehicles, all of which were scrapped, would be welcomed. They were stores vehicle SMS300, recruitment bus SMD441 and information bus SMS730. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,931 |  |
By Malcolm Conway As already mentioned, LN13 later became a trainer bus with London Country North West and its successor, Luton and District. This view taken at Aylesbury Garage on 19th September 1992 shows the plating over of the center doors. The black headlight surrounds give the appearance of a B series National, although these were not introduced until 1978. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,932 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The first of Malcom's pictures of LN13 is undated but was taken at Scratchwood Services. The livery is significantly modified from the previous view (included repositioning of the side stripes), suggesting this was taken after 1987. Note the lettering over the center doors and the long roof pod fitted. The lettering on the notices posted in the forward windows is not legible, but that on the red star towards the rear reads Britain, Jersey, Continental Canada. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,933 |  |
By Graham Scrivener London Country LN13 was illustrated last month in its final role, and this prompted a contribution from Malcolm Conway of the same vehicle. First up though is another from Graham Scrivener. As mentioned, the vehicle's first service vehicle role was (from August 1984) as a mobile office and waiting room for use by National Holidays at Scratchwood Services on the M1 motorway. This photo taken at Garston Garage on 18th March 1987 shows what is believed to be its initial livery. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,934 |  |
By Graham Scrivener Looking a bit down at heel, this bus had been new in 1972 as one of the first production Leyland Nationals, one of very few to be given K suffix registrations, and the first of over 500 to be bought by London Country. LN1 was withdrawn from bus service in January 1979 but was then converted into a mobile engineering classroom, re-emerging in this green and yellow livery in May 1981. Its new role lasted less than 4 years and it was delicensed in spring 1984 and cannibalised for spare parts over the next couple of years. On 21st August 1985 it was photographed at Crawley works parked alongside sister vehicle LN7, by then converted into a mobile shop. I've just realised I haven't published any photos of the latter yet. This will be addressed soon. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,935 |  |
By Ray Monk Apart from the silver crew ferry minibuses at West Ham and Rainham, we are not aware of any service vehicles being added to the East London Bus Group during their four year tenure. It is likely that there were some but they were probably unmarked cars. Possible candidates are this pair of Vauxhall Astra estates seen at Lewisham Bus Station on 21st January 2011, although being 60 reg they would have come near (or perhaps after) the time of the sale back to Stagecoach. It is curious that one was registered in Oxford and the other in Yorkshire, although of course Stagecoach do have operations in both areas. On the other hand, they could be Metrobus, or even LBSL vehicles. Stagecoach used to publish fleetlists that included their SVs. If this practice resumes, we might get the answer. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,936 |  |
By Ray Monk We're back! October 2010 brought the rather surprising news that the East London Bus Group had been bought from Macquarie by Stagecoach. This was surprising since it was Stagecoach that had sold the operations to Macquarie back in 2006! After a short period the Stagecoach name and beach ball logo started reappearing on their buses, replacing the Selkent and East London logos that themselves were re-incarnations of ones used in the last years of LBL! The first service vehicle to be seen with the new branding was previously unknown Ford Focus estate car FH57VSU, photographed at Eltham Southend Crescent on 2nd February 2011. It is not clear whether this is a recent transfer/acquisition, or if it was operated anonymously by ELBG. Note the fleetname on the roof and the legal lettering on the door. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,937 |  |
By Graham Scrivener This photo was taken on the 26th of April 1994 at London and Country's Croydon garage. Unless I am mistaken, this location is now operated by Arriva London and known as Beddington Farm. Wearing the vivid 2-tone green and red livery designed by Best Impressions, F423KMA is a Leyland-DAF Sherpa van that was given the fleetnumber A13. Registered in Wales, it was unlikely to have been bought new, although it could have been transferred from one of the other subsidiaries of the British Bus group. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,938 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Until recently I had no publishable photographs of this fairly well-known service vehicle. CJM830V was a Volvo F10 recovery truck, new in 1979. We don't have its full history but it was certainly part of the Epsom Coaches fleet by 6th April 1997 (when photographed near Cobham Bus Museum). The livery was later modified with a brown grille, an angled brown stripe along the bodysides and red/white striped bumpers. Later still it was repainted all red, but it appears to have left the fleet in the mid to late 2000s. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,939 |  |
By Ray Monk Dark blue Ford Focus estate car VN07CKO was new in 2007 but was believed to be part of the unmarked car fleet at first. In autumn 2009 it was seen at Stratford Market wearing non-standard white Tube Lines logos. Vehicles based there are very hard to see and impossible to photograph. In late 2010 the car was seen at Smallbills garage on Bollo Lane, and by 2nd February the following year, it had moved next door to Bollo House. It would appear that the practice of extending vehicle's leases and reassigning them to new duties is on the increase, no doubt as a result of the economic climate. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,940 |  |
By Ray Monk We soon discovered that 6992R had been allocated to the offices behind Baker Street Station (on Allsop Place), perhaps as replacement for Vauxhall Astra estate 6427V. Earlier Kangoo 6543R is still based here, thus allowing this comparison (5th February 2011) of the two variants. Note that the asymmetric rear doors have been replaced by a single tail-gate. 6992R is currently the highest numbered SV to be shown on this site, although the first 7xxx vehicle has now been reported. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,941 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The Renault Kangoo has been a feature of the leased fleet since 2001, with the quantities increasing in recent years. In 2010 the design was refreshed, the first example seen as a service vehicle being 6992R. On 25th January 2011 it was caught leaving Acton Works. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,942 |  |
By Malcolm Conway It was rather unfortunate that the focus on this shot was slightly off, as we required a fleetnumber for this van. However, it does appear to be numbered 6984P, thus filling another gap in the series. This Peugeot Bipper is one of 5 (that we know of) new in mid-2010 for the TfL Streets operation. Where they are based is still not clear, this example being photographed at a garage near Goldhawk Road. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,943 |  |
By Glyn Matthews The nature of service vehicle work can produce some slightly misleading statistics. For example, I have listed over 60 vehicles as being allocated to Griffith House. However, since the closure of the yard there, most days there will only be one or two vehicles present (and these will be hidden behind the habitually closed shutter doors). The rest of the vehicles are kept elsewhere, only appearing at Griffith House in the late evening before heading off to overnight worksites. Ford Transit 6740F is one of these vehicles, and it was photographed somewhat further afield at South Ockendon on 9th September 2010, presumably close to its driver's home. This SWB low-roof crew van was new in anonymous white/blue livery in July 2009, gaining Underground branding early the following year. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,944 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Ford Transit 6670F is easy to see, being parked most days in the gap between the buildings at Bollo House, Acton. It is however almost impossible to photograph there. Luckily, on 25th January 2011, Malcolm found it leaving the works just along the road. This is an example of the medium-wheelbase, mid-height crew van. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,945 |  |
By Ray Monk 6592F is another rarely seen vehicle, although is a not particularly notable long-wheelbase Ford Transit van. It is perhaps based at Hainault depot, near where it was photographed on 13th December 2010. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,946 |  |
By Malcolm Conway 6437F is a short-wheelbase Ford Transit van on which the mid-height bodywork is rare. With Tube Lines logos, the van was photographed on Bollo Lane on 25th January 2011. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,947 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Vauxhall Combo van 6245V was new in June 2007 but has only been seen rarely since. It is one of several assigned to Tube Lines and based at the large Jubilee Line depot at Stratford. On 25th January 2011 it was seen turning in to Acton Works. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,948 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Malcolm had another stint on Bollo Lane at Acton on 25th January 2011 and captured a good number of SV pictures. Not clearly illustrated before is 2588, one of four MAN LE demountable lorries new in April 2006. It was carrying Locomotors dropside body DB17 (new in 1993) loaded with four railway carriage bogies. Note that the already tall exhaust pipe has been further extended, presumably to avoid the fumes discolouring box or crew-cab bodywork. Although the Tube Lines name and logo are now defunct, there seems to be no urgency to rebrand existing vehicles. |
11/02/2011 |
| 4,949 |  |
By Thomas Young A late addition to today's set is this shot of London Underground Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van WU58LFM parked at Marble Arch on 16th January 2011. New to Metronet BCV in November 2008, this van operated anonymously until it was given London Underground logos over the winter of 2009/2010. Sprinters in LUL-related roles are very rare. This medium-wheelbase high-roof 311CDI model is similar to the 47 London Buses IRU vans, although the latter are based on the 315CDI model. The Central Line was closed between Holborn and White City on this date, and numerous vehicles were parked here and at Shepherds Bush. The majority were hires or belonged to contractors, an exception being Ford Transit 6448F visible on the right. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,950 |  |
By Richard Davis It does seem that every vehicle in the Sovereign Recovery fleet is unique! DAF CF SOV402 was first reported on the 9th of January 2011, when it was photographed parked near the Tesco store in Dunstable. Regular visitors to this site may recall that Sovereign vehicles have been seen here before (N11SOV, GN58KTX and GN09ENF). Unless I am mistaken this is the first 4-axle truck operated by Sovereign Recovery, and it is also unusual for carrying an undated select registration. The SOV402 mark had latterly been on a Ford Fiesta van although we don't know if this was also operated by Sovereign. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,951 |  |
By Graham Brown Sovereign don't have a complete monopoly on London bus recovery duties, although it has been a while since I have shown an Ontime vehicle. Their DAF 95XF R729DWY was photographed on the Strand on the 4th of December 2010. Note the prominent side stabilisers and the rather funky colour scheme. And for anyone wondering what a Docklands Buses Scania OmniCity was doing on the Strand, it had presumably been working on night route N551. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,952 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Now, open wide and say Ahhhhh! Ensign's familiar Scania recovery truck is seen at Purfleet on the 4th of October 2010, awaiting attention by the dentist. Sorry, the fitter. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,953 |  |
By Ray Monk This vehicle is a sister to FP60GYZ illustrated last month, but based south of the Thames. Photographed (with permission) at Norwood Garage on 31st December 2010, FG60XXV is a Vauxhall Corsa van used by Arriva London. It has a somewhat smaller light-bar and is believed to also be for use by route controllers. Or perhaps it is in fact the garage manager's, as suggested by the marking on the parking bay! |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,954 |  |
By Ray Monk Although the nearest three vehicles have already been shown on this site, I have included this picture as it shows the unusual situation of a line-up of five service vehicles all being from different manufacturers. The location is the rejuvenated Battersea garage of Abellio and present on the last day of 2010 were Citroen Berlingo RA53WKP (new to Metroline), Ford Transit Connect NH07EBF, Seat Alhambra car NC57UTV, Vauxhall Combo van VE07NNF and LDV Convoy minibus NX04BZW. Ford edges into dominance however as the roof of Transit van NA56VMT is just visible above the minibus! You could also argue that the Seat Alhambra is a Ford Galaxy in all but name.... |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,955 |  |
By Graham Scrivener When it comes to former buses, the rules for what constitutes a service vehicle tend to get a bit woolly. Although they may have modifications and/or dedicated liveries, training buses are not generally considered to be SVs. This example slips through though as it had served in another role. LN 13 was one of the 70 long (11.3m) Leyland Nationals bought by London Country in 1972. The first 23 were dual-doored buses, while the remainder were single-doored coaches, later demoted to bus work (and recoded from LNC to LNB). All subsequent Nationals for LCBS were to the shorter 10.3m design, and many of the early buses were disposed of while relatively young. In 1984, LN13 was converted into a mobile office and waiting room, for use by National Holidays at Scratchwood services. It was repainted into white with red and blue stripes (photo to be added soon). Later on it was further converted into a training bus, repainted yellow and passing through London Country North West to Luton and District. It was seen with lettering for the latter's Hemel Bus operation at Hemel Hempstead Garage on 3rd June 1993. Just visible is the solid plating over the original centre door. It was eventually withdrawn in 1995. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,956 |  |
By Graham Scrivener It is hardly surprising that the small London Country service vehicle fleet featured Ford Transits. Including those inherited from London Transport, 34 examples were operated. 59F was one of four Mk2 Transit vans delivered in 1983. Although not visible here, it was notable for carrying the number F59 on both sides. Based at Garston (where it photographed whilst still new on 25th September 1983) it later passed to London Country North West, was repainted in their dark green and grey livery and given additional lettering for the Publicity Department (I'll add a photo of this soon). |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,957 |  |
By Graham Scrivener Between 1981 and 1984, London Country took delivery of 11 Ford Cargo lorries, most of which were dropsides with partial tilt covers. 49F was the second of these, new in July 1982 and photographed at Garston Garage a few weeks later on 3rd September. When LCBS was split up in 1986, 49F stayed in the North West sector and was eventually renumbered 1037 in the Luton and District series. It had by then lost the tilt cover, but gained an equipment box under the rear of the body. It was also repainted into the short lived LCNW green and grey scheme. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,958 |  |
By Graham Scrivener Graham Scrivener has kindly sent me quite a few scans of service vehicle photographs he took in the 1980s and 1990s. The subject here is unique Bedford KGA tanker 5B, built in 1968, acquired by London Country in 1979 and given a re-used fleetnumber (5A was an Austin J4 van new in 1972 and withdrawn in 1978). Was this done to keep the fleetnumbers in roughly the order of vehicle age?! Normally based south of London (Dorking and Chelsham), it was photographed at St Albans Garage on the 11th of June 1983. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,959 |  |
By Ray Monk The third of the new TfL Prius cars found by Ray recently was KV60KTK, parked at Eltham Bus Station on 12th January 2011. The mystery continues! |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,960 |  |
By Ray Monk ... LBSL ones! Another of the new 'TAXI - PRIVATE HIRE' Toyota Priuses was found parked at Cromwell Road Bus Station in Kingston on 12th January 2011. Could it be that these are on loan to other operators (LUL and LBSL) pending further deliveries? Or is this a new role, related to the Public Carriage Office but based at partner locations? This photograph is a landmark for prolific contributor Ray Monk, being the 600th of his to be published. He therefore just edges in front of previous leader Colin Lloyd. Although I do have a distinct advantage, I am running somewhat behind in third place! |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,961 |  |
By Ray Monk With very little official information forthcoming, a lot of what I put on this site is based on observations, deductions and a dose of guesswork. But these next three pictures have me stumped. The first subject is a Toyota Prius car parked in the yard at Stratford Station, photographed from the DLR platforms on 10th January 2011. As can be seen it carries a white livery relieved only by modest purple-ringed roundels lettered as 'TAXI - PRIVATE HIRE'. This was one of five such cars seen on delivery at Acton Works in December 2010. We weren't sure to what use they would be put but we certainly didn't expect them to turn up at LUL locations, or for that matter... |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,962 |  |
By Ray Monk The other of the pair of Ashwoods hybrid Ford Transit Incident Response Units was 6986F, noted at Acton Works in October 2010 but not entering service until the very end of that year. It was photographed at Sycamore House on the first day of 2011, parked alongside fellow IRU 6604M. The latter was based initially at Finsbury Park, being transferred south in spring 2010. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,963 |  |
By Ray Monk Two new Ford Transits entered service with the LBSL Network Operations section over the turn of 2010/2011. These were notable for having had hybrid drive conversions by a firm called Ashwoods, whose badging is clearly visible on the radiator grille. They were given the same Incident Response Unit livery as worn by the large fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, and 6985F was sent initially to Kingston. It was photographed parked at Cromwell Road Bus Station on the 12th of January 2011. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,964 |  |
By Graham Scrivener During both the 1983 and 1984 open days at Chiswick Works, a display of current service vehicles was arranged in the yard close to the Bollo Lane entrance. Although the larger lorries present seem to have been widely photographed, fewer cameras were turned on the more mundane small vehicles. It is nice therefore to be able to add this picture of Bedford CF van 3007B taken on 2nd July 1983. One of 33 Bedford vans to be given MHY/Y series registrations, most were CFs like this one and were assigned to the bus publicity role. 3007B however was one of several lettered for the Distribution Services Manager and was allocated to Parsons Green. Just visible in the background are the preserved AEC Mercury pole carrier parked on a low-loader trailer, a Ford Escort car, and Ford Cargo and Dodge Commando dropside lorries. |
19/01/2011 |
| 4,965 |  |
By Ray Monk Saving the best to last today, this is a rather interesting photograph. Taken at Chalk Farm Garage on 17th June 1972, it shows a Ford Cortina estate car in grey (or beige?) livery with London Transport lettering on the doors. It had been new in 1968 as fleetnumber 1494F, and was one of just three examples of this long-lived model to join the numbered fleet (the other pair being red saloon cars used for radio control, 1463F and 1464F). Records show that this vehicle was transferred to the staff pool fleet in May 1972, while published sources state that it was originally red. Given that this photograph was taken after the transfer, and that the car has LT lettering (which pool cars did not), it seems likely that it was in fact grey from the start. The disposal date is not known but it remained licensed until 1982. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,966 |  |
By Ray Monk Prolific contributor Ray Monk recently uncovered some colour photographs he took in the early 1970s and I will be publishing a selection of these over the next few weeks. First up is a fine view of 746P, one of the ex WD AEC Matador Breakdown tenders. Photographed at Finsbury Park Station on 7th October 1971, it was at the time based at Tottenham but moved later in the month to Poplar. This example ended up in preservation but was unfortunately destroyed in a fire. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,967 |  |
By Ray Monk In 2008, Arriva London switched from white Vauxhall Combo vans to silver Vauxhall Corsa cars for its crew ferry fleet, although a handful of further Combo vans arrived in early 2010. A new addition later that year was this Vauxhall Corsa van, photographed at Leytonstone Station on 13th December. The Corsa van has been popular as a service vehicle with the likes of Go-Ahead London and First, but this is the first for Arriva. Believed to be a controller's vehicle, it has a rather over-sized light-bar. Ray suggested that this had been transplanted from Astra Van W134OHT. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,968 |  |
By Colin Lloyd First London took delivery of a batch of Volkswagen Crafter vans around the end of 2009, joining a single example new two years earlier. Of the new batch, four have been reported so far, with VK59VBZ being the first for the east London operations. Based presumably at Dagenham, it was photographed arriving at Romford on a snowy 3rd December 2010. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,969 |  |
By Kim Rennie The intake of new vehicles for the central fleet has slowed noticeably in the past year. Very few '60' reg vehicles have been reported, while fleetnumbers in the 69xx are taking a long time to fill. One recent delivery was 6976F, a Ford Focus estate car in the smart London Underground livery. It was photographed at Chesham Station on 11th December 2010, the last day of operation for the shuttle train service between there and Chalfont and Latimer. Chesham is now only served by less frequent through trains. I did a little 'digital cleaning' of this car, to remove a 'message' left by a bird. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,970 |  |
By Ray Monk Role-related lettering is very rare on tube liveried vehicles, exceptions being the Staff Welfare vans and a lone 'cleaning' van. I caught a glimpse of a van with this 'Plant Services Mobile Maintenance Unit' lettering at Lillie Bridge in spring 2010, but was unable to see its identity. However, when we got a fleetlist soon afterwards, two slightly non-standard vans were evident. 6858F and 6859F were both based on the more powerful 140 T350 Ford Transit, and were registered in Yorkshire. Most of the Staff Welfare vans were also registered in Yorkshire, having been converted by Clarks of Doncaster. I assumed that the two new vans were also some sort of conversion, but they proved to be elusive. Finally, on 13th December 2010, Ray caught one of the pair leaving Hainault Depot. Apart from the lettering it does appear to be a standard Ford Transit van. The pair are most likely based at Lillie Bridge and Ruislip depots. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,971 |  |
By Malcolm Conway As the sightings reports will show, the Bus Infrastructure fleet contains many vehicles that can very regularly be seen at the same location (particularly Stratford and Orpington) and a few that seem to be more elusive. Vauxhall Astra estate car 6396V (number not carried) is in the latter category, although it did spend its first few months in full view at Stratford. Since then its location has been something of a mystery, although a sighting in the car park opposite Stratford Station may be a clue. Malcolm found it parked at Leytonstone Station on 29th November 2010. As with most of the fleet, the lettering has been changed from 'Infrastructure Development' to 'Bus Infrastructure'. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,972 |  |
By Kim Rennie For most of December 2010, the UK had varying degrees of snow coverage, bringing with it the usual transport disruptions. Kim once again braved the elements to capture this fine view of London Buses IRU van 6369M struggling past Plaistow Station on the 18th. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,973 |  |
By John Scotford Between 2003 and 2006 this Ford Transit minibus was fleetnumber 5596F in the Metronet BCV fleet. It later passed to the Vale of Berkeley College, although it retained its blue skirt livery making it fairly easy to spot. John found it parked at the NEC in Birmingham during a Clothes Show Live event on 8th December 2010. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,974 |  |
By Paul Almeroth New contributor Paul sent this interesting photograph taken at the old AEC works in Southall in late 1984. At the time the location was in use as a storage point for withdrawn buses including a pair of unfortunate Routemasters. Also present was Leyland (or Austin-Morris if you prefer) Sherpa van 2208L. New in 1979, it was also withdrawn at about this time, although it is not known if the location was used for service vehicle storage. It does appear to have had its lettering removed, and there is what might be a red Bedford CF van parked behind. |
31/12/2010 |
| 4,975 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Service vehicles from coach operators will sometimes be featured on this site, particularly those of London-based fleets. Clarkes is a long-established company, with a large fleet of modern coaches based in Lower Sydenham. Photographed at Marble Arch on 27th August 2010, W196VAB is their Mercedes-Benz Sprinter service van. Note the Scania badge on the light-bar. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,976 |  |
By Ray Monk Resting in the minimal bus station at Crawley on 28th September 2010, Ford Focus hatchback GV59GWE is number 9027 in the Metrobus fleet. Two of these cars were acquired that January, and were thought to be used on the lengthy ferry runs serving the Horsham area routes taken over from Arriva. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,977 |  |
By London Spotter This van is slightly puzzling. Arriva London used to put large fleetnumbers on its crew ferry vehicles, but not on its engineering vans. The preceding two photographs showed Vauxhall Combo vans that appear to be ferries, but that did not display numbers. Conversely, this example is evidently an engineering van (note the light-bar and the rear chevrons), yet when I saw it it had a large number 95 on the front. As an aside, fleetnumber 95 is of course already carried on a Vauxhall Corsa car at Barking. One final point is that engineering vans used to wear an orange Arriva roundel rather than a blue one. Photographed at Lea Valley garage on 10th September 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,978 |  |
By Ray Monk Also lacking fleetnumbers, FD59OUW was photographed at Lea Valley garage on 31st July 2010. In the background can be seen older Vauxhall Combo WR51DZG (latterly at Thornton Heath) and resident Corsa car 124 (LN58UVJ). |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,979 |  |
By London Spotter Arriva London has operated a large number of Vauxhall Combo vans, but no new examples were acquired between 2005 and 2010. At least six have arrived this year, three of which are based at Lea Valley. Hemmed in by newly delivered DW class buses (destined for route 149), FD59OUU was photographed on 10th September 2010. No fleetnumbers were carried. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,980 |  |
By Ray Monk Steve and I don't appear particularly interested in the sight of Metrobus Renault Trafic van 9101 sweeping round a corner near Crawley station on 28th September 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,981 |  |
By London Spotter Fleet number 99 is one of 12 Vauxhall Corsa cars acquired for use as crew ferry vehicles from the Arriva London garage in Barking/Dagenham. However, on 10th September 2010 it was found at the Lea Valley garage. It is known that a couple of vehicles were reallocated to balance out mileages so this could be the explanation. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,982 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Several of the eight Renault Trafic minibuses used as crew ferries by East London have not yet been illustrated on this site. Most of them run from West Ham Garage and number 96010 was photographed at home on 24th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,983 |  |
By Ray Monk Another Vauxhall Combo for the Abellio fleet, once again with no sign of external fleetnumbers. VO56LTJ was photographed at Clapham Junction on 12th October 2010, and is based at the garage in Battersea. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,984 |  |
By Ray Monk Observations suggest that this anonymous Vauxhall Corsa van photographed arriving at Edgware Bus Station on 26th October 2010 is in fact a Transdev service vehicle. The Transdev garage here started operating route 324 between Stanmore and Brent Cross a few days earlier, and this van seems to run between Edgware and Stanmore. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,985 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Photographed at Waltham Cross on 13th October 2010, this van is number 1162 in the Arriva the Shires fleet, although being based at Ware, it is technically an Arriva East Herts and Essex vehicle. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,986 |  |
By Ray Monk Edgware Bus Station again, and this time a pair of anonymous Vauxhall Combo vans. These are in fact crew ferry vehicles working from the Garston garage of Arriva the Shires. Most of these vehicles are second-hand, VO05CVX being first reported in 2008. Although fitted with an extra pair of seats, the side doors do not have windows. 30th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,987 |  |
By Malcolm Conway This van has been shown before, but I have included this view to show the revised lettering and rear chevrons. Now that Stagecoach has re-acquired the East London and Selkent operations, it may be that a further new fleetname appears in due course. The location is the parking area outside the new West Ham Garage, with two of the three Renault Master crew ferry minibuses also visible in the background. 24th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,988 |  |
By Malcolm Conway This Ford Transit Connect van is one of several that Stagecoach London bought in 2005 for engineering support duties. Originally given the fleetnumber 95091, this example was based at Barking before moving to the new West Ham Garage in 2008. However, it never managed to get itself photographed until Malcolm visited West Ham on 24th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,989 |  |
By Glyn Matthews A recent addition to the Ensignbus fleet is this high-roof Ford Transit crew van, photographed at Lakeside Bus Station on 27th September 2010. As with sister Transit EX02YCC, no lettering is carried. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,990 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Arriva Southern Counties uses a handful of Vauxhall Vivaro vans for engineering support duties. One is based at Grays and is assigned the fleetnumber V044, although this does not seem to be carried. It was photographed at Lakeside Bus Station on 17th August 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,991 |  |
By Ray Monk Another service vehicle that you could be forgiven for not noticing. RK03JVD is a Renault Espace estate car and is allocated fleetnumber 1396 in the Arriva the Shires fleet. Used on crew ferry duties from Garston garage, it can often be seen at Edgware Bus Station, as here on 9th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,992 |  |
By Ray Monk GK52TVC is an LDV Convoy minibus operated by Abellio from their Fulwell garage (where it was photographed on 1st August 2010). It entered service in white livery with Travel London fleetnames, but was later repainted into anonymous red. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,993 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Of the two former East Thames Buses Mercedes Sprinter minibuses acquired by Ensignbus in August 2010, P185OLC was treated to a repaint the following month. Looking smart alongside the pair of Ford Transit minibuses, it was photographed at Lakeside on 28th September 2010. Also visible is the rare Saffle-bodied Volvo B10L bus. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,994 |  |
By Ray Monk A sixth second-hand Carbodies FX4 taxi for Arriva Kent Thameside at Dartford was acquired in autumn 2010, being assigned the number CF16. As this photo shows, it differs from the earlier examples in having (as yet) no Arriva logos. The registration K650FUL is very similar to that on earlier CF13 (K690FUL), but both were present at Eltham on this date (14th October 2010). |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,995 |  |
By Thomas Young Visitors to the Willesden Bus Garage open day on 9th October 2010 may have been surprised to find M151 alive and apparently well. This was the bus that was converted into a mobile IT classroom in 2002. It was nominally replaced by Olympian AV33 in 2008, the latter bus also taking over the special 33LUG registration number. M151 reverted to its original mark of BYX151V but it was not in fact licensed and has presumably been confined to Willesden Garage ever since. The reason why I have included M151 in the vehicle database and not AV33 is .... um.... |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,996 |  |
By Ray Monk This object appeared at Eltham Bus Station at the end of October 2010. Given that a number of electric-powered service vehicles are due for London Buses shortly, it would seem likely that this is some sort of charging station, although it does seem rather on the large side. Time will tell. 5th November 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,997 |  |
By Ray Monk A fourth Toyota Prius for London Buses was delivered in summer 2010, this one allocated to the Infrastructure unit. On 26th October 2010 GY10VGG was found paying a visit to Golders Green Bus Station. The livery is similar to that on the Operations trio apart from the lettering and the omission of the orange squares. Note how the bodywork can appear pale blue in dull conditions. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,998 |  |
By Ray Monk Four Toyota Prius hybrid electric cars were delivered for use by London Buses in summer 2010. Three are assigned to bus operations and at present are based at Isleworth. GY10UHZ, which was sent to Eltham when new, was found parked at Edgware Bus Station on 9th October 2010 keeping a pair of IRUs company. |
24/11/2010 |
| 4,999 |  |
By Colin Lloyd The new Peugeot Bipper vans with TfL Streets have proved to be rather elusive, and we are not even sure where they operate from (although Chancel Street, Southwark is a possibility). Colin found 6982P parked up on Horse Guards Avenue on 26th October 2010. These vans are the first vehicles in the white/orange livery to have fleetnumbers. |
24/11/2010 |
| 5,000 |  |
By Ray Monk 6893VW is a short-wheelbase crew van based on the T5 Facelift variant of the Volkswagen Transporter van. New in spring 2010, it was assigned to Tube Lines and was photographed on Museum Way at Acton Town on 7th October 2010. |
24/11/2010 |
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