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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 5,401 |  |
By James Mair A fine study of Bedford TL tractor unit 2300B making the turn into Acton Works sometime in the mid-1980s. One of a pair of TL1930s bought in 1981, these were the most powerful versions of the model taken. 2300B was withdrawn in late 1989 and scrapped (or exported) the following year. Sister vehicle 2301B was withdrawn earlier but had an extended life working for Billy Smart's circus. The trailer is CT37, one of 8 single-axle Crane Fruehauf trailers bought in 1984. Rather surprisingly, this remains in the fleet as of late 2009, repainted blue and without the equipment box visible here behind the lifeguards. The environs of Bollo Lane have changed little over the past 20 years, although the road is rarely this empty nowadays, and the vacancy board outside the works (which showed No Vacancies on this day) has long gone. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,402 |  |
By James Mair Another of the 17 Bedford TL lorries bought by London Transport was 2275B. Based on a TL1260 chassis, this had a box body with sliding side doors and a ladder hole in the front. It is carrying one of several variants of the grey livery introduced in the mid 1980s, with twin pinstripes, blue roundels and block script fleetnames. Withdrawn by early 1987 it gave a further 10 years service to subsequent owners, reportedly in a black livery. A grey box body similar to this one has been sitting at the back of the lorry yard at Acton for many years (visible here), although I have not been able to determine which (if any) service vehicle it came off. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,403 |  |
By James Mair Not previously illustrated, 2270B was one of 17 Bedford TL lorries bought by London Transport in 1980 and 1981. Based on the 10-ton TL1000 variant, it had a crew-cab, dropside body and a tail-lift, and was based at Parsons Green. It lasted a mere 6 years and saw no further use after 1986. In happier times it was caught coming down a still recognisable Chiswick High Road. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,404 |  |
By James Mair I hope James doesn't mind me using this less-than-perfect photo but the subject matter is of particular interest. London Transport took dozens of Bedford CF vans between 1977 and 1987 but this is the only example of the long-wheelbase van. As with the similar Ford Transit, the longer version has a higher roofline and flared rear wheelarches. Note the curious arrangement of hinged side access door. It was photographed at an unknown location in the early 1980s. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,405 |  |
By James Mair The lorry fleet got a bit more interesting in the late 1970s. After many years of total reliance on Ford products, a new policy of multi-sourcing saw vehicles coming from Bedford, Dodge and Leyland. The latter were the least numerous at first, with a handful of Terrier and Boxer lorries (both types fitted with similar 'G-cab' fronts). 2123L was the only Terrier dropside lorry, the rest being box trucks (although one of these was later rebuilt as a dropside), and it was found passing through Acton Central. Note the makers plate (BESCO) on the rear of the bodywork. Sister vehicle 2124L also had bodywork by this firm. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,406 |  |
By James Mair Former service vehicles were a lot easier to identify in the old days of block registrations being applied. No fewer than 37 London Transport service vehicles were given THV/S registrations, including 2083B, a Bedford CF220 from a batch of 7 assigned to the Publicity department. Although I have no other photos of vehicles from this batch, I suspect they were delivered with sliding cab doors. The presence of capped holes in the bodywork on this example (three below the cantrail, where the door-runner would have been, and two on the bonnet side, where the mirror would have been attached) suggests that the hinged door is a later modification. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,407 |  |
By James Mair The rather tatty condition of this Bedford HA van would suggest that the photo was taken some time after it left London Transport service. However, it notably retains not only the fleetnumber but also the 'Publicity Officer' lettering. 2074B was one of 12 HAs delivered in November 1977 (following a batch of 16 earlier that year), and was allocated to Walthamstow garage for most of the next 5 years. It then saw a further 5 and a half years use with subsequent owners. AKA 'Back of a red HA under a bridge, number 1'. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,408 |  |
By James Mair Ford Transit van 2022F was new in 1977 and served for just under 6 years, mainly from the bus garages at Victoria and Stockwell. Like many of the Mk1 Transit vans in the fleet it was fitted with sliding cab doors. Photographed some time into its second life as a private vehicle, the poor condition of the bodywork is evident, as is the retention of its fleetnumber. According to the DVLA it was off the road by March 1987. |
09/11/2009 |
| 5,409 |  |
By Damon Cross Bringing our quick tour of the UK to a close is this view of the Stagecoach South depot at Herne Bay, taken on the 9th of August 2009. Ford Transit Connect van YB08XLL carries fleetnumber 95167 in the national Stagecoach range, but no other lettering. Also visible is Ford Fiesta van 90672 (KD55MGY, a registration in series with quite a few London SVs). |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,410 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Seen at the Cardiff Bus garage on 10th September 2009, Ford Transit van CA03LXT is fleetnumber 060 in standard livery. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,411 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Back to Cardiff again for a view of Cardiff Bus ERF recovery truck 073. Note the Scania badge on the front. 10th September 2009. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,412 |  |
By Colin Lloyd A back view of Blackpool Transport 938 on the sea front on 18th September 2009 shows the rear access ladder and the single hydraulic ram used to raise the platform. In front is 'centenary class' tram number 647, built in the mid-1980s with bodywork by East Lancs. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,413 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Good lord, what a beast! I hardly need to tell you that this is Blackpool, the photo being taken on the 18th of September 2009. Blackpool Transport 938 is what could best be described as a 'Road-rail tower van' (!) and is based on an elderly Unimog chassis. Small retractable rail guide wheels are mounted at the front and back, while the design of the tower platform is remarkably similar to that used by London Transport in the 1930s. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,414 |  |
By Omnicitylondon A pair of Almex cars are seen at an unknown location on 17th August 2009. Nearest the camera is Vauxhall Zafira KP55LNW. This has the normal anonymous silver livery with Almex labels in the windows and a removable roof beacon. Parked in front is a black Ford Focus Titanium (top of the range) hatchback which unusually has a Buses roundel on the rear. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,415 |  |
By Malcolm Millichip Many contractors are involved in the upkeep of the LUL network, and the vehicles of Cleshar, Morson, GJTV, Balfour Beatty and the like are a common sight around London at night. With perhaps the best livery (but the worst choice of name) is D and D Rail, whose Ford Transit Connect van EN54XBG was found at Waterloo (near the W&C 'hole') on 9th September 2009. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,416 |  |
By Richard Davis Seen ready to help 'keep London moving' at Achilles Way (Hyde Park Corner) on 19th September 2009 is Sovereign Recovery Mercedes Actros GM03TOW. There were suggestions that Sovereign would be operating a second vehicle in London Buses livery but nothing has been reported yet. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,417 |  |
By Thomas Young Seen at Brent Cross Bus Station on the day of the open day at nearby Cricklewood Garage (19th September 2009) was this Vauxhall Zafira estate car of Metroline. Although un-lettered, it has a company board in the windscreen. It is believed to operate from the former Thorpes garage at Perivale, and I have since learned that some of the LDV Convoy minibuses latterly used for crew ferry duties from there have been sold. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,418 |  |
By Ray Monk Found in the small yard beside Merton Garage (behind the former pub) on 6th September 2009 was this previously unreported plain red Ford Fiesta van. A number of similar vehicles have been operated by Go-Ahead London (indeed identical EJ56XAP was parked just in front) but the provenance of this vehicle is not known. Could it have been bought second-hand? Or transferred from a different part of Go-Ahead? |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,419 |  |
By London Spotter As usual, a few former Royal Mail LDV Convoy minibuses were parked at the front of Travel London's Beddington Cross garage on 18th September 2009. Among them was anonymous BK03YOY, a transfer in from Byfleet in 2008. Travel London is due to rebrand as Abellio over the next month or so. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,420 |  |
By Thomas Young The new bus garage at Cricklewood is a shadow of its former self, comprising an office block, a shed with some maintenance bays in, and a big open yard. Fittingly therefore, the open day held there on 19th September 2009 was but a shadow of the open days of old! There were about 10 trade stalls, and perhaps 6 buses on display. To be fair, a few 'vintage' buses were provided fairly lengthy rides along local bus routes. As for SVs, things picked up briefly when Sovereign Recovery GJ58NUF arrived with a bus in tow. This lorry had of course been one of the main attractions (for me at least) of the Potters Bar Garage open day earlier in the year. This photo shows the Volvo parked near Ford Escort van Y562WGC. The latter has been resident here since the mothballing of North Wembley garage a few months earlier. It still bears the 'fleetnumber' of 007, but has had its allocation code updated (by peeling off the N!). Since writing this I have decided to be less cynical! The open day was an admirable attempt by the management to provide an event for enthusiasts within the constraints of modern health and safety restrictions. Also, the new garage is obviously far more suitable from an operational point of view and will even suit some enthusiasts, who can now see more of the buses from the road. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,421 |  |
By Ray Monk Quality Line Ford Transit minibus-cum-restroom A9HRR now has a twin sister in the form of A8HRR, seen at Banstead on 21st September 2009. The only lettering is VWE on the nearside, this being the last three letters of the former registration number. Why?! |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,422 |  |
By Damon Cross For comparison with the previous photo, I dug out this shot of battery loco L65 at Upminster Depot during the open day on the 5th of May 1990. This is one of 6 locos built by Metro-Cammell in 1985 and 1986 to a revised design. The basic configuration was the same as the previous builds but the profile was changed slightly (compare with the older loco coupled behind) and the ends were tidied up with integrated lights. The side cab doors were replaced by large sliding windows, access normally being via the end platforms that were therefore fitted with substantial hand-rails. Interestingly this batch appears to have not been very successful, and all were taken out of service by the mid 1990s. Most of them can still be seen, off-tracked at the end of Ruislip Depot (visible from the Metropolitan Line). Note the train alongside is carrying one of several experimental liveries that were tried before settling on the blue skirted variant. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,423 |  |
By Kim Rennie Photographed at Acton Works on the 8th of September 2009, battery loco L24 has been treated to a prototype refurbishment for the fleet. As can be seen, the side cab doors have been sealed up and new handrails fitted around the front platform. The arrangement is therefore similar to that found on the batch built in 1985. There are also new headlights and spotlights, while the cab front handrails have been extended upwards. Interestingly the loco has been given Tube Lines logos instead of the TransPlant ones normally applied. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,424 |  |
By Ray Monk A fine view of recently delivered Mercedes Econic dustcart WP09SMX coming down Bollo Lane at Acton on 4th September 2009. Three such lorries arrived in late summer, though the third was delayed and gained a '59 series registration number. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,425 |  |
By Ray Monk As I have mentioned before, a large number of unmarked cars are included in the central fleet. Details of these are not generally available and would not be published in any case. Many are fairly standard Ford and Vauxhall products, but there are lots of other makes represented. For example, London Buses uses at least 12 Skoda Octavia cars. One of these was found parked at Eltham Bus Station on 22nd September 2009, and could easily have been missed were it not for the chevron markings on the rear. In the background are some of the resident Honda Civic cars. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,426 |  |
By Damon Cross As regular visitors will know, I categorise vehicles as being crew vans if they have additional side windows. Ford Transit crew vans are fairly common, Ford Transit Connects and Vauxhall Combos much rarer (although many do have an additional pair of seats). A recent addition to the list is the Volkswagen Caddy, with a couple of examples being delivered in 2009. One of these was 6792VW, found at that hot-bed of service vehicle activity, Sainsbury's in Tunbridge Wells (!) on 20th September 2009. The lack of company logos would suggest it is allocated to the erstwhile Metronet fleet. Note the asymmetric rear doors. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,427 |  |
By Kim Rennie A very fine study of Metronet Ford Transit jumbo crew van 6704F at Acton Works on 8th September 2009. This is a Mark 7 Ford Transit, which reminds me that I really must correct my article on the subject! |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,428 |  |
By Ray Monk Caught leaving Hainault Depot on 2nd October 2009 was Ford Focus estate 6647F of Metronet. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,429 |  |
By Thomas Young The two VW Transporter vans in the TfL Highways fleet are shown as being allocated to Carlisle Lane but are in fact believed to have moved elsewhere recently. 6602VW has been seen on a couple of occasions parked in Southwark Street (near to the Chancel Street base of TfL Streets), as here on 9th October 2009. I have included this shot as it shows the distinctive rear chevrons applied to the pair. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,430 |  |
By Ray Monk We do like oddballs! This Ford Transit van seen near Hainault Depot on 2nd October 2009 is numbered 6493F but carries 6439F on the offside. It has no other lettering, and is fitted with a non-standard roof-rack. Most significantly however, it carries a dark blue livery. The reason for this is not clear, although it is notable that Ford Tourneo Connect 6272F is similarly attired, and is also allocated to the same operational unit (Central Line Site Services). They also have a light blue VW Transporter van (6295VW). It seems likely therefore that there is a reason for all this.... |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,431 |  |
By Ray Monk Metronet Vauxhall Combo 6450V was found parked in Upper Belvedere on 13th September 2009. The company logo has lost the normal red 'swirl'. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,432 |  |
By Ray Monk An unexpected find at Merton garage on 6th September 2009 was Ford Transit Connect 5849F from the Tube Lines fleet. This vehicle has operated without company logos since delivery in early 2006. Although now overdue for replacement it was thought to be active when photographed. It is one of a batch of vans used for internal mail deliveries and can therefore turn up at any location associated with London Underground or London Buses. However, the fact that it was parked in the side yard, coupled with some previous sightings here and at Sutton garage, suggests that its regular driver may live nearby. Visible to the right is evidence of the efforts to get smokers to quit! The company has provided a seat you can't sit on and a shelter that won't shelter you. |
11/10/2009 |
| 5,433 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Continuing our occasional look at service vehicles outside London, this view was taken in the shadow of the city walls in York on the 28th August 2009. AJ02VRN is a jumbo Ford Transit operated by York Pullman. Now, I am not very up on my provincial bus operators but I do recall that an earlier incarnation of York Pullman was absorbed by the Yorkshire Rider group. The van is notable for having what looks like a retractable awning fitted on the nearside. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,434 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Back to Cardiff again (note the bi-lingual road works sign) for a view of Walls Rescue Iveco EuroStar tow truck C17TOW at work on the 24th of February 2009. Note the curious arrangement of the rear axle. The bus has London connections, 34137 having been new to Stagecoach London as their SLD137. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,435 |  |
By Ray Monk Arriva London Vauxhall Combo van 43 (NX54YTK) worked from Stamford Hill and Tottenham garages for a few years but managed to avoid being photographed. In 2009 it transferred south of the river to Beddington, and it was found nearby on the 28th of August. It has retained its original fleetnumber, although it appears to have been applied using rather smaller lettering than usual. There was no lettering on the offside. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,436 |  |
By Les Savine The National Express group has recently given up on London bus operations (again), selling its Travel London subsidiary to NedRailways. As the name suggests, the new owner is part of the Dutch railway company NS. The sale took place in May 2009 and there are currently plans to rebrand the London operations as Abellio. An earlier decision to change the name to Ravel Ondo was overruled, but not before it was applied to crew ferry car GP04ZXB! The Peugeot Partner estate was photographed at Waterloo Station on 13th August 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,437 |  |
By Damon Cross Countryliner started life as the coaching arm of London and Country, based in Guildford. It was sold by Arriva in 1998 and gradually picked up bus work across a large swathe of south east England. The first of their vehicles to be illustrated on this site is smart Ford Transit van Y272RHR, found at Lewes Bus Station on 12th August 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,438 |  |
By Ray Monk It does seem rather odd to apply select registrations to otherwise anonymous vehicles. This Ford Transit minibus is operated by Quality Line (aka Epsom Buses, originally owned by H R Richmond) and is usually used as a crew rest point at Wallington Station. It was photographed there on 28th August 2009. Acquired in November 2008, it was reregistered from OU04EZN by July 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,439 |  |
By Kim Rennie Here is another view of the engineering train Kim found at Plaistow on the 1st of August 2009. On the left are the two parts of one of the DISAB ballast vacuum. As already described (here and here), these vehicles are used to treat wet spots in the track bed. The business end comprises a large hose on an articulated arm, which is thought to be manually 'dipped' into the ballast in much the same way as gully emptiers work. However, in this view the hose is horizontal (just in front of the signal), perhaps because it was about to be stowed. To the right are the pair of GP series wagons that normally work with the DISABs. The nearest one has a hydraulic crane (for unloading bags of ballast). At the far end is battery loco L22. In the background can be seen the Ford van dealership. Service vehicles have sometimes been seen in the yard here, either awaiting delivery or repair. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,440 |  |
By Kim Rennie Battery loco L19 was at one end of an engineering train found at Plaistow Station on 1st August 2009. The first three wagons are former BR 'Turbot' ballast wagons, while beyond is a DISAB ballast sucker set, as detailed on the next picture. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,441 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Hammersmith depot is yet another location at which the service vehicles are well hidden. This view was taken from a passing train on 25th August 2009 and shows the small (and well fenced) car park between the depot tracks and the adjacent offices. Three of the vans within are believed to be from various contractors, while the Transit Connect on the left is almost certainly Metronet 6051F. The silver Ford Focus hatchback to the right is from the unmarked fleet supplied by Acton. The buildings in the background are on Shepherds Bush Road, and vehicle access to the depot appears to be via the covered way on the left. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,442 |  |
By Ray Monk It would have been very easy to overlook this anonymous Ford Focus hatchback parked on Bollo Lane on 25th August 2009, but Ray knows his onions. X62FKN was new to the Streets Management unit that became TfL Streets in 2001, and originally had an orange stripe and lettering. By late 2007 it turned up at Acton Works in plain white, and was reported in the staff car park on several occasions. It is not known who currently operates the vehicle. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,443 |  |
By Thomas Young Citroen Berlingo estate 6769 replaced Renault Kangoo 5835R as the resident car at Loughton in May 2009. It arrived after the decision to discontinue the Metronet name and hence has no logos. 25th August 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,444 |  |
By Thomas Young Staff Welfare Facility vans are a recent phenomenon, but the central fleet already has at least 15 examples. From mid-2009 the south end of the lorry yard at Acton Works was cleared to provide a parking space for them and this view taken on 24th August 2009 shows at least 12 such vehicles resident. Although all are based on jumbo Ford Transits, there is some variety in the liveries (white or white/blue), the side windows and the roof ventilators. All white 6727F is nearest the camera, the others on the front row being (left to right) 6463F, 6525F, 6446F, YR09GMX, 6519F and 6517F. The four at the back were not positively identified but are thought to be 6464F, 6518F, 6705F and YS09CXC. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,445 |  |
By Kim Rennie An interesting comparison of sizes on a trio of service vehicles in the small yard at London Road Depot (Elephant and Castle) on 25th August 2009. On the left is mid-height, medium-wheelbase Ford Transit van 6722F while on the right is jumbo (high-roof, long-wheelbase, extended body) Transit crew van 6707F. Although it took a higher fleet number, 6722F arrived a few months before 6707F, and had Metronet logos applied (not visible in this view). 6707F came after the decision to drop that name and is therefore anonymous for now. Squeezed in the middle, and characteristically hiding its face, is Renault Kangoo 6045R. Having talked about LeaseDriveVelo a couple of times recently, I noticed that both the Ford vans shown here had been supplied by Lex. This name is shown above the tax disks, and also on the number plates. Note how the jumbo Transit doesn't quite fit in the painted parking space! |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,446 |  |
By Thomas Young Photographed from a passing train (with slightly mucky windows) on 24th August 2009, this is the south end of the lorry yard at Acton Works. The area has recently been given over to the growing fleet of Staff Welfare Facility (SWF) vans, of which the odd one out is illustrated here. 6706F is lettered as a Canteen Briefing Facility (has your canteen been briefed?!) and seems to normally be parked right at the end of the yard. Apart from the lettering it differs from the other vans in having a retractable awning mounted on the nearside and an external light above the side door (although 6464F appears to also have one of the latter). The standard SWF van alongside could not be identified. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,447 |  |
By Kim Rennie Another Metronet Vauxhall Combo (stay with me, there might be some interesting stuff later), this time 6650V found at Plaistow Station on 1st August 2009. This is one of many vehicles operated by the SSL Signal Projects team and has gained the additional lettering beneath the smaller logos. It has lost its front wheeltrim though. It is another 'crew van', and a cargo dividing mesh is just visible through the passenger side window. However, it is hard to tell if this is behind the front seats or further back. One thing I have just noticed is that the sign above the tax disc is for Velo. As the lettering at the bottom of the number plate shows, this is one of many vehicles supplied recently by LeaseDriveVelo. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,448 |  |
By Ray Monk Metronet logoed Vauxhall Combo van 6576V was found in the small car park behind the shops at the top of Bollo Lane on 12th August 2009. The official fleet list shows this as being a 'crew van' so it presumably has a second row of seats (without much view). |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,449 |  |
By Ray Monk This is the third picture I have published today that shows a Tube Lines escalators vehicle parked on Bollo Lane. This section is based at nearby Frank Pick House, but parking there is limited. As when they operated from Griffith House, many of the vehicles are probably kept at their driver's homes. Ford Transit Connect van 6510F was photographed on 25th August 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,450 |  |
By Thomas Young I waited quite a while for this guy to move but he was in no hurry. Unfortunately his presence means I can't really show the most interesting aspect of this vehicle, which was that it had an additional two seats behind the driver and passenger. We have known that some of the Vauxhall Combo vans in the fleet are listed as '2+2', but I presumed these were perhaps convertible, especially as no extra side windows are provided. It also means that the cargo compartment is not big as it looks, and can only be accessed from the rear doors. 6387V was new in November 2007 and was based at Stanmore for the third platform project. This project was completed in mid-2009 and the vehicle was perhaps being 'overhauled' prior to reassignment. The Bollo Lane Hand Car Wash is in fact on the junction of Stirling Road and Colville Road. The area around here is notable for the concentration of garages and automotive related businesses. 11th August 2009. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,451 |  |
By Ray Monk As mentioned recently, Ray has found the 'missing' LBSL location in Isleworth. When he visited on August 14th 2009, three Honda Civics were among the five service vehicles present. 6306H on the left had been resident at Wembley Olympic Way until that location appeared to close in early 2009. 6305H in the middle has often been seen in Kingston, and was unusual for not having its light bar in place (changing the vehicles appearance considerably), while 6303H on the right was one of the elusive ones. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,452 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Honda Civic saloon car 6297H is one of the lesser spotted members of the 16-strong fleet employed by London Buses. The few sightings suggest it is based somewhere in west London, perhaps at the newly discovered Isleworth office. However, on a sunny 31st August 2009 it was caught heading around flowery Marble Arch. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,453 |  |
By Thomas Young Another Tube Lines escalators Ford Transit crew van outside Smallbills garage on Bollo Lane. However, this was on the 24th August 2009 and the van was low-roof 6255F from 'Team 1'. This one does appear to be based at Frank Pick House, although it entered service while the operation was still based at Griffith House. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,454 |  |
By Thomas Young My efforts to gather photographs of all current service vehicles could be said to be both impossible and pointless. I wouldn't argue with the latter but the task might be achievable if I stood on Bollo Lane for long enough! On the 11th August 2009 I caught Tube Lines Ford Transit crew van 6194F backing out of Smallbills garage. This vehicle is one of many allocated to the Escalator Services department, in this case to their 'Team 2'. Many of the Tube Lines escalators vehicles can be seen at nearby Frank Pick House but sightings suggest that this van is not based there. Note the lack of roof rack normally found on this type. No, really! |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,455 |  |
By Kim Rennie Vehicles numbered 6020 to 6023 are reportedly allocated to the Bakerloo Line signals team, although 6020R was a Renault Kangoo seen a few times at Seven Sisters and other Victoria Line locations. The other three are all low-roof Ford Transit crew vans, including 6023F photographed at London Road depot on 25th August 2009. Unlike sister 6022F, this van lacked both the large Metronet logos and fleetnumbers. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,456 |  |
By Thomas Young Ray and I had a long day visiting garages in east London after the Upminster open day on 29th August 2009. As we were heading for London Bridge for our respective trains home I noticed this Metronet van parked outside Lambeth North station. Completely blocking the pavement, 6022F is a low-roof Ford Transit crew van operated by the Bakerloo Line signal team. It (or a very similar vehicle) was seen shortly afterwards entering London Road depot. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,457 |  |
By Kim Rennie I have received four photos of this van at various locations recently, the one selected for publication having been taken at Plaistow on the 1st of August 2009. 5995F is a mid-height long-wheelbase Ford Transit crew van in the Metronet SSL Signal Projects section, this being one of very few departments to apply subsidiary lettering to the company logos. The number 5995F also appeared erroneously on Transit Dropside 5959F. |
15/09/2009 |
| 5,458 |  |
By Les Savine ... they helpfully carry notices in the windscreen! AU06UPS is another of the Vauxhall Astra hatchback cars used by Almex. It was photographed at the Elephant and Castle on 17th August 2009. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,459 |  |
By Thomas Young Almex uses a fleet of cars to service the roadside ticket machines, most now being Vauxhall Astra hatchbacks. Typical of these is BL55AOU, found at the new White City bus station on 25th August 2009. Most of the vehicles are silver and unmarked. They can best be identified by the removable roof lights or the locations at which they are found. Or sometimes..... |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,460 |  |
By Thomas Young This is the view of Arriva London's Edmonton Garage from the towpath of the River Lee Navigation, taken on 11th August 2009. Most of the numerous crew ferry vehicles allocated can be observed from here, with 10 being logged during my brief visit, and 5 visible in this photo. Most are now Vauxhall Corsa cars, numbered in the 104 to 119 range, and rather smart apart from the lack of wheeltrims. The red notices on the doors warn of tracking devices being fitted. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,461 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Only a few of the East London crew ferry minibuses have been treated to company logos, among them Renault Master EX08KZV (fleetnumber 96006), seen here leaving West Ham garage by the new approach road on 25th August 2009. It is curious that the 11 vehicles reported have carried the numbers 96006 to 96016, with no sign of 96001 to 96005. One possibility is that some of the six LDV Convoy minibuses inherited from Stagecoach were renumbered from the 92401 to 92407 range into the vacant 9600x series, although it is hard to see why this would be done. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,462 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin The crew ferry minibuses with East London are relatively easy to see, shuttling between the new garage at West Ham and the nearby station (although they also run to other locations). Having said that, they have not been particularly well covered on this site yet. Helping redress that are two shots from John Lloyd-Martin. The first shows Renault Master EX08KZO (fleetnumber 96014 visible in the windscreen and low on the side) coming down from the bridge on Stephenson Street on 25th August 2009. Three Masters were acquired, the remainder being the smaller Trafic model. It would appear that the other two of the trio have now transferred to Rainham garage. Note that no logos are carried. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,463 |  |
By Malcolm Conway The Big Bus Company is one of the two major providers of sightseeing tours in central London and has been classed as a bus operator in terms of the database on this website. Having used a couple of select-registered vans in recent years, their current engineering vehicle carries the less memorable mark of YH57JZT. A medium wheelbase, mid-height Ford Transit van, it is of the rare 145 T300 variant, and to GLX standards to boot! This probably accounts for the smart wheeltrims. On 31st August 2009 it was caught heading down Park Lane. Note that the rear chevrons are somewhat 'steeper' than usual, the opposite of Quality Line A6HRR. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,464 |  |
By Thomas Young RK09POU and RK09POV are a pair of VW Transporter minibuses that replaced VW LT35 minibuses 6010VW and 6011VW in spring 2009. They work for the Transport for London Community Safety Enforcement and Policing team and can normally be found parked on the ramp at the back of Victoria Coach Station. Both were present on 29th August 2009, along with IRU 6356M, this angle showing off the rear chevrons and low-profile light bars. The vehicles are active at night when they respond to incidents on the night bus network. The notice in the window of RK09POV explains 'Why are we carrying out these checks on buses'. Given that 6010VW and 6011VW did not carry their fleetnumbers, it seems likely that the new pair are also numbered on paper only. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,465 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Not previously reported, this Toyota Prius hybrid-electric car carries a livery and lettering very similar to the pair of VW Transporter minibuses at Victoria, although it has never been reported there. Colin caught the car at Marble Arch on the 3rd of August 2009. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,466 |  |
By Kim Rennie Kim gets into places where the rest of us can't! A good example of the difficulty of finding service vehicles is in those allocated to the Bakerloo Line. The depots at Stonebridge Park and Elephant and Castle (London Road) are anything but remote, but nothing can be seen from public areas. Despite its small size, it would appear that about 6 or 7 SVs are normally based at London Road, currently including this silver Renault Kangoo estate car. With its assigned fleetnumber of 6678R notable by its absence, the car was photographed in the tiny yard on 25th August 2009. Note the tracks at a lower level beyond the fence. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,467 |  |
By Ray Monk This photograph has been catalogued as being at Hainault Depot but is actually the road junction outside the station, the depot entrance being a dozen or so yards behind the van (to the right of the following Mercedes car). However, as with many depots, nothing interesting can be seen from public areas. The subject here is a Vauxhall Combo van carrying non-standard Silver livery (the only known example apart from the trio that started life with TfL Highways) and also lacking its fleetnumber of 6669V. As with many silver Metronet vehicles, the logos show they were designed for white vehicles by having the roundel in-fills in that colour. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,468 |  |
By Thomas Young Rainham is one of the BOB (back of beyond) garages, and really needs its crew ferry vehicles. Among them is un-numbered Vauxhall Corsa van GV57XRE, photographed at home on 29th August 2009. The East London and Arriva Tour bus companies also have bases nearby (the blue gantry visible top right is in the Arriva yard), along with a motley collection of other industries. The wind turbine in the distance is within the Ford complex at Dagenham. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,469 |  |
By Thomas Young Showing its fleetnumber 4, Vauxhall Corsa van GV57KJZ is one of at least six such vehicles that have been used as crew ferries from the former Blue Triangle garage at Rainham. The reason for buying vans rather than equivalent cars is not known, although most seem to only carry one person at a time. Photographed with permission on 29th August 2009. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,470 |  |
By Thomas Young Since it was taken over by Go-Ahead London, Blue Triangle has used a fleet of anonymous vans for its crew ferry and engineering support duties. Thought to be assigned to the latter are this pair of Vauxhall Combo vans, photographed (with permission) at the Rainham garage on 29th August 2009. Most (but annoyingly not all) of the vans have tiny fleetnumbers on the offside only. GP57MVC to the rear carried 9, while GP57MVH was showing 1 but could perhaps have started out as 10! |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,471 |  |
By Thomas Young The Go-Ahead London group has a fleet of anonymous and elusive small vans. Ford Fiesta EJ56XAP was found paying a visit to Waterloo garage on 1st September 2009, the first day of the non-articulated Citaro buses on former Red Arrow route 521. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,472 |  |
By Ray Monk It is nice when a visit to a location turns up something new. When we arrived at Transdev's Hounslow Heath garage on the 24th of August 2009, this previously un-reported Ford Fiesta van was the first thing we saw. It was parked away from the other SVs (mainly crew ferries), and had lettering for CCTV support. A similarly lettered van of First London was illustrated in 2006. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,473 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin Somewhat dwarfed by a very expensive line-up of Setra coaches, LB04DFF is one of 7 Toyota Yaris Verso cars used as crew ferry vehicles by Epsom Buses (aka Quality Line). No side lettering is carried on this example but it has an LT roundel on the front, and the Crew Shuttle wording in the rear window (as already illustrated). Photographed on 24th August 2009. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,474 |  |
By Les Savine This van is slightly enigmatic. New in Spring 2004 and based at the Westbourne Park garage of First London it was mysteriously absent from the sightings logs until March this year. Les was the second person to report it (and also photographed it) at Hammersmith on 29th August 2009. The van is a Vauxhall Vivaro in the usual First London livery of red with yellow hatches. It would have been interesting to see if it had a fleetnumber, the First numbering being particularly peculiar. However, where carried, fleetnumbers are usually on the offside. Presumably the vehicle has not been reported due to it spending most of its time hidden in the depths of the garage. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,475 |  |
By Thomas Young An interesting find at the Rainham garage of Blue Triangle on 29th August 2009 was this LDV Pilot van carrying the fleetnumber BD02. It was parked in the recently added annexe yard, the main garage and yard being beyond the fence in the background. The van itself has not previously been reported but the lettering would suggest that it was acquired before the company was bought by the Go-Ahead group in 2007. Another LDV van was lettered as BD01, these perhaps relating to BreakDown vans. Although the van looked in good condition, according to the DVLA website it had not been licensed since the end of March 2009. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,476 |  |
By John Lloyd-Martin The third example of a Volkswagen Crafter van to be illustrated on this site is Epsom Buses A6HRR, seen at the garage on 24th August 2009. New in December 2008 as LC58GFU, it was re-registered by the following June, using one of several 'select' marks held by the firm (the HRR refers to the initials of the proprietor). Note that, although the vehicle is red and has an LT roundel on the rear, the fleetnames are for Epsom Coaches. The Epsom Buses name has been all but dropped in favour of Quality Line. The rear chevrons are rather unusual. I would like to know what the yellow thing in the background on the right is. It looks somewhat like the cab of a 'landtrain' locomotive. |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,477 |  |
By Ray Monk Ah, there it is! We have known for some time that London Buses had a location somewhere in west London, certain vehicles having been seen on the road but never parked at any of the familiar places. Chief among these was Volkswagen Transporter van 6074VW, one of seven low-roof examples used by the Infrastructure Development team. In August 2009 Ray finally tracked the location down to the Victory Business Centre on Fleming Way in Isleworth. 6074VW was present on the 14th (exactly three years since it was first licensed, which would suggest it is due for replacement), along with four other vehicles (to be illustrated soon). |
13/09/2009 |
| 5,478 |  |
By Thomas Young The bodywork on the 3-axle dustcarts delivered in 2009 is broadly similar to that on the 2002-vintage pair that they are intended to replace, most of the differences being in the areas of the compactor and lifting gear. The cabs are to a revised design, with conventional doors replacing the folding 'bus' type used previously, and a new front grille arrangement. Finally, the livery features a higher proportion of blue. WP09SMV was seen positioning itself in the yard at Acton works on 11th August 2009, just after delivery. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,479 |  |
By James Mair Another superb shot by James Mair taken at Acton Works on 11th August 2009 shows brand new Mercedes-Benz Econic dustcart WP09SMX arriving at its new home. Note the pre-fitted broom and shovel and the spotless condition of the compactor and hoisting equipment. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,480 |  |
By James Mair The other difficulty of photographing moving vehicles is that they often catch you unaware! James did a marvellous job when a pair of brand new dustcarts crept up on us at Acton Works on 11th August 2009. He managed to fire off a series of shots all of which are almost perfectly composed and focused. I can't even do that with stationary vehicles! The first shows WP09SMV turning into the works, with WP09SMX close behind. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,481 |  |
By Thomas Young Photographing moving vehicles is an art that I am still only beginning to learn. Most of my results are either blurred, mis-timed or have unwanted foreground intrusions. This one is not bad, the subject being Mercedes-Benz Axor dropside truck WX08KUV turning into Acton works on 24th August 2009. Note the relatively short rear overhang, the unusual lack of a tail-lift, and the odd handle on the rear dropside panel. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,482 |  |
By James Mair Judging by the immaculate state of the rear wheelarches, this vehicle was most likely on its delivery run. Caught entering Acton works on 11th August 2009, 6814F is a low-roof Ford Transit crew van. It would be interesting to know which dealerships actually supply the vehicles. We know that most Vauxhalls come from Staples Corner, and I suspect that the Fords are from Colindale. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,483 |  |
By Thomas Young Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dropside truck 6695M was new in December 2008 and to date remains unique within the leased fleet. It is operated by the Tube Lines escalator management team based at Frank Pick House and carries appropriate cabside lettering. On 24th August 2009 I caught it heading for home along Bollo Lane at Acton (with a large dog leaning out of the nearside window???). |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,484 |  |
By Thomas Young The pair of Mercedes-Benz Econic dustcarts acquired in summer 2002 are due for replacement by similar new vehicles very soon. Indeed when photographed arriving at Acton Works on 24th August 2009, 2582M had recently lost its Tube Lines logos. It was later seen parked up in the lorry yard, slightly away from the active vehicles. Reports of further sightings would help determine the actual disposal date. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,485 |  |
By Thomas Young Apart from Emergency Communications truck 2488M, the oldest service vehicles in the numbered fleets are the trio of Mercedes-Benz Actros articulated lorries bought in May 1998. 2560M was recently illustrated under tow but it seems to have recovered and was photographed outside Acton Town Station on 24th August 2009. It was coupled to Crane Fruehauf single-axle dropside trailer CT34, new in 1984 and therefore more than twice the age of the tractor unit. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,486 |  |
By Thomas Young Another view of the Niteq 1500-E remote-control loco at Upminster depot on 29th August 2009 shows the adaptor fitted on the 'rear' to permit coupling to LUL rolling stock. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,487 |  |
By Malcolm Millichip Perhaps the most curious vehicle to be seen at Upminster depot during the recent open day was this four-wheeled, battery-powered, remote-control 'locomotive', used to manoeuvre trains in the wheel lathe shed. Malcolm reports that it was built by Niteq Transport and Handling Systems of Holland in July 2004. It is their model 1500-E, number 04-B217. I'm not sure what the contraption on the front is (with a winch in the 'cab' to lower it) but it appears that the loco can only couple to trains at one end. 29th August 2009. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,488 |  |
By Thomas Young The only wagon to be seen at the depot during the Upminster open day was rail wagon RW814. One of 26 built by Procor in 1986, this example features several removable bolsters as well as stanchions in the side pockets. Note the C-stock train on the track behind. Such trains very rarely venture further east than Barking. 29th August 2009. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,489 |  |
By Thomas Young Of the various wagons found in Upminster Station on Saturday 29th August 2009, this was the most interesting. HD873 was one of six high-deck flat wagons built by Procor in 1987. As can be seen, these are flat wagons that are used for carrying over-length pieces of trackwork. Wagons with normal floor heights (such as the RW-series on the left and the GP-series) are not suitable for such loads due to their raised headstocks. A notable feature of the HD wagons is the way the floor is narrower towards the centre of the wagon. This could be to keep the wagons within the loading gauge on curves, particularly if they are longer than other stock. On the adjacent track are a pair of battery locos flanking tamper TMM774. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,490 |  |
By Thomas Young L49 was at the western end of an engineering train sat in Upminster Station during the open day at the depot on Saturday 29th August. As will be seen, this carries the blue livery. I noticed that all the locos had an alternative fleetnumber, low on the bodysides just inboard of each cab door (73049 in this case). At first I thought these might be TOPS numbers for use when working on Network Rail track. However, the various ranges seen (eg 64029 on L29) suggested otherwise. It would appear that they are based on the year of ordering. For example, L49 was delivered in 1974 so could have been ordered in 1973 (73). Likewise, L29 was delivered in 1965. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,491 |  |
By Thomas Young During the open day at Upminster Depot on the weekend of 29th/30th August 2009, a display of engineering trains was laid on at the nearby station. Well, actually these were employed on track renewal work along the District line and were just two of many such trains to be seen between here and Dagenham. Still, many of the enthusiasts getting off the c2c trains on the adjacent platform had a good look before heading towards the depot! Nearest the camera is battery loco L16, built in 1970 and carrying standard yellow livery. On the other track were two more battery locos, flanking a tamper. L47 at this end carries the yellow and blue livery variant. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,492 |  |
By Malcolm Millichip Another view of un-numbered Ford Focus estate car LM58OYB at Upminster Depot on 29th August 2009. The reasons for some vehicles not being allocated fleetnumbers still escapes us. At any given time, there are several hundred cars in use by LUL and the infrastructure companies, although most operate without any markings at all. They can often be seen at depots and stations, clues as to their operation being the markings on the registration plates (Bank of Scotland or Leasedrivevelo), or if they are registered in a similar series to numbered vehicles. Vehicles which have logos or fleet livery are eligible for inclusion on this website and therefore reports are always welcome. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,493 |  |
By London Spotter Here is one service vehicle at Upminster that (almost) everybody missed. I caught a glimpse of it as I left on the heritage bus service but fortunately London Spotter was on hand to capture the details and this photograph. Ford Focus estate 6780F was new in April 2009 and carries no logos, suggesting it is operated by one of the former Metronet infracos. During the open day on Saturday 29th August 2009 it was parked in the public car park adjacent to the entrance to the depot. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,494 |  |
By omnicitylondon Upminster depot has had a single van allocated to it in recent years. Ford Transit 6568F was new in late 2008 and replaced similar 5871F. The new van was seen during the open day on August 29th 2009. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,495 |  |
By Thomas Young What a nice pair! I have commented before that recent car service vehicles are far removed from the Escorts and Chevettes of old. This rather stylish pair of Ford Focus estates was found at Upminster Depot during the open day on August 29th 2009. Although seemingly identical, LM58OYB on the left is part of the un-numbered fleet while VO58VBK on the right is numbered 6548F. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,496 |  |
By omnicitylondon It is always nice to welcome a new contributor to the website. Omnicitylondon sent in some pics taken at the open day at Upminster depot on 29th August 2009, amongst which was this one of Ford Transit Connect van 6106F. It is not clear if this Tube Lines vehicle was present at the depot in connection with the open day or with the work being undertaken on the District line, but a different Tube Lines van was present on the Sunday. Getting into details now, note that the logo is split across the join of the side access door. This is the most common application on Transit Connects, but some (such as 5946F) manage to fit it in further back. Comparison with an earlier photo of this van will show that it has a cargo door on the nearside only, and that the model badging is normally carried on the offside only. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,497 |  |
By Thomas Young Here's a service vehicle that visitors to the recent Upminster Depot open day could easily have missed. Carrying no markings of any kind, this Vauxhall Movano van is actually assigned fleetnumber 5911V and is used by the LT Museum mainly to take sales stock to events and rallies. It was photographed on 29th August 2009. |
05/09/2009 |
| 5,498 |  |
By Thomas Young When visited on 11th August 2009, Northumberland Park Depot had at least 6 service vehicles visible from the perimeter roads. Among them were a pair of recently delivered Ford Transit minibuses that were unusual for having a plain white livery. They were also very late recipients of the Metronet logos, 6801F shown above having only been licensed in May. This photo was taken from Watermead Way, where you have to contend with three factors! Firstly, a rather fine mesh fence with extensive vegetation (SLRs are no good), secondly the steel barriers at the perfect heights to obscure both registration and fleet numbers of vehicles parked against them and thirdly the track in front of the fence which is often occupied by Victoria Line trains. |
11/08/2009 |
| 5,499 |  |
By Thomas Young Seen in the lorry yard at Acton Works on the 11th of August 2009 are a pair of Mercedes-Benz Econic dustcarts. WP09SMX (left) and WP09SMV had been delivered just half an hour earlier and are expected to be joined by a third example shortly. These will replace the two oldest dustcarts (2582M and 2583M) and remove the need to hire in additional vehicles. Two smaller Iveco dustcarts are also due. The livery on the cabs is the same as on WX57UMV and not like 2-axle WX08KUT. The bodywork is by Geesink Norba and is similar but not identical to that on 2582M and 2583M. The 2008 deliveries had Farid bodywork. |
11/08/2009 |
| 5,500 |  |
By Glyn Matthews Back to Wales now, for another service vehicle from the Cardiff Bus fleet. Iveco Daily 35S14 van 080 (CN08BGX) carries a bright orange and green livery with a large dragon motif towards the rear. Unlike the previous example, this van has identical lettering on each side, with the Welsh variation of the fleetname relegated to a subtitle. |
05/08/2009 |
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