Picture of the Week [W/B - 07.04.2014]

Metroline TE1571 LK08 is seen outside White City Station in a refurbished state having just completed its journey along the Uxbridge Road Gateway. The 607 is one of a few express routes operating in London, but unlike the others it hasn't been subject to much change apart from the extension to White City from Shepherd's bush which came with the opening of Westfield Shopping Centre in October 2008.

TE1571 LK08 FNE in new money started its life at Northumberland Park (NP) as DN33503 as per Route 179 contract, however in 2009 it moved over to Greenford Garage (G) as a TN went in the other direction. It was easier to spot as opposed to the other DNs as it had the old orange fluorescent logo.

More recently it has been transferred to Uxbridge Garage (UX) now operated by Metroline West, where it has been integrated into the existing batch of TEs at the garage whose bonnet numbers run from, TE1571 - 1582. The batch is currently being refurbished as per 607 contract, the refurbishment will see the inclusion the following

• Removal of Silver tree deflectors and replaced with red ones
• The inclusion of black matting around the near and offside windows
• The inclusion of garage codes 
• Metroline seat moquette
• Roundels as standard

The hubcaps still remain on some vehicles but are expected to be removed in due course. However the vehicles still retain their purple back seats complete with the aqua handrails, albeit with Metroline seat moquette. Definitely one to look out for. A similar job has been done on Go Ahead, Northumberland Park based EN4.

TE1582 LK08 FND is another vehicle which has been refurbished to a similar specification although it is still devoid of fleetnames, a picture has been placed below.

Refurbished Metroline TE1582 LK08 FND