Cleveland Transit's last L500 class Fleetlines c1987/8.
12th August 2008

In 1987, a year before the formation of the 500 Group, I was on a quest to photograph as much of the Cleveland Transit Fleet as I could. I had actually started photographing Transit buses on and off from1983, but it was only at the end of that decade that I was able to devote the time available to my quest in any depth .
The oldest Buses at that time were the L5xx class Daimler Fleetlines which had been new in the early seventies, and had once numbered seventy six vehicles. By the end of 1987, these buses were down to a handfull of active individuals, and I particularly sought after these. In November 87, I acquired my first pass to go round Stockton and Middlesbrough Depots, only to find out that all the L5xx were now out of service except for three, namely L560, L569. and L544. These three I chased allover Teesside, only once did I get two of them on the same picture, however, this little collection will show what did I manage to achieve at a time when I was employed in a job where I had very little time available. When the 500 Group was formed in November 88, two of the three were out of service, L560 (my particular favourite), and L569 (the group's original choice as it was in better overall condition) leaving just one example (L544) in service. L560/9 were cannibalised and scrapped very soon after withdrawl, so L544 was the one which was secured for preservation, and the rest as they say, is History. Anyway, hope you enjoy my efforts to record the last of the L500's.

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A view taken over the fence at Stockton, with L544 shown sandwiched between Bristol VR's H114 & H113 in 1987.
A view taken over the fence at Stockton, with L544 shown sandwiched between Bristol VR's H114 & H113 in 1987.
 This suprising find (from a 10p box) shows L544 at Busway's Byker Depot in 1988, whilst she was in use as a PSV Trainer. I wasn't aware that she got that far in those days.
This suprising find (from a 10p box) shows L544 at Busway's Byker Depot in 1988, whilst she was in use as a PSV Trainer. I wasn't aware that she got that far in those days.
 L544 stands in the crock yard with rebodied Atlantean H48, and Leyland Fleetline H126 during August 1988 whilst she was in storage awaiting purchase.
L544 stands in the crock yard with rebodied Atlantean H48, and Leyland Fleetline H126 during August 1988 whilst she was in storage awaiting purchase.
 L552 complete with period advert stands withdrawn at Stockton Depot in the company of several other withdrawn L500's. My car usually parks on this spot now. Hallowed Ground!
L552 complete with period advert stands withdrawn at Stockton Depot in the company of several other withdrawn L500's. My car usually parks on this spot now. Hallowed Ground!
This view of L560 dates back to 1985, I was cycling to a friends in Roseworth, when I was passed by the Recovery Tender G16, which turned left ahead of me. I followed it, and found L560 broken down around the corner. Thus I acquired my first view of L560, (and G16).
This view of L560 dates back to 1985, I was cycling to a friends in Roseworth, when I was passed by the Recovery Tender G16, which turned left ahead of me. I followed it, and found L560 broken down around the corner. Thus I acquired my first view of L560, (and G16).
 My good friend Mr Richard Smiles who was at the Depot on my first visit, very kindly arranged for L569 to be brought out of the line up in order that we could photograph it. This is the result.That was almost twenty years ago, thanks Richard!
My good friend Mr Richard Smiles who was at the Depot on my first visit, very kindly arranged for L569 to be brought out of the line up in order that we could photograph it. This is the result.That was almost twenty years ago, thanks Richard!
 L569 stands between Fleetline H124, and Bristol VR H112, in Nov 1987 on my first ever visit to Stockton Depot.
L569 stands between Fleetline H124, and Bristol VR H112, in Nov 1987 on my first ever visit to Stockton Depot.
 I photographed L552, whilst standing on a stool which I had brought from home in order to record the period advert on it's side, over the wall at Sockton Depots fence in 1987. When I turned round again to get down, there was a bloke standing there giving me a funny look! Anyway I got the picture!
I photographed L552, whilst standing on a stool which I had brought from home in order to record the period advert on it's side, over the wall at Sockton Depots fence in 1987. When I turned round again to get down, there was a bloke standing there giving me a funny look! Anyway I got the picture!
A visit to the depot (at 2.00am!) found L560 in the main shed with the engine ripped out, and the bus being prepared for the crock yard. Needless I was quite upset, as L560 had been my favourite, as it was the one that I always saw on most occasions,(even before the L500's became scarce)
A visit to the depot (at 2.00am!) found L560 in the main shed with the engine ripped out, and the bus being prepared for the crock yard. Needless I was quite upset, as L560 had been my favourite, as it was the one that I always saw on most occasions,(even before the L500's became scarce)
 L560's remains were dumped in the crockyard where they were shortly joined by L569. Both were to make that long journey to the Barnsley scrapyards.
L560's remains were dumped in the crockyard where they were shortly joined by L569. Both were to make that long journey to the Barnsley scrapyards.
 L569 seen leaving Middlesbrough Bus Station in 1988 on a 37 service to Park End. I managed to follow this all the way up to North Tees Hospital, and in due course, the other pictures will make their way onto this collection.
L569 seen leaving Middlesbrough Bus Station in 1988 on a 37 service to Park End. I managed to follow this all the way up to North Tees Hospital, and in due course, the other pictures will make their way onto this collection.
 L544 in Service on the 19 Hemlington Circular in 1987.
L544 in Service on the 19 Hemlington Circular in 1987.
L569 seen on the top of Billingham Bank whilst working a 53 service to Low Grange in 1988. Note the TMS Leopard behind.
L569 seen on the top of Billingham Bank whilst working a 53 service to Low Grange in 1988. Note the TMS Leopard behind.
 L560 heading towards Stockton on the Buggy in 1987.
L560 heading towards Stockton on the Buggy in 1987.
L544 heads towards Stockton on a 37 North Tees Hospital service in 1988.
L544 heads towards Stockton on a 37 North Tees Hospital service in 1988.
 This was the only time that I managed to capture the last two survivors (L544 & L569) together on film. This was in October 1987.
This was the only time that I managed to capture the last two survivors (L544 & L569) together on film. This was in October 1987.
L560 seen leaving the depot whilst on staff buggy duties in 1987.
L560 seen leaving the depot whilst on staff buggy duties in 1987.
© 1998-2009 Mr Chris Hall - All copyrights rest with the Author
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