Tube train returns to North Weald14th May 2018

A tube train has returned to North Weald today (Monday 14 May).

A 1959 Stock tube carriage, donated by London Underground to the Epping Ongar Railway, has been delivered to North Weald Station today. The carriage, previously in the Northern Line Depot at Morden, had to be moved as part of a major upgrade project. The carriage will be put on permanent display at North Weald as an added attraction for the Railway's visitors where it will become a small museum showing the history of the Epping Ongar Railway and London Transport memorabilia.

Dean Walton, Business Development Manager said,

”I am delighted that we have been able to add this attractive carriage to our collection of vehicles. We have no plans to bring it in passenger service but the interior is in great shape and I know that following some work by our volunteers our passengers will love it. “

The 1959 tube stock carriage is an example of the type that used to work on the Northern and Piccadilly lines before withdrawal in early 2000. It was the last tube train to be crewed with a motorman and a guard. This vehicle, number 1031, is a Driving Motor vehicle which was retained at Morden depot and converted for use as at various times as a training venue and office. It was repainted into the 1922 Underground livery to demonstrate the paint facility at the depot. The other driving car of the unit is currently at the Mangapps Museum, along with one of its passenger cars.

The carriage was donated to the Epping Ongar Railway by the Underground. The carriage was in the way of major upgrade at the Morden Depot and it proved to be cost-effective to donate it to the Epping Ongar Railway. The carriage brought by low-loader from Morden and unloaded in a complicated procedure using two cranes.

After delivery to the loading pad at North Weald the unit will be shunted to its final position at the top of its Up Sidings on full display to passengers. The area around the carriage will be improved to allow for free and easy access for people visiting the carriage.