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London 'Advert Bus, The

Peter Gascoine

ISBN 0-9059-6801-8 - 300mm x 212mm - 32 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome throughout

"Surprisingly, perhaps, this book was still being sold new by Amazon in December 2007, though at £2.84, a little more than the cover-price shown. This is the story of the London Transport Routemasters, and the sole single-deck participant, AEC Merlin MBA606, that received 'all over advertising' between 1969 and 1976. As well as the pictures of each of the vehicles, there is an overall chronological history, a summary list of vehicles, adverts and dates, each vehicle's movements and route workings and a written description of each of the often intricate liveries (the last-mentioned adding a little colour to the monochrome pictures). Memories abound with the recollection of names such as Peter Dominic, Pye, and Esso Blue to name but a few! A fascinating little volume that fully justifies it's slim share of space on the 'London' bookshelf."

AAP

Published in 1977 by Peter Gascoine
 


London Buses around Surrey

Roy Hobbs

ISBN 0-7110-3001-4 - 245mm x 190mm - 80 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in colour throughout

"This is really a superb picture book, backed up by often lengthy and informative captions. Don't be fooled by the cover - there is extensive coverage of LT's red central area routes in this volume, particularly from the part of Surrey that falls within the Greater London boundary. Most of the pictures are newly published, and they are often as interesting for the background social history as for their intrinsic merit as transport pictures."

AAP

Published in 2004 by Ian Allan
 


London Buses 1918-1929 - The Battles of the General

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4269-0 - 222mm x 286mm - 144 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

" 'At the end of what was then known as the Great War of 1914-1918, the London General Omnibus Company had a virtual monopoly of bus services in Greater London'. Thus begins what must be the most comprehensively researched, written and illustrated historical documentation of over half a century of London's bus services ever published. Over seven weighty volumes, Ken Glazier pieces together the complex history of bus travel in the capital city, and in doing so provides the modeller with a huge amount of pictorial, technical and social information. 1918-29 was an era dominated by open tops and solid tyres: both, like windscreen protection for drivers, were eventually permitted by the Metropolitan Police, which did much to breach the pent-up frustrations of bus designers! The lucrative London market saw the General increasingly running up against competition. It was these battles, against the authorities and the competitors, which led to the campaign for unification that saw..... " continued below -

AAP

Published in 2003 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses 1930-1933 - The Last Years of the General

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4170-8 - 222mm x 286mm - 128 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above - "..... the London Passenger Transport Board set up in 1933. The immediate years leading to its formation saw the beginnings of standardisation that was to see the future London Transport in good stead for many years to come: the influx of LT, ST, T and STL types paved the way for the forthcoming London monopoly. Often overlooked in this era is the end of the many independent companies that had served Londoner's, many for over ten years, and the demise of the nine municipal and three company-owned tram systems which were taken over by the new authority. As with each of the volumes in this series the appendices at the back of the book are enormously informative: the massive variety of vehicles and bodywork taken into central control from the independents would make alarming reading to today's operators, though probably fascinates the modellers and historians! All in all this is perhaps the era that had the most profound impact on the development of London bus travel in the decades to come, decades which began in earnest on ..... " continued below -

AAP

Published in 1995 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses 1933-1939 - Before the War

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4182-1 - 222mm x 286mm - 160 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above - "..... the 1st July 1933. On this day the London Passenger Transport Board came into being and assumed control of most of the capital's transport overnight. London Transport was to become an undertaking of epic proportions, and of considerable influence. The sides of buses changed forever as the fleet names of Pickup, British, ACME, General, Sunset, Imperial and a host of others were replaced with the words London TransporT in a manner which would soon be as much a part of London as the red buses themselves. In July 1934 the first of two experimental London Transport trolleybuses was licensed: this six wheeled vehicle (rather than the second to be licensed, a four wheeled vehicle) was to become the basis of a largely standardised fleet of electric buses that were to spell the end of London's tram system, a process that was interrupted by the onset of the second World War..... " continued below -

AAP

Published in 1995 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses 1939-1945 - And the Second World War

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4136-8 - 222mm x 286mm - 190 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above - "..... and, ultimately, a lengthy period of unrivalled austerity. The demands of the war effort saw the introduction of conductresses, often on an ever changing fleet of vehicles. The march towards standardisation was rudely interrupted, and liveries were modified by black-out restrictions, and, later, paint shortages. The will of the people kept, often remarkably, things moving, and there is much to read on the heroics that accompanied many incidents of the period. The 'Make do and Mend' approach that was required is well covered, both in words and in pictures. LT's fleet not only suffered losses though enemy action, but was also commandeered in parts by the War Office, primarily for vehicles to act as ambulances. This is covered in detail in one of eight comprehensive appendices at the back of the book. The gas buses, the boats running tram replacement services, and the 475 buses and 18 trolleybuses loaned by outside operators such as Crosville, Leeds, Halifax, Leicester, Youngs of Paisley and Manchester's Crossleys (to name but a very few of the fifty) to keep London moving are all recorded. The book does, in fact, move on into the early peace and austerity years, times when the effects of the war were deeply felt. ..... " continued below -

AAP

Published in 1986 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses 1945-1952 - Routes to Recovery

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4236-4 - 222mm x 286mm - 152 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above - "..... The immediate post-war period found London Transport with a profoundly impoverished, and largely life-expired fleet after the years of enforced neglect. Even the steady influx of RTs throughout the period could not initially keep London's bus numbers in line with a hugely increasing number of passengers: the crisis hires which took its place from operator's outside of London in the late 40s saw an often extraordinary variety of vehicles, the scale of which has not been seen in London since. Infrastructure renewal was to gather pace significantly as the years moved on. All of this provides fruitful pictorial and written items for research by the modeller as well as the historian. Green Line services returned, and the end of the trams (which was announced in 1946 for the second time) was seen to fruition in 1952. Towards the end of the period it was at last becoming possible to extend the number of services run, as well as keep pace with the increasing number of vehicles required. Gradually there came about an increasing sense of peaceful normality. However, the era still ends with London's buses..... " continued below

AAP

Published in 2000 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses in the 1950s

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4116-3 - 222mm x 286mm - 184 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above "..... recovering from the ravages of the second Word War, a recovery that was set continue well into the Fifties. The artificial optimism rife in the early part of the decade did little to prevent the pre-wad and austerity fleets lingering in towards the middle of the decade. The end of the clang and clatter of the London trams and their replacement with buses was seen as progress. The tide, perhaps, began to turn with the introduction of the Lowbridge RLH: the then 'new towns' saw a large extension to London's bus operations as London Transport's ability to cope with new demands began to improve. The Trolleybus fleet began its terminal decline in the face of increasingly numbers of the iconic AEC RTs and the birth of the Routemaster: the RF began its period of supremacy in the Country areas, and with the Green Line services.

The optimism of the latter years of the decade was better placed and ultimately heralded the start of what was to become known as..... "
continued below

AAP

Published in 1989 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses in the 1960s

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-8541-4205-4 - 222mm x 286mm - 224 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

continues from above - "...... the swinging Sixties - or at least that's how the decade started for London's buses. This volume records the end of the London trolleybuses, the early optimism of the 'standardised' Routemaster years leading into the decline that heralded one man operation (as it was then called), experimentation, indifferent industrial relations and the reshaping plans, and the increasing problems of poor vehicle availability: many aspects of the facts recorded bring forth some interesting pictorial documentation. The well researched arrival of the Atlanteans and Merlins, and, of course, FRM1 documents what eventually brought forth huge changes to London's bus scene. A detailed set of Appendices show fleet changes through the decade, a compete route listing for 1.1.60 (who remembers LT's Greyhound Express?!), and various other elements of interest completes this mammoth record of London's bus transport history..... unless Ken Glazier is working quietly on an 'in the 1970s' volume - one can but hope!"

AAP

Published in 1998 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Buses 1985 - 1995

Tom McLachlan

ISBN 1-898432-74-0 – 215mm x 298mm – 125 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour and monochrome

“Under the London Regional Transport Act 1984, LT was again brought under central government control. The Act required LT to set up subsidiary companies to run both buses and the Underground. This book looks at the decade of change following the introduction of that act, the background to the act and the way in which the change was implemented is described in detail and is followed by sections on the Operating Companies and Independent Operators. The illustrations are rich with liveries that are no longer with us, e.g. Grey-Green and Capital Citybus The book contains three very interesting appendices, a table of garage histories sorted by garage code, District maps of the main areas from both north and south of the river and finally a table showing the general decline in garages, buses, etc. since 1955.”

BJK

Published in 1996 by Venture Publications
 


London Buses 2003

David Stewart

ISBN 0-85414-268-2 – 212mm x 200mm – 84 pages – Softback
Illustrated in colour

“The nice thing about books like this is not only the fact that they will be a great memory jogger for the future but they also show how much has changed in 3 short years. The book is divided into chapters devoted to each type of bus running in London, e.g. Step-Entrance Double Deckers, Low-Floor Double-Deckers, etc., which means that the book if reproduced today would be light of two chapters as all step-entrance buses have now disappeared from the London scene. It is also remarkable how many liveries have disappeared, either because of TfLs ‘Red Bus’ policy or because others, like Tellings Golden Miller, no longer provide bus services in London. There are additional chapters on Sightseeing Buses and a catch-all ‘Miscellaneous Operations’ which captures Driver Training, Rail Replacement, etc. The pictures are all top quality and have been selected to give a wide coverage of all bus types in operation in London during 2003.”

BJK

Published in 2003 by Capital Transport
 


London Buses - A Brief History

John Reed

ISBN 1-85414-233-X – 218mm x 240mm – 80 pages – Softback
Illustrated in colour and monochrome

“This super little book was produced in conjunction with London’s Transport Museum so its pedigree is assured. The book contains a plethora of information about all things buses in London from the nineteenth century to the current day and from horse drawn vehicles to the modern low-floor buses. There is simply too much information in this book to begin to cover in a short review but it really is a great introduction to the history of London buses. As well as details on the buses themselves there are sections on bus stops, shelters, ticketing and much more. The pictures are well chosen to illustrate the text and as expected some of the vehicles pictured are from the museums own collection, either in regular service or in preservation. A great introduction, it makes you want to find out more.”

BJK

Published in 2000 by Capital Transport
 


London Buses in Colour: 1970s

Kevin McCormack

ISBN 0-7110-2701-3 – 245mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“What separates this book from others of the same era is that it shows buses across the whole of the London Transport area with only a few coming from Central London this enables a wider variety of vehicles and liveries to be explored. On the introduction page there is a rare pictures of one of the London Transport ECW bodied  VRTs  in NBC London Country livery. There is also a further opportunity of another livery for the EFE RMA on route 175 with subtle changes to the placement of the LT roundel and advertising. For the modellers there is a super picture of a Metro Scania single decker in Clapton Pond, that would make an excellent diorama and also another of the class in Stevenage Superbus livery in company with a Leyland National in the same colours. An excellent book with a wide variety of buses liveries and locations.”

BJK

Published in 1999 by Ian Allan
 


London Buses Then and Now

Ian Cowley

ISBN 0-7110-2263-1 – 172mm x 237mm – 128 pages – Softback
Illustrated in monochrome

“I enjoy this type of book which features fascinating archival photographs contrasted with the same scene in a more modern setting. In this case the subject is London buses. What strikes immediately about this book is that some places have changed beyond all recognition, whilst other have changed very little. There are some great contrasts, e.g. an LT at Westminster station in the 40s compared to a ECW bodied Olympian in the 90s. Not all comparisons are so far apart in time but they nevertheless offer interesting comparisons with some superb pictures. Inevitably with the Routemasters spanning 5 decades (within the timescales of the book) some photographs of then and now both contain pictures of them. The book being published in 1994 is not up to date and it would be great to see an updated version for London and also to see similar publications focussing on buses for other cities or areas of the United Kingdom.“

BJK

Published in 1994 by Ian Allan
 


London Bus Handbook, The

Series Editor – Bill Potter

ISBN0-1-904875-44-0 - 150mm x 210mm - 192 pages - Softback
Illustrated in colour

"This is the second edition of The London Bus Handbook from the British Bus Publishing Regional Handbook series. This volume details fleet and garage allocations for operators who provide tendered and commercial services within the region, in this case it is primarily TfL . Included are also details for each of the coach operators who provide significant services within the area, although the decision which to include and exclude does seem confusing. The book is lavishly illustrated with examples from each of the fleets covered.

This book is an excellent snapshot in time, in this case 2004, of the London Bus scene and will become a historical reference in times to come."

BJK

Published in 2004 by British Bus Publishing
 


London Coach Operators In Colour: 1950-1980

Jef Johnson

ISBN 0-7110-2496-0 – 245mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“There have always been a large number of coach operators in London and a few of them are illustrated here between 1950 and 1980. The author tells us that his selection was limited by the small choice available as whilst London buses are frequently photographed coaches have been largely ignored. Having said that the variety in the book is excellent and, whilst the photographs may be limited to London operators, the locations are not constrained by this limitation. Locations such as Oban and Southsea as well as in the capital are included. This was the era of Duple and Plaxton and many varied examples of their coachwork are shown in the book as well of those of Weymann, Willowbrook and Harrington. Van Hool, a common supplier in the 1990s, started supplying the UK in 1969 and an illustration of an early example with Cavalier Coaches is included. The major operators of the period are all covered including Grey Green, Golden Miller, Timpsons and Valiant; many of these have now disappeared from our streets but others, such as Evan Evans can still be found today. Amongst the unusual within this book is a dual entrance AEC Reliance with Plaxton Panorama coachwork.“

BJK

Published in 1996 by Ian Allan
 


London Country Buses – A Colour Portfolio

Michael H. C. Baker

ISBN 0-7110-2730-7 – 247mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“In 1970 London Country Bus Services was created as a subsidiary of the National Bus Company taking over the green Country buses as well as Green Line services. This book covers the two decades spanning this change and takes a circular look at the country services within approximately a 30 mile radius around London. As you would expect the London Transport standard buses, RT, RM and RF are well represented in the book with examples of all of them in both London Transport and NBC liveries. There are also pictures of unexpected buses that were used on London Country services, e.g. AEC Reliance with two door Willowbrook bodywork and Bristol LHS with ECW bodywork. In the 1970s London Country had a severe shortage of buses and borrowed from other parts of the UK and these are also represented with examples from Bournemouth Corporation, Maidstone Borough Corporation and Eastbourne Corporation to name but three. Unusually for such a book there are a few  pictures of service vehicles. One of particular interest is an RF in a yellow and grey livery after conversion to a towing vehicle: it’s not clear from the picture what changes had been made to the rear of the bus to convert it but from the three quarter view provided it shows little change.”

BJK

Published in 2000 by Ian Allan
 


London RLH Remembered, The

Peter Gascoine

ISBN 1-871814-21-9 - 170mm x 240mm - 80 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"As I write (31.1.08) the first release of EFE's delightful RLH casting has very recently been released. The RLH's characteristic upper-deck four-abreast seating with the offside sunken gangway that intruded on the lower saloon made these handsome and distinctive Weymann-bodied vehicles something of a favourite to many a London aficionado. Bought by London Transport from a batch of Midland General vehicles deemed un-required, they replaced a mish-mash of low-bridge vehicles in service with London Transport in 1950-52. The book looks at the complete history of the class until its withdrawal in 1971, and then goes further into some of the vehicles after-lives. A huge collection of pictorial memories, often excellently detailed, many being reproduced for the first time. A complete list of garage allocations for each bus, and then their disposals from LT into further service is followed by a miscellany of further pictures covering re-builds, preservation and special events that encompasses pictures that often intrigue (how many in London will remember the yellow RLH48 in all-over advertising for LBC Radio?). An absorbing book, and worth seeking out."

AAP

Published in 1995 by Roadmaster Publishing
 


London Swifts, The

Ken Russell

ISBN 0-904711-70-6 - 148mm x 210mm - 104 pages - Softback
Illustrated in monochrome

"The story of the first classes of London Transport rear-engined front entrance buses placed in service as the general move to one-man-operated vehicles gathered pace in the 1960s", this book sets out to record the fortunes of the short (33' 5") AEC Swifts during their stay in the capital. Challenging times for LT in the face of declining passenger numbers and staff retention difficulties brought radical solutions - a decline in seating and an associated increase in standing room, automatic fare collection and off-bus tickets sales entered the London scene on a large scale. This detailed book deserves to be better known, for the understanding of the time if offers, as much as the quality of the writing and pictures. All the Swifts come under scrutiny, including the 'South Wales' SMA and SMW class and the SMDs. The ultimate decline and disposals that commenced when the first Leyland Nationals started to appear is documented in depth. Three detailed appendices list the disposals, the SMD conversions and a complete list of vehicle codes." 

AAP

Published in 1985 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Titan, The

Matthew Wharmby

ISBN 0-7110-3299-6 - 222mm x 287mm - 176 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in colour

"This large format book, printed on high-grade glossy paper and illustrated in colour throughout, is true to the London class histories published elsewhere by Ken Blacker and Ken Glazier. London Transport, bitten by the initial failures of the 'Fleetline, Swift and Merlin' era, established close links with Leyland in an effort to produce a 'London' bus once again. In as far as they were able to, it must be adjudged that they succeeded, and the Titans ran in London for a just a few months short of 25 years in regular service. Covering the entire period these classic vehicles were in timetabled service in London, from the B15s right through the troubled history inextricably associated with their role in London Buses Limited and its operating subsidiaries forced upon London Regional Transport in 1985, it makes fascinating reading. Today, Titans still regularly crop up on London's streets in the form of the Rail Replacement Services contracted out to the smaller operators who continue to run the vehicles long after their formal roles in the capital have finished. The quality of the colour pictures in the volume is exemplary, and it came as a surprise to be reminded just how many liveries this class have carried since 1970. Starting with the B15s, and moving through the periods of London Buses Limited and the subsidiaries, the book ends on a bright note as it looks at those vehicles remaining in service 'after London', and offers a brief mention of the Titan models that have been made available over the years by Matchbox and EFE (well done Matthew!). Seven comprehensive appendices wrap up things such as 'Date of delivery, entry into service and initial allocation', 'Garage and routes allocated Titans' and much more. A wonderful book - thoroughly recommended." 

AAP

Published in 2008 by Ian Allan
 

 


London Transport Buses – A Colour Portfolio

R. C. Riley

ISBN 0-7110-2831-1 – 245mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“R.C. Riley is probably best known for his railway photography but it is clear from this book that he was no mean photographer of buses. The majority of the pictures were taken in the 1970’s in and around Central and South East London during the author’s lunchtime. It is amazing that even during the 70’s there was a wide variety of bus types and liveries operating in the Capital. Of course there are pictures of RTs and RMs, but there are also a wide variety of alternative liveries that are available to be modelled, e.g. a City Sightseeing in a striking Union Flag livery, an RM in an all-over advert for Dinky Toys and an RM in the short-lived red and yellow Shop Linker livery. There is a portrait of an RLH giving us a hint of what might be expected from the recently announced EFE RLH casting. In 1975 the new MB, SM and DMS buses were not as reliable as expected and buses were hired in from external operators, e.g. Southend Transport Leyland Titan PD3s with London Transport blinds and a blue RF operated by Continental Pioneer. From the illustrations in this book there are at least 5 possible livery variations for the RMA, including one in Orange livery with a blue trailer.”

BJK

Published in 2001 by Ian Allan
 


London Transport Buses in Colour 1955-1969

Kevin McCormack

ISBN 0-7110-2881-8 – 245mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“When you consider that the Routemaster was the new boy on the block during this period it is remarkable that only four illustrations have them as the main subject and a couple more depict them in the background. The illustrations have been well chosen not only to show the variety of buses and trolleybuses during the period but also to vary the location with pictures from all over the LT area, from Berkhamsted in the north to Biggin Hill in the south and from Ilford in the east to Heathrow in the west and all points in between. There are some fascinating pictures included - for example: an ex Eastern National Bristol L5G in London Transport livery. The RT and RLH buses are well represented within this book as are buses at the end of their working lives such as the 10T10s and TDs. It is good to see that trolleybuses have not been ignored; they must have looked magnificent as they glided on their way along their routes. As always with books of this period the background is also the star, showing that whilst many place have changed beyond all recognition other are little changed, except of course for the vehicles on the road.”

Published in 2002 by Ian Allan

BJK
 


London Transport Bus Garages

John Aldridge

ISBN 0-7110-2812-5 - 178mm x 243mm - 160 pages – Paperback
Illustrated in monochrome

"There are four main sections within this book. The first, a short section, deals with Garage development over the period to the millennium, whilst the second details Garages closed before privatisation in the early 1900s, it is fascinating how time moves on and some of those Garages closed in this section have since reopened, e.g. Walworth.  The main section of the book describes the then current Garages, but rather than by Garage it describes them by Operator from Arriva to Stagecoach, this is an interesting way to lay out the book and for anyone looking for an individual Garage there are two indexes one by Garage name and the other by code. Finally there is a brief section on other operators of London buses, e.g. Epsom Buses, although some of these, e.g. Grey-Green have since disappeared  The illustrations of the Garages manage to cover a wide  range of vehicles, from Trolley buses and RTs to the inevitable RM and on to ALX400s. A fascinating book with excellent illustrations and an excellent addition to any book collection.”

BJK

Published in 2001 by Ian Allan
 


London Transport Bus Garages Since 1948

J. Joyce

ISBN 0-7110-1802-2 - 178mm x 243mm - 112 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"This volume concerns itself with London Transport's central area bus garages, which are detailed in garage code order. It is illustrated by atmospheric black and white pictures, often of the insides of the garages, or the yards that generally cannot be seen by the casual observer. Each garage has a small map showing the location, and a list of route allocations drawn from a number of stated months during the years of operation which nicely trace the ever changing operations. The author is not beyond stepping pictorially outside of his time-constraint, as seen by the picture of B type buses emerging from Holloway Garage in 1912. The concise, yet always informative, text guides the reader through a fascinating area of LT history."

AAP

Published in 1988 by Ian Allan
 


London Transport Coach Hires 1947-49

David Ruddom & Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-854142-59-3 - 148mm x 210mm - 160 pages - Softback
Comprehensively illustrated (monochrome)

A detailed commentary on the coach hires necessitated by lack of available buses and a huge growth in passenger numbers in London in 1947-49. Recollections of the period, a garage by garage analysis, details of each of the companies involved and their contribution to the effort, and a list of the vehicles hired in registration number order.

Published in 2002 by Capital Transport Publishing
 

London Transport Garages

Ken Glazier

ISBN 1-854142-99-2 - 148mm x 210mm - 192 pages - Hardback
Comprehensively illustrated (monochrome)

"The late Ken Glazier will long be remembered for his in-depth histories of all aspects of London Transport and its predecessors. This tome is no exception to his remarkably detailed output. Covering the period from the formation of the LPTB in 1933 until the end in 1969, this book chronologically details the events appertaining to both the Central and the Country area garages in huge depth. Purposefully written, the buildings and the people who were key in their development and/or demise are carefully chronicled, with the vehicles that inhabited them over time playing a peripheral role in the story. Richly illustrated, and with a significant number of diagrams and plans, this volume largely brings together the various threads on the topic that have cropped up in the chronological histories the author previously penned, and then hugely expands on the detail. 30 pages of appendices make a useful 'quick-reference, but, once again, Capital do not provide an index which would have been just so very useful.

Not for the fainthearted, this book is a true work of reference, and one to be dipped into from time to time rather than read as a novel."

AAP

Published in 2006 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London Transport in Exile 1950s and 1960s

Kevin McCormack

ISBN 0-7110-3021-9 – 245mm x 190mm – 80 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in colour

“Because they were so well maintained and often had a good service life ahead of them many London Transport vehicles were sold on to third parties for further use. You certainly don’t have to be a London Transport fan to enjoy this gem of a book showing what happened to some of the buses and trolley buses after they were released from service in the Capital. Not only are there the expected pictures of loved and cared for vehicles under their new ownership but there are also pictures of those that were not so cosseted and sadly left to rot away. There are sad pictures such as that of two STLs used as sheds in Belgium and a forlorn AEC LT Renown in undergrowth in Devon and many other similar examples. What is fascinating is the number of liveries carried by these vehicles and therefore the livery options available for the diecast model makers should they so chose. I could wax on about the evocative pictures in this book of trolleybuses in Spain, RTLs in Yugoslavia and many, many more but I wouldn’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this fascinating book. On a high note some of the vehicles, such as the Renown in Devon have been saved by preservationists so we can still enjoy these buses today.”

BJK

Published in 2004 by Ian Allan
 


London Transport 1933 - 1962

Michael H. C. Baker

ISBN 0-7110-2480-4 - 178mm x 243mm - 128 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"The London Passenger Transport Board came into being on 1st July 1933 and this volume covers the first 30 years of its existence with a section for each year. It starts very upbeat with news of the ‘new’ Feltham Trams and the ‘new’ STL bus and follows on into 1934 with the introduction of the Q double deckers; there is an illustration of the inside of one of these buses and it doesn’t compare with today’s relatively austere trim. The war years are included and there are pictures of buses on loan from Manchester and Trent as well as pictures of some of the damage sustained during the Blitz. As far as buses are concerned two significant types introduced during this period are included, namely the introduction of the RT and RM buses two icons of the bus world. There are also many pictures of trams, trolleybuses and underground trains as well as a few of London’s commuter lines. This book crams in a lot of history in a few pages and is a superb introduction to the history of LT.”

BJK

Published in 1996 by Ian Allan
 


London Transport Since 1963

Michael H. C. Baker

ISBN 0-7110-2481-2 - 178mm x 243mm - 128 pages – Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"The book is divided into sections one for each year from 1963 to 1995. As you would expect from such a book that covers lot of news over a long period of time there is little detail on each subject, but it is an excellent quick reference guide and also a great reminder of changes to London Transport, both buses and Underground throughout these years. When I need more information on a particular subject it is no problem to look on the web or in books that specialise in the area of interest. If I have one criticism it is the reproduction quality of the pictures; it might simply be that they are colour pictures which have not taken kindly to being shown in black and white. Having said that the pictures have some great content and illustrate the text well.”

BJK

Published in 1997 by Ian Allan
 


London's 1950s Buses - A Class Album

John A. Gray

ISBN 978-1-85414-328-0 - 256mm x 224mm - 104 pages - Hardback
Illustrated mainly in colour

"The third of John Gray's 'Class Albums', and possibly the best yet. Almost completely illustrated in colour (no mean feat for the period), the book chronicles a period of huge diversity in London's bus scene. From the very first picture, the startling sight of Leeds 201 in service on route 61 at Well Hall station with it's one-off Weymann 'streamline' body in post-war grey, to the very last, a smartly turned out blue and white Daimler CVD6 in service with Premier Travel at Kings Cross coach station awaiting its return to Haverhill on the 38, the pages are full of surprises. The Utility Daimler days at Morden are well illustrated, along with features on the STLs, Ts, Post-war RTs, RTLs and RTWs, TDs, RLHs, the RM prototypes, and much more. One particular aspect of the volume brings the whole book to life - there are many fascinatingly detailed personal reminiscences. Ted Hearne's memories of the trip to the USA and Canada undertaken by RT2775, RT2776 and RTL1307, John Churchman's memories of driving and conducting, Ken Blacker's days as a clerk with London Transport and Alan Gunter's recollection as the driver of the RT that jumped the gap on Tower Bridge are but a small selection of chapters that ensure this book stands out from the many London Transport picture books already published. The 1958 bus strike brings together an extraordinary collection of pictures, among them ex-Leicester Corporation's AEC Renown and City Coach Company's Leyland Tiger TS7D six-wheelers. One of the best London Transport bus books published for quite some time - go and buy it! "

AAP

Published in 2009 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London's 1960s Buses - A Class Album

John A. Gray

ISBN 978-1-85414-319-8 - 256mm x 224mm - 96 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in colour and monochrome

"After a brief résumé, the final decade of London's buses being run as a single entity begins with pictures of the last of the 'pre-war' RTs on driver training duties. This book is through-composed, the picture's moving seamlessly from RTs to RTLs, and onwards to RTWs, RLHs, the RM family (including FRM1), and the the early Atlanteans/Fleetlines. The relentless march towards OMO working pauses briefly to view the lowbridge AEC Renown demonstrator and the Strachens-bodied Thames Traders for Dartford Tunnel cycle carrying, as well as BEA's one-and-a-half deck Park Royal-bodied AEC Regal IVs, AEC Regent V and the RMAs. Moving into single deckers, the tale starts with the last of the Ts/TDs and moves smoothly through the GSs, RFs and RFWs, before the Merlins and Swifts start to arrive in significant numbers. Of particular interest is a 1963 Park Royal drawing for a front entrance rear exit standee bus being considered for the central area, and a double page spread recalling the Willowbrook-bodied Reliance RW and RC vehicles.

The wonderful photographs refreshingly, and often tantalisingly, allow the background some space which adds hugely to the nostalgia value. More please!!"

AAP

Published in 2008 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London’s Classic Buses in Black and White

John A Gray

ISBN 1-85414-239-9 - 228mm x 257mm - 96 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"If you’re looking for a history of London buses this is not the book for you, it is purely and simply a collection of black and white photographs of London buses, mainly of  the RT and RM family going about their everyday duties in the capital. The illustrations are of excellent quality and very well chosen and there is much to be seen in the background of many of the pictures, e.g. a Daimler ambulance attending a bus accident in 1959. The pictures were all taken post Second World War up to 2000. It can always be argued which of all the London Buses are the classics but what cannot be argued is the quality of the illustrations in this book, they are all excellent quality complete with informative text.”

BJK

Published in 2001 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London’s Golden Jubilee Buses

David Stewart

ISBN 1-85414-264-X – 210mm x 200mm – 80 pages – Softback
Illustrated in colour

“As part of the celebrations to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, fifty London buses were turned out in gold livery during 2002. There were 12 RMLs, 3 RMs, 15 Tridents with  both Alexander and Plaxton bodywork, 10 Olympians, 6  Volvo B7TLs, two DAFs, a Volvo Citybus and a Titan, in addition RT4712 was turned out in Gold livery and used on a number of routes through the capital. Because of time limitations the buses had vinyl panels attached rather than being painted, although areas not suitable for vinyls were painted gold. This book is a celebration of those 50 buses with pictures of each of them in normal everyday service plus an introduction as to the processes used to plan and implement. There is also space dedicated to the single Gold RT with pictures of it on the various routes it served. The pictures are excellent and selected to display the buses at their best. This is an excellent memory of those buses.”

BJK

Published in 2002 by Capital Transport
 


London's Last Routemasters

David Stewart

ISBN 1-85414-295-X - 222mm x 254mm - 120 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in full colour

"We can all recall the slow running down of London's historic Routemaster fleet, and this beautifully illustrated book is more than a fitting tribute to this most iconic of British Buses, following the final operations as one by one the last crew operated routes were converted to one person operation. As well as chronicling the last routes, there are other incidental chapters, including an excellent set of photographs of RM's at night by Phillip Wallis, the Routemaster 50 event, Piccadilly - The Last Stronghold, Great Routemaster Journeys, and of course Last Day Guests, illustrating some of the wide variety of preserved vehicles which helped out as each route ended its days under Routemaster operation."

SJM

Published in 2006 by Capital Transport Publishing
 


London's Transport

Ed. Robin Jones

ISBN t.b.c. - 210mm x 297mm - 132 pages - Softback
Illustrated colour (picture shown of an early mock-up cover)
An
exclusive WH Smith special distributed solely through WH Smith branches

The Thames and ships/paddlesteamers
Brunel’s Thames Tunnel
Early horse buses and cabs
Early railways
The coming of the main line railway and the building of the great London terminii
How the railways created the docks
Trams
The building of the underground
The first motor buses
The growth of Metroland
Transport in World War Two
Trolleybuses
Postwar buses
The Routemaster
Cabs
The expansion of London underground
Modernisation of the railway network
Docklands Light Railway and the Croydon Tram
A history of London’s airports
The new St Pancras
Crossrail and future plans
London Transport in preservation; the LT museum and other venues
Models

Published in 2008 by Ian Allan Publishing
 


London's Utility Buses

Ken Blacker

ISBN 1-8541-4198-8 - 222mm x 286mm - 176 pages - Hardback
Illustrated in monochrome

"Whilst the RT was become the largest fleet of standardised buses in the world, only RT1 entered service before the onset of war. The restrictions in supplies and manpower seen almost immediately as a result saw 756 buses enter service, from 1st December 1941 onwards, under often austere utility conditions, with bodies and chassis that were the complete antithesis of London Transport's desire for standardisation. It makes for a fascinating story, richly illustrated and told in the usual Blacker style with great and deeply researched detail. It says much for London Transport that so many of these vehicles continued their working lives for many years after leaving the London fleet, both in the United Kingdom and overseas. A rich harvest for the model hobbyist with an interest in the Leylands, Guys, Bristols and Daimlers of an extraordinary period".

AAP

Published in 1997 by Capital Transport Publishing


London's Wartime Gas Buses

A.G. Newman

ISBN 1-8541-4194-5 - 210mm x 148m - 64 pages - Softback
Illustrated in monochrome

"After a passing mention of the Blackpool St. Annes & Lytham Tramways compressed gas propulsion system of 1896, this book starts in earnest with the gas-run buses of the first world war, before moving into the main subject matter of WWII. Although dealing with a very narrow subject matter, the author has excelled in what he set out to achieve. A surprising number of hugely detailed period photographs have been bought together to illustrate a means of propulsion that was not at all limited at all to the streets of London. Reproductions of ephemera from the time (the memorable instruction to the driver to "Poke fire briskly" if the engine is pulling badly) enlighten us further. This volume has much to benefit the model bus builder, with not only it's detailed pictures of the gas producing trailers, but some quite detailed line drawings as well. The story ends (much to my surprise) as late as 1955. An appendix listing all the buses converted for gas operation during the war completes the volume. Thoroughly absorbing reading."

AAP

Published in 1997 by Capital Transport Publishing
 

 

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