A RUISLIP-born enthusiast has co-written a book on the capital’s bus fleet in the 1970s.

Prohibited from designing its own buses for the gruelling conditions of the capital, LT was compelled to orders standard national models during.

For one reason or another, they proved to be disastrous failures in London and were disposed of prematurely at a great loss.

Despite a continuing spares shortage, combined with industrial action, LT soldiered on with the venerable RT and Routemaster models.

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John Laker was born in Ruislip and began to take an interest in London’s buses in the late 1940s, while Matthew Wharmby is an author, photographer and editor who specialises in London bus history.

In 1957, Laker bought a camera to start colour photography. Initially, he concentrated on photographing the disappearing British trams and trolley buses.

Mid-career, he joined London Transport, based at Chiswick Works, and remained with them - and later London Buses Limited - where he held the position of Contracts Manager, until taking severance in 1995.

London Buses 1970-80 by Matthew Wharmby and John Laker is published by Pen and Sword Transport in hardback at £25.