Turnpike Lane Bus Garage, Early Seventies

Comment by StephenBln on December 27, 2011 at 20:46

The roof was added to Turnpike Lane Bus Station in 1968 in readiness for the Wood Green 'Flat-Fare Routes W1-W6' Satellite scheme (commenced 07/09.1968). This was the first Flat-Fare scheme in London. The W3 is the only survivor of the original six routes.

In the bus station (from left to right) are two AEC Merlin type buses (MB) in service from 1968-75/6. Two Routemasters (RM), one with a very early body with non-opening front upper deck windows (built 1959/60), as well as a later version with opening windows. Notice also the position of the number plates on the RMs (not integrated into the radiator cover on the later post 1963 version).  As well as Dailmler Fleetline (DMS) in the background.

Comment by StephenBln on December 27, 2011 at 22:52

The differences between non-and opening front windows illustrated here on FRM1 (Front Entrance Routemaster) from 1966 and RM1 from 1954. http://www.flickr.com/photos/isarsteve/4883553646/lightbox/

Comment by Geoff Dent on January 1, 2012 at 16:26

Unfortunately I cannot add to the technical info provided by Stephen but I have a litle story about the building of the bus station as seen in my late father's photo.  Dad was an inspector at Turnpike Lane for many years including the time when the roof was being built.  The pillars were put in place and liquid concrete then poured around them to secure them and the roof (when added later).  These pourings were sealed off by low fencing and attracted a small audience and on one occasion there was an elderly lady in the group who watched fascinated as the concrete flowed into the hole.  As the last bit went in one of the workmen removed part of the barricade so that he could get out.  Unfortunately the lady then went in and tried to walk across the very wet concrete - needless to say she just sank in and had to be hauled out rather unceremoniously by several men including Dad as the concrete was the quick-setting variety.  The "rescuers" then had a problem, how to clean her up before any real damage was caused.  The solution was the hose used for the buses.   You can probably imagine the scene - I have this great mental image of intending passengers entering the station to be met with the sight of several men hosing down an elderly lady - no wonder someone invented YouTube.....

Comment by Nick Hare on January 6, 2012 at 23:25

This photo is lacking to the tune of (1) Reg Varney and (2) a saucy clippie with a hand-cranked rotary ticket dispenser.  But otherwise it's great.

Comment by Geoff Dent on January 7, 2012 at 17:35

Thank you for the amusing comments Nick - I don't know if you are aware but the opening sequence of "On the buses" was actually filmed at the old "green" bus garage (National??) off Lordship Lane (Redvers Road/Buller Rd) just a few minutes walk from Turnpike Lane.  The ticket machines you mention had another use, conductors were known to hold them rather than use them in the harnes provided as they could be used as an effective "cosh" if things got lively.  They could be almost lethal!  Finally, just a bit more trivia, I am now acquainted with Reg Varney's cousin - it's a small world! 

Comment by StephenBln on January 7, 2012 at 17:55

I once had trouble on the 'back' of my bus at Liverpool Street Stn - two drunken city workers started a fight with the conductor (didn't want to pay a 20p fare)  - opposite a CoL police station - I radioed for the Police and they almost immediately rushed out of the station and on to the bus.

After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing the police carried my conductor off and charged him of using his Gibson (ticket machine) as a weapon..  Still those two drunks got more than they bargained for..

Comment by Nick Hare on January 7, 2012 at 18:00

Does the old bus garage on Lordship Lane still exist?

Comment by Hugh on January 7, 2012 at 18:33

Long gone. It was here.

Comment by StephenBln on January 7, 2012 at 19:33

You may also be interested in the operating side of the operation of route 251 http://www.signal-training.com/ebeg/Archive/251.htm and of the City Bus route.. http://www.sct61.org.uk/route251.htm

My parents and grandparents always referred to the bus service from Tottanham to Southend as the 'City Bus' route - years after Eastern National had taken it over.

Comment by Geoff Dent on January 8, 2012 at 17:35

I am pleased to see the amount of mail my late Dad's pictures have generated - I think he would have been quite chuffed!  Bearing in mind the location of Hugh's photos (above) we seem to have our own little "Spouters Corner" going on!!  Thanks for the interest.

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