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| Count | Photo | Details | Added  |
| 3,401 |  |
By Derek Everson Coming under both the 'girl and the SV' and 'man under bus' categories, this photo taken in Bournemouth on 18th September 2014 shows Yellow Buses Land Rover support vehicle K300DTS. Yellow Buses is the current name for what was once Bournemouth Corporation Transport, while the registration number of the Land Rover probably dates back to the time when coach operator Dorset Travel Services was also owned. The bus also has a personalised number plate and is not as old as this suggests. R17TYB is an Optare Tempo new in 2009. Along with London United, Yellow Buses was owned by French company Transdev but passed to French company RATP when Transdev was merged with French company Veolia Transport! Plus ca change. One final point about this vehicle. Two web addresses are shown on labels on the cab door. These are www.bybus.co.uk, and the rather strange www.globybus.co.uk (surely more suitable for a company serving Sellafield!). Apparently the multi-trip tickets for Yellow Buses are called Glo Cards. The domain www.gobybus.co.uk had already been snaffled by National Express. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,402 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographed passing the rather dingy frontage of Arriva London's Barking (Dagenham) garage on 23rd January 2015, FL14HAX is a Vauxhall Corsa car in use as a crew ferry vehicle. It carried fleetnumber 216 on the rear, following on from the batch delivered to Edmonton Garage earlier in 2014. The latter ran to 214 so there may be more yet to be reported. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,403 |  |
By Derek Everson Buses Excetera is one of the most recent (and mostly unusually named) bus operators in the region. Centred on the Guildford, Dorking and Epsom areas, an interesting fleet of vehicles is operated in a bright white and blue livery. One notable aspect of the fleet is that most buses are given personalised number plates, and then have matching fleetnumbers applied. Seen here at Guildford Bus Station on 5th January 2015 is MCV Evolution (or 'eVolution') J20, being attended by Ford Transit van PK54OFN. Although wearing company livery, the van is unmarked. I'm not an expert on 'country' area buses, so I can't tell you who runs the startling pink Dennis Dart parked behind. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,404 |  |
By Ray Monk London Overground's Silwood Depot was completed late last year, in time for the delivery of the first 5-car class 378 EMUs. However, the vehicle parking area still has a very temporary look to it. On 7th January 2015 Ray found Nissan e-NV200 van VX14AUY charging-up there. It is not clear if this van is on trial with LOROL or if it has replaced one of their diesel vans (two of which are visible in the background). |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,405 |  |
By Kim Rennie Nissan e-NV200 electric van VX14AUY appears to be in use by London Overground at present, although it still carries LUL livery with the 'green' additions. On 23rd December 2014 it was found parked at Hoxton Station. Whilst hybrid power now seems to be standard for certain vehicles (notably TfL cars), it appears to be taking a long time for the more widespread adoption of green propulsion. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,406 |  |
By Ray Monk The oldest of the LBSL Infrastructure vans are 4 high-roof Volkswagen Transporter vans new at the end of 2009. It seems that the Caddy Maxi was not deemed sufficient to replace these, and a new batch of the larger vans was delivered in early 2015. RE64VZJ was caught about to enter Acton Works on 19th January 2015 (similar RE64JPY had just gone in). At this stage the vans were unmarked and lacked light-bars. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,407 |  |
By Ray Monk The new LBSL Infrastructure Volkswagen Caddy Maxi vans appear to be replacing the mid-height Transporter vans previously used (one of which is in the left background here). As this view of 7902VW at Stratford Bus Station on 24th January 2015 shows, the difference in size between the two models is not that huge. The Transporter is a bit taller but the length appears to be about the same. A further difference is that the Caddy vans have cargo doors in both sides. Although this will limit the ability to fit racking etc inside, it should offer greater operational flexibility. Thirteen Caddy Maxis have been seen either in service or awaiting delivery. This may relate to the fact that there were 9 of the mid-height Transporter vans remaining, plus the four electric Transits. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,408 |  |
By Derek Everson The allocation of infrastructure vans to West London locations seems to fluctuate more than elsewhere. For example, Uxbridge Station has sometimes had as many as four, but more recently has been down to just one or two. Among these was one of the four Ford/Smiths electric Transit vans, which have spent the past month or so parked up at Acton Works. Just to confuse the matter, the Transit was generally parked in the bus station (with the Operations vehicles), due to the location of the charging point. Two of the new batch of Caddy Maxi vans were found at Uxbridge on the first day of 2015. One of these was 7900VW, photographed nearby on 21st January. Note the large roundel on the roof. The vehicle registration number may also be applied. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,409 |  |
By Ray Monk While the London Buses IRU fleet was between 3 and 4 years old at the end of 2014, the Infrastructure section was still using some Volkswagens new in 2009. Replacements finally started arriving in December, comprising a large batch of Volkswagen Caddy Maxi vans. Two similar vans had been delivered in October 2013 (7747VW/7748VW) and they were evidently deemed suitable. The first of the new vans entered service just before Christmas, with further deliveries in January. 7896VW was dispatched to Orpington, but was photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 9th January 2015. Compared to 7747VW/7748VW, the new vans have TfL lettering and lack the roof racks. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,410 |  |
By Dave Hooker New contributor Dave Hooker was the first to report a new IRU, and he did a fine job of capturing this night view of 7867M at Morden Station on its first day of service (23rd January 2015). This was another of the vans delivered (in plain red) on 21st January. Prior to these new arrivals, the Incident Response Unit fleet comprised 24 vans new in 2011 and 21 from 2012. Apparently the new vehicles are going to replace both batches, which suggests a total of around 46 vans. This ties in with the fact that fleetnumbers 7841 to 7890 remained vacant. But then it is odd that the first deliveries were numbered near the middle of this range (7860M-7867M). |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,411 |  |
By John Woolf A very fine view of new IRU 7866M parked near Victoria Station on 24th January 2015. At least 6 of these vans have entered service in the past few days. Curiously all of them were first registered at the end of September 2014, but appear to have only been delivered to Acton (still in plain red) in the past week. 7866M was one of three seen going in on 21st January, and was thus turned around very quickly, with the full livery application and fitting out of the interior equipment. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,412 |  |
By Ray Monk Another new IRU is 7865M, photographed at the back of Stratford City Bus Station on 24th January 2015. The livery differences can be seen by comparing this with the older van visible in the background. A shot of the un-windowed rear of these vans will be included next time, and perhaps someone will also manage a side-by-side comparison to highlight the design changes on the front. Turnpike Lane might be the best bet for this. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,413 |  |
By Ray Monk Confirmation that the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans were indeed to be LBSL Incident Response Units came when the first examples were delivered to Morden and Eltham on 23rd January 2015. On that day, Ray photographed 7860M and 7863M at the latter location. The latest batch have a few detail differences, notably around the grille and bumper. They also lack windows in the rear doors, while the side lettering has been shuffled around to incorporate the new standard TfL markings. Visible on the right is TfL Toyota Yaris LL14VOH. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,414 |  |
By Ray Monk A photograph by Ray but the credit must also go to Derek. He caught a trio of red Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans being delivered to Acton Works on 21st January 2015, and he noticed that they were accompanied by a Mercedes East London minibus. A couple of days later Ray took himself to their premises in Rippleside and found twelve more vans present. Six were un-registered, while the remainder had curiously been first licensed almost three months earlier (31st October 2014). Note that the vans already have the light-bars (and grille lights) but have yet to gain any lettering. It seemed likely that these vans would become Incident Response Units for London Buses, but previous batches of these had come from Rygors of Bedfont, had been fully liveried before delivery, and were generally licensed just before delivery. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,415 |  |
By Ray Monk Three of these Mitsubishi L200 4x4s were delivered to Baker Street in autumn 2014 to replace Renault Kangoo estate cars. All have the glazed hard-top option. It is unfortunate that the parking spaces here have been rotated, otherwise a line-up of all three may have been possible. A couple of minor points about the livery. The red stripe has been carefully cut away to clear the model badging, while the skirt and stripe at the rear seem to be sloped upwards to match the bodywork. I don't think any other vehicles have sloped skirts. 30th December 2014. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,416 |  |
By Ray Monk New in Spring 2014, 7809VW is one of the growing number of Volkswagen Caddy vans in the central fleet. Wearing LUL livery with TfL lettering, it is based at Stratford Market Depot and is mostly active at night. On 14th January 2015 it was caught passing the Mecca Bingo smoker's terrace on Cam Road, near the depot. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,417 |  |
By Ray Monk 7756F is a Ford Transit dropside truck new in Autumn 2013 but only reported a handful of times. It was found paying a visit to the erstwhile Track and Signals Operations Centre at Museum Way (Acton Town) on 19th January 2015. The sign here has recently been amended to read 'Piccadilly Line Track, Ealing Common Track Office'. Once again, the low sun has caused a little trouble for Ray. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,418 |  |
By Ray Monk Given that leased vehicles are generally only kept for 3 or 4 years, instances of re-liverying are quite rare. This explains why Tube Lines vehicles can still be seen, almost 2 years after the name was officially dropped. 7529F is a Ford Transit van that entered service in Tube Lines livery in late 2012. However, the following summer it gained LUL livery with the red stripe but also with red/white battenburg stripes at mid-height. The additional side lettering reads 'Emergency Incident Vehicle'. It has always been based at the Lifts and Escalators depot at Frank Pick House, Acton, where it was photographed on 27th December 2014. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,419 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographing service vehicles around the Bollo Lane entrance to Acton Works can be tricky, especially in the winter when the sun (if it is out at all) always seems to be in the wrong place. This picture suffers a bit because of this, but it was felt to be worth including anyway. As has already been commented on, Ford Transit van 6238F seems to have acquired a second life following its replacement in the LUL fleet. Now in un-marked white/blue livery, it can often be seen around Acton Works. On 19th January 2015 Ray caught it entering the works with a gritting trailer on tow. Interestingly, the trailer carried the registration number of Land Rover N435CMF, another extended life vehicle, but one which has not been seen much recently. |
26/01/2015 |
| 3,420 |  |
By Derek Everson The Mansfield Group seems to be undertaking an increasing amount of bus recovery work in London. On 3rd December 2014 Derek caught this impressive 4-axle Volvo FH truck making the turn into Hounslow Bus Garage with London United SP175 on tow. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,421 |  |
By Ray Monk The small bus operating base at Belvedere was originally run by Harris Bus, later East Thames Buses. It now comes under the Go-Ahead London group although it is curiously operated under the London General licence while nearby Bexleyheath is with London Central. The base is on a rather remote industrial estate, and runs just two routes. The 180 terminates nearby, but the 244 goes no closer than Abbey Wood Station and thus needs crew ferries. Crew changeovers are often performed at route termini, and this would certainly have been possible here. However, the route 244 changeovers are instead done at Watersmeet Place, close to Thamesmead ''town centre''. In Autumn 2014 I discovered that a former Metrobus vehicle (GY56DLJ) was being used but, before I could get a photograph of it, it was replaced by this brand new Ford. EK64CFY is a Ford Transit Connect Mk2 crew van, photographed in Thamesmead on 3rd December 2014. Although some earlier Ford Transit Connect service vehicles may have had the second row of seats, this is only the third seen with the extra side windows (after 5687F and electric EU61CRZ). To complete an already lengthy caption, I should remind viewers that the faces of people included in these photographs are blurred in cases where they would otherwise be easily recognisable. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,422 |  |
By Ray Monk Stagecoach London took delivery of a new Vauxhall Corsa car in summer 2014, presumably as a replacement for Ford Focus YH11LWN. As with the Ford, the new car can sometimes be found parked at Plumstead Garage, as seen here on 29th November 2014. Stagecoach logos and names are applied all around, although for some reason the white lettering does not show up very well! |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,423 |  |
By Derek Everson Stagecoach London 90898 is a Ford Transit minibus new in autumn 2013, and photographed in Romford town centre on 1st October 2014. I was going to comment on how different the Transit Custom is from previous Transits, but then I realised that the same applies between (say) the Mk5 and the Mk6. Once a model name has become well established it seems to be hard for manufacturers to resist using it on subsequent (sometimes very different) designs. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,424 |  |
By Derek Everson The Abellio fleet has become quite colourful recently, with lots of nearly-news cars being added, often in bright metallic colour schemes. One of the latest additions is Ford Fiesta CK11MDZ, photographed at Beddington Cross Garage on 26th November 2014. Fleetnumbers are usually now applied, often close to the fuel filler, but this car does not seem to have one. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,425 |  |
By Derek Everson The Vauxhall Combo van has seen a lot of use as service vehicles, particularly with crew ferry vans for the Arriva group and others. Added to the Grays-based operation recently was VX06HKZ, allocated fleetnumber VF617 in the Arriva Southern Counties series. This number does not appear to be carried, although there is some trace of previous lettering on the van sides. It was photographed parked near Romford Station on 1st October 2014. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,426 |  |
By Derek Everson Various minibuses previously operated by TGM were transferred within the Arriva group to London-area bus operators at the beginning of 2014. Most were Ford Tourneos, but Guildford Garage received an odd pair in the shape of Vauxhall Vivaro HT05YDB and Volkswagen Transporter RY05AEZ. The former, allocated fleetnumber VF109, was photographed at Woking on 11th November 2014. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,427 |  |
By Derek Everson Chunky-looking MAN TGS lorry RV12OFK was caught on Argyle Road in Greenford on 12th November 2014. Note that the trailing axle is in the raised position, and that the offside 'spoiler' thingy has either been replaced or has lost its cover (just noticed it was in this condition in March 2013 as well!). The positioning of the light-bar right at the front of the cab-roof is also unusual, although no doubt practical. There appears to be no hurry to remove the Tube Lines branding from the vehicles that still carry it. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,428 |  |
By Dave Cousins Two days after it was photographed at Acton Works, new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi van 7895VW had made it to Stratford Bus Station. It was photographed parked alongside Transporter van 6900VW and one unidentified similar van. On the left is earlier Caddy Maxi 7747VW. I had been advised that the Infrastructure section was to receive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, so as to provide commonality with the Bus Operations fleet. However, it appears that the Caddy Maxi has proved to be big enough. 24th December 2014. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,429 |  |
By Kevin Bullions A batch of new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi vans was delivered in December 2014 for use by LBSL Infrastructure Development. Photographed in the car park at Acton Works on 22nd December were four of the new vans, along with one of the mid-height Volkswagen Transporter vans that they seem to be destined to replace. The fleetnumbers of the new vans could not quite be made out, although we now know that the nearest is 7895VW. I'll add links for the others once they are reported. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,430 |  |
By Dave Cousins The delivery of three new Mitsubishi L200 pick-ups to Baker Street was a protracted affair. The first (7838) came in September, 7839 in October, and 7840 in December. The last of the trio was photographed at its new home on 15th December 2014. They have replaced Renault Kangoo estates 6992R, 7132R and 7165R, but are presumably for use by senior staff. I would be very surprised if all the other Renault Kangoo estates were replaced by anything this posh! |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,431 |  |
By Derek Everson Phase II Renault Kangoo van 7758R was photographed in the 'new' yard at Edgware Road Station on 28th August 2014. Flanking it were two older Renault Kangoo vans, 7211R on the left and Maxi 7324R on the right. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,432 |  |
By Derek Everson Vehicles numbered 7576 to 7591 were all delivered around the beginning of 2013 in plain white livery, and have since been used by a variety of departments. Several of the batch were allocated to the Tramlink depot at Therapia Lane, including 7579, one of six Citroen Berlingo vans. While the other Berlingos carry un-suffixed numbers, this one wants to be a Renault and displays 7579R, as seen in this photograph taken at the depot on 26th November 2014. White Ford Transits 7586F (crew van) and 7590F (dropside) are also allocated to Tramlink and have recently been reported as having gained the full white/blue/green livery. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,433 |  |
By Derek Everson High-roof Ford Transit van 7495F has been a regular sight at Edgware Road Station (or the nearby Griffith House) since delivery in autumn 2012. On 28th August 2014 it was photographed in the yard, with Griffith House visible in the background. The multi-coloured building on the right was built on what was the vehicle yard of Griffith House, and it contains power supply equipment for the underground. Apart from lifts and escalators, this location also houses vehicles used by the pumps and drainage section. This may account for the piles of pipes or ducts on either side of the van. On the far right is Renault Kangoo Maxi 7276R. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,434 |  |
By Derek Everson Peugeot Partner Tepee car 7491P is quite a common sight around Acton works, and was photographed nearby on 12th November 2014. Note that the strips of lights below the headlights are on, and that an Emergency Response sign is displayed in the windscreen (as seen earlier on similar 7336P). |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,435 |  |
By Derek Everson Guess who? With headlights on and a poppy on the front, Ford Transit van 7319F was leaving Acton Works when photographed on 12th November 2014. The position of the gutter shows that this is a short-wheelbase, mid-height example, quite rare in the central fleet but favoured by the Go-Ahead group. Following behind is lifts and escalators Ford Transit dropside 7218F with its Tube Lines logos and miniscule light-bar. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,436 |  |
By Derek Everson No Vauxhall Astra vans have been added to the central fleet for a couple of years now. The last for the leased fleet were a group of 10 delivered in January 2012 for the Tube Lines lifts and escalators section. 7197V was one of these and on 12th November 2014 it was caught heading up Bollo Lane at Acton. The Acton Car Care sign is of course on top of a car parked beyond the van! |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,437 |  |
By Derek Everson Now, don't tell anyone but I suspect that this vehicle may be undertaking some sort of covert role! It was new to Tube Lines in June 2009 as fleetnumber 6775F. It appears to have been withdrawn in mid-2013, but there are reports of it still working out of Acton, now in unmarked livery and fitted with a roof-rack for ladders. Perhaps it is now doing the work latterly done by 5526F and larger 6238F, although what that work is remains a mystery. Photographed leaving Acton Works on 3rd December 2014. |
27/12/2014 |
| 3,438 |  |
By Ray Monk Sovereign Recovery has added vans from both Mercedes-Benz and Iveco recently. Photographed at Stratford Bus Station on 8th November 2014 was their GM14SVO, an Iveco Daily 35S15 high-roof van. Compared to slightly older HK63OOY, the layout of the lettering and red stripes has been subtly changed and the yellow stripes around the front have been omitted. Interestingly, this van also carries the Stagecoach logo and name, both on the bonnet and in the windscreen. Note that there appear to be two charging points for electric vehicles here, although no electric service vehicles have been reported here since EU61CRZ left in 2013. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,439 |  |
By Ray Monk Going by the contributions made to LTSV, Sovereign Recovery vans are now much more frequently seen than their full-sized recovery trucks. Quite a number of vans have been added to the fleet over the past year or so, including Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van EJ63OZA. Compared to similar EJ63OZB, this van has been blinged up with a sun visor, bull-bars under the front, and numerous chrome fittings on the front grille and mirrors. However, it has lost part of its TFL lettering. Photographed opposite Croydon bus garage on 19th November 2014. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,440 |  |
By Colin Lloyd The Volvo FL model was introduced in 1985, and saw use by London Underground as demountable vehicles with the Emergency Response Unit. In addition to these, some FL recovery lorries have been used by bus companies and recovery contractors, although they would probably not be powerful enough to handle double-deck buses. Heathrow Recovery (which appears to be a trading name for J&A Recovery) uses elderly J277LNH in a very restrained maroon livery. On 18th October 2014 it was photographed at Hatton Cross with Abellio Dennis Dart 8478 on tow. As well as the spectacle hoist, a folding crane is fitted behind the cab. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,441 |  |
By Ray Monk This anonymous white Vauxhall Movano minibus was found parked outside Croydon Garage on 19th November 2014. It is believed to be an Arriva London vehicle, perhaps used for trainee driver assessments. Many vehicle manufacturers are now using standardised codes to describe the size of their vehicles, particularly when various lengths and heights are available on any given model. This vehicle is described as an L2H2 minibus, implying medium wheelbase and mid-height (with a nominal 9-seat interior). A smaller 6-seat minibus is available as the L1H1, while the Movano van range comprises various combinations of 4 lengths and 3 heights. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,442 |  |
By Ray Monk The London operations of Metrobus were transferred to London General in April 2014, the latter company now having a licence to operate over 1,500 buses. Support vehicles had latterly run in white livery with fleetnumbers and company lettering. Under the new regime, recent additions have worn unmarked red livery, as already featured on most crew ferry vehicles in the Go-Ahead London group. Two Ford Transit Connect vans were the first to be reported, and EU64SRY was photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 5th November 2014. The new Transit Connect comes in two lengths, this being one of the shorter ones. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,443 |  |
By Dave Burrin Ensignbus added at least two Ford Transit minibuses to their fleet in 2014, including HN10VRY photographed at the Purfleet base on a bright 11th October 2014. As with HN10VRX, this is a long-wheelbase Mk7. There may be a third, since the vehicle visible in the background (beyond Vauxhall Combo van DN07HWJ) has the company website address in a slightly different position to that on HN10VRX. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,444 |  |
By Colin Lloyd Back from the dead? This Vauxhall Combo van was first noted with Abellio lettering at their Twickenham Garage in August 2010. There were no further reports and it was presumed to have been withdrawn. However, it eventually resurfaced in late 2014, being photographed at Hatton Cross Bus Station on 18th October. It had by then gained a fleetnumber of 6705. There are still many numbers in the 67xx range (first used in late 2011) unaccounted for. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,445 |  |
By John Hillman A nice comparison of the two latest generations of London taxi cab is offered by this view taken at Welwyn Garden City Bus Station on 4th November 2014. Both vehicles are operated by Arriva the Shires and carry the Arriva national livery of blue with a cream swoop. To the fore is S811CGX, allocated fleetnumber CF106, and an example of the LTI TX1 model first introduced in 1997. Behind is P884SJD, less than two years older but to the FX4 design that dates back to 1958. This particular FX4 was built by Carbodies and is allocated fleetnumber CF89. Note that both have the Arriva name in the illuminated front sign. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,446 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographed passing Tooting Broadway Station on 11th November 2014 is WU64ATO, the latest dustcart to be added to the central fleet. A total of 9 Mercedes-Benz Econic refuse trucks have been operated since the first arrived in 2000. The design has evolved over that time, with this example having an enlarged radiator grille and smaller headlamps. WU64ATO is the first Econic to carry LUL livery (rather than Tube Lines), and it also features yellow safety markings (mainly) on the lower parts of the cab and body. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,447 |  |
By Ray Monk Photographed at the same place at RK14ETT, but a couple of days earlier (10th November 2014), RK14ETU is normally based at Griffith House near Marylebone. Apart from the lack of a light-bar, the two lorries appear to be identical, both featuring the large tail-lift favoured by the Lifts and Escalators section, and all the safety-related additions that are now mandatory. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,448 |  |
By Derek Everson Both the new MAN lorries delivered in August 2014 were assigned to Lifts and Escalators work. RK14ETT is based at Frank Pick House in Acton, where it replaced MAN LE280B lorry 2579. It has the same large tail-lift as the older lorry but features a crew-cab instead of a crane. RK14ETT can be distinguished from similar RK14ETU by the light-bar mounted on the cab roof. Photographed leaving Acton Works on 12th November 2014. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,449 |  |
By Ray Monk The first of many? The new Ford Transit Custom was launched in 2013 but it was not until mid-2014 that the first examples were added to the central fleet, while none of the larger Mk8 Transit have yet been reported (the last Mk7 appears to have been 7820F in April 2014). One of just 3 Transit Custom vans noted so far is this one photographed (with permission) at Edgware Road Station on 16th October 2014. Although carrying fleetnumber 7926F this is thought to be an error for 7826F. The Transit Custom comes in two heights and this is a high-roof example. Note that the van is not as tall as high-roof Mk7 van 7495F parked alongside. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,450 |  |
By Ray Monk This vehicle, caught leaving Stratford Market Depot on 24th November 2014 is doubly rare. 7791VW is only the third Volkswagen Transporter minibus to be added to the leased fleet (after TfL silver 6724VW and 6725VW in 2009). It is believed to have replaced silver Ford Tourneo minibus 6211F, which itself replaced similar 5552F in 2007. 5552F was reportedly used by the Tube Lines Safety Training department (there is a training centre at Stratford Market), while both Fords were notable for being very rarely seen. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,451 |  |
By Ray Monk The program to extend the London Overground class 378 units from 4-cars to 5-cars is now in progress, the first train being completed in September. This work has necessitated the construction of new stabling sidings on waste ground south of Surrey Quays Station. Known as Silwood Depot, this location has also been home to many of the London Overground liveried service vehicles added to stock in 2013. Present on 20th October 2014 were VW Transporter crew van 7776VW (here since new) and Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7768R (which seems to have moved here in autumn 2014). |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,452 |  |
By Ray Monk A small quantity of leased vehicles have carried unmarked white livery (sometimes with fleetnumbers) over the past few years. The most recent additions are a pair of Peugeot Partner vans that arrived in autumn 2013. They have been reported very infrequently, but Ray managed to catch 7745P on Cam Road in Stratford on 24th November 2014. It had a London Underground label in the windscreen. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,453 |  |
By Ray Monk With some very dedicated reporters, it is quite unusual for liveried service vehicles to avoid being seen by someone on LTSV. This van did quite well though. New in autumn 2013 and apparently allocated to Acton Works, it was not actually seen until the following September. Ray then saw it again on 23rd October and managed to grab this photo as it turned into the Works from Bollo Lane. It seems to be a fairly ordinary high-roof, long-wheelbase Mk7 Ford Transit van. By the way, there are just two numbered vehicles that nobody has yet reported seeing. 7632F is a Transit crew van believed to be at Upminster Depot, while 7739F is a unique Ford Kuga 4x4 car. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,454 |  |
By Ray Monk Ordinary-looking but rarely-reported vehicles seem to be a theme of the photos added today. Here we have Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7734R, one of over 115 added since 2011. This one was new in mid-2013 but was first reported in April 2014. The next sighting was on 21st November 2014, when Ray found it parked in Swanley. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,455 |  |
By Ray Monk 7677F is one of seven Ford Transit Staff Welfare Facility vans added to the leased fleet in 2013. Although carrying London Underground livery, on 29th October 2014 it was found supporting work on the Tramlink route at Mitcham Junction. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,456 |  |
By Kim Rennie 7652F is a standard Mk7 Ford Transit van, believed to be based at Acton Works. On 2nd November 2014 it was photographed on Victoria Street in Westminster. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,457 |  |
By Derek Everson Although I can distinguish most variants of the Ford Transit, I have difficulty telling Ford Mondeo cars from the slightly smaller Focus model. Shown above is Mondeo estate 7473F, new in 2012 and allocated to Rickmansworth Station where it replaced similar 6737F. The leased fleet includes 5 Mondeo estates at present but, apart from Incident Response Vehicle 7742F at Baker Street, they are proving rather elusive. 7473F was caught arriving at Acton Works on 12th November 2014. It stayed in the front car park here for a few days. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,458 |  |
By Ray Monk Another Peugeot Partner attending the engineering work at Ealing Common on 11th October 2014 was 7223P, this being found parked on Granville Gardens. Compared to slightly older 7064P, this car has a shallower blue skirt, so that the red stripe is not interrupted by the bodyside moulding. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,459 |  |
By Ray Monk Parked outside Smallbills Garage on Bollo Lane on 17th November 2014 (with Bollo House in the background) was Ford Transit low-roof crew van 7189F. Assigned to the Lifts and Escalators section at nearby Frank Pick House, this particular van is one of several that are outbased elsewhere. The van was presumably awaiting mechanical attention, and it is interesting that this is the first time it has been seen in daylight. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,460 |  |
By Ray Monk The Peugeot Partner Tepee cars operated by LUL were rather camera-shy at first, seeming to be most active at night. They have been seen out and about a bit more recently, and on 11th October 2014 Ray found 7064P parked on Leopold Road near to Ealing Common Station. Dating from April 2011, several Partners of similar age have gone off lease already. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,461 |  |
By Malcolm Conway Vehicles in unmarked white/blue livery were fairly common, especially during the 1990s, and also around the time of the Metronet de-branding in 2009. More recently they have been few and far between, and indeed some vehicles initially operated anonymously later gained markings. One that escaped this attention was Ford Transit crew van 6988F, new in late 2010. On 31st October 2014 it was caught rounding Marble Arch, the label in the windscreen showing that it was still an active LUL vehicle. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,462 |  |
By Ray Monk The Bus Infrastructure section still largely relies on a fleet of Volkswagen Transporter vans new in 2009/2010. 6897VW is a mid-height van new in 2010 and based initially at Uxbridge Station. It was later moved to Acton Works, although could also be found parked at White City Bus Station. On 17th November 2014 it was photographed coming backwards down Bollo Lane in Acton, loaded onto a Renault flat-bed truck. Its licence had recently been extended by another 6 months but it remains to be seen if it is returned to use. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,463 |  |
By Kim Rennie Ford Transit minibus 6853F is one of a pair that transferred to London Underground use following their replacement in the London Buses Passenger Data fleet in August 2014. As can be seen in this view of it passing the TfL offices on Victoria Street on 2nd November 2014, the orange squares have been removed and appropriate labels added. |
26/11/2014 |
| 3,464 |  |
By Ray Monk About to turn off Ferry Lane into the industrial estate where Rainham Garage is located, RK64OVH is one of at least 2 Mercedes-Benz Vito crew vans added to the Go-Ahead London fleet in September 2014. Unsurprisingly, they carry unmarked red livery. Also seen at Rainham on this date (3rd October 2014) were 2 older Vito crew vans that had appeared on a vehicle auction website in February 2014. It seems that they were withdrawn from sale and returned to use. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,465 |  |
By Ray Monk Several of the Vauxhall Corsa vans operated by Go-Ahead London since late 2007 were delicensed in September 2014. Among the vehicles that appear to have replaced them is Ford Fiesta van EX64YDR, photographed leaving Rainham Garage on 3rd October 2014. As with most crew ferry vehicles used by this company, no lettering is carried. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,466 |  |
By Derek Everson The new Ford Transit range has yet to make much impact on the service vehicle scene. The new Connect van is slightly larger than the earlier model, and an unmarked example is used by London Buses. The first to be reported with a bus company is Metroline's AX14KZA, photographed parked outside the CELF works in Perivale on 17th September 2014. The fleetname on Metroline vehicles used to include the Comfort Delgro name in blue and orange. This was apparently against TfL policy, so buses (and newer service vehicles) now have fleetnames just in white. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,467 |  |
By Ray Monk Go-Ahead London replaced several of its engineering fleet with new Ford Transits in late 2013. EA63VRW was allocated to the Blue Triangle base at Rainham, but was not reported until 3rd October 2014, when Ray found it leaving that location. As with the vehicles at Camberwell and Stockwell, this is a short-wheelbase mid-height van. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,468 |  |
By Derek Everson A recent addition to the Ensignbus fleet is Ford Transit long-wheelbase minibus HN10VRX. This carries fleet livery of blue and silver and is lettered as a Crew Vehicle. It appears to have replaced former Dial-a-Ride minibus P185OLC, and was photographed at Lakeside Bus Station on 1st October 2014 keeping company with Vauxhall Combo van DN07HWJ. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,469 |  |
By Derek Everson Coverage on LTSV is naturally focused on the fleets within the Greater London area. However, in line with LOTS policy, we also feature operators in the former LT 'country' area, although reports on these are often scarce. Centrebus is a relatively recent entrant to the field, and operates in several areas. Seen at Luton Station on 7th October 2014 was their Vauxhall Combo van VO05WRW. As can be seen, this carries fleetnumber A33. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,470 |  |
By Derek Everson Seen at Watford Junction Station on 17th September 2014, these two vehicles are in different liveries but both seem to be in use as crew ferry vehicles with Arriva the Shires. On the left is CF102 (R957YGC), one of two LTI TX1 taxis given red livery. The LDV Convoy minibus was recently acquired from Tellings Golden Miller, whose livery it still carries. An official fleetlist showed this vehicle as being assigned to TGM Essex at Harlow, with fleetnumber V107. However, reports suggest it is actually working from the Garston garage of associated Arriva the Shires. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,471 |  |
By Ray Monk Among recent additions to the Arriva the Shires crew ferry fleet are a pair of LTI TX1 taxis given London Buses red livery, similar to the fleet latterly operated from Dartford. These are based at Garston and seem to mainly support route 258, working to Watford Junction Station. CF103 (R141BMY) was photographed there on 15th September 2014. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,472 |  |
By Derek Everson Arriva Shires has acquired many second-hand London taxis since 2012 for use as crew ferry vehicles. Initially Carbodies FX4s were used, but a growing number of the newer London Taxicabs International (LTI) TX1 model have also appeared. Numbered from CF73 upwards, additions in 2014 have seen the series reach CF105. Most have been reliveried in Arriva corporate colours, or as Green Line adverts. The latter scheme was changed during 2014. Initially featuring blue and green base colours, it is now two-tone green, as seen on CF98 (P22CFC) at Luton Station on 7th October 2014. The registration is probably not its first, P-prefix plates being used from 1st August 1996 until 31st July 1997. This vehicle was first registered in December 1997. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,473 |  |
By Ray Monk A third Nissan Leaf electric car for the liveried fleet arrived in summer 2014. KE14FJO carries the same dark red livery as 7762N, and similarly ran for a while without lettering. When seen leaving Acton Works on 2nd October 2014 it had gained London Buses markings, including the green leaves logo used on hybrid buses. It seems to be based here, perhaps as a replacement for Smart car KE60EOX. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,474 |  |
By Colin Smith On 8th September 2014, Colin managed to photograph the offside of recently converted mobile office WX08KUY in the lorry yard at Acton Works. The body style on this vehicle reminds me of the mobile blood banks, a connection unwittingly reinforced by the huge 'Transplant' lettering. The label on the cab door is for the TfL Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS). |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,475 |  |
By Ray Monk Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7655R was new in mid-2013 but was not seen by anyone until Ray found it parked on Euston Street on 13th September 2014. An official fleetlist obtained earlier in the year showed this fleetnumber being assigned to a similar van registered LV13ZTZ. However, that van had already been noted as carrying fleetnumber 7641R, which was officially on LV13ZSZ. It appears that the two had simply swapped numbers. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,476 |  |
By Ray Monk Several service vehicles were found parked on Euston Street (close to the Couburg Street control room) on 13th September 2014. Among them was Ford Transit medium-wheelbase crew van 7647F. This has the specialised roof rack and tube as also seen on vans such as 7418F (which was also present). |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,477 |  |
By Ray Monk Parked on the other side of Kelly 1871 at Upminster Station on 20th September 2014 was Ford Transit crew van 7614F. New in spring 2013, this van has only been noted a handful of times, most often near Acton Works at night. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,478 |  |
By Ray Monk The small base at Barking Station (Wakering Road) was altered during autumn 2014. The stacked portakabins were removed and the space resurfaced as an extended yard. This has had two results. Firstly, the four cars allocated here no longer need to be squeezed in. Secondly, they will be more visible from the station platforms. On 3rd October 2014 three of the four Peugeot Partner Tepee cars were present, with 7451P nearest and 7450P on the right. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,479 |  |
By Ray Monk The yard behind the Track and Signals Operations Centre on Museum Way usually contains four or five service vehicles. On 13th September 2014, rather more than that were present, at least 7 being visible in this photo. Nearest on the right is Ford Transit crew van 7354F in Tube Lines livery and with my initials in its registration. It is more normally to be found at Arnos Grove. Alongside are a pair of similar vehicles but in LUL livery. 7709F and 7710F are notable for having consecutive registrations and fleet numbers. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,480 |  |
By Ray Monk Parked outside the Track and Signals Operations Centre on Museum Way at Acton Town on 13th September 2014 was Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7350R. Tube Lines-liveried 7346R to 7352R are all based either here or at the nearby Bollo House. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,481 |  |
By Ray Monk Exactly 100 Renault Kangoos were added to the leased fleet during 2012, comprising 22 estate cars and 78 vans of various lengths. Estate 7343R was the odd one out, being delivered in unmarked white livery. It did carry LUL labels for a while (as seen in 2013) but was anonymous again when Ray came across it parked at Grange Hill on 4th October 2014. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,482 |  |
By Ray Monk 7098V is the last of the trio of Pelham Street-based Vauxhall Combo vans to appear on LTSV. New in July 2011, it has been noted at various locations. On 4th October 2014 it was parked on Manford Way near Hainault. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,483 |  |
By Ray Monk Roding Valley is one of the lesser visited locations on LTSV. During engineering works on the Central Line on 4th October 2014, Peugeot Partner Tepee estate car 7049P was parked there. One of the first four such cars for LUL (new in March 2011), one of the batch (7050P) was written off in 2013 while the other two went off lease in summer 2014. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,484 |  |
By Ray Monk On a rather damp 20th September 2014 Ray found several service vehicles in the car park at Upminster Station, none of which have been shown on LTSV before. On the right in this view is Ford Transit dropside truck 6941F, new in July 2010 and based at Acton Works. Alongside is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7326R, one of a batch of four (7326R-7329R) for which the allocations are not known, although Acton Works is looking likely. Beside that is a Ford Transit crew van belonging to contractor Kelly, with fleetnumber 1871. |
12/10/2014 |
| 3,485 |  |
By Derek Everson Derek photographed these two vans at Abellio's Battersea garage on 10th September 2014. On the left is Ford Transit van NA56VMT, based here for almost four years. On the right is an anonymous Nissan NV400 van that was first licensed in June 2014. I would have dismissed this is a hire but Derek noted that it had the fleetnumber 6774 on the nearside. As such, this seems likely to be the first service vehicle that Abellio have ever operated from new. By the way, the Nissan NV400 is a badge-engineered version of the Renault Master and Vauxhall/Opel Movano. Nissan-built examples of the earlier versions of the Renault Master were branded the Interstar but the name was changed with the latest revamp, presumably to tie-in with the smaller NV200 model. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,486 |  |
By Derek Everson In early 2013, the Epsom Buses website reported that 8 new Vauxhall Merivas were to be acquired to replace their Toyota Yaris crew ferry cars. Just 5 have been seen so far, four of which carry plain red livery. Odd man out is LG63OED which doubles as a controller's vehicle and hence has lettering and side chevrons. On 10th July 2014 it was parked at Banstead, most likely doing crew changes on route S1. This route was recently re-equipped with new Optare MetroCity buses, one of which can be seen in the background. Although a new model, the MetroCity looks to me just like an Optare Versa with a squashed front! Another aspect I could comment on is the recent practice of buses just showing simple destinations, with no qualifiers. Some are thus too vague, while others are too detailed. Where, for example, is Lavender Fields?? |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,487 |  |
By Derek Everson This vehicle has already been shown on LTSV but there is a lot of interest in this photo. Ford Transit van EO63XPN has been operated by Go-Ahead London for several months but is apparently destined for use by Brighton and Hove. It was probably borrowed to cover for the various special events over the summer and indeed Derek also photographed it at the Wimbledon tennis championship (when it had a Go-Ahead logo applied to the bonnet). By 14th July 2014 it was back in anonymous white and was parked up near Farnborough Airfield during the annual airshow. The Vauxhall car behind is probably also a Go-Ahead vehicle, going by its WLT379 registration plate. Originally carried by Routemaster RM379, this was later fitted to Metrobus M379 (1992 to 1998) then Dennis Dart LDP9 (1998 to 2004). The buses in the background are from the Commercial Services fleet, and hence exempt from carrying allover red livery. The Enviro 400 is one of three long-wheelbase examples new in March 2014 and fitted with coach seats. Behind that is perhaps the world's biggest TV screen, showing the world's biggest airliner. Last, but not least, the silver plane is an English Electric Canberra. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,488 |  |
By Derek Everson Not another photo of a Metrobus Vito minibus! Well, not exactly. 8067 is one of five Vitos from Croydon garage recently transferred to Go-Ahead London's Northumberland Park garage in exchange for Vauxhall Combo crew vans. This photo was taken at Edmonton Green on 5th August 2014, at which time the minibus was still claiming to be a Metrobus Croydon vehicle. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,489 |  |
By Thomas Young The 'Year of the Bus' saw several garage open days take place, the last being at Dartford on 7th September 2014. This photo taken at the front of the garage shows two ferry vehicles parked up, while visiting New Routemaster LT198 departs to undertake a local tour. Nearest the camera is Ford Mondeo saloon BK56XRU, originally used from Grays garage and now carrying its fleetnumber CF26. The dark blue Vauxhall Combo van is allocated number VF403 bus this was not carried. It did have traces of its former TGM lettering, along with a roof beacon light (suggesting air-side use at Heathrow perhaps). By taking a ride through the bus wash, a few other service vehicles were noted, including several dumped Vauxhall Combo vans and two LDV Convoy minibuses still in TGM livery. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,490 |  |
By Thomas Young The Arriva Southern Counties operation at Grays is managed from Dartford, across the river. As such, transfers of ferry vehicles between the two garages are quite common. Vauxhall Astra estate was added to stock in April 2014 and was working from Grays in mid-August. It was photographed back at Dartford on 7th September 2014, during the open day. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,491 |  |
By Derek Everson On 5th August 2014 Derek visited Edgware Road Station and found Nissan e-NV200 VX14AUY parked in the charging bay. It is presumed that these electric vehicles are still being operated on a trial basis. Indeed a Renault Zoe electric car appeared here later the same month. Regular resident Honda CR-V 7609H is also on show, while Renault Kangoo Maxi 7758R is just visible on the right. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,492 |  |
By Derek Everson An interesting new vehicle found parked at Edgware Road Station on 28th August 2014 was HV14RGY, a Renault Zoe electric car in LUL livery with the additional 'green' lettering. It was parked in the bay fitted with charging equipment, as recently occupied by Nissan Leaf 7711N and later by Nissan van VX14AUY. Note that the section of blue/red skirting applied to the hatchback is much higher than that on the sides. Alongside is Renault Kangoo van 7211R. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,493 |  |
By Ray Monk The first 64 registered service vehicle to be reported was this Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian pick-up numbered 7838. It is allocated to Baker Street (Allsop Place) where it has replaced Renault Kangoo Estate 6992R. We are advised that another pair are on order to replace Renaults 7132R and 7165R. 7838 has a crew-cab (as do all the other L200s in the central fleet) but it also has a glazed hard-top, as featured on 7340. Ray photographed 7838 arriving back at Allsop Place on 11th September 2014. Note that the new-style fleetname is missing a T. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,494 |  |
By Colin Lloyd 7827V is one of two Vauxhall Movano minibuses recently added to the LBSL Passenger Data fleet. It can often be seen parked inside the garage at Chancel Street in Southwark, but on 2nd September 2014 Colin caught it passing through Victoria, presumably on its way to their other location in the basement of the coach station. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,495 |  |
By Thomas Young The Sherlock Holmes Museum in the background provides the clue that this is Baker Street, photographed at 1:30am on 4th September 2014. Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7823R was new in July and carries the recently revised standard LUL livery. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,496 |  |
By Ray Monk The Volkswagen Caddy continues to be added to the leased fleet as an alternate to the Renault Kangoo. Notably all small crew vans have been of the former model. A summer 2014 addition was 7794VW, a Caddy Maxi crew van in LUL livery with the now-standard TfL EJM (Every Journey Matters) lettering. It was found parked on Tooley Street outside London Bridge Station early on 4th September 2014. This was one location where I felt that setting up my tripod might draw unwanted attention. So instead Ray took this hand-held shot (1/5th of a second at f3.2 and ISO 1600). Although the results are a bit grainy, the white balance is a lot better than many of my photos. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,497 |  |
By Thomas Young Vehicles attending stations at night-time often have to park some distance away. This trio was found at the bottom of Park Road, not exactly handy for Baker Street Station, especially if you have to lug heavy tools or equipment. Nearest the camera is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7715R. This is probably a power supply vehicle, as are many others in the 77xx number range, and may be based at Neasden. In front is Ford Transit dropside 7541F from Stratford Market while across the road is Ford Transit crew van 7379F from Acton. This is another photo where the colour was off and could not be rectified. Curiously I had just taken a white balance reading on the bonnet of 7541F! |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,498 |  |
By Thomas Young Two different Volkswagens, in two different liveries. Early on 4th September 2014 these vans were found parked on St Chad's Street, just south of King's Cross. Both Tube Lines Caddy 7355VW and LUL Transporter 7681VW are night-time vehicles for which allocations have not been determined. The building in the background with the lights on is Belgrove House. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,499 |  |
By Thomas Young Another vehicle I was pleased to find on the night of 3rd/4th September 2014 was Citroen Berlingo van 7638C, which was parked on Herbrand Street near to Russell Square Station. 8 Berlingo vans were leased during 2013. Six carried anonymous white livery with un-suffixed fleetnumbers and were allocated to various users. Just two were given LUL livery and they are night-time only vehicles, with Russell Square seeming to be the best place to see them. I did photograph the front nearside aspect as well but since it was parked in exactly the same place that 7438R was back in July, there was a large shadow across it. |
13/09/2014 |
| 3,500 |  |
By Thomas Young One of the best finds on the night of 3rd September 2014 was Ford Fiesta car 7626F parked on Homer Street, near Griffith House. The car version of the Fiesta is particularly rare in the central fleet. London Buses has had a few (included four un-numbered examples still in use), but this is only the second for LUL. Curiously, the previous example (6714F) was also a Griffith House visitor but went off lease about 6 months before 7626F arrived. Also unusual is the overall white livery carried. |
13/09/2014 |
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