The larger bus operators, whether municipal or company owned, have traditionally trained their own new drivers. Normally older vehicles from the fleet were retained and adapted for training, adorned with 'L' plates. In earlier days they would usually just retain fleet livery. Sometimes they might receive a separate livery, to warn other road users. When the National Bus Company introduced corporate liveries of red or green for its fleets, many of their constituent companies used yellow for their training and service vehicles. Then, as recruitment became more difficult from around the 1980s, colourful liveries with invitational recruitment slogans tended to appear and this has continued since. Rather surprisingly, companies often bought in buses for training from other companies rather than converting their own, and these might be types not otherwise represented in their fleet.This book looks at a variety of training vehicles from around the country over the last fifty years, including examples that have survived into preservation.

Bus Company Training Vehicles

Engineering & Transportation

Batten, Malcolm

Transportation

Amberley Publishing

Bus Company Service Vehicles

Buses: Another Life

The London to Brighton Historic Commercial Vehicle Run: 1971-1995

Rail Replacement Buses: London and the South East

River Thames Dockland Heritage: London Bridge to Greenwich

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

Minibus Mania: The Rise and Fall of Minibuses 1970s–1990s

London's docks were once the busiest in Britain. They had developed piecemeal from the beginning of the nineteenth century as the existing riverside wharves became too congested and pilfering became rife. Dock systems were built on both sides of the Thames.The largest group, 'The Royals' comprising the Royal Victoria, Royal Albert and King George V docks, created the greatest enclosed dock area in the world. Changes in cargo handling methods, such as containerisation, led to all new developments being concentrated at Tilbury from the late 1960s and the closure of the London docks, along with nearly all of the private riverside wharves and canal wharves. The London Docklands Development Corporation was set up to redevelop the dock sites.So what replaced the docks, and what remains to remind us of what was there before? This book follows the Thames Path, which has opened up much of what was once a largely hidden world, from Greenwich to Rainham and Erith to examine the changes and the heritage that remains on both sides of the river. Also included is the network of rivers, canals and sewers in East London that linked into and made use of the Thames. Finally, it looks at Tilbury on the north bank, where the docks are now concentrated, and Gravesend on the south side, a town with long maritime connections to London.

River Thames Dockland Heritage: Greenwich to Tilbury and Gravesend

Secret Newham delves into the fascinating but often quirky and curious history of the towns that make up the borough of Newham in East London. From the origins of place names, memorials and street names to tales behind past and present industries and businesses, the origins of the area's growth and wealth are revealed. Docks and shipping played a vital role until recent decades and other forms of transport also shaped the area, not least the railways in Stratford. The two World Wars changed the face of much of Newham and many repurposed buildings can be found behind new facades. Newham's parks and green spaces also have a story to tell and here sport has played a significant role, not least with hosting much of the 2012 London Olympics.With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Newham will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this corner of London.

Secret Newham

The borough of Newham in East London was largely built up from the 1800s onwards. Early industry on the river included tide mills and the Royal Docks and their ancillary services provided employment. Large areas of housing also followed the building of the railways with new industries and commerce developing in the area. Transport is still conspicuous in the landscape, not least at Stratford. The municipal pride of this era can be seen in the civic buildings in centres such as East Ham and elsewhere, as well as the public utilities. Culture and recreation, and places of worship, are also in evidence in buildings around the borough and the regeneration of recent decades following the closure of the docks and the 2012 London Olympics also define Newham.Newham in 50 Buildings explores the history of this fascinating area of East London through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Newham or who have an interest in the area.

Newham in 50 Buildings

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Books by Batten, Malcolm