London Underground 1960 Stock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 1960 Stock
1960 Stock at Grange Hill
Stock type	Deep-level tube
Line served	Central line  (1960-1994)
Manufacturer	Cravens
Number in service	2 cars (Departmental)
Number preserved	2 cars
Operator	London Underground
Specifications
Car length	52 ft 0+3⁄8 in (15.86 m)
Width	8 ft 6+1⁄4 in (2.597 m)
Height	9 ft 5+1⁄2 in (2.883 m)
Doors	Two double-leaf, One single-leaf
Weight	26.89 long tons (27.32 t; 30.12 short tons)

The London Underground 1960 Stock was a special type of train. It was built to test new ideas for the London Underground's Central Line. These trains were like a test version before building many more.

What was the 1960 Stock?

The 1960 Stock was a small group of electric trains. They were made for the London Underground, also known as the Tube. These trains were called "prototype" trains. This means they were built to try out new designs and technologies. They helped engineers decide what features to use in future trains.

Only a few of these trains were ever made. They were used to see how well new ideas worked in real life. This was important for making better and safer trains for everyone.

Why were these trains built?

The London Underground needed new trains for its busy lines. The 1960 Stock was part of this plan. Engineers wanted to test new ways to build train doors. They also wanted to try out different ways to arrange seats inside.

These trains were a step towards modernizing the Tube. They helped decide the design for the next big group of trains, the 1962 Stock. It was like a science experiment on wheels!

Where did the 1960 Stock run?

The 1960 Stock trains mainly ran on the Central line. This is one of the busiest lines on the London Underground. They started running there in 1960.

Even though they were prototypes, they carried passengers. They helped transport people around London for many years. They were a common sight on the Central Line until 1994. After that, newer trains took their place.

Sometimes, these trains were also used for special jobs. They helped test tracks on other lines, like the District line. This shows how useful these test trains were.

What made them special?

The 1960 Stock trains had some unique features. They were designed as "deep-level tube" trains. This means they were built to fit into the narrow tunnels of the Tube.

One important test was about the doors. Some cars had two double doors and one single door. This was to see the best way for people to get on and off quickly. The trains were also built by a company called Cravens. They were known for making railway carriages.

These trains were also quite light. Each car weighed about 26.89 long tons. This helped them move smoothly through the tunnels.

What happened to the 1960 Stock?

The 1960 Stock trains were used for a long time. They helped London Underground learn a lot about train design. By 1994, they were retired from passenger service. This means they stopped carrying everyday passengers.

However, some of these trains were not scrapped. Two cars were kept for special purposes. They became "departmental" trains. This means they were used by the London Underground for maintenance and testing. They helped check the tracks and equipment.

Two cars have also been preserved. This means they are saved and looked after. They are a reminder of an important time in the London Underground's history. They show how trains have changed over the years.

Images for kids

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  Inside a 1960 tube stock Driving Motor car.

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  1960 tube stock trailer at Hainault station. The D means it had de-icer equipment.

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  1960 tube stock trailer at Hainault station. This car had no end doors.

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  Inside 1960 tube stock trailer No. 4905.

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  A red 1960 stock train heading for Ongar in 1990.

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  The Track Recording Train, made of 1960 Stock and a 1973 Stock car, at Notting Hill Gate.