The last Unrefurbed D Stock.....

I don't mean that to be flippant BTW

Be as flippant as you like!

For a start, it is now obvious that the Rayners branch has less clearance under bridges than it did 27 years ago; the two bridges at Lampton Road and Kingsley Road have been rebuilt to tube gauge, and probably platform clearances all around the Circle. I recall that years ago two battery locos and borrowed BR coaches were sent along the south side of the Circle to see if a railtour was possible and in theory there was clearance but there was evidence of platform fouling on at least two occasions. Without sending a gauging train, as LU once had of course, with a D Stock outline to test the route, I doubt that anyone would be prepared to see if a train did come to grief.

Accoding to londonconnections:


This was presumably deducted from the board meeting appendix, specifically:



According to the same appendix, the Stage D report was due 30-Nov-07 and work on 12 minor stations was to begin 31-Mar-08.

Although the D-stock hasn't been road tested on the Circle, can it theoretically complete the entire loop of the Circle (and H&C) without any fouling or are the shorter cars really necessary?

Yes those platforms have tunnels entrances on either side. The D stock is actually narrower than the C stock but its cars are much, much longer!

Edgware Road's signalling sections are, AFAIK, not able to cope with the likes of a D stock; the signalling sections are only long enough for the likes of a six car C stock.

I'll probably find I'm wrong on that, but it's my understanding.

yes - the D's do go under the bridges between North Ealing and South Harrow...................................

I have mentioned before that a 1973 Stock train was sent to EBDY once (photo in Underground News) with a dedicated non-stop run FOOTEX to Arsenal.

I should like to know (clears throat) how long colleagues' memories are if (clears throat again) the, uh, malfunction arises and the District train is ....allowed.... to run to South Harrow or Rayners Lane? Or is it, as with elephants, no-one ever forgets?

Assuming I've read your question right, a D stock would be reversed at South Harrow. I'm not aware of a reason why a D stock couldn't make it to Rayners Lane - but South Harrow is considered quite far enough off route ;D ;D ;D ;D

The only change on refurbs which might affect clearances is the extra weight. There was a 20mph restriction at Kew Gardens eastbound for refurbs for a while because of a clearance issue with the platform edge, but it has now been withdrawn.

Just one, if it is stalled at Hanger Lane junction. The others can reverse at Ealing Common, into the depot and then if needbe come back out at the Acton end. Sending lots of Ds to S Harrow is pointless as they'll either need a "pilot" (unless they're an ex Picc Train Op ;D ) and they need to run at reduced speed by the bridges!

Although Wikipedia is not the most reliable source, the current A-stock carriages are just over 16 metres while the D stock is just over 18 metres.

I guess re-wiring the signals at Edgeware road is too costly...shame really as I don't like the short carriages at all!

8 cars of A Stock is 130m
6 cars of C Stock is 93m
6 cars of D Stock is 110m

Edgware Road as will the rest of the SSR will be re-signalled under PPP.

Another pain is that the stations on that side are probably some of the most attractive on the sub surface network! Of course, those exciting stations like Blackfriars, Tower Hill and Liverpool Street are all long enough!

I can believe that!