LTSV Photo View

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This is the first photo added to LTSV from the CDS photo albums that were donated by staff at Acton Works in mid-2024. Many more will be added over time, but you can also download the complete albums from the Articles section (within the 'More' menu). Taken probably in the late 1940s or early 1950s at an unknown location (possibly Rye Lane, going by the painted allocations), three service vehicles are visible, all of which were connected with trams and trolleybuses. The photo was labelled as showing AEC Regent 1000 gal Water Tanker 742J, which is fortunate as we would not have been able to identify the vehicle on the right otherwise. Perhaps unfortunately, this appears to be the only photograph in existence of this vehicle. Converted from double-deck bus STL332 in 1948, its function was actually as a conduit cleaner, being used to pump water into the tramway power conduits to remove rubbish and debris. 742J replaced the last of the steam-powered conduit cleaners and remained in stock (along with two similar vehicles converted from T-class AEC Regals in 1938) until May 1953. Parked behind is tower wagon 728J, also converted from an STL (401) in 1948. Tower wagons were used to enable access to tram and trolleybus overhead wiring, for repairs or alterations. 728J was one of a dozen converted in 1948/1949 and it was primarily based at Bowles Road. While the first two vehicles were converted from double-deck buses, the third looks like one but was actually rebuilt from a single-decker! 114W was originally AEC Regal coach T320, being rebuilt as an overhead wire lubricator in 1938. It was given an open-top upper deck and fitted with two poles that had equipment on the ends that would coat the wires with graphite. Note that the poles also have a spot-light each, to enable use at night or in fog. The livery was red with two cream bands, and a large Trolleybus roundel was carried on the front panels. More photos of 114W, including interior views, can be found in the CDS photo albums recently uploaded to LTSV.
Photographer:		Photo ID:	7937
Photo date:	c.1950	Size:	Regular. An extra large copy of this photo is available.
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Date added:	22/11/2024