| A large number of AEC Regal single-deck buses and coaches of the T class were rebuilt as service vehicles in 1939/1940. 16 saw relatively minor modification for use as ambulances, most of which reverted to bus use after the war. The remainder were more drastic conversions, including a new, full-width cab. Among these were three vehicles given box bodies for use as Permanent Way Department breakdown tenders. 441W to 443W were converted in August 1940 from 10-year old Green Line coaches. They lacked the illuminated front signs normally carried by emergency vehicles, this presumably being down to wartime expediency. Non-standard metal signs with 'LT Urgent' lettering were later fitted to at least 441W and 443W, while the latter appears to be the only one to have gained a large front-facing light. An interesting aspect of this trio is the liveries they carried. According to LT's own vehicle record cards, all three entered service in green but were soon repainted to khaki. Again this was no doubt due to the ongoing war but it is curious that these seem to be the only service vehicles so repainted. At the end of the war, the liveries were changed again. 441W and 442W reverted to green while 443W became red. 442W followed suit in 1948 and 441W in 1952. The vehicles were primarily based at Lillie Bridge, with 443W being outstationed to Baker Street for many years. It was photographed parked on the raised roadway in front of the station on 12th March 1961. Note the cabside lettering refers to Lillie Bridge, while a jacket has been tied to the front radiator, perhaps for frost protection. The three vans were withdrawn in early 1963 following the arrival of the purpose-built Leyland Titan tenders. |
| Photographer: |
|
Photo ID: |
6812 |
| Photo date: |
12/03/1961 |
Size: |
Regular. An extra large copy of this photo is available. |
| Subject/s: |
|
| Location/s: |
|
| Tags: |
|
| Date added: |
12/07/2021 |
