London Underground rolling stock facts for kids

Underground trains come in two sizes, larger sub-surface trains and smaller tube trains. A Metropolitan Line A Stock train (left) passes a Piccadilly Line 1973 Stock train (right) in the siding at Rayners Lane

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The London Underground has used many different types of trains over the years. In the very beginning, steam engines pulled carriages. Today, modern electric trains are used. These trains are called "electric multiple units" because they are made of several connected carriages that can all move together.

What Are London Underground Trains Like?

London Underground trains are designed to fit the tunnels they travel through. There are two main types of tunnels and, therefore, two main types of trains:

• Tube trains: These trains run in deep, narrow tunnels. They are smaller and have a round shape to fit the "tube" tunnels.
• Sub-surface trains: These trains run closer to the surface in wider, more open tunnels. They are larger and look more like regular trains.

Over time, the trains have been updated many times. Each new set of trains is given a "stock" name, usually based on the year they were designed or introduced. For example, you might hear about "1996 Stock" or "S Stock" trains.

Tube Trains: Fast and Compact

Tube trains are used on lines like the Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. These lines have smaller tunnels, so the trains are built to be compact.

• 1972 Stock: These trains run on the Bakerloo line. They were introduced in 1973 and have been updated since then.
• 1992 Stock: You can find these trains on the Central and Waterloo & City lines. They started running in the early 1990s.
• 1995 Stock: These trains are used on the Northern line. They began service around 1998.
• 1996 Stock: The Jubilee line uses these trains, which were introduced in 1997.
• 1973 Stock: These trains run on the Piccadilly line and started service in 1975.
• 2009 Stock: The Victoria line has these newer trains, which were introduced starting in 2009.

Sub-Surface Trains: Wider and Roomier

Sub-surface trains operate on lines like the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. These lines have wider tunnels, so the trains are bigger.

• C Stock: These trains were used on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and some parts of the District line. They were introduced in the 1970s and have been replaced by newer trains.
• D Stock: The main District line used these trains, introduced in the early 1980s. They have also been replaced.
• A Stock: The Metropolitan line used these trains, which were introduced in the early 1960s. They have been replaced by the S Stock.
• S Stock: These are the newest sub-surface trains. They are being introduced across the Metropolitan, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines. They are more modern and have air conditioning!

Images for kids

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  A 1972 Stock train on the Bakerloo line.

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  A 1992 Stock train on the Central line.

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  A C Stock train on the Circle line.

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  A D Stock train on the District line.

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  A C Stock train on the District line.

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  A C Stock train on the Hammersmith & City line.

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  A 1996 Stock train on the Jubilee line.

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  An A Stock train on the Metropolitan line.

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  An S Stock train on the Metropolitan line.

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  A 1995 Stock train on the Northern line.

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  A 1973 Stock train on the Piccadilly line.

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  A 2009 Stock train on the Victoria line.

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  A 1992 Stock train on the Waterloo & City line.

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  Two London Underground 2009 Stock trains at the Northumberland Park Depot.

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  Metropolitan Railway steam locomotive number 23, one of only two surviving locomotives, is displayed at London Transport Museum.

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  Metropolitan Railway electric locomotive No. 17.

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  A District line train at Gunnersbury in 1955. The leading car, with a clerestory roof, is one of the District Railway cars built in 1923.

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  A T stock multiple unit at Neasden Depot.

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  P stock in red with R Stock at Upminster.

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  Central London Railway motor car in 1903.

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  Three car Standard Stock train at Hendon Central on today's Northern line.

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  Longitudinal seating inside the motor car.

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  An unpainted aluminium 1959 Stock train on the Piccadilly line at Barons Court.

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  Inside 1983 Stock as used on the Jubilee line.