Class - Type information

for
London Transport Executive (LTE) Trams 1948 - 1952.

To assist todays newcomers in understanding the differing styles of tramcars, the following unofficial classifications have been used, as it is still possible to obtain both the original and the reprints of the Ian Allan's "ABC of London Transport, Part 2 Trams and Trolleybuses" in either the first (1948) or the second (1959) editions. Ian Allan first published during WW2, "ABC of London Transport Services" edited by Mr Barrington-Tatford. As the then London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) just grouped variations under generic headings based on former municipal and company practices, it became necessary to devise a recognition system for the then increasing enthusiast interest in London Transport (LT). This was an attempt to match the simplicity found within the bus, trolleybus and underground vehicle recognition.

LTE showed its classification system with the fleet number painted in white on the bottom right corner (platform end) of the lower saloon waist panels. In fact only E1, E3, HR2, ME3, UCC were used irrespective of variations. Where not in these classes/types (UCC being ex-company were always 'type' not 'class'), a car would just have its fleet number shown.

More infomation will be presented here as the site develops to show how the companies and municipal operators (in London) handled differing types of car under their control.

London Transport Licensed Tramcars for Revenue Service
CCT E1	Croydon class E1
CCT E1R	Croydon class E1 rehabilitated
EH	East Ham class E1
E1	All LCC 1st. 2nd, 3rd series
E1R	rehabilitated with flat roof
E1X	rebuild with domed roof
E1XX	rehabilitated with domed roof
E1XXX	class E body on E1 Equipment
E3	all LCC and Leyton cars
E3	former conduit only HR2 (*)
E3	Leyton cars on E1 equipment
HR2	all LCC cars
HR2	conduit only cars
HR2 EXP	LCC No 1 / Bluebird
HR2R	rehabilitated new or E1 upper deck
K	Walthamstow 1st & 2nd series class E1
ME3	LCC rebuild of class M four wheeler
UCC	all Feltham types
UCC	all Feltham types no vent panels
UCC EXP	MET experimental car No 2
WH	West Ham types F and G

Notes:

(*) Conduit only fitted i.e. no trolley pole fitted for overhead current collection as with all other cars
(o) Five UCC Felthams did not receive air ventilatior panels and channels to the understairs resistance boxes.
(x) Three Leyton cars had their bogies replaced by E1 type which had originally built to carry the plough carrier. These were the only E1 type that could be fitted to cars with central body mounted plough carriers.
Not listed is the Museum car 290 (ex-West Ham type D) which was the only four wheeled passenger car owned by LTE. All the other passenger cars were eight wheel on two bogies whilst all the works cars were on four wheel trucks.

London Transport Licensed Tramcars for Non Revenue Service
B Snowbroom	C Snowbroom
C Stores Van	H Rail Grinder
J small Stores van	K Large stores Van
L Wheel Carrier	Staff (*)

Notes:

(*) passenger cars used for Charlton CRD Staff

Road Vehicles
Breakdown	Breakdown Tenders
Tower	Tower Waggons

By C. Withey - ed. J. Wills

© Copyright John R. Prentice Software 2015-2023. Wills photo copyright TLRS.

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