| London Transport introduced six breakdown tenders in 1949/1950 that were rebuilt from STL-class double-deck buses. Two were withdrawn in the 1960s but the remainder lasted into the 1970s and all four ended up being preserved. Plans were hatched in mid-2023 to try and get all four vehicles together for the Transportfest event at Brooklands in October. This was intended to mark the 90th anniversary of these vehicles first entering service (as buses) and there was also to be a road-run through central London the day before. Sadly, things did not quite work as planned. 739J was not able to be made ready in time, while the LT Museum's 830J was not roadworthy. Adding to the problems, a large demonstration in London on the day of the roadrun forced the planned route to be curtailed. Things went a little better on the Sunday, with three Regents lined-up and the weather being kind. This photo taken on 22nd October 2023 shows (left to right) 738J, 830J (which came on a low-loader) and 832J. Resident AEC Militant breakdown tender 1456MR can also just be glimpsed parked behind. Note that 738J and 830J were both displaying period trade plates instead of registrations. 738J had carried 866GF from 1962 until 1964, while 830J had 305LA from 1977 until withdrawal in 1980. 832J had its original registration (JJ4379) as this was carried for most of its time as a service vehicle. Note also that the headlights on 830J are different to those on the other two. Other photos suggest that the headlights were changed sometime between 1963 and 1973. As for getting all four Regents together, there is always next year! |
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Photo ID: |
7731 |
| Photo date: |
22/10/2023 |
Size: |
Regular. An extra large copy of this photo is available. |
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| Date added: |
30/11/2023 |
