Take a pictorial ride on red buses/trams back in time
Author: Ian Allan
Kerry McQueeny highlights local interest in a book that features trams, trolleybuses and motor buses in post-war scenes.
Tamworth Road, Croydon, now echoes to the sound of trams again. Until 1935, London's last open-top trams ran here. In this view taken in March 1957, trolley-bus No. 457 is seen operating the second longest trolley-bus route 630, from West Croydon to Harlesden.
This view of Anerley Road, with Crystal Palace radio mast in the distance, features a B1-type short trolley-bus, No. 66, built in 1935. This class was fitted with special braking apparatus for use on South London hilly route 654.
North End, Croydon, before pedestrianisation. Despite an interval of 55 years, half the retailers in Allders block still trade there including : Allders, H. Samuel and Burtons (stone frontage to the left of flags, occupied since construction in 1926). The Scala cinema is no more having reverted to allders. Trees and benches now occupy this section of road.
TRansport anoraks will be able to relive the golden age of the tram and trolley-bus in Croydon in a new book which brings to life the post-war images of London's red buses.
Croydon's role in the changing face of public transport is featured in the book, Streets of London, which was published last month.
Readers are taken on a pictorial journey through the history of the capitals evolving bus and transports them to a world with minimal traffic, no litter or graffiti and little road markings - sights which road markings - sights which are alien in today's Croydon streets.
Streets of London is the portrayal, in colour, of the capital's trams, trolley-buses and motor buses in post-war scenes which convey the atmosphere of the era.
Trolley-buses were introduced primarily to replace trams because, having electric traction, they were able to use much of the tram infrastructure. The electric tram, successor of the horse tram, had entered London service in 1901.
But despite upgrading and the introduction of some new vehicles the system was, by the mid-1930's, becoming time-expired and inconvenient.
Trams normally travelled down the centre of the road, causing the centre of the road, causing traffic congestion and risking passenger safety.
Trolley-buses not being confined to rails, offered increased speed and comfort, as well as being able to pull up, like buses, at the kerb. But, like trams, they could not overtake one another.
The book's author Kevin McCormack, who lives in Ashtead, is no stranger to London Transport history.
He is already the author of three other books dedicated to the London bus.
Streets of London is priced £14.99, published by Ian Allan Publishing, ISBN number 0711027749.