Abandoned 1983 Tube Stock South Harrow

They are not forgotten about. People know that they are there but removal is not a simple or cheap task. When I was at LU there were certainly efforts underway to try to get them out of South Harrow but I have no up to date info.

And from our very own archive Clickety Click.

Off to London tomorrow, so might see if I can take a few pics before they go. Anyone know what the set numbers are?

Julian

Yes it is.

Thanks for sharing the pictures.

It somehow looks like the near cab of the DM in the 3-car set has sunk somehow, almost as if the suspension has collapsed. Is this possble?

Does anyone know if there are any plans for these trains?

Agreed. The suspension wouldn't go without it taking a massive whack, something like a head-on collision or a falling tree would probably do it.

A good few years back when travelling into work at South Mimms, in the exceptional load bay I came across a couple of tractor units and trailers, each one carrying one of the ex Cockfosters stored 83 carriages. At first examination they did not look too bad, abet with a few broken windows and some minor graffiti.

I spoke to the two drivers, who told me they had struggled to get them out of Cockfosters. They explained that a battery loco had been booked some days previously to tow the trains to a spot where they could be separated and pulled up onto the low loaders. Apparently try as they might, the battery loco could not budge them.

As a result the move was cancelled while LUL worked out a way in which to move them.

Having sorted the problem, they returned the previous evening to shift them, but still struggled to get them onto the trailers.

Looking at these in South Harrow, they clearly do need to be done urgently. The longer they stay there, the worse they will get. These carriages are just visible from passing trains in the winter and are not a good advert for LUL. With the dire need for stabling space, I am surprised LUL had not bit the bullet and moved them.

Also - given the report in LURS magazine a few months back, LUL have a similar problem with a 72TS at London Road. A 67TS was sent down there to tow it out, but that too was unable to move the train.

Recently the 38TS tunnel cleaning train was cut up on site at West Ruislip. With suitable protection (perhaps discharging traction current on the adjacent roads/bays) these 83’s could also be cut up on site and disposed of. Seems the only practical way.

Definitely looks like the suspension has collapsed to me... the rusty rails look straight and true... yet the DM drops towards the cab...