The 1986/1987 batch of bus inspector's vehicles were all Astras but featured both the Bedford-badged van and the Vauxhall estate version. 3463B was one of the former and was initially allocated to Abbey District's Wandsworth Garage, though it was photographed at Riverside Garage in Hammersmith on 31st January 1987. Abbey District was responsible for the central London area but was disbanded in August 1987, its garages being shared out amongst the outlying districts. Wandsworth had closed in July 1987 (though was later to become a base for London Coaches) and 3463B was reallocated to Wandle District's Stockwell. As was common with these vehicles, the gold London Transport lettering has largely worn away. Talking of closed bus garages, astute readers may have noticed that Riverside Garage had actually closed in June 1983, over three years before this photo was taken. The garage was in fact retained for several years as a covered parking area for buses terminating in Hammersmith. It was eventually demolished, although part of the frontage was incorporated into the new commercial development that took its place. |
Photographer: |
|
Photo ID: |
7223 |
Photo date: |
31/01/1987 |
Size: |
Regular |
Subject/s: |
|
Location/s: |
|
Tags: |
|
Date added: |
25/08/2022 |