LTSV Latest Data - Detail View

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

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
3,701		By Kim Rennie Photographed on Caxton Street in Westminster on 18th February 2014, EK59ZKL is one of two Iveco EuroCargo dustcarts acquired in late 2009. It had recently been given advertising on the bodyside, the main (poetic) text of which reads 'We are using the side of this truck to kindly remind you not to chuck your rubbish, when travelling around on bus, trains or underground'. The building in the background is Christchurch House, a low-rise neighbour to TfL's Windsor House, and built to the same architectural style. There are two vehicle entrances visible here, one of which appears to run right through to Windsor House.	27/02/2014
3,702		By Kim Rennie Photographed at Acton Works on 18th February 2014 was KE05JLV, one of a pair of Iveco Daily trucks new to British Transport Police but operated by the Emergency Response Unit since 2012. It was still carrying its original callsign of L91 (it was officially changed to L93 some time ago), while it also has labels and signs over some of the police markings and a 'This vehicle is not in service' notice in the windscreen. Such measures are required when vehicles in police livery are driven by non-police personnel. Similarly, cars used in filming the TV series 'The Bill' had their markings taped over when being driven to filming locations.	27/02/2014
3,703		By Ray Monk Work on the construction of the new train stabling depot at Silwood Triangle continued through early 2014, while the number of service vehicles reported in London Overground livery grew to a rather surprising eleven. 7775VW and 7776VW were photographed on 22nd February 2014, both being Volkswagen Transporter crew vans with roof racks.	27/02/2014
3,704		By Ray Monk A lucky find at Northumberland Park Depot on 25th February 2014 was 7761T, a Toyota Yaris Hybrid car in LUL livery. It was parked at Osbourne House then departed, the driver kindly pausing to allow this portrait to be captured. At least one other example of this model is operated by LUL (7667T), while TfL Streets also has a pair.	27/02/2014
3,705		By London Spotter A second Volkswagen Caddy Maxi for LBSL Infrastructure was found at West Croydon Bus Station on 24th January 2014. As with similar 7747VW, 7748VW has a large roof rack that virtually hides the rear-mounted light bar. I'm not sure where this vehicle is kept.	27/02/2014
3,706		By Kim Rennie Looking like a brand-new vehicle, complete with 'Ready to go' tag in the windscreen, Ford Transit dropside truck 7591F was photographed at Acton Works on 18th February 2014. However, 7591F had been delivered over a year earlier, and was initially operated in unmarked white livery. As well as being given LUL livery (but with the bodywork still in white), it has also been modified with side safety bars and spotlights on the headboard.	27/02/2014
3,707		By London Spotter Five service vehicles were parked at East Finchley Station on 16th February 2014 during engineering work. Among them was Tube Lines liveried Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7368R from Stratford Market Depot.	27/02/2014
3,708		By Traintest The destination of the Unimog road-rail trucks that left Acton Works on 21st January 2014 was... Acton Museum Depot. They were photographed in the yard there (from Hearne House) on the 28th. I doubt this is their final move though. The Museum could want one, either for use or preservation, but surely they wouldn't want them both. Further developments are awaited. This photograph does show that, apart from some badging differences, and the front coupling on L85, the two trucks are very similar.	30/01/2014
3,709		By Ray Monk Quarter of an hour after photographing Unimog L85 coming up Bollo Lane, Ray encountered similar but older L84 (A456NWX) going the same way. It was being followed by high-roof Ford Transit crew van 7459F, while unmarked Peugeot van CF13NRU was also in pursuit (just visible behind the red car). Ray figured that they hadn't been moved far, and it wasn't long until we found out where they were going....	30/01/2014
3,710		By Ray Monk A Mog in motion! As mentioned last June, the two Mercedes-Benz Unimog road-rail trucks that have spent many years in store at Lillie Bridge were moved to Acton Works, most likely by low-loader. They evidently received some attention since they both left the works under their own power on 21st January 2014. By lucky coincidence, at the same time Ray was on Bollo Lane waiting for something interesting to photograph! First up was L85 (C622EWT) with its front-mounted coupling raised. The van behind is Peugeot Partner CF13NRU. Although unmarked, and registered in Wales (whereas most SVs are registered in London), this van appears to have been working out of Acton since it was new in July 2013. Similar CF13NRV has also been reported.	30/01/2014
3,711		By Ray Monk Sovereign Recovery acquired several Volkswagen Transporter vans in 2010/2011 before switching to the Mercedes Sprinter model. One of the VWs has been resident at Lewisham Bus Station recently, and LS10CNY was photographed on 24th January 2014. Note the numerous logos and extensive lettering. Ray mentioned that the Stagecoach motorbike latterly parked here has been absent recently, so perhaps the Sovereign vehicle is a replacement.	30/01/2014
3,712		By Derek Everson Metrobus has recently taken delivery of three new Ford Transit vans, for engineering support duties from their three main garages. Although licensed in September 2013, the new vans were first reported in early January 2014. Derek photographed 9105 (FY63TBU) at Crawley Garage on the 14th, parked alongside the Renault Trafic van that it replaced (9101 LX58XCP). The new vans are short-wheelbase, mid-height Transits, the same as ones delivered to several London Central and London General garages.	30/01/2014
3,713		By London Spotter Another Arriva the Shires Vauxhall Astra hatchback photographed at Golders Green Bus Station on 1st October 2013 was sole red example V213 (FL13AOT). The Arriva name and logo appear only on the rear window of these cars.	30/01/2014
3,714		By London Spotter Most of the crew ferry duties into London from Arriva the Shires' Garston garage seem to now be in the hands of the six Vauxhall Astra hatchbacks new in April 2013. As already mentioned, these came in a variety of colours and were allocated the same fleetnumbers as the one-year old Citroen Berlingo vans that they replaced. However, this view of black V211 (FE13ZXU) taken at Golders Green on 1st October 2013 shows that only the last two digits of the number are carried, and then only on the fuel filler cover.	30/01/2014
3,715		By Ray Monk New Cross Garage's Ford Transit van EK13LLP was delivered in plain red in May 2013 but had gained a full complement of lettering by 24th January 2014. On that date it was found on Molesworth Street in Lewisham, attending to one of the Enviro 400 hybrid buses. Regular visitors to this site will be able to identify the two features of this van that show it is a short-wheelbase version.	30/01/2014
3,716		By London Spotter There doesn't seem to be much point in publishing photos of all of the Metrobus Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses, since they all appear to be identical. This photograph taken at Lewisham Bus Station on 8th November 2013 is notable though as it does show a difference. 8064 (RJ62ZHK) on the left has a plain white bonnet (perhaps as a result of replacement), while 8057 (RJ62ZHB) on the right has the normal features of Metrobus logo and fleetnumber. The bus station at Lewisham (which is really just a bus stand) was due to be moved to a new location on the west side of the station during 2013 but this has been delayed.	30/01/2014
3,717		By Ray Monk The replacement of Epsom Buses' Toyota Yaris crew ferry cars with new Vauxhall Merivas seems to be a drawn-out process. Two Vauxhalls arrived in January 2013, with a further pair in October, but no more have been reported yet. One of the January additions was LB62KWZ, photographed at Wallington Station on 27th January 2014. The only indications of the vehicle's role are the LBSL roundel on the bumper and a fleetnumber (10) just visible in the top right corner of the windscreen.	30/01/2014
3,718		By London Spotter You may be wondering why London United van FF2 (EO12UEP) is parked in a space clearly intended for sister vehicle FF11 (EO12UBZ). Or you may not. The fact is that the two vehicles swapped allocations recently, FF11 joining FF1 and 3-9 at Hounslow Heath and FF2 becoming the normal resident at Hounslow Garage (where it was photographed on 10th January 2014). The notice below the registration plate on the wall reads 'Reserved Parking. This parking bay is reserved for the parking of the Company Van FF11 and must be kept clear of all other vehicles at all times'.	30/01/2014
3,719		By John Hillman Vauxhall Vivaro van YG11VKM is based at Arriva the Shires' Garston garage and thus can be seen both in London and in the mysterious lands beyond where all the buses are the wrong colour. On 24th January 2014 it was found in St Peter's Street in St Albans, attending to a defective Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus. The van has high-roof bodywork, minimal lettering and does not appear to carry its allocated fleetnumber of V202.	30/01/2014
3,720		By London Spotter I don't intend to show all the Arriva Southern Counties taxis that have been repainted red but this shot of M904MUV at Bexleyheath Bus Stand on 14th January 2014 is quite nice. Is it just me or is the shade of red used not quite the same as London Buses red? The rust below the nearside headlamp suggests that these taxis won't be able to keep going for too long.	30/01/2014
3,721		By Ray Monk Same vehicle, same location, different livery. This Ford Transit minibus has been used by Epsom Buses as a crew rest room since at least 2009. Re-registered from OU04EZN to A9HRR, it carried unmarked white until 2013. Somewhat unusually an offside sliding door is fitted. Note also the 'Rest' lettering beneath the fleetname, presumably modified from some existing transfers. The minibus was photographed in its usual spot at Wallington Station on 27th January 2014.	30/01/2014
3,722		By Malcolm Conway Cartwright 3-axle flat semi-trailer T65 has been in use since mid-1999 but this is the first clear photograph of it that I have seen. Passing Westminster on 13th December 2013 behind Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit 2603, the trailer was loaded with what appeared to be concrete sleepers.	30/01/2014
3,723		By London Spotter TfL Streets took delivery of a pair of Toyota Yaris hybrid cars in June 2013, seemingly to replace two of the larger Prius cars. LL13YZD was found parked outside Aldgate Station on 12th January 2014. A similar car is operated by LUL (7667T) but has yet to be photographed.	30/01/2014
3,724		By Graham Smith Graham sent in this very nice shot of Tube Lines branded MAN TGM lorry RV12OEZ passing through Westminster on 25th November 2013.	30/01/2014
3,725		By Ray Monk Regular visitors will recognise this as the corner yard at Bollo House (Acton), as seen from Bollo Lane. Parked there on 21st January 2014 were two unexpected vehicles. On the right is LUL livery Ford Transit crew van 6919F, normally based across the tracks in Acton Works. It was just about to go off-lease, being advertised for sale by BCA a week later. In the middle is TfL Streets Vauxhall Combo van LN11PDY, one of three delivered in March 2011 and which have proved to be very elusive. Both vehicles were probably parked here prior to going into the Smallbills Garage next door.	30/01/2014
3,726		By Ray Monk KE60EOX is a Smart Fortwo car new in February 2011 and operated by London Buses. It is believed to have worked in anonymous white livery at first, but had gained roundels by September 2013. Based at Acton Works, it was photographed leaving that location on 9th December 2013.	30/01/2014
3,727		By Derek Everson As of today, the highest reported fleet number is 7790, this being carried (notably without a suffix) by a Ford Transit dropside truck delivered for the power fleet at Tuffnell Park in November 2013. Photographed on 17th December 2013.	30/01/2014
3,728		By Ray Monk Ray chalks up yet another scoop! The number of vehicles carrying London Overground livery was trebled recently with the delivery of at least four new vans. The reasons for the additions are not clear, since maintenance of the route infrastructure is normally undertaken by contractors. This photograph was taken at Silwood Triangle, a patch of open ground south of Surrey Quays station and bounded by two branches of the East London Line and the Southeastern tracks from London Bridge. A set of sidings is being built here to enable the use of 5-car trains and a vehicle yard has also been created, which will most likely become a permanent LTSV location in due course. Present on 24th January 2014 were a pair of 2-day old Renault Kangoo Maxi vans, with 7789R nearest and 7788R beyond. Note that both have roof racks with 'something' on them. Two VW Transporter crew vans were also on site, but could not be photographed due to the presence of several contractor's vehicles. One of the VWs can just be seen in the left background.	30/01/2014
3,729		By Ray Monk Volkswagen Transporter van 7753VW was new in November 2013 and features mid-height bodywork and smaller than usual London Underground lettering. It was heading down Bollo Lane on 21st January 2014.	30/01/2014
3,730		By Ray Monk A few more new vehicles were delivered for the power distribution fleet at Tuffnell Park in late 2013. Among them was Ford Transit Dropside truck 7718F, seen at home on 1st January 2014. This truck is unusually fitted with a cage, this normally being associated with rubbish collection vehicles. However, as can be seen, there are also some long boxes or lockers inside the bodywork. This truck also differs from earlier caged dropsides in having a normal headboard fitted.	30/01/2014
3,731		By Ray Monk The LUL-liveried Staff Welfare Facility vans look rather different with their bold titling. 7673F was seen leaving Acton Works on 10th January 2014.	30/01/2014
3,732		By Ray Monk A second Fiat Doblo Maxi found at Baker Street on 12th December 2013 was 7663FI. Vans belonging to Magnolia Building Services (as per the Ford Transit behind) have also been seen at Frank Pick House.	30/01/2014
3,733		By Ray Monk These two vans photographed at the Baker Street offices on 12th December 2013 are probably both employed delivering internal mail, and it has been suggested that a type comparison trial is underway. To the fore is Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7656R while similarly-sized Fiat Doblo Maxi 7660FI is in the background.	30/01/2014
3,734		By Ray Monk Ford Transit van 7583F initially operated in unmarked white livery, along with the other vehicles in the 7576 to 7591 range. However, in autumn 2013 it was given full LUL livery, with additional lettering for its role as a Welfare Support Unit. As the name suggests, it is believed to operate in support of the fleet of Staff Welfare Facility (aka Toilet) vans. Ray caught it leaving Acton Works in some rare sunshine on 10th January 2014.	30/01/2014
3,735		By London Spotter Another Renault Kangoo estate from the large batch delivered in summer 2012 is 7399R. Originally based at Stratford Market Depot, it appears to have recently taken up residence at Golders Green Station, where it was photographed on 1st October 2013.	30/01/2014
3,736		By Ray Monk A neat comparison of the Phase II and earlier (Phase I ?) Renault Kangoo frontal designs is afforded by this view taken at Finchley Central Station on 1st January 2014. On the left is Phase II Maxi van 7643R in LUL livery, while on the right is Kangoo estate 7396R with Tube Lines branding.	30/01/2014
3,737		By Colin Lloyd Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Incident Response Unit 7302M is a common sight around central London, working from its base at Victoria. During a visit to London on 13th December 2013, Colin managed to photograph it 5 times at a variety of locations. This photo was the most impressive, having been taken on Oxford Street very early in the morning using a 1/60th of a second exposure.	30/01/2014
3,738		By Malcolm Conway The four-axle Iveco Trakker is most commonly used as a tipper (like LK58HKN), but this one has been finished as a recovery truck. With fleetnumber 226, BD11OMA belongs to D&G Cars Ltd. The very smart-looking vehicle was photographed passing Marble Arch on 1st November 2013, with a bruised Tower Transit bus on tow.	08/12/2013
3,739		By Ray Monk This photograph shows a '52 reg Mercedes Atego towing a '52 reg Mercedes Atego! FH52EKO of R&S Recovery Services of High Wycombe was photographed leaving Acton Works on 26th November 2013 with artic tractor 2580M on tow. The backwards towing arrangement suggests the artic had drivetrain problems, since tractors are normally towed forwards when possible. I have just noticed that 2580M has had side protective bars fitted between the wheels on both sides. This seems to have taken place in 2012 and I will publish a clearer photo soon.	08/12/2013
3,740		By Colin Lloyd Stagecoach again, this time in Bedford and without a visible five-digit fleetnumber. Ford Transit van YE60DZR carries a variant of the standard livery with minimal swoops and a large outline 'beachball' logo. The 'Info to go' lettering suggests its role is to maintain bus service publicity material. 17th July 2013.	08/12/2013
3,741		By Derek Everson Although this may look like a vehicle belonging to a small independent operator, the five-digit fleetnumber gives away the fact that Fleet Buzz is in fact a Stagecoach subsidiary. The high-roof Mk.6 Ford Transit van in its eye-catching livery was photographed at Blackwater on 8th November 2013, attending to a road traffic accident involving one of the company's Dennis Dart buses.	08/12/2013
3,742		By Colin Lloyd Carrying a curious but quite attractive livery, Mk.5 Ford Transit dropside truck N24HPV is fleetnumber 95041 in the national Stagecoach scheme. It was photographed in Cambridge on 17th July 2013.	08/12/2013
3,743		By Derek Everson Go-Ahead London held an open day at its Merton Garage on 17th November 2013. Parked in the front entrance to the garage (as usual) was the resident engineers van, this now being diesel Ford Transit EJ13UGW. This replaced larger battery electric variant NK59DFX for operational reasons in June 2013. Parked behind is Ford Fiesta van EN56SNJ with lettering for Go-Ahead. Although added to the database in 2007 it was later marked as withdrawn since it is not a London-specific vehicle.	08/12/2013
3,744		By Derek Everson London United took delivery of nine new Ford Transit vans in May 2012, to totally renew its engineering support fleet. Several of the vans have proved elusive, including FT5 seen here at Stamford Brook Garage on 30th October 2013.	08/12/2013
3,745		By Ray Monk Highlighting the frontal differences between the Mk.6 and Mk.7 Ford Transit is this pair of high-roof vans belonging to Abellio and seen at their Beddington Cross Garage on 28th November 2013. Mk.6 RJ03ERK is a medium-wheelbase van, most likely for engineering use. Mk.7 YS56XAK is a long-wheelbase crew van of a type usually used for crew ferry work. However, this example has Engineering Support lettering on the side and appears to have a bulkhead or divider of some sort behind the front seats.	08/12/2013
3,746		By Derek Everson About a year ago Epsom Buses announced its intention to replace its Toyota Yaris Verso crew ferry cars with new Vauxhall Merivas. This seems to have been a protracted process, with several Toyotas still in use in late 2013. LB04DDZ was originally Car1 in the Epsom Buses fleet, but we marked it as withdrawn in 2012 following a period when it was unlicensed. It was later put back on the road, but it is not clear if it remains a company vehicle. It was photographed parked near to the Epsom garage on 14th October 2013, in unmarked red livery.	08/12/2013
3,747		By John Hillman By contrast to the Arriva corporate scheme carried by others, the Green Line advertising livery that adorns some of Arriva the Shires' taxis is a somewhat jarring mix of blue and green. CF92 was also photographed at Welwyn Garden City Bus Station on 7th November 2013. Note the Arriva name on the former Taxi indicator above the windscreen.	08/12/2013
3,748		By John Hillman The Arriva the Shires crew ferry taxis look quite smart in their corporate livery, as shown by CF91 (fleetnumber not visibly carried) at Welwyn Garden City Bus Station on 7th November 2013. It is notable that the position of the 'swoop' is exactly the same on all the repaints.	08/12/2013
3,749		By Ray Monk Numerical milestones in the central fleet include vehicles in the round thousands, and also those with numbers made up of the same four digits. The latest example of the latter is 7777R, a Renault Kangoo van new in November 2013. Along with 7778R, the pair are believed to be replacements for Vauxhall Astra vans 6968V and 6969V. As such they are nominally allocated to Baker Street but only likely to be seen there at night. On 6th December 2013 Ray found 7777R parked in Leytonstone. It is notable that the enlarged fleet of the past few years means that these 'magic' numbers are coming around more quickly than before. 7777R arrived just 4 and a half years after 6666V.	08/12/2013
3,750		By Ray Monk Although the stretched Renault Kangoo Maxi van is the most numerous variant, several examples of the 'regular' Kangoo van have been delivered recently. 7759R was photographed on Harcourt Street on 30th November 2013 and is nominally based at nearby Griffith House.	08/12/2013
3,751		By Ray Monk Although I recently said that six new Staff Welfare vans were delivered in September 2013, there were actually seven that arrived that month. The seventh was a bit odd though. While the others were based on the extended length Ford Transit, 7753F had a normal long-wheelbase body. Moreover it was based at Frank Pick House, rather than the adjacent Acton Works. Tube Lines (as was) had obtained three welfare vans for its Lifts and Escalators department in May 2012, numbering them 7430F, 7431F and 7432F. It seems that 7432F must have had an accident, since it was delicensed in about May 2013. Presumably 7753F was obtained as a replacement. The new van carries LUL livery and was photographed parked outside London Bridge tube station on 31st October 2013. LT63YEK, the unmarked white Vauxhall Movano van in the background, may possibly be a central fleet vehicle too.	08/12/2013
3,752		By Malcolm Conway The central fleet has included a pair of Ford Transit box trucks with tail-lifts in recent years, presumably to deal with loads too bulky for standard vans. New in October 2013, medium wheelbase 7749F has replaced similar 6391F at Acton Works. It was photographed passing Marble Arch on 1st November. Long wheelbase 6685F is based at Hearne House.	08/12/2013
3,753		By Ray Monk Although at least 5 of the 2009/2010 Volkswagen Transporter vans used by LBSL Infrastructure have gone off lease in recent months, this seems to be the only new vehicle to replace them so far. 7747VW is a Volkswagen Caddy Maxi van new in late October 2013 and photographed at Stratford City Bus Station on 1st November. Note the roof bars that seem to all but obscure the low-profile light-bar.	08/12/2013
3,754		By Ray Monk The Incident Response Vehicle at Baker Street was renewed in October 2013 when Ford Mondeo estate 7742F replaced Vauxhall Zafira 6713V. The Mondeo has never been as common as the slightly smaller Ford Focus, and there are only four examples in the current numbered fleet. Photographed on 1st November 2013.	08/12/2013
3,755		By Ray Monk The District Line was suspended in east London on 23rd November 2013 for planned engineering work. Ray found Ford Focus estate car 7686F parked at Stepney Green Station. The white bus behind is a former Merseybus MCW Metrobus converted into a dining bus and more normally used for film and TV work.	08/12/2013
3,756		By Colin Lloyd The six Fiat Doblo Maxi vans added to the fleet in May 2013 are a common sight around town, since they seem to be used for internal mail deliveries. 7661FI was caught at Trafalgar Square on 7th November 2013, showing off its extended length. In the background can be seen two of the Wright 'New Bus for London' vehicles that have worked route 9 since 26th October.	08/12/2013
3,757		By Ray Monk London Transport's famous Lost Property office is located on Baker Street, a bit north of the side entrance to the tube station. The office has a covered loading bay where I saw a service vehicle several years ago. Numerous repeat visits always found the bay empty and the shutters down. It may just be a matter of timing however, since it is likely that the office has daily deliveries of lost items collected from various railway stations and bus garages (the location is also visited by taxis for the same reason). On 2nd December 2013 Ray caught Renault Kangoo Maxi van 7657R making the tricky reverse manoeuvre out of the bay.	08/12/2013
3,758		By Derek Everson Depending on your point of view, vehicles that carry incorrect fleetnumbers add either to the fun or the frustration of trying to keep up with the central fleet. A recent example is this plain white Ford Transit dropside truck that carries 7558F on both sides. We knew this was probably wrong since the number had already appeared on a Renault Kangoo van. There was a clue in that other plain white vehicles had filled most of the numbers in the 7576 to 7591 range. With 7588 still unclaimed, I decided that this was the truck's correct fleetnumber. It was photographed leaving Acton Works on 30th October 2013.	08/12/2013
3,759		By Ray Monk Ironically (and for a variety of reasons) it is harder to get reliable allocation information for vehicles from the past 10 years than it is for those 50 and more years older. For example, 7338R (photographed on Cardington Street at Euston on 31st October 2013) is known to work from Stratford Market Depot, yet our last official list showed it based at Westferry Circus. The Renault Kangoo Maxi van has now become a dominant model in the central fleet but this particular van is somewhat unusual in featuring roof bars.	08/12/2013
3,760		By Thomas Young This is the gate into Hearne House from the rear yard of the LT Museum Depot in Acton, taken during the open day on 2nd November 2013. Apart from Ford Transit Connect crew van 7275F on the left, all 5 liveried service vehicles visible here can also be seen in my other photograph.	08/12/2013
3,761		By Ray Monk Looking bright despite the lousy weather, Volkswagen Caddy van 7216VW was photographed in New Addington on 6th November 2013. This van is believed to work out of Hainault, quite a distance away. Now, I have mentioned this many times before but.... why does the skirt and stripe get applied to the sides, and the back, but not 'round the back corners'????	08/12/2013
3,762		By Ray Monk As far as we know, there are only three Renault Kangoo Compact vans in the central fleet, making it much the rarest variant. The first pair were new in late 2011 and appear to have functioned as pool vehicles with unmarked livery to suit. 7140R has been at Stratford Market and Acton Works but in autumn 2013 moved on to Therapia Lane Tramlink Depot, perhaps as a replacement for Vauxhall Combo van 6579V. It was photographed at the depot on 28th November 2013 sporting some rather cute decorations.	08/12/2013
3,763		By Derek Everson Vauxhall Astra van 7086V is a somewhat rare vehicle. New in June 2011 it has been seen working from Stratford Market Depot at night, but it is believed to be one of the vehicles that are actually based in the underground car park at Westferry Circus. On 30th October 2013 it was making a rare daylight excursion to Acton, although it was curiously parked across the road from the Works (the front car park is behind the hoardings in the background).	08/12/2013
3,764		By Thomas Young During the latest open weekend at the LT Museum Depot in Acton, I was able to peek into the adjoining yard of Hearne House. A total of nine service vehicles were present, and comparing my photos with some aerial shots on the internet, it didn't look like there would be room for many more. At present the database shows 21 vehicles being based here but presumably some are out-based, as happens at Griffith House, Frank Pick House etc. Another notable aspect was that all nine vehicles were different. Nearest the camera is Ford Transit Connect van 7076F, with Peugeot Partner Tepee estate 7616P on the right. Ford Transit box truck 6685F was out of frame on the left, those visible being (from left to right) Transit crew van 7620F, Mondeo 7380F, Focus 7461F, Transit van 7486F and Renault Kangoo Compact 7325R. As will be seen, Transit Connect crew van 7275F was parked around the corner on the right. 2nd November 2013.	08/12/2013
3,765		By Derek Everson Vauxhall Combo van 6873V spent its working life in 'Metroland', being based variously at Pinner, Ruislip and Rickmansworth. It went off lease in autumn 2013 and soon turned up at British Car Auctions (BCA) in Blackbushe, where it was photographed on 3rd October. The Transit van in front is 6920F, latterly based at Acton Works, while further in front can be seen 6907F from the same batch.	08/12/2013
3,766		By Derek Everson I have recently been going through London Transport's very detailed records of service vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s, and one feature that does seem to crop up from time to time is lorries being given new bodies. It seems this practice is alive and well, albeit not in the active fleet. Ford Transit 6528F was new in 2008 and was a dropside truck with crew-cab and tail-lift. It went off lease around the end of 2012, and was photographed in Coulsdon on 14th October 2013. It has evidently gained a new body, probably a tipper judging by the squared wheelarches.	08/12/2013
3,767		By Derek Everson There are a couple of slightly interesting points about this apparently normal-looking Ford Transit photographed in the car park of IKEA in Neasden on 24th September 2013. Entering stock as 6104F in late 2006, it was allocated (on paper at least) to Acton Works and lasted for a bit over three years. Strangely though it was never reported by any members of LTSV during that time. It has been seen a couple of times since going off lease, no doubt due to it retaining its blue skirt livery. The other oddity is that the van is listed as a low-roof medium wheelbase Transit, a configuration only shared with 6527F. Unfortunately the angle of this photograph is too oblique to confirm the actual length.	08/12/2013
3,768		By Michael Mair This rather curious vehicle has been seen around Leicester a couple of times, and it was photographed there on 30th May 2013 being pursued by an Arriva Optare Versa. Based on a Land Rover Defender, it has tall bodywork, a high-level exhaust pipe and a small roof-rack complete with ladder. Lettered for Bus, Coach and Commercial Breakdown Service, it is operated by (or named) Avenger. The rear of the vehicle was festooned with chevrons and flashing lights, and featured a single side-hinged door.	30/10/2013
3,769		By Ray Monk Ford introduced the new Transit Custom model during 2012 and it is already becoming a common sight on Britain's roads. Intended as a replacement for the smaller Mk.7 Ford Transit vans and minibuses, it will be joined by a new larger Transit (Mk.8) in late 2013. The first of these distinctive vehicles to be reported as service vehicles was a batch of minibuses acquired by Stagecoach London for use as crew ferry vehicles from Rainham garage. These carry national fleetnumbers in the range 90898 to 90903. 90902 was caught leaving the garage on 28th September 2013. The Stagecoach operation here had recently expanded in connection with the withdrawal of First from London bus work.	30/10/2013
3,770		By Andrew Mead The crew ferry minibuses used by Metrobus were much in evidence during the triple garage open day held on 21st September 2013, since the company was still running a normal bus service. Their Croydon Garage (on Beddington Lane) has an allocation of 13 Mercedes-Benz Vito minibuses, including five delivered earlier that year. From the 2012 batch are 8050 and 8052.	30/10/2013
3,771		By Andrew Mead Most of Metrobus's Renault Trafic minibuses were withdrawn in early 2013, having been replaced by new Mercedes-Benz Vitos. However, the newest pair were kept a little longer. Always based at Crawley Garage, 8044 was photographed there during the open day held on 21st September 2013. Note that the vehicle carries a duty number FB21 in the windscreen, and the parking bays are similarly marked.	30/10/2013
3,772		By Ray Monk There are many unmarked vehicles used as service vehicles by LUL and others. However, cars are not listed on this database unless they are seen to have markings. Skoda Octavia estate RO61FPZ was photographed parked outside the offices at Baker Street (Allsop Place) on 12th October 2013. Alongside is regular resident 6713V, presumably due for replacement soonish. The Skoda was new in late 2011 and was first noted with LUL roundels in September 2013. Perhaps it was a replacement for Ford Focus estate LC58AZG since that went off lease around the beginning of 2012.	30/10/2013
3,773		By Ray Monk TfL Streets received three Vauxhall Combo vans in March 2011, but they have been very rarely reported. LN11PJO was in fact not seen until July 2013. On 25th October 2013 it was caught by Ray being driven out of Acton Works on trade plates. Unlike similar LN11PDY and LN11PZK, no light-bar is fitted. The role of these vehicles is not clear but it is believed they are kept underneath the arches at Chancel Street in Southwark.	30/10/2013
3,774		By Ray Monk Deliveries of 'standard' vehicles continues as normal, the majority of larger vehicles being Ford Transits. Seen leaving Acton Works on 25th October 2013 was 7689F, the first 63-registered SV to be shown on this site. This Ford Transit Mk7 dropside truck has a crew-cab but no tail-lift.	30/10/2013
3,775		By James Mair Fifteen Ford Transit Staff Welfare Facilities vans were added to the central fleet between 2007 and 2009 and these were obviously overdue due for replacement by mid-2013. Apart from a few un-numbered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that arrived early in the year, the first new vans came in September and comprised six Ford Transits numbered 7673-7678F. As with earlier versions, these vans were registered in Yorkshire, suggesting the conversions were done by Clarkes of Doncaster. James photographed 7674F at Northwood Station on 4th October 2013 (during work to remove redundant underground trains). The new vans wear LUL livery (note the incomplete red stripe on this example) with prominent lettering.	30/10/2013
3,776		By Ray Monk Although we obtain a fleetlist from CDS every few years, most of what we know about the current fleet comes from observations and sometimes a little guesswork. For example, fleetnumbers 7576 and 7578-7581 had been noted on plain white Citroen Berlingo vans. We assumed that 7577 would be similar, and a trawl through the DVLA database threw up LB62OPT as a likely registration. This van was duly seen at Stratford Market Depot, and although the number was not seen, it was added to the database as 7577. Luckily in this instance the van was seen again soon afterwards, when Ray photographed it parked at East Finchley on 12th October 2013. Assuming that the Transit dropside carrying duplicated fleetnumber 7558 is in fact 7588 then this completes the batch of unmarked vehicles in the range 7576 to 7591.	30/10/2013
3,777		By Ray Monk The Renault Kangoo van has been a popular choice for the central fleet recently, although the majority of deliveries have been the longer Maxi model. Normal length van 7424R was new in July 2012 and is yet another vehicle that we don't know the allocation for since it has only been seen on the road at night. Ray found it parked at North Greenwich Sainsburys on 30th September 2013.	30/10/2013
3,778		By Ray Monk Vauxhall Combo van 5367B was withdrawn by 2007 (probably somewhat earlier) but has remained in the London area and retains its white/blue livery. On 2nd October 2013 Ray photographed it parked in Belvedere.	30/10/2013
3,779		By Derek Everson Also seen at Griffith House on 14th May 1998 was Ford Escort estate car 4677F. This had side lettering that read Lifts & escalators inspection (something). The last word is not actually legible on my scan. I won't bother this time to comment on the non-wrap-around of the blue skirt. Oh, rats.	30/10/2013
3,780		By Derek Everson Photographed in the yard alongside Griffith House on 14th May 1998, Ford Transit Mk.5 dropside truck 4566F carries side lettering for LUL Lifts, escalators and pumps. Note the tail-lift which appears to have somewhat extended runners. This location has now disappeared under a new power distribution building.	30/10/2013
3,781		By Derek Everson London Transport Buses (later LBSL) started taking Volkswagen Transporter vans in 1993, the first few batches carrying white livery. 4468V was one of three leased in March 1995, which were the first long wheelbase examples. It was photographed at the Oxford Circus bus stand on 26th October 1995.	30/10/2013
3,782		By Derek Everson Also taken on the 19th June 1995, this photograph shows Vauxhall Astra van 4418B in the same location as the previous view of Ford Escort van 4271F. The livery is the same apart from the application of Engineering Services lettering.	30/10/2013
3,783		By Derek Everson A familiar location is the Bollo Lane entrance to Acton Works, seen here on 19th June 1995. Caught leaving the works is Ford Escort van 4271F in LUL livery with Support Services lettering. The central fleet was at a low ebb at the time, totalling about 420 vehicles.	30/10/2013
3,784		By Derek Everson Another open day, another Astra inspector's van, this time 3681B at Wood Green on 23rd June 1990. These vehicles comprised the eleventh and final generation to carry the roof roundels (apart from a handful of later deliveries such as 4010B). General Motors was in the process of phasing out the Bedford name latterly used on light commercial products such as the Astra van. This batch of vans had no frontal badging but this photograph shows that the Bedford name is still carried on the rear door. In the background can be seen Ford Transit minibus FS28, then in use as a mobile classroom (which I suppose means it should be added to the database) and former RM1859, owned by the St John Ambulance but destined to return to service with Reading Mainline in 1994.	30/10/2013
3,785		By Derek Everson Evidently photographed during an open day at Barking Garage on 23rd June 1984, fleetnumber 3265B was one of 20 Bedford Astra inspector's vans leased in mid-1984. 3265B was only about a week old when photographed, and was based at North Street Garage in Romford, lasting until January 1987. Alongside is one of the iconic Rover 2000 police cars.	30/10/2013
3,786		By Derek Everson Registration numbers A916WTL to A943WTL inclusive were carried by LT service vehicles obtained on lease in summer 1984. All but two were red Ford Escort vans like 3239F, photographed at Harrow Bus Station on 28th November 1987. LOTS listed this particular van as being allocated to Hammersmith Butterwick, Grays Inn Road and Oval Station before it settled at Harrow Weald Bus Garage. As with many vehicles of the period, no lettering is carried other than a fleetnumber.	30/10/2013
3,787		By Dave Smith Dave Smith has unearthed some high-quality photographs of the ex-London Transport Land Rover that he owned in the 1980s. This is the former 1369LR.	30/10/2013
3,788		By Dave Elison Walsh of Middleton in Manchester trades as JP Travel, and the JPT fleetname is carried by their Ford Transit 'service support vehicle' VA53AWG. This rather racily liveried van was attending to a broken down bus near Shudehill Interchange on 24th August 2013.	25/09/2013
3,789		By Derek Everson The livery on this DAF XF recovery truck photographed at Bracknell Bus Station on 31st August 2013 looks familiar. I'd not heard of Kardos Recovery before, but the forward upswept side stripes, and the oval logo, are very similar to aspects of the Lantern Recovery livery. JK53KRS was lifting Thames Travel MCV-bodied MAN 402 (AE05EUX) at a rather steep angle, with the back of the bus on the ground. The reason for this was that an engineer was working underneath the bus. His foot is just visible ahead of its rear wheel.	25/09/2013
3,790		By Derek Everson When new in Spring 2012, London United Ford Fiesta van FF19 (EY12JNO) featured large 'CCTV Support' lettering on its bodysides. It was not reported at all for over a year but was then found at Cromwell Road Bus Station in Kingston on 10th July 2013, with the lettering removed. Also worth mentioning is LBSL Volkswagen Transporter van 6823VW. Three vehicles from this batch were returned off lease in September 2013, seemingly without replacement.	25/09/2013
3,791		By Ray Monk To celebrate 30 years of operation, Metrobus held an open day at each of its three main bus garages on 21st September 2013. To make space, some of the operational buses from Orpington worked out of the Faraday Way premises inherited from First London, this also being used for visitor parking. Photographed leaving the latter location was Ford Transit dropside truck 9104, new in 2009. This is one of very few bus company vehicles to feature a tail-lift. I'll include some photos taken at Crawley Garage in the next batch.	25/09/2013
3,792		By Ray Monk Photographed on Bollo Lane on 16th September 2013 was LM13MKV, the latest Ford Transit van for the Emergency Response Unit. This jumbo crew van appears to have been a replacement for similar 6488F, although the role was fulfilled temporarily by pool vehicle 7587F. Compared to earlier vehicles, the new van has the broader side stripes (covering over where the fleetnumber may have been applied) and also has a blue skirt and a light bar. The reversed lettering on the bonnet has reverted to sentence case.	25/09/2013
3,793		By Derek Everson Having deposited its load of wheelsets at Eastleigh Works, Mercedes-Benz Actros artic WN12NDV was seen heading back through the Hampshire town on 14th August 2013. This tractor unit has a very long wheelbase and looks to be almost as long as its trailer, CT36 dating back to 1984.	25/09/2013
3,794		By Derek Everson What's this? Another train sneaking onto LTSV?? Rebuilt 'West Country' class steam locomotive 34046 'Braunton' was photographed heading a railtour through Eastleigh Station on 14th August 2013. However, if you look to the left of the picture you will see Tube Lines-liveried Mercedes-Benz Actros artic WN12NDV coming up the road that leads into the railway works. Trailer CT36 was loaded with wheelsets.	25/09/2013
3,795		By Ray Monk Apart from during the last war, second-hand vehicles have very rarely featured in the central fleet. When LUL took over the former Powerlink contract in August 2013, most of the vehicles used were replaced by new leased stock. An exception was 5-year old Ford Transit van EA08VHN, which was repainted into LUL livery and given fleetnumber 7755F, the highest reported to date. This was probably due to the van having some specialised equipment, and this photograph taken at Tuffnell Park on 14th September 2013 shows that it does have an air-conditioning pod on the roof and a curious folding platform at the rear.	25/09/2013
3,796		By Ray Monk Back to Tuffnell Park again for a line up of three Ford Transits seen on 23rd August 2013. High-roof medium wheelbase vans 7729F (with my wife's initials in its registration) and 7725F are flanking low-roof crew van 7716F. The latter appears to be the only vehicle here with fold-over hazard plates on the front and rear. As these photographs show, the yard at Tuffnell Park is currently rather open, although it is on an industrial estate near the end of a dead-end road. Whether LUL retains the base long term remains to be seen. There may be other locations used by the erstwhile Powerlink operation, and their vehicles can also sometimes be seen at the various electrical sub-stations dotted around the system.	25/09/2013
3,797		By Ray Monk There a couple of unusual aspects to this vehicle seen on Bollo Lane on 5th September 2013. It is the first example of a Renault Kangoo Maxi van for the Emergency Response Unit, and indeed their first small van for years. As such, it carries the modified livery with a yellow band on the sides and a red bonnet, and it also has a light-bar. Secondly, the fleetnumber of 7727R falls within a range otherwise allocated mainly to new Powerlink vehicles. The revised livery seems to accentuate the extra length of the Maxi variant. Note that the mirrored Emergency lettering across the front is all in capitals.	25/09/2013
3,798		By Ray Monk The new Powerlink fleet includes at least 6 high-roof Ford Transit vans, 5 of which can be seen in this photograph taken at Tuffnell Park on 14th September 2013. In the centre is medium-wheelbase 7725F, with similar 7729F on the right and long-wheelbase 7722F on the left.	25/09/2013
3,799		By Ray Monk The sign at the depot in Tuffnell Park is still labelled UK Power Networks but the vehicles are now mainly LUL's. Present on 14th September 2013 were low-roof Ford Transit van 7721F and high-roof 7728F. Parked between is one of several unmarked silver Skoda Octavia estate cars registered in the AJ13xxx series. These are believed to be LUL vehicles as well.	25/09/2013
3,800		By Derek Everson Various new vehicles in the 77xx number range can be found at the Tuffnell Park base latterly used by UK Power Networks. Most are Ford Transits of various sizes but 7716F (photographed on 28th August 2013) is so far the only one with a crew van layout.	25/09/2013

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