LTSV Latest Data - Detail View

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

Photos Added

Count	Photo	Details	Added
4,001		By Richard Eversden This is rather an odd one. Photographed at Poole Garage on 21st April 1996, this bus appears to have had all its windows painted over in white, suggesting use as a training/classroom or exhibition vehicle of some sort. TTA827X was a front-engined Bedford SB5 (note the forward axle) with Wadham Stringer Vanguard bodywork, new to Devon Area Health Authority in 1981. It later passed to Tourist Coaches, which was one of several small operators taken over by Wilts and Dorset in the 1990s. The vehicle retains Tourist fleetnames, while the livery is believed to be that applied by Devon AHA.	04/02/2013
4,002		By Malcolm Conway Photographed at Sible Hedingham Garage on 14th May 2006, KMD161W was a Leyland Chieftain recovery truck operated by Hedingham Omnibuses. One of the longer-standing independent operators in East Anglia, they eventually sold out to the Go-Ahead Group in 2012. The Leyland Chieftain used the same G-cab design as found on smaller models such as the Terrier and Boxer. Although it appeared out of use, this example remained licensed until May 2008.	04/02/2013
4,003		By Malcolm Conway Many UK bus companies used ERF recovery vehicles, a typical example being UTJ295V of Clydeside Scottish, photographed at Buchanan Street bus station in Glasgow on 26th June 1989. Clydeside had been created in 1985 from the division of Western Scottish Omnibuses, although between 1989 and 1991 the two companies were rejoined. The bus in the background is an ECW-bodied Daimler Fleetline in the distinctive Kelvin Scottish livery.	04/02/2013
4,004		By Malcolm Conway Like Bristol City Line, Badgerline also quickly developed a bright new image for itself. Yellow again featured, but this time with green. Photographed at Kensington Garage in Bath on 27th June 1992 was Leyland Bison recovery truck MPP434P. Although about the same age as the vehicle in the previous photo, this one somehow looks older. The registration series suggest that both vehicles were acquired second-hand. Parked alongside is a Ford Transit van that may well be D639YLT.	04/02/2013
4,005		By Malcolm Conway The Bristol Omnibus Company was divided up in the mid-1980s, its outer parts becoming Badgerline and Cheltenham and Gloucester. The remains were centred on Bristol and later traded as City Line with a rather brash new livery of yellow, red and blue. Photographed at Lawrence Hill Garage on 27th June 1992 was their Bedford TM recovery truck MBX317P.	04/02/2013
4,006		By Ray Monk Metroline operates at least three Renault Grand Scenic cars as crew ferries, most likely from new in late 2010. LM60SUH was photographed outside Holloway Garage on 2nd January 2013. It wears the same dark red livery as the others but also has LT roundels on the sides and rear.	04/02/2013
4,007		By John Hillman Ford Transit Connect van NH05XLT is number 1131 in the Arriva The Shires fleet and based at Hemel Hempstead. It was photographed in the town's bus station on 2nd August 2012.	04/02/2013
4,008		By Malcolm Conway Ensignbus has used a blue and silver livery since the early 1980s, although it is not always applied to their service vehicles. One that did gain the full livery was Ford Transit van R979XFM, photographed at Purfleet Garage on 2nd February 2008. The date of acquisition is not known but it was withdrawn and scrapped quite soon after this picture was taken.	04/02/2013
4,009		By Malcolm Conway Details of service vehicles operated by the early operators of London tendered bus routes are still a bit sketchy, and additional examples are still being turned up. Malcolm found this Ford Escort van in the background of a photo of Grey Green Volvo double-decker 154 at Becontree Heath on 16th March 1990. The van carried a white livery with large Grey Green lettering in orange (barely visible due to the sunlight). The Newcastle-area registration suggests it was operated from new in 1986 (the Cowie group had its headquarters in Sunderland).	04/02/2013
4,010		By Thornycroft Now this is rather special. This photograph appeared in a Thornycroft publicity brochure produced in 1930. It shows one of their lorries in Metropolitan Railway parcels service livery, at what looks like Baker Street Station. Fleetnumber 33 is visible on the bodyside, while a larger lorry in similar livery is parked behind. XV5799 was new in February 1928 and was one of just 6 Thornycrofts known to have become part of the London Transport service vehicle fleet in 1933. It was later given fleetnumber NY13 and lasted until 1937. Three of the other lorries were numbered NY10 to NY12 (numbers NY1 to NY9 were applied to single deck buses inherited from Peoples Motor Services of Ware), of which two (NY11/NY12) lasted long enough to be given new fleetnumbers (334T/335T) in 1939. Details of service vehicles in the pre-LPTB era are still a bit sketchy but I hope to get access to the vehicle record cards soon, which may shed some more light on things.	04/02/2013
4,011		By Graham Smith Now over 4 years old, unique 2-axle Mercedes-Benz Econic dustcart WX08KUT still looked in good shape when it was photographed on Southgate High Street on 2nd October 2012.	04/02/2013
4,012		By Colin Lloyd Apart from the additional side lettering, the four Smith Edison electric Ford Transit vans used by London Buses Infrastructure are virtually indistinguishable from the normal diesel versions. Two of the four are based at Victoria Coach Station and are somewhat hard to see. They are presumably kept (and recharged) in the basement car park there. Colin caught 7162F rounding Hyde Park Corner on 21st December 2012. LBSL Infrastructure has a fleet of 18 VW Transporter vans new in 2009/2010 which are probably coming up for replacement soon. It will be interesting to see whether the replacements include any more 'green' vehicles.	04/02/2013
4,013		By Ray Monk A new version of the Vauxhall Combo van appeared towards the end of 2011 but over a year later there is still only one known example in use as a London service vehicle. This is Arriva London FN62SRX, photographed on Watermead Way (near Lea Valley Garage) on 2nd January 2013. Before anyone asks, I don't know what PSM stands for! The new model (known as the Combo D) is based on the Fiat Doblo design and is manufactured in Turkey. The previous model (Combo C) was built in Portugal and Spain.	15/01/2013
4,014		By Derek Everson Metroline bought four new Ford Transit Connect vans in summer 2012, but photos and reports of them in use have been slow in coming. This photograph was taken near Perivale Station on 8th November 2012 and shows West Perivale based AV12WXE on the move. As well as neat lettering, the allocation code is also carried.	15/01/2013
4,015		By Derek Everson Photographed in a sunny Horsham Bus Station on 23rd August 2012, this Ford Focus hatchback car is number 9026 in the Metrobus fleet. Operations in Horsham are performed using buses and staff from Crawley, hence the need for crew ferry vehicles such as this one. The fleetnumbering is a bit obscure. Originally the 80xx series was used for crew ferry minibuses, 89xx for cars and 9xxx for engineering vehicles. More recently it appears that the 9xxx range has been used simpler for smaller vehicles.	15/01/2013
4,016		By Derek Everson A third K-prefix Ford Transit van, although this one appears to be completely anonymous. It was photographed at Wandsworth Garage on 27th April 1993 whilst still quite new. Wandsworth Garage was by then the home of London Coaches (note the white coach with large fleetnames reflected in the side of the van), and this van was presumably used for engineering support duties. The bull bars on the front are somewhat unusual. This van was later reported with the fleetnumber 009F, although I have no record of what other lettering it might have carried.	15/01/2013
4,017		By Derek Everson A previously unreported vehicle was this long-wheelbase Mk4 Ford Transit van seen at Uxbridge Bus Station on 7th May 1998. Chiltern Rover was one of several localised fleetnames used by The Shires, this one being for operations from Amersham Garage. The Shires itself was a new name created in 1995 to unify the Luton & District and London Country North West operations. Its various fleetnames gradually disappeared following the creation of the Arriva brand in 1997. The van had evidently come in to London to attend to the bus visible in the background, this being one of 2 Northern-Counties bodied Volvo B6s bought by Motts (Yellow Bus) in 1994. Motts was bought by LDT/The Shires in 1995 and the B6s fitted in with a large fleet of similar buses already owned.	15/01/2013
4,018		By Derek Everson Another white/orange Ford Transit at Brentford, but rather a different vehicle to the previous one. For engineering support, Armchair used a couple of low-roof Ford Transit vans in company livery. One was K534AOM, seen at the main garage on 23rd September 2001. At the time, Armchair was operating a variety of buses on LT tendered services (such as the all-Leyland Olympian on the left) as well as a fleet of luxury coaches (a Van Hool-bodied example being on the right).	15/01/2013
4,019		By Derek Everson Recently added to the database were the Ford Transit minibuses used as crew ferry vehicles by Armchair and Capital Citybus. In both cases the vehicles were late Mk2 models originally bought for National Bus Company subsidiaries. Armchair had C322RPE and D829UTF, photographed at their Brentford garage on 23rd January 2000. Both had Carlyle bodywork conversions and had been new to the Berks Bucks Bus Co (aka The Bee Line, and formed from the division of Alder Valley). They were transferred to co-owned London Buslines in 1988 for use on services for Richmond Health Authority, passing on to Armchair in about 1995. As can be seen, both were repainted in Armchair's white/orange livery, while at least C322RPE gained Crew Bus lettering. C322RPE also evidently retained its Berks Bucks blinds, being set to Sandhurst in this view. Also visible in this photo is a former London taxi. Several bus companies used such vehicles as crew ferries, but it I have no record of Armchair being one of them.	15/01/2013
4,020		By Derek Everson This photograph was taken at London and Country's Merstham Garage on 19th April 1996, a few days after the location had opened as a replacement for Reigate Garage. To the fore is Leyland Terrier dropside lorry WBV475Y. This was acquired second-hand in about 1988 and initially ran in plain green with London Country South West fleetnames. As can be seen, it later gained the two-tone green and red livery as used on the bus fleet. Note the fleetnumber A1 above the door handles and that a crane is fitted behind the cab. The buses in the background are mainly former LCBS AN and SNB vehicles, but there is also a Leyland National 2 (a type never operated by LCBS), and preserved RMC4 is just visible at the back. Merstham Garage only lasted until 2001, when Arriva pulled out of the area. Metrobus took over most of the services.	15/01/2013
4,021		By Derek Everson Photographed at Amersham Garage on 22nd April 1979 was LCBS Ford D0910 dropside lorry 21F parked alongside two BL-class buses. This was one of pair of similar lorries bought in August 1976. Both were sold to Rennies of Dunfermline in 1983.	15/01/2013
4,022		By Ray Monk Having said last month that the two white Ford Transit minibuses at Northumberland Park Depot (6779F and 6801F) had been replaced by a single white/blue/red example (7489F), a second then turned up in the form of 7572F. As with most recent minibuses, it is a medium-wheelbase mid-height variant, and was photographed at the depot on 2nd January 2013.	15/01/2013
4,023		By Ray Monk One vehicle that has remained unique in the central fleet is LUL Ford Transit Rapid Response Vehicle 6516F. Except that this isn't it! It appears that the custom-built body (with roller shutters on sides and end) was transferred onto a new Ford Transit chassis/cab, with the fleetnumber 7568F. While the original chassis was a fairly standard 100 T350 model, the new one is apparently a high powered 155 T350. 7568F was photographed arriving back at its home base of Griffith House on 28th December 2012. 6516F was later put up for sale by British Car Auctions as a chassis/cab.	15/01/2013
4,024		By Ray Monk In my experience it is rare to find the shutters at Griffith House open during the day, and rarer still to find anything interesting inside when they are open. Ray was lucky (and/or patient) to get this view of four Ford Transits parked inside on 28th December 2012, more so since three of the four have not been shown on LTSV before. From the left the vans are SWB crew van 7090F, high-roof van 7560F, SWB van 7317F and SWB crew van 7024F. The length of new van 7560F was not noted but the model is listed as a 100 T280, a variant usually found with low-roof bodywork.	15/01/2013
4,025		By Ray Monk Here is the third of the four new Citroen Berlingos to be shown on this site. 7508-7511C replaced similar 6769-6772C at Central Line locations in October 2012. 7511C is based at Loughton Station, where it was photographed on 30th October 2012. Parked behind is Ashwoods-converted Ford Transit crew van 7040F.	15/01/2013
4,026		By Ray Monk 2012 was the year of the Renault Kangoo, at least as far as the central fleet was concerned. 82 were added to the numbered fleet between January and August, comprising a mix of estate cars and vans of three lengths, almost equalling the number of Ford Transits leased. After a short break in the autumn more Kangoos arrived from October onwards, including Maxi van 7504R. This LUL-liveried example was photographed parked in Falconwood in south-east London. Judging by the location, it may well have been a replacement for Peugeot Partner van 6753.	15/01/2013
4,027		By Graham Brown The Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Caddy are similar in size and configuration, and both come in stretched variants suffixed Maxi. Considerable numbers of both types have been added to the central fleet in recent years, seemingly in place of the Ford Transit Connect and Vauxhall Combo. One difference between the two is that most of the VWs have been crew vans, with additional side windows and a second row of seats, while all the Renaults have been plain vans. Delivered in September 2012, 7487VW is a normal length Caddy crew van in the LUL fleet. Along with similar 7488VW it is believed to be based at Pelham Street. Their similar 6791VW and 6792VW went off lease a few days after the new pair arrived.	15/01/2013
4,028		By Ray Monk Five Ford Focus estates were leased for Tube Lines in May 2012 and given fleetnumbers 7404F to 7408F. 7407F proved to be the most elusive, not being reported until it turned up at Euston Control Room in December 2012. It was photographed there on the 28th.	15/01/2013
4,029		By Malcolm Conway There was engineering work on the Central Line on 27th October 2012 and both Ray and Malcolm visited Hainault and photographed the handful of service vehicles parked around the station. High-roof Ford Transit van 7148F was found on Thurlow Gardens, very near the entrance to the depot. The presence of a Tube Lines vehicle at an LUL site suggests it is allocated to Transplant at Ruislip, most likely as a replacement for earlier 6107F.	15/01/2013
4,030		By Ray Monk Over 40 Peugeot Partner Tepee estate cars have been added to the leased fleet in the past two years, the vast majority being in LUL white/blue/red livery. 7143P appears to be based at Acton Works but was photographed on Eltham High Street on 12th December 2012.	15/01/2013
4,031		By Ray Monk Yet another mystery vehicle is Volkswagen Caddy crew van 7085VW. It wears red livery with red/yellow chevrons on the rear, but the only markings are fleetnumbers (on white patches) and a London Buses sticker on the bonnet. It was new in June 2011 but does not appear to have replaced an existing vehicle, and has only been reported a couple of times. As such, it is similar to 6462VW, 6733VW and 7379VW, the roles and allocations for which remain unknown. Ray found 7085VW parked up at Euston Bus Station on 2nd January 2013.	15/01/2013
4,032		By Ray Monk The batch of vehicles numbered 7050 to 7056 are all allocated to Tube Lines' new Edgware depot (opened in 2010) and are consequently rarely seen. Apart from fleeting glimpses from passing trains, the depot is not visible from any public vantage point, while its vehicles are among those that are generally only used at night. Ray was lucky to find 7052V, one of four Vauxhall Combos in the batch, parked outside Smallbills Garage on Bollo Lane on 17th December 2012. The Combo appears to have fallen out of favour in the central fleet, perhaps due to the launch of a new version.	15/01/2013
4,033		By Ray Monk This rather charming picture was sent in by Ray last year, just too late for publication before Christmas. I am no expert in digital imaging but I suspect that this one may have been somewhat re-touched. Underneath is Ford Transit van 6845F, coming out of Museum Way at Acton Town.	24/12/2012
4,034		By Richard Eversden At first glance looking very much like a London Underground service vehicle, this Ford Transit van is actually in the employ of First Somerset and Avon. With national fleetnumber 90321 it is allocated to Bath, where it was photographed on 6th December 2012.	24/12/2012
4,035		By Damon Cross This photo was provided by Damon and has been sitting on my PC for over 6 years. Recently Derek Everson sent in another photo of the same vehicle and highlighted something rather curious that I had never noticed before. NER790R was a preserved AEC Marshall recovery lorry that masqueraded as a former London Transport service vehicle. A familiar sight at bus rallies in the early 1990s, it initially had open LT roundels and a plain roof dome. The date and location of this photo is not known but it appears to be after 1994 (when it had the open roundels) and before 1997 (when it gained LT lettering on the roof dome). Most significantly however, the vehicle seems to have been converted from 3-axle to 2-axle, with the side pannelling very neatly modified. Comparison to this earlier view shows the difference.	24/12/2012
4,036		By London Spotter Go-Ahead London operates five Mercedes-Benz Vito crew vans registered in the RK62 series as crew ferries from their Rainham (Blue Triangle) garage. These are in anonymous red livery, and are based on the 113 CDI model. RK62OEU was found parked opposite Walthamstow Bus Station on 10th December 2012.	24/12/2012
4,037		By Ray Monk Sploshing through the mud near Rainham Garage on 17th October 2012, this unmarked Ford Transit Connect van is believed to be operated by Stagecoach London, having also been reported at West Ham Garage.	24/12/2012
4,038		By Derek Everson A red Ford at Greenford! First London's Greenford Garage is a relatively new location, on a site shared with an Ealing Council depot and a recycling centre. Photographed leaving the garage on 8th November 2012 was Ford Transit van ST12EVD. New in August, this was perhaps a belated replacement for similar EO57FNY. Note that the livery is more like the older Transit than the plain red carried by East London-based SP12LUO.	24/12/2012
4,039		By London Spotter The two Vauxhall Corsa cars based at Rainham have Stagecoach national fleetnumbers applied in very small lettering. Photographed at the garage (with permission) on 11th November 2012, 91554 (DU12FOT) is nearest the camera with 91555 (DU12FOD) beyond.	24/12/2012
4,040		By Graham Smith Stagecoach London acquired eleven Ford Transit vans for engineering duties in 2011, although one has since transferred out of London following the closure of Upton Park Garage. With the exception of unmarked YC11KSN at West Ham, each has neatly applied lettering that includes the home garage name. YC11KTO is based at Bow and has Stagecoach national fleetnumber 95261, just visible on the fuel filler cover. It was photographed on The Grove at Stratford on 25th June 2012.	24/12/2012
4,041		By Ray Monk Having had virtually all of its former London taxi cabs repainted red, Arriva Kent Thameside next treated its Ford Transit van to a similar makeover. Initially operated in white livery with copious lettering and fleetnumber YVAN30, its new livery is relieved only by white Arriva fleetnames. It has also gained a slightly smaller light-bar. Photographed at Eltham Bus Station on 19th November 2012.	24/12/2012
4,042		By London Spotter Stagecoach London's Honda motorcycles may not be as hard to spot as I had thought, since it would appear that one is often outstationed to Aldgate Bus Station. The only West Ham-operated route to reach this point is the 115 but perhaps the engineers will also attend other Stagecoach buses that breakdown in inner London. On 23rd November 2012 RY54NDJ was parked in the bus station and later the same day was seen passing here in convoy with sister RF04EFK. The identity of the third motorcycle is still not known.	24/12/2012
4,043		By London Spotter Although some former London taxi cabs were allocated to Arriva's Grays garage for crew ferry duties from late 2011, several cars are also still used. Added during 2012 was silver Ford Mondeo KG53TOJ, photographed at the Lidl car park in Romford on 23rd November 2012. White Arriva fleetnames have been applied but there was no sign of any CF or C series fleetnumber.	24/12/2012
4,044		By Derek Everson R&I Coaches was a well established operator that started tendered bus work in 1989. Several routes in inner North London were won over the next few years but the company was bought out by MTL London in 1995. During its time as an independent, various existing minibuses were used as crew ferry vehicles. These included this pair of long-wheelbase Ford Transit Mk2 minibuses photographed at Brent Cross Bus Station on 11th October 1994. The consecutive London-area registrations make me think that they were bought new by R&I. C867VLB (in front) has a roof-beacon and interior luggage caging, suggesting earlier air-side use. It has lettering for 'R&I Buses, Crew Transfer' and also a fleetnumber (92) on the offside of the bonnet. C866VLB has a blue stripe and lettering for 'R&I Coaches, Mobile Control'. Note that the main side doors are hinged (sliding doors would not clear the flared rear wheel arches) and are also shallower than those at the front.	24/12/2012
4,045		By Derek Everson Another view of Citroen Nemo electric van LK09EFE, arriving at Acton Works on 22nd November 2012. The livery and lettering applications suggests this is now part of the regular fleet rather than a hire or demonstrator. However it was not included in an official fleetlist received in October 2012.	24/12/2012
4,046		By Derek Everson Un-numbered Ford Focus VN08OXW was a very regular sight at Acton Works from delivery in June 2008. Apart from being a hatchback rather than an estate it was also unusual for carrying white and blue livery but with no lettering. It was reportedly returned off-lease in May 2012 but continued to be seen at Acton, perhaps having been taken on by a member of staff. It was photographed arriving at the works on 22nd November 2012.	24/12/2012
4,047		By Derek Everson Iveco Stralis demountable lorry LK08LDV was photographed about to enter Acton Works on 22nd November 2012. Comparison with earlier photographs show that is appears to have gained a new front bumper (in grey instead of black). However, the body is of more interest. DB24 was one of three bodies supplied by Feltham Coachworks in 1995/1996. Considerably longer than the standard bodies, they were intended for use with Iveco Super Cargo lorries 2554F and 2555F (replaced by LK08LDV and LK08LDY in 2008). The three bodies comprised a dropside (DB22), a curtain-sided box (DB23) and a plain box (DB24). The latter saw little use and was rebuilt in about 2007 as a dropside with crew compartment. Even after this it was rarely seen in use, this being the first on-the-road photograph. Curiously DB24 was noted at Acton Works in August 2012 fitted with stanchions and guard chains around the load space but these are not apparent in the view here. Ford Transit van 7319F is in pursuit.	24/12/2012
4,048		By London Spotter Central fleet numbers passed the 7600 mark in November 2012, the first reported being LUL Honda CR-V car 7609H. It was photographed parked on Harcourt Street (near Griffith House) on 18th November. Twelve CR-Vs have been operated since 2006.	24/12/2012
4,049		By Derek Everson An interesting find at Museum Way (Acton Town) on 22nd November 2012 was 7517S, only the second Skoda for the marked fleet. Like earlier 6861S, the vehicle is an Octavia estate car, but this time in Tube Lines livery (and with white mirror housings and door handles). I can't recall seeing any liveried cars at Museum Way in recent years so this is perhaps a new role. Note the curious strip of blue at the bottom of the back door. This doesn't line up with the blue on the sides, and is surrounded by the white bumper.	24/12/2012
4,050		By London Spotter 7489F is a Ford Transit minibus new in September 2012 and allocated to Northumberland Park Depot, where it appears to have replaced plain white 6801F. Similar 6779F was also at Northumberland Park but went off lease in July 2012 apparently without replacement. 7489F was photographed at the north entrance to the depot on 9th October 2012, parked in front of crew van 7323F.	24/12/2012
4,051		By Derek Everson As has been seen, the yard at Wakering Road (Barking) is a bit tight for the four cars that are allocated there. On 19th July 2012 7450P (one of the Peugeot Partner cars delivered the month before) was parked on the ramp to the adjoining (and dis-used) covered car park. For reference, the yard itself is behind the wall on the left, while the station is behind the photographer. This angle shows the rather functional roof bars fitted, these having what appear to be sliding mini-bolsters.	24/12/2012
4,052		By Derek Everson Taken into stock in April 2012, 7268F was the first Ford Focus added to the leased fleet since 6976F in November 2010. On 22nd November 2012 it was caught coming out of Acton Works.	24/12/2012
4,053		By Derek Everson Although over four years old, this is the first time this van has been clearly photographed. Numbered 6601VW, it was new with similar 6602VW in September 2008 for use by the TfL Highways department based at Carlisle Lane, Waterloo. This unit was later disbanded and the two vans went on to other users, retaining their light-bars and plain white livery but with TfL lettering removed. 6601VW was with LUL at Pelham Street during 2010 but then seems to have moved to Acton. Both are currently listed as being with Tube Lines but are still anonymous apart from fleetnumbers. Derek finally caught 6601VW as it approached Acton Works on 22nd November 2012.	24/12/2012
4,054		By Ray Monk While passing through Sidcup on a bus in July 2012 I noticed this van parked in front of a house on Main Road. The registration seemed familiar and when I got home I discovered it was the former 5452V, one of the Vauxhall Vivaro vans allocated to the London Safety Camera Partnership fleet. As can be seen, these are actually crew vans, with additional windows on both sides. Whilst with LSCP these were covered by blue and yellow contravision vinyls. Ray subsequently made a couple of trips to try and photograph the van, and on 25th November 2012 finally found it parked nose-out.	24/12/2012
4,055		By Derek Everson I was somewhat surprised to see a photograph of this car carrying its fleetnumber. M635MUV was one of four M-registered Vauxhall Astra estate cars numbered 4794B to 4797B, in amongst mainly R-registered vehicles. It appears that they were new (in April 1995) as un-numbered vehicles and were then allocated fleetnumbers in mid-1997. All four were allocated to London Transport Buses and photographs of three of the cars show LTB lettering but no fleetnumbers. 4794B was never reported or photographed so may have been anonymous. 4795B was seen at Edgware Bus Station on 25th July 1997. The number may have been on the nearside only, as an offside view taken in May 1998 shows no number.	24/12/2012
4,056		By Derek Everson I like to think that I am quite an observant person but I have to thank Derek for drawing my attention to an anomaly presented by this photograph. Ford Escort van N447RBE was officially listed as being fleetnumber 4598F. However, in the original print of this photograph taken in the yard at Griffith House on 14th May 1998 it is clearly numbered 4667F on the offside at least. Interestingly, 4667F was officially Ford Escort van N449RBE. It could be that the identities were transposed, although it is equally possible that both vans carried the same number!	24/12/2012
4,057		By Derek Everson Details of some of the vehicles operated in the late 1980s and early 1990s are a bit sketchy. For example, until recently we didn't know the livery or operator of Vauxhall Astra van 4038B. This photograph taken at Uxbridge Bus Station on 7th December 1992 shows that it carried unmarked white livery (with just fleetnumbers for identification), but the matter of who was using it remains unresolved.	24/12/2012
4,058		By Ray Monk This unmarked Renault Kangoo van was photographed leaving Metroline's Cricklewood Garage on 12th November 2012. Metroline has quite a modern fleet of engineering support vans, most of which carry company lettering. However, there are also vehicles for other roles (such as bus wheelchair ramp maintenance, CCTV and the slightly mysterious 'risk vans') and this could well be one of them. I haven't added it to the database yet but will do see if it is seen again on Metroline premises.	21/11/2012
4,059		By John Hillman As already noted, Arriva the Shires acquired 11 new Citroen Berlingo vans in March 2012, these replacing the entire crew ferry fleet at Garston garage. It appears this quantity was more than required, as the first (V205) was soon transferred to Hemel Hempstead. It was photographed in the bus station there on 2nd August 2012. This too was short-lived, the van moving again in September to join the Arriva Medway Towns fleet at Gillingham. The Berlingo van is similar to the estate version (such as 6772C) with the addition of a short extension at the rear. The red Optare Solo on the left is one of five once operated by Metroline on the Hampstead Garden Suburb routes from Golders Green. They later worked on a commercial service (318) in the Watford area, this passing (with four of the Solos) to Mullany's in 2009.	21/11/2012
4,060		By Malcolm Conway I don't intend to publish photographs of all ten London United Ford Fiesta vans based at Hounslow Heath. However, this view of FF6 at Hatton Cross Station on 16th September 2012 also shows something slightly interesting. Just visible on the side of the Abellio LDV Convoy minibus in the background (whose identity is unfortunately not known) is the remains of a PostBus fleetname. Royal Mail operates loads of minibuses and crew vans as staff transports. However, a small number (along with some cars) were used as passenger carrying vehicles on regular routes, usually in the more remote regions such as Scotland.	21/11/2012
4,061		By Ray Monk A pair of Vauxhall Corsa cars were acquired by Stagecoach in mid-2012 for use as crew ferry vehicles from Rainham Garage. Unlike other Stagecoach London service vehicles they carry a white livery. DU12FOD was photographed approaching the garage on 17th October 2012. Note that these are 5-door cars, unlike the similar but 3-door Corsas with Arriva London. It has since been reported that this vehicle is 91555 in the Stagecoach national numbering series.	21/11/2012
4,062		By London Spotter A line-up of Metrobus Mercedes Vito minibuses at Addington Interchange on 8th August 2012 is headed by fleetnumber 8046 (BV12PXN).	21/11/2012
4,063		By Derek Everson The two newest Renault Trafic minibuses in the Metrobus fleet have always been based at Crawley and are thus less often seen and photographed than their London-based sisters. Derek found 8043 (LX59BCF) at Horsham bus station on 23rd August 2012, parked in front of a Compass Bus Optare Solo.	21/11/2012
4,064		By Derek Everson Ford Transit Connect van EA08FHP has been with Metrobus since new in summer 2008. It has fleetnumber 9024, applied at the top of the windscreen, and is based at Crawley Garage, where it was photographed on 23rd August 2012. In the background are the two remaining Marshall-bodied Dennis Darts used as training buses. New to City of Oxford in 1995, eight were transferred to Metrobus between 2001 and 2003. Note the lettering above the side windows, in particular that Croydon appears in a different font (non-italicised). This was to replace the mention of the now-closed Godstone garage, that name still being carried on the second of the buses.	21/11/2012
4,065		By Derek Everson Abellio's Hayes Garage is one of the smallest in London, with a peak run-out of 30 buses across 5 routes. Of these, the 112 requires crew ferry runs to Ealing Broadway. Recently acquired Ford Fiesta van NG07HRX was photographed at Haven Green on 10th October 2012.	21/11/2012
4,066		By Derek Everson A pair of Abellio service vehicles photographed at Hatton Cross Bus Station on 10th October 2012, neither of which carried any markings. Ford Transit HV07KMF was seen at Fulwell (Twickenham) Garage in May 2012 but was not reported in service until October. It may have been acquired at the same time as similar HV07KMY. LDV Convoy GK52TVC is the survivor of three bought in December 2006. Although Abellio (and Travel London before them) used many former Royal Mail LDV vehicles, these were not among them. They were received in white livery, being repainted red in about 2010.	21/11/2012
4,067		By London Spotter With the repainting of the taxis at Arriva Southern Counties Dartford Garage into red livery almost complete, perhaps it is time for the Garston painters to turn their attention to the vehicles based at Grays. Typical of the current allocation is Carbodies FX4 CF27 (P580SUV), acquired in 2011. Despite appearances the vehicle is still carrying the green body (with black roof) it had when acquired! Alongside is another green FX4 that looks black in the shape of CF39 (N416CMT), recently transferred from Dartford. Photographed in the car park of Lidl's in Romford on 6th November 2012.	21/11/2012
4,068		By Derek Everson The last use of the M-prefix number series by LCBS was M4, an AEC Marathon recovery truck acquired second-hand in 1982. It had a yellow cab with red bodywork and does not appear to have gained any company lettering. Being based at Hertford it passed to London Country North East in 1986. On 21st June 1987 it was photographed at its home garage in company with a Duple-bodied coach, most likely one of the two DLs acquired in 1980.	21/11/2012
4,069		By Derek Everson LCBS (London Country Bus Services) acquired two second-hand AEC recovery trucks from International Wreckers Ltd in 1976 and numbered them in a new series as M1 and M2. M1 was an AEC Matador that had been new in 1967 and was registered UNO205E but later ran on trade plates. On 25th May 1986 M1 was found at Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station preparing to tow a National Welsh Leyland Tiger coach. Based at Garston this was presumably the nearest National Bus Company recovery vehicle. Note the grey fleetnumber on the yellow bodywork.	21/11/2012
4,070		By Philip Hambling LCBS 61F was one of four Ford Transit Mk2 vans new in July 1983 but licensed in August with the new A-prefixed registrations. As with several vehicles of this era, the fleetnumber was applied with the suffix as a prefix (ie F61). I'm sure somebody out there can identify the location. The Southdown sign on the canopy suggests somewhere in the south of LCBS territory, perhaps Crawley?	21/11/2012
4,071		By Derek Everson Here is quite a rare view of a London Country tree lopper actually being used. 34F was one of two Ford D0710 lorries bought in 1979. Initially fitted with the bodies off the previous generation of tree loppers (former London Transport 1241F to 1244F) they were rebuilt with new bodies in December 1984. 34F was photographed near Oxted on 19th May 1986. Later that year it became part of the London Country South East (later KentishBus) fleet. The upper floor on these vehicles was at the level of the panel join on the front, the sides being solid apart from two drop-down sections on the nearside. There were openings in the floor to allow cut branches to be dropped into the main section of the body, while there was also presumably an internal staircase or ladder. At the back were two large doors, with wide hinges to allow the doors to fold against the bodysides as here.	21/11/2012
4,072		By Ray Monk 7508C is one of four Citroen Berlingo estate cars delivered in October 2012 to replace similar 6769C to 6772C. The quartet are allocated to various places along the Central Line, 7508C being at White City. The car can usually be seen parked in the car park beneath the Westfield Shopping Centre, as in this excellent shot taken on 9th November 2012.	21/11/2012
4,073		By Traintest New in August 2012, low-roof Ford Transit van 7486F is allocated to London Underground's Technical Services Workshop based at Hearne House, Acton. It was photographed at home on 16th November 2012.	21/11/2012
4,074		By Malcolm Conway We now know that Emergency Response Unit Volvo XC70 estate car LT62BFU is assigned fleetnumber 7481, although this is not carried. What we don't know is whether a suffix was assigned. V could not be used as this is carried by Vauxhall vehicles. Having said that, the Volvo demountable lorries latterly used by the ERU did have V suffixes. The car was caught leaving Acton Works on 7th October 2012.	21/11/2012
4,075		By Derek Everson Latterly home to 6208F (an unmarked Ford Transit dropside truck), Hounslow East Station yard gained a new vehicle in September 2012 in the form of 7425F (an unmarked Ford Transit dropside truck). The new vehicle differs in not having a crew-cab, but it does have a small flashing light on the cab roof and a fold-over hazard warning plate on the bumper. Quite why the vehicles here do not carry company logos is a mystery. 7425F (the number is hidden by the sidelights) was photographed (with permission) on 10th October 2012.	21/11/2012
4,076		By Traintest A huge number of Renault Kangoo vans have been delivered over the past couple of years but among these only three were of the shorter Compact model. 7325R was new in April 2012 and was allocated to London Underground at Hearne House, Acton. It was photographed there on 16th November 2012 with another resident, Ford Focus estate 7461F.	21/11/2012
4,077		By Graham Smith 7276R and 7277R were a pair of Renault Kangoo Maxi vans delivered to LUL in March 2012. These were the last of several to have been registered in the west of England, later deliveries having London registrations. Both were allocated to Griffith House and hence are most active at night. 7277R was caught during the day, rounding Marble Arch on 28th August 2012.	21/11/2012
4,078		By Traintest The Ford Transit Connect is becoming almost a rarity in the central fleet, with just two or three added in each of the past three years. The two most recent examples for LUL are 7076F and 7275F, both high-roof examples based at Hearne House in Acton. The latter was photographed at its home base on 16th November 2012. As can be seen, the nearside cargo door has a window, although it is not clear whether a second row of seats is fitted. This configuration has only appeared on a handful of Connects, including Metronet 5687F and LBSL 5691F, 6401F and 7031F, although these were all low-roof variants.	21/11/2012
4,079		By Colin Lloyd Something of a mystery is this Ford Transit van photographed at Hounslow Bus Station on 23rd October 2012. New in June 2007 as 6238F in Metronet white/blue, it was later given LUL white/blue/red livery. Officially off lease in November 2010 it had its lettering and red stripe removed. However, it continued to be used from Acton Works. As such it is similar to older Transit Connect 5526F. Indeed 5526F was photographed at Hounslow on 10th October and was parked with 6238F on this occasion. Note that the CCTV camera visible above the front of the van is believed to be attached to the wall behind.	21/11/2012
4,080		By Derek Everson Derek found about half a dozen service vehicles parked on Park Royal Road near the Central Line bridge on 4th November 2001. Among them was Ford Focus estate car 5142F new at the beginning of that year. The car was unmarked apart from fleetnumbers.	21/11/2012
4,081		By Derek Everson The three Dodge Commando dustcarts delivered in spring 1985 appear to have arrived with plain rear bodies. However, they were all soon modified with additional bin lifting equipment at the back, although from the front the only evidence was an extra four hydraulic lines. The equipment is clearly visible in this photograph taken at Heathrow Airport Central on 26th November 1986. 2419D and 2421D were withdrawn in about 1990, while 2420D remained until 1996, being repainted white/blue and given a second set of lifting equipment.	21/11/2012
4,082		By Derek Everson I recently published a photograph of Dodge Commando dustcart 2421D when it was newly delivered. This view, taken at Heathrow Airport Central on 26th November 1986 highlights a few changes made to the vehicle. As already noted, the lorry initially had wrong fleetnumbers (2420D), applied on the front only. It seems the same numbers were later applied in the normal position on the front corners. However, the incorrect digits had been removed, with a replacement '1' applied only on the nearside of the front. Another visible difference is the solid front of the bodywork, although this may be just the back of the compactor plate at its rearmost position. Finally four extra hydraulic lines had been added on the offside front of the bodywork. These are thought to be related to the lifting gear visible in the next photo.	21/11/2012
4,083		By Robin Morel This photograph may provide an answer to a recent puzzle, although it may not. Earlier this year I published photos of two unmarked red vans that had turned up with First London (VK59GWW and VK59GWZ) and I wondered whether they had transferred from other First operations. Robin's photograph was taken at Cricklewood railway depot and shows Bedford-based Ford Transit dropside truck YG61OCL in a very similar livery. He has also sent a photo of Transit crew van YH11ZO in the same colours. First Capital Connect operates the former Thameslink and Great Northern railway networks, while First also has various other railway franchises (although not the West Coast Mainline!). It does seem odd however that the road support vehicles do not carry the purple-based livery used on the rail rolling stock.	01/11/2012
4,084		By Ray Monk LL61KPR is a Renault Trafic van that is often to be found parked outside the Masons Arms on the Harrow Road at Kensal Green, as here on 10th October 2012. Unmarked apart from small Comfort Delgro labels, we initially thought this to be a Metroline vehicle. Metroline is owned by Comfort Delgro and had added some Renault Master vans to stock recently. Moreover, LL61KPR was seen at Edgware Garage once. However, Ray pointed out that Comfort Delgro do have several other businesses in the UK, including commercial advertising. The ladders carried by this van suggest it may be used in that role. Unless any more bus-related sightings are added, I will most likely remove this vehicle from the database at the next update.	01/11/2012
4,085		By Graham Smith Three contributors sent in photographs of this van recently, and this is (by a narrow margin) the best of them. Ford Transit van HJ61LPA was added to the Arriva London fleet in autumn 2011 and allocated to Enfield Garage, most likely as a replacement for BV02DDN. Note the low seam line (just above the doors), which reveals this to be a short-wheelbase mid-height example. It was photographed passing Enfield Town Station on a sunny 30th May 2012.	01/11/2012
4,086		By Graham Smith Plaxton Pointer-bodied Dennis Dart K411FHJ was new as County Bus and Coach DPL411 in March 1993. The various re-organisations that affected the former LCBS operators saw it wind up as fleetnumber 3361 in the Arriva the Shires fleet. Replaced by low-floor buses, it was taken out of use in 2007 and modified to serve as a mobile staff canteen/rest room. In this guise it is based at Garston Garage but usually parked at Watford Junction Station during the day. Graham found it there on 14th April 2012. Is this the only Dennis Dart with a chimney?!	01/11/2012
4,087		By Derek Everson Given the very small number of motorcycles that have operated as service vehicles over the years, photos with more than one of them in are particularly rare. Having said that I did publish one last month! London Buses acquired three Honda ST1100 motorcycles for use as rapid-response incident vehicles in April 2001, following this with six more in April 2002. Although they served for a few years (all being sold in January 2006) no more have followed, and photographs of them in service are quite rare. Derek was very lucky to find both RO02OSM (left) and RO02OSP (right) parked in Cromwell Road Bus Station in Kingston on 25th November 2004, along with Ford Transit 5588F. Interestingly, I had found RO02OSV here earlier in the year.	01/11/2012
4,088		By Ray Monk Ray seems to have a knack for catching vehicles on delivery to Acton Works. Arriving from mid-October 2012 was a sizable batch of Volkswagen Caddy Maxi crew vans, including RK62XGO photographed passing Acton Town Station on 9th October 2012. The extra length compared to a standard Caddy is apparent if you compare this with the previous photo, while the offside cargo door is usually only fitted on the Maxi model. RK62XGO was later given fleetnumber 7545VW and assigned to Tube Lines at Stratford Market. It seems likely that this batch will replace similar 6882VW to 6887VW, which probably means they will be equally elusive in service.	01/11/2012
4,089		By Malcolm Conway The first 75xx-numbered service vehicle to be photographed was Volkswagen Caddy crew van 7518VW, caught about to enter Acton Works on 7th October 2012. One of a pair (with 7519VW) allocated to Lillie Bridge, it had been taken into stock 3 days earlier.	01/11/2012
4,090		By Ray Monk The Citroen Berlingo cars delivered in 2009 for use by BCV (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria lines) have evidently met with approval, since they started to be replaced in late 2012 by newer examples of the same model. The first reported was 7509C (LG62GLZ), photographed at Leytonstone Station on 27th October 2012. Two others were noted at Acton Works the same day, while 7511C was at Loughton by the 30th. As with the very similar Peugeot Partners, the newer examples can be recognised by having shallower blue skirts and white bumpers.	01/11/2012
4,091		By Derek Everson The 2012 batch of LBSL Incident Response Unit vans suffered from some 'misnumberitis', but thankfully nowhere near as much as the 2009 ones (6603M to 6623M). The only 'victim' this time was WU12MUE, delivered in March carrying fleetnumber 7304M. This number had already appeared on one of the February deliveries (WP61ZXJ). It soon became apparent that 7300M was the only number not to have appeared, so it seemed logical that WU12MUE should have been this. However this put it between WU12MUO (7301M) and WU12MUP (7299M), whereas all the others were numbered in (reverse) registration order. It seemed possible that several vans had wrong numbers. However, the receipt of an official fleetlist in October 2012 confirmed that MUE should in fact be 7300M. Based at Sycamore House, it was photographed at West Croydon Bus Station on 6th September 2012.	01/11/2012
4,092		By Graham Smith Continuing our coverage of the 2012 batch of Incident Response Unit vans, here is Edgware-based 7293M at Brent Park on 24th April 2012 (when it was just one week old).	01/11/2012
4,093		By Graham Smith A very fine study of Ford Transit dropside truck 7269F passing Waterloo Imax on 23rd August 2012. This medium wheelbase example is allocated to Hainault.	01/11/2012
4,094		By Ray Monk A lucky snap by Ray was this view of two Ford Transit vans entering Museum Way outside Acton Town Station on 9th October 2012. Both vehicles are based at Hearne House, behind the Museum Depot. Nearest the camera is short wheelbase 7019F, new in February 2011 but very rarely reported. The other van is long wheelbase 7272F, one of four believed to be used by the Depot Engineering Support Unit.	01/11/2012
4,095		By Derek Everson This Ford Transit Connect van is something of a mystery. New in July 2003 as fleetnumber 5526F, it was only the third example of this model added to the leased fleet. It was not included on a fleetlist received in March 2007 and was presumed to have been withdrawn by then. However, it has since been reported on numerous occasions in the vicinity of Acton Works, operating in unmarked white/blue livery, while Derek caught it entering Hounslow Bus Station on 10th October 2012. The ownership and role of the vehicle remains unknown.	01/11/2012
4,096		By Derek Everson This little set-piece on display at the Chiswick Works open day on 11th August 1985 has been illustrated before. However, this is another photo where something in the background has caught my eye. On the right is part of a brown Austin Maestro, with registration ending in 9COG. I suspect this may be van 3335L, which we have always listed as B949GOG. B949GOG is not listed by the DVLA as being on an Austin vehicle, whereas B949COG is (and is shown as being brown as well). 3335L was reportedly taken into stock in September 1985, but B949COG was first licensed in February. It was presumably unmarked, and hence did not attract the attention of the many photographers present that day. Perhaps somebody else has a photo with a clearer view of the vehicle's registration and/or body? Also visible in this view are Leyland artic 2389L, and the fleetname (partially worn off) on vehicle recovery trailer ST40.	01/11/2012
4,097		By Philip Hambling At last here is a photograph about which I cannot say very much! Fleetnumber 3227F was a fairly standard Ford Transit Mk2 van new in October 1984 and allocated to bus publicity duties (note the sliding doors usually specified for this role). It was photographed on an unknown date in Enfield, and was kept in stock until September 1989.	01/11/2012
4,098		By Derek Everson An instantly recognisable service vehicle in the 1980s was Freight Rover Sherpa van 3011L. Delivered in grey livery, it was later repainted into a 'heritage' style comprising red and cream with a black roof. Used by the London Transport Museum, it was photographed at Acton Works on 11th August 1985 during an open day. Parked alongside was Ford Cargo lorry 2381F, with Leyland Boxer 2302L behind. However, perhaps of most interest (to me at least!) is the white van in the far background. This is the only known photo of 3333I, one of two Fiat Ducato vans new in 1985 as the first imported vehicles in the leased fleet. Both were allocated to Chiswick Works and lasted only around 2 years. The I fleetnumber suffix (F was not used for obvious reasons) did not reappear until 2003.	01/11/2012
4,099		By Derek Everson Another part of the Bus Engineering Ltd (BEL) staff bus yard at Chiswick Works on 19th May 1987, with yet more RMA buses on show. The red examples in the background are obviously out of use, while on the right are three of the six that were repainted into grey/red livery in 1985/6. The two minibuses are Freight-Rover Sherpas D646/7YDP, later given fleetnumbers 2460/1L. The use of RMAs as staff buses finished in December 1987, while BEL was also sold off that month. The four Sherpa minibuses were leased to the new owners, although they appear to have returned to Distribution Services later on.	01/11/2012
4,100		By Derek Everson Here's a very interesting photograph, taken in the staff bus yard at Chiswick Works on 19th May 1987. Visible are several RMA buses, seemingly out of use, along with some of the minibuses that replaced them. However, things get a bit complicated. According to the The London Bus Review 1987 (published by LOTS), Bus Engineering Ltd leased four Renault Trafic minibuses (C115/7/8/9UPK) in late 1986, these taking over certain staff bus duties from November (when Aldenham Works closed and Chiswick became the main centre of operations). Two second-hand Ford Transit minibuses were acquired in January 1987, followed by four new Freight-Rover Sherpa minibuses to replace the earlier Renaults. LOTS added that the Ford and Freight-Rover vehicles were allocated fleetnumbers 2458-2463 in November 1987, while the four Renaults (plus similar C116UPK) were temporarily re-hired to cover their 'absence' (unexplained). However, as this photo shows, C116UPK was on-site by May. Recently delivered 2460/1L were also present, though 2462/3L were yet to be delivered. Yellow Transit A289SHV (later 2459F) is carrying a destination board for Tring, one of the duties latterly performed by the Renaults. Finally, the identity of the Bristol/ECW single-decker on the left is not known, although the blind box layout suggests a bus of NBC origin rather than London Transport.	01/11/2012

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