Capital Radio - Into 21st Century
Over the years Capital has used many different vehicles to house a mobile studio for music based shows on the road.
One promotional OB vehicle was a Winnebago motorhome kitted out with studio facilities and known as the Cruiser.
Ex London bus mobile studio, August 2006
The bus studio layout, August 2006
Over the years there have been some interesting incidents associated with the various ex London buses Capital has used as a mobile studio facility. There was the time when an over enthusiastic presenter tried to invite a baby elephant to board the bus. Unfortunately the platform wasn't strong enough to support the animal's weight. Then there was the time when the police stopped the driver for using a bus lane, probably correctly because the vehicle wasn't in Public Service use at the time. It's likely that, after the event, the Capital management at the time considered that the publicity resulting from being prosecuted for driving a bus in a bus lane would have been well worth the cost of any fine. However, if I remember correctly, after some discussion the police (this was before Crown Prosecution Service days) decided not to proceed with the case, preferring a meaningful discussion with those involved.
OB links have now gone digital, via a satellite up-link, with typical power levels of 100kW EIRP thanks to a high gain dish.
Capital's trailer mounted satellite OB link aerial dishes, August 2006