London Underground 1986 Stock

1986 Stock
Manufacturer	Metro-Cammell (Red, Green) BREL (Blue)
In service	1988-1989
Lines served	Central
Stock type	Deep-level tube

The London Underground 1986 Tube Stock consisted of prototype electric multiple units that led to the development of the 1992 Stock.

London Transport was looking to the future, so they contracted for three different prototype trains to be built. Two were built by Metro-Cammell, and the third by BREL (subsequently ABB, Adtranz, now Bombardier Transportation). All three trains were formed of 4 vehicles.

Externally the trains were designed to the familiar core design for tube trains, but internally there were subtle differences (e.g.: the armrests, wrap-around windows, lighting, and more) and through a series of public consultations passengers were invited to comment on which they preferred. To make their identification easier the prototypes were distinctively and individually coloured - red, green and blue.

The public consultation results show that the BREL-built blue prototype was the favourite, and therefore the train provided the core design basis for the 1992 Stock.

The trains were used in service on the Jubilee Line until 1989, when a derailment at Neasden resulted in the withdrawal of the stock. They also visited Woodford for a display on the Central line, and the Aldwych branch for an open day there. One car of the green train survives at the London Transport Museum's Acton Depot.

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  Advertising sign promoting the public display and consultation on passengers' views of the three 1986 prototype London Underground tube trains, at Woodford station on the Central line.

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  The Green 1986 prototype London Underground train at South Ealing station on the test track whilst undergoing trials.

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  The Blue 1986 prototype London Underground train arriving at South Ealing station on the test track whilst undergoing trials.

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  Inside the Red 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.

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  Inside the Green 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.

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  Inside the Blue 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.

External links

• [1] A short video of these trains in public service has been placed on Youtube.
• [2] A second video showing the blue and green cars in service on the Aldwych branch, March 1989 on Youtube.

References

• Brian Hardy 1992 Tube Stock, London Underground Rolling Stock 14th Edition, Capital Transport published in 1997 ISBN 1854141937
• Brian Hardy 1992 Tube Stock, London Underground Rolling Stock 15th Edition, Capital Transport published in 2002 ISBN 1854142631