Come Fly With Me: The 1973 Tube Stock

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Jago Hazzard

Jago Hazzard

Күн бұрын

The tale of the 1973 stock, the trains built to serve Heathrow Airport (which opened in 1946, not 1976).
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Пікірлер: 497
@Umatron
@Umatron 2 жыл бұрын
Probably the best description I ever saw of the Piccadilly line is that it’s basically just a 44 mile extension of the Heathrow baggage carousel 😂
@vale.antoni
@vale.antoni Жыл бұрын
THIS!!!
@piccadillyline9765
@piccadillyline9765 Жыл бұрын
I have drove these trains for the past 25 years along with 72's 59's & 62's and along with driving days on A,C.D and S stock.I do love the73's but alas we are looking now at the 24 stock (The compuer said no)! Only time will tell. I will miss them.....
@christopherbrown3695
@christopherbrown3695 2 жыл бұрын
I love the use of peccadilloes upon the Piccadilly - the work of a genius, thank you. Keep the stock most certainly.
@caileanshields4545
@caileanshields4545 2 жыл бұрын
More Met-Camm finery; cheers for this one Jago. :) It's one of those train designs that's aged really well and doesn't look dated (much like the Class 47 diesels, which will be 60 years old next month). The 1967/72/73 stock all still look modern even today. A testament to the design of Sir Misha Black, the engineering/build quality of Metro-Cammell and the LU maintanance crews that they've stood the test of time as well as they have, both in aesthetic and practical terms.
@jtsholtod.79
@jtsholtod.79 2 жыл бұрын
I agree with you that it was a very good design and it has aged gracefully, being a particularly receptive shell to updates and overhauls. However, the overall design is undoubtedly dated. The shape, the interior and exterior lighting, the wayfinding and visibility are all from days long past, which was inevitable. That's not to say that I don't appreciate the 73 stock, especially its comfort and reliability, but one look at it immediately identifies it as a product of its era (albeit a good one).
@iamhouhouhou
@iamhouhouhou 2 жыл бұрын
The tube trains we use in Hong Kong are also built by Met-Camm. They have been running for 40 years now and still going incredibly strong. Very impressive engineering indeed.
@Keithbarber
@Keithbarber 2 жыл бұрын
Anything that is well designed and built and *PROPERLY MAINTAINED* can achieve good long service lives
@madduckuk
@madduckuk 2 жыл бұрын
47 is a good shout, it just suites every livery I have ever seen it in, and it looks SO different between them. As far as things ageing gracefully, the Class 08 gets my nod, basically a mid 1930s design still doing it's thing and not looking out of place doing it.
@6yjjk
@6yjjk 2 жыл бұрын
What do I think? I think TfL should make their excellent "step-free tube map" available at Heathrow. You know, that place where loads of people have big, heavy bags that they don't want to haul up some Victorian staircase.
@LabradorIndependent
@LabradorIndependent 2 жыл бұрын
But nothing says "Welcome to London!" like hauling big, heavy bags up a Victorian staircase
@davidw1518
@davidw1518 2 жыл бұрын
Um, I don't think Heathrow Airport existed in Victorian times.....!
@samuelhulme8347
@samuelhulme8347 2 жыл бұрын
@@davidw1518 unless time machines were used
@marcusrashid
@marcusrashid 2 жыл бұрын
All Heathrow stations have accessible lifts. Hatton Cross doesn't but thats not part of the Heathrow area.
@MakeItWithCalvin
@MakeItWithCalvin 2 жыл бұрын
I have bad knees and this is the bane of my existence!
@groovydonkey
@groovydonkey 2 жыл бұрын
I think for now the 73 stock should remain as it is functionable and would save TFL quite a bit and at this present time they cannot afford it. I briefly worked for an engineering company that made the doors for the Piccadilly line. Everything had to be so precise and went through different stages of inspections
@jamesharmer9293
@jamesharmer9293 2 жыл бұрын
Used these trains for over twenty years, every day on my way to work. That's over 7000 journeys. The only time there was a problem with them, was when there was a power cut and I was stuck in the tunnel for four hours. Which wasn't really the train's fault.
@quintuscrinis
@quintuscrinis 2 жыл бұрын
These days they do have a tendancy to get square wheels (usually after a heavy rain knocks leaves onto the line) but again that's a maintenance/track clearing issue rather than the qnything with the trains themselves
@tonywise198
@tonywise198 2 жыл бұрын
Or you had a "jumper" than halted everything.
@Eddyspeeder
@Eddyspeeder 2 жыл бұрын
Agree, the trains are nice. When using the line, one does not get the impression that they are outdated at all. Wouldn't have had a problem with them staying on after some refurbishments.
@degastar
@degastar Жыл бұрын
@@Eddyspeeder In my time in London I got the impression that they were extremely dated. They just feel old especially as newer trains come onto other lines, and the serial light flickering really made them seem aged and unstable.
@ianmcclavin
@ianmcclavin 7 ай бұрын
I can remember when the 1959 Stock still ran on the Piccadilly Line, before transferring to the Northern, although some 1973 Stock trains were on test in 1975. The transition was a lengthy one, with one or two 1956/59 Stock still running after the Heathrow extension opened to the airport in December 1977 (from Hatton Cross to Heathrow Central Station, now Terminals 2 & 3, though the signs still show Terminal 1, which has since closed).
@BarryAllenMagic
@BarryAllenMagic 2 жыл бұрын
I remember as a young lad, having a day trip out to Heathrow in 1978 - during the school summer holidays. Heathrow Station and the Piccadilly Line trains seemed like something from a futuristic, space-age world; compared to my local Shadwell Station (with water running down the walls); and the older 1930's(?) trains that served the decrepit East London Line. The 1973 Stock is such a superb, creative design. Many thanks for this video Jago.
@norbitonflyer5625
@norbitonflyer5625 2 жыл бұрын
Yep,the ELL was operated by 1938 Tube stock inthe 1970s
@goatgamer001
@goatgamer001 2 жыл бұрын
Thankfully the east London line has the quite new 378s that are 7 decades newer but sadly we cant say the same about the 1973 stock...
@emilybower5492
@emilybower5492 Жыл бұрын
I love those trains , there fast and bouncy
@RogersRamblings
@RogersRamblings 2 жыл бұрын
I joined the Piccadilly Line in 1976 while the 73s were still being introduced. The monitoring equipment was noted for giving false indications. More than once the panel of the train I was driving showed a fault while the seat of my pants told me everything was OK. The panel was supplied through printed circuit boards, most probably fine in a clean stable working environment, everything that an underground train is not.
@leeosborne3793
@leeosborne3793 3 ай бұрын
Yeah, those monitoring systems were stripped out fairly quickly!
@ReubenAshwell
@ReubenAshwell 2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video, the 1973 tube stock is one of my favourites on the underground, it still looks almost like a new train as the refurb in 1996 has done these trains good. I'm gonna be sad when they are replaced by the new tube trains.
@FART-REPELLENT
@FART-REPELLENT 2 жыл бұрын
The refurbished 1973 TS may look new especially the interior, however the dead give-away are the sounds it makes. I was born in London way back in July 1974; thus grew up with Underground trains in the unpainted aluminium livery, thus I have never liked the modernisation of the Underground with characterless digital trains in the red white and blue corporate livery. The 1973 TS trains looked their best from 1975 when deliveries began, until about 1985 when their bodies were silver aluminium colour, though this livery lasted until about 1997 but were showing their age.
@grassytramtracks
@grassytramtracks Жыл бұрын
Indeed, they've aged well, unlike the 1972 trains on the Bakerloo line, which are bouncy and rickety, really showing their age
@jonathanfrankel6787
@jonathanfrankel6787 2 жыл бұрын
Such nostalgia , my life revolved around these , growing up. Going to school , out with friends, getting the last one back to Oakwood on a Friday night. Going into uni every day, then going into work. Going on holiday from Heathrow .
@frglee
@frglee 2 жыл бұрын
Memories of riding the Piccadilly Line at 7 in the morning into London in the 80s, out of my head with tiredness after insomniac overnight flights from the Middle East or the USA, the long waits at the baggage carousels, and tedious discussions with customs officers as to whether tax had been paid on a walkman or a camera or whether the aspirins in my suitcase were illegal drugs. I doubt I would have noticed the interior decor of the 1973 stock much, tho' I guess the luggage space was useful. It could have been a cattle truck for all I'd have cared. I do recall the torture of the iffy and noisy ride quality (rattle rattle rattle, bang, thump, squeal) and the seemingly endless stops before Acton Town. Change onto the District Line at Barons Court, thence to Embankment and the joy of lugging three suitcases up Villiers Street and the bloody steps up to Charing Cross station to get the 'main line service' back to the Kent Coast.
@LabradorIndependent
@LabradorIndependent 2 жыл бұрын
Really feel the Acton Town point. There seems to be two types of Piccadilly line user - those that live at or inside Acton Town and think it's a super-fast shuttle into London, and people who live outside it and think it's a cold, tedious stop-and-start slog of a train.
@HF7-AD
@HF7-AD 2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a bit of an adventure
@cncshrops
@cncshrops 2 жыл бұрын
I hope this vivid retelling proves cathartic, thank you.
@Muswell
@Muswell 2 жыл бұрын
Blimey - happy memories then. Lol.
@Muswell
@Muswell 2 жыл бұрын
When I caught a flight from Heathrow in 1975, you had to get the A1 bus from Hounslow to the airport. It was difficult to find my way around all the building work going on.
@AverytheCubanAmerican
@AverytheCubanAmerican 2 жыл бұрын
"There should be a Tube line to the airport!" "Which airport?" "You know, THAT airport!" "...you have to be a little more specific" "UGGGGH"
@hughs591
@hughs591 2 жыл бұрын
Very informative and lovely train and plane shot at ~ 07:49 by accident or design; anyhow, very appropriate, thanks!
@kenwilkins8237
@kenwilkins8237 2 жыл бұрын
I remember what i think were the 73 stock being stored at Bicester Army depot, for many years in the mid 70s ,at the time my uncle was a driver on the depot railway and i was told they were beimg stored because they were out of gauge for some of the tunnels.
@Hollandstation
@Hollandstation 2 жыл бұрын
I Loved the 1973 stock when I was filming in London! :)
@Cowman9791
@Cowman9791 Жыл бұрын
If it was up to me, this would be my plan 1) Order 2024 stock trains for the Bakerloo line, so the 1972 stock can be scrapped 2) Order a second mid-life refurbishment for the 1973 stock to last for about 20 more years 3) Order a second batch of 2024 stock trains for the Central line so their 1992 stock can be scrapped 3) Order a third batch of 2024 stock trains for the Waterloo & City line so their 1992 stock can also be scrapped 4) Order a fourth and final batch of 2024 stock trains for the Piccadilly line to allow the 1973 stock trains to be scrapped after 50-70 years (in that alternative timeline)
@Robslondon
@Robslondon 2 жыл бұрын
Great video Jago. As someone who grew up close to a Piccadilly line station I’ve got a lot of affection for these trains
@eattherich9215
@eattherich9215 2 жыл бұрын
@1:30, back then the airport was little more than a field with a big shed serving as the terminal. For years, "London" airpot was the only one. Now all of the airports that ring the capital are prefixed London.
@dredfell
@dredfell 2 жыл бұрын
I have very fond memories of the Piccadilly Line (and subsequently 1973 stock) from when I lived in (North) London. Gonna say that I’d like them to stay, because as you say, they have aged very well and can keep pace, but of course they want to be seen as “investing in the railway” so that’ll never happen!
@petergibbs
@petergibbs 2 жыл бұрын
This one takes one back, having to get off at the end of the underground and get on a bus to get to Heathrow. Only did it once, after that I drove down to pick-up my sister and bring her back for her flight to Gibraltar. Next time I used the underground the train took you all the way into the airport with a choice of terminals to get off on. Still took forever thought when you started out from Kings Cross.
@oludotunjohnshowemimo434
@oludotunjohnshowemimo434 Жыл бұрын
They are still running well on the Piccadilly line. Extensively refurbished with the internal seating changed to longitudinal seating only and extra space by the doors for luggage
@paulhoughton5266
@paulhoughton5266 2 жыл бұрын
Fond memories of going out from North London to Heathrow Central in the late 1970s after school. Was a great adventure to go and see planes as up to them had never been on one and never thought I would. Ended up working in airfreight industry and been om best part of a thousand flights lot
@hyperdistortion2
@hyperdistortion2 2 жыл бұрын
While I’ll be sad to see them go, I’d say the 1972 Stock really ought to go *first*. They may have that nostalgic feeling - but a big part of that is that they’re old and in dire need of replacement by the 2024 Stock. The 1973s, refurbished a mere quarter-century ago, can ably hang on a little longer I’m sure. As noted, they do what they’re meant to do perfectly well; due for replacement, sure, but not falling apart. Great video as always!
@PeteS_1994
@PeteS_1994 2 жыл бұрын
I find the 1973 stock look newer but feel older or more worn out than the 1972 tube stock.
@MihkelKiil
@MihkelKiil 2 жыл бұрын
I believe the 73 stock are in a worse state of repair
@Tinderchaff
@Tinderchaff 2 жыл бұрын
Okay so here is my two cents in this argument, I agree about your comments. I use the Piccadilly line all the time (most weekends) okay so the lights flick on and off occasionally that's about it. The Bakerloo line, I almost never use, however I did last weekend. This one time I used it, the door closing sound didn't work on pretty much the whole carriage and less than half the lights worked the whole time I was on the train. To give you an idea I got on at Edgware road and off at Piccadilly Circus and boy was I glad to.
@veganlion8662
@veganlion8662 2 жыл бұрын
If the proposed replacement stock doesn't consume significantly less energy, and the current trains can be updated just a tiny bit, I think replacement is a waste of money, resources etc. And aesthetically, they are definitely pleasing.
@hairyairey
@hairyairey 2 жыл бұрын
I imagine that would not have been a priority - in fact I expect that new trains use exactly the same amount of power but now include air-conditioning and regenerative braking (which should produce less heat). Trains that run all day for 40-50 years will be expensive to maintain though. Although they will probably be refurbished and sent somewhere else in the world!
@barvdw
@barvdw 2 жыл бұрын
@@hairyairey underground stock is very particular, it often can't even be used on other lines of London Underground, I'm not sure there's much demand for such trains in the world, as most countries where second-hand trains and buses are common, underground railways are rather rare, and often come with a grant from China, which includes Chinese rolling stock, of course. But I agree, replacement shouldn't be a priority, especially for a cash-strapped TfL.
@hairyairey
@hairyairey 2 жыл бұрын
@@barvdw You'll be surprised, recycled tube trains are already running on the Isle of Wight and the Marston Vale line. The latter has diesel engines now!
@barvdw
@barvdw 2 жыл бұрын
@@hairyairey the isle of Wight is quite known, but that's what, 4 trains? I was thinking of something more substantial. Marston Vale I didn't know (anymore), thanks.
@hairyairey
@hairyairey 2 жыл бұрын
@@barvdw Marston Vale isn't likely to be more than 4 trains either. Runs between Bedford and Bletchley however if the East-West link from Cambridge-Oxford is built (and would be successful on freight traffic alone) that line may be electrified and newer rolling stock introduced.
@captaincodpiece3263
@captaincodpiece3263 2 жыл бұрын
I do recall going to Heathrow airport in 1969 and having to get a bus there from Hounslow.
@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595
@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595 2 жыл бұрын
Frankly, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring London via Tube trains when I passed through in 1970 & 73. Being from Chicago, I was used to the "L" (elevated) lines with cars the size of VW buses. Your system worked and generally ran on time; ours's not so much.
@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian
@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian 2 жыл бұрын
Anything that champions the 1970’s should definitely stay. 👏👏👍😀
@mrkipling2201
@mrkipling2201 Жыл бұрын
Living in Feltham in the 1980's, Hatton Cross was my local underground station. The Piccadilly line was always a bit of a drag in my opinion.
@FrangoTV1
@FrangoTV1 2 жыл бұрын
I wholeheartedly agree with your observations about this stock; it has survived the test of time and could last until 2030 with a bit of TLC. I remember riding these when they were brand new when I took full advantage of the GLC (as was) Fares Fare scheme, riding them from my (then) base North Ealing to Cockfosters & back. They sounded different too compared to the 1959/62 stock as they passed over the non-welded track sections: suddenly you had a tidy ‘1,2-3,4’ clackedy-clack instead of a ‘1,2 . . 3,4,5’ of the older trains. . . but no-one else ever noticed. 😉
@telemachus53
@telemachus53 2 жыл бұрын
When I was a lad it wasn't called Heathrow just: London Airport and me and my mates used to spend a day there at the open balcony - now long gone for security reasons - watching the planes land and take off. It was a great day out. Nowadays it's just an irksome chore one has to go through to get to the country you want to go to.
@ExpoAviation
@ExpoAviation 2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting, I'm not particularly clued up on tube stock but have ridden my fair share of 1973 stock on my way to and from Hatton Cross for a bit of aircraft spotting when I've been in the Big Smoke. I like them, though would welcome anything with air conditioning...
@Ropponmatsu2
@Ropponmatsu2 2 жыл бұрын
I remember the curious excitement of walking up to Hounslow West, walking down that horrible asbestos shed they put up to connect to the new platforms, and the market that was taking place in the car park. There is a constant hum of electricity, burnt dust, ozone and then the raw thunder as one of these things rolled in. I live a long way away now and it will be sad when these things are gone.
@stephenjcuk7562
@stephenjcuk7562 2 жыл бұрын
'Let's come up with a new modern, dynamic & descriptive name for the exciting new trains due out soon.' 🤔🤔🤔 '2023 Stock?' Nailed it. 👏👏👏
@europeantechnic
@europeantechnic 2 жыл бұрын
keep them, keep the 72, bring back the vic 67, heck let's have the 38 stock back as well - that's the real classic!
@KevSmith235
@KevSmith235 2 жыл бұрын
"...is short of dosh at the moment." Jago, you are a master at your craft.
@iandraper8554
@iandraper8554 2 жыл бұрын
Was on a 73 stock earlier today. Fantastic trains that can still do the job they were designed for. Hopefully they will be kept longer. Why spend money on new trains if the current can still do the job they were designed to do.
@JayJay-nc7pr
@JayJay-nc7pr 2 жыл бұрын
The 1973’s with a upgrade could continue to run until 2035-40 at least! They’re far more sturdy than the 1972’s, which are in dire need of a replacement! Considering TfL’s long term ambitions to extend the Bakerloo they should get the 2024’s first, then the Piccadilly then the Central/Waterloo & City, on another note, it was rather short sighted to withdraw the District line from Hounslow in many ways, the District should have been extended to Heathrow since they have bigger trains, but the Piccadilly is the “express” tube so it gives tourists the illusion of being on a “fast” train to London’s West End on the cheap
@MrSmith1984
@MrSmith1984 2 жыл бұрын
J. Graeme Bruce (a former COO of LU) once said that his biggest regret was not diverting the District Line to Hounslow West...and making the Hounslow West to Heathrow Link big enough for Subsurface Stock. Regardless at least the Elizabeth Line service to Heathrow will repair that mistake. Although I do wish that a Future Government would upgrade the GWML between Paddington & Reading to 6-Track (thus meaning that a 12-15tph service would be possible from the EL Core to Heathrow).
@PeteS_1994
@PeteS_1994 Жыл бұрын
They get wheel flats most autumns and then are partially suspended
@erejnion
@erejnion 2 жыл бұрын
I'm always for longer use of old stock. This is one of the best things about railway transport, the trains can be used for many decades.
@comicus01
@comicus01 2 жыл бұрын
1976? Lol, I was wondering about that. Glad you caught it in your comment above. Perhaps that is when Baby Jago came along?
@kevinbargery2261
@kevinbargery2261 2 жыл бұрын
Keep 'em going 72's too! I live on the Isle of Wight these days and look how long the 38's lasted! Ok they had to go in the end but I reckon these still have plenty of life in them! I was brought up in South Harrow so travelled on these a lot and earlier in the summer came up and travelled from Ruislip to Hounslow East via Acton Town and back again. Brought back memories. Ps I can recommend the samosas from the kiosk at Acton Town😀
@mrb.5610
@mrb.5610 2 жыл бұрын
God, I remember those being introduced. Thanks for making me feel old, Jago.
@DADDELIVERS
@DADDELIVERS 2 жыл бұрын
I'm embarrassed to say that as a kid in the late seventies I thought that poster with the airline nose cones on the front of 3 tube trains was an actual PR stunt that you could see on the Underground. I kept dragging my poor dad onto the Piccadilly in the hope that I could see the funny aircraft nose cones on the front of a Piccadilly Line train, but we never did for some reason. Thanks for the video. Also, I'm sure you know this already but theres a mockup of a new tube for London cab or front bit in the Design Museum if you need some B-roll. The Design Museum that used to be the Commonwwealth Institute... is there a video in that?? Kids from London of a certain age seem to remember the New Zealand Cow...
@neville132bbk
@neville132bbk 2 жыл бұрын
The NZ Cow.....we have a few million here...mostly Friesians or Jerseys. Could you be a bit more specific.....eartag number would help. ...says LeviNZ.
@DADDELIVERS
@DADDELIVERS 2 жыл бұрын
@@neville132bbk Thanks - It was a giant display called NEW ZEALAND and it was shaped like a cow. It had buttons that lit up portions of its stomach, I think to show its digestive system. Alas, the lights were clearly so dazzling that I didn't learn the breed that gave its pretend cavity such entertainment.
@PineappleSkip
@PineappleSkip 2 жыл бұрын
Plausible. As a kid in the early 1960s I was excited to visit New York which I was told had ‘skyscrapers’. I expected to see tall buildngs with some sort of machinery atop to scrape the sky. It was a bitter disappointment to find just tall buildings.
@comicus01
@comicus01 2 жыл бұрын
If you notice this comment, I don't suppose you can find an image of that poster online and share a link? I'd love to see it. And for this American: what in the world is the New Zealand Cow?
@DADDELIVERS
@DADDELIVERS 2 жыл бұрын
@@PineappleSkip haha - completely! I feel your pain thanks
@stephanbach1652
@stephanbach1652 2 жыл бұрын
The Tube is so interesting. I want a holiday in London where i just ride the Tube. (With your videos to keep me informed.)
@stephengoldspink191
@stephengoldspink191 6 ай бұрын
Love love love the 1973 stock. I used to travel the line from Eastcote to Hammersmith (first job), to Ruislip, to Hillingdon and to Sudbury Town (grandma and grandad's house). I remember my excitement when the 1959 stock started to be replaced by the brand new trains. The 1990s upgrade of the 1973 stock was beautifully done in my view although I missed the transverse seats. So many happy memories. I wouldn't have them replaced if they're working well, why waste money when it's in short supply?
@PhilEadie65
@PhilEadie65 2 жыл бұрын
I grew up in Hounslow West in the 70s and the extension building sites were a bit of a playground for us...none of that health and safety nonsense back then. It was a very exciting time (in 1975) seeing first the new trains, then the new station and then a few days later the opening to Hatton Cross.
@samuell.foxton4177
@samuell.foxton4177 2 жыл бұрын
Of course the Piccadilly line is the one with the peccadilloes, including piccalilli being the particular pickle you find yourself in when it packs up
@henrybn14ar
@henrybn14ar 2 жыл бұрын
Designed by Mischa Black's Design Research Unit (DRU) who also did the Victoria Line stock.
@comicus01
@comicus01 2 жыл бұрын
I've visited London twice, and both times I rode the Piccadilly several times. My first visit I stayed across the street from the Gloucester Road station, and on my second visit I was around the corner from the Russell Square station. Very first ride was probably the most crowded, as I arrived at St. Pancras on the Eurostar at about 3pm on a weekday. Definitely standing room only. And hot (in April). I have yet to land at Heathrow however! Both of my trips, London was the last city I visited and I took the Piccadilly out to Heathrow to fly home. Not too crowded heading that way at about 9 or 10 am.
@PhilSmith71
@PhilSmith71 2 жыл бұрын
The Piccadilly line station at Terminal Four was opened by TRH The Prince & Princess of Wales on 1st April 1986.
@seanmcerlean
@seanmcerlean 2 жыл бұрын
Having driven them in a past career,inthink they could stay a few more years whilst the Bakerloo trains are replaced. Good trains to drive in hood weather but tricky in bad.
@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus
@SoiBuakhaoRoutemasterbus 2 жыл бұрын
A few fun facts Mr J..... Before the 73 stock arrived the Piccadilly Line was worked by all the 1956 & 1959 stock plus 15 trains of 1938 stock! These were the first to be replaced by 1973 stock and the idea was to have all 73s in service by the time the Heathrow Extension opened...... It wasn't to be and so around half a dozen 1959's worked to Heathrow and had LT Aldenham Bus Overhaul Works paper & linen blinds fitted (rather than the more expensive Kelbus plastic blinds usually used on the Underground at this time) as Heathrow (complete with aeroplane in blue square moteif at one side) wasn't on the original blinds...... Another fact, both the Piccadilly Line western branches were District Line (Railway originally) branches, and until the late 1960s the District still ran through to Hounslow West in the peaks.......
@trevorelliston1
@trevorelliston1 2 жыл бұрын
I just wonder how practical it would be to bore out or add new tunnels to Heathrow, suitable for the S stock, with the S stock sharing that branch, as it shares the track from Rayners Lane to Uxbridge.
@Muswell
@Muswell 2 жыл бұрын
I remember those old trains pre '73 stock. My mind is telling me that they were crimson (or even sometimes green?). . They were SO basic & used to throw you around. I knew no alternative -- until I changed at Finsbury Park & got a Victoria Line train - they seemed supersonic in comparison !
@trevorelliston1
@trevorelliston1 2 жыл бұрын
@@Muswell they would have been Crimson. LT did not have any green tube stock. They had brown teak coloured stock on the Met to Aylesbury.
@Muswell
@Muswell 2 жыл бұрын
@@trevorelliston1 Thank you. Yes - crimson was my first recollection. I can picture them.
@iankemp1131
@iankemp1131 2 жыл бұрын
@@trevorelliston1 Very expensive I fear. This was perhaps a missed opportunity when the line was originally built; much easier to build large tunnels initially than to enlarge them later. But it was the 1970s and finance was short.
@TheAnon03
@TheAnon03 2 жыл бұрын
\o/ been wanting videos on the history of the various types of tube stock. I may be wierd.
@qaphqa
@qaphqa 2 жыл бұрын
Even if so, you're in good company here.
@JMSBRK
@JMSBRK 2 жыл бұрын
Exactly! and these should be videos for retired tube stocks like Metropolitan A Stock or Circle C69 Stock
@asheland_numismatics
@asheland_numismatics 2 жыл бұрын
My favorite underground tube channel!
@DavidRobinson1978
@DavidRobinson1978 2 жыл бұрын
I know these trains well, I grew up near to both Northfields and Boston Manor stations so this was first line I ever went on. I miss the front facing seats, I don't miss the wood floor and other design choices that seemed old even in the early 80s.
@philiprainbird1029
@philiprainbird1029 2 жыл бұрын
Travelled on the tube last week, 3 day break in London as I come from Plymouth , to my amazement the Bakerloo line is the same age as me 1972 stock,I have Travelled the tube many times in the past but interesting when you delve into the history, good channel by the way!!
@user-eg8pv2om7j
@user-eg8pv2om7j 2 жыл бұрын
The former 1962 Craven's stock were a rare and beautiful thing . A video of former Wembley stadium railways,empire exhibition and the Never stop railway would be delightful.
@nastropc
@nastropc Жыл бұрын
Used to get the Piccadilly to school everyday in the ‘90s. The 1996 refurb was so good I thought they were brand new trains and was always confused why there was a 1973 stamp on the floor plate by the doors.
@richardsingh5827
@richardsingh5827 2 жыл бұрын
I will miss that stock
@GeorgeChoy
@GeorgeChoy 2 жыл бұрын
the 1973 stock is a legend that defies time
@dvdvnr
@dvdvnr 2 жыл бұрын
Before the family moved to the wilds of Norfolk in 1968, we used to live at Heston. So, Hounslow West was the "local" station. I do remember seeing the new alignment and tunnels starting to be constructed on my last few visits to the station. The next time I saw the station was in the late 1980s when I took a trip back to that neck of the woods for a conference - I was glad to see that the original building had been retained.
@ianmcclavin
@ianmcclavin 5 ай бұрын
In December 1977, shortly after the opening of the line extension to Heathrow Central (Hatton Cross had been the temporary terminus since July 1975) , I traveled into the airport on one of the last 1959 Stock trains running on the Piccadilly, before transfer to the Northern Line.
@MetroTitanD78
@MetroTitanD78 2 жыл бұрын
The 73s were the poster boys of the Underground for many many years even after newer trains had entered service.
@harryelliott4310
@harryelliott4310 2 жыл бұрын
Piccadilly Line 1973 Tube Stock
@declancotter722
@declancotter722 2 жыл бұрын
Problem is that overhaul of the line would increase the lines capacity by 66% if the stock, signals and stations were updated. That can't be ignored
@charlie.dowd-lebow
@charlie.dowd-lebow 2 жыл бұрын
I do~n't think jago said anything about overhauling the line just the 73 stock. Now if you're not referring to that nevermind what I said and pretend I didn't reply. Then again I might have missed the part of the video you're talking about.
@michaeltajfel
@michaeltajfel 2 жыл бұрын
There was a plan to resignal the line along with the new air conditioned walk through trains, but this was put on hold. This was confirmed in the TfL financial settlement with the government on 30 August 2022. Nevertheless, TfL is still meant to investigate the possibility of driverless trains!
@PeteS_1994
@PeteS_1994 Жыл бұрын
@@michaeltajfelThe walk through trains are being built and tested right now.
@eekee6034
@eekee6034 2 жыл бұрын
I always liked the Piccadilly line, and these trains must be a big part of the reason. Plus, Metro Camel, emblazoned as it was on the step of every doorway, is the sort of name which sticks in a young novophile's mind. :p
@amitbasu8159
@amitbasu8159 2 жыл бұрын
I was wondering why the Piccadilly Line trains were next in line for an upgrade instead of the older Bakerloo Line ones when Jago annoyingly - oh, all right, helpfully, promptly proceeded to explain. Wheelchair access at Heathrow notwithstanding, I still think it would be better for the Bakerloo Line trains to be upgraded first, even if I do quite enjoy their slightly dishevelled upholstery. The presence of the full Elizabeth Line should hopefully make wheelchair access to and from Heathrow less of an issue.
@zeligdaniels
@zeligdaniels 2 жыл бұрын
Upgrading Bakerloo doesn’t seem necessary; it’s passenger numbers are far less than the Piccadilly and only 6 of its 25 stations are solely run by it (meaning you could get other services to a large majority of the stations). It’s essentially a shuttle from Queens Park to Elephant and Castle, since you can get the Overground to Harrow and W. It would be a wasted investment to upgrade the Bakerloo before the Piccadilly.
@hairyairey
@hairyairey 2 жыл бұрын
@@zeligdaniels Being controversial (and boring!) here the best upgrade to the Bakerloo line would be to increase the diameter of its tunnels so that it no longer has to run the tiniest trains. That's only 14 miles of tunnels to expand (nearly half the overall line length). I note that the proposed extension is being built with 6 metre wide tunnels (5 metres usable instead of less than 4).
@kaitlyn__L
@kaitlyn__L 2 жыл бұрын
I think we have just discovered where Jago’s boundary between modern and retro lies 😁 1973!
@tariqsiddique4561
@tariqsiddique4561 2 жыл бұрын
Nice video 👍 brother Iam from London
@egpx
@egpx 2 жыл бұрын
I'm not a London native but back in the 70s I could quote all the Piccadilly Line stations from Holborn to Heathrow Central without looking at the map. This was down to me being a planespotter - I'd get a Deltic hauled train from Wakefield Westgate to Kings Cross, spend a few days in a cheap hotel and utilise the 73 stock to deliver me to Heathrow Central where the Roof Gardens hosted me for an entire day of Tridents, VC10s, 707s, 747s and best of all, the occasional Concorde. Bloody hell, just writing that last sentence has made me all nostalgic and feel pity for those friends of mine who were more interested in sex and drugs and rock and roll.
@eightfivetwohk13
@eightfivetwohk13 2 жыл бұрын
73~75 stock is amazing. Along with 72 stock. Make it for for purpose. In 2022-23 it will live for ever.
@davidcronan4072
@davidcronan4072 2 жыл бұрын
Back in the 50's and 60's the likes of BEA and BOAC had central London termini where you could check in, deposit your luggage and be transported to Heathrow by special busses.
@jimmyedwards1639
@jimmyedwards1639 Жыл бұрын
Some of those buses were special variants of the iconic Routemasters
@elizabethspedding1975
@elizabethspedding1975 2 жыл бұрын
Great lesson.💗
@chrisg6086
@chrisg6086 2 жыл бұрын
As ever!
@tr_nt.
@tr_nt. 2 жыл бұрын
The 1973 stock interior wasn't originally built for airline passengers, no extra luggage space or racks were provided when compared to the previous designs, the 1967/1972 stock. It was only in the midlife refurbishment that these trains were bought up to scratch.
@leeosborne3793
@leeosborne3793 3 ай бұрын
They did have luggage provision before refurbishment, although it wasn't much. There were quite large standback areas next to the doors compared to other stocks.
@marsgal42
@marsgal42 2 жыл бұрын
Last time I flew to London (from Canada) I tapped the Oyster Card TfL had helpfully sent me a couple of weeks earlier and trundled in to town. My hotel was in Earl's Court, just around the corner from the station. You'd almost think I planned it that way... As a foreigner with an outrageous accent my view is "if it ain't broke don't fix it". Londoners may feel differently.
@TheMusicalElitist
@TheMusicalElitist 2 жыл бұрын
The stock I grew up with - thanks again for another AWESOME video, Mr. Hazzard!
@existnt
@existnt 2 жыл бұрын
The '73 stock uses the state-of-the-art LT118 DC motors, no wonder it's more reliable than a lot of newer trains on the underground
@timsully8958
@timsully8958 2 жыл бұрын
Used to use this line every other weekend when my dad and I would change at Holborn to get to Finsbury Park or Manor House and return (he lived on Seven Sisters Road) and I can remember thinking how nice shiny and modern these trains seemed to be. Sort of “like the Vic Line but different.” The fact it had “HEATHROW ✈️ “ in bright yellow on the front of the train just made it somehow almost exotic! 😊 I always liked it if my dad came to get me a bit earlier as we’d get to do a detour to Aldwych and back if it was still open 😆 The other abiding memory of Holborn was when waiting to get an Eastbound train if there weren’t too many people on the platform you could hear the Royal Mail trains rattling along nearby 🤓 I could never decide whether I liked the refurb. Yes, it was more roomy, more useful therefore for Heathrow, it certainly looked more modern and was probably easier to clean and maintain. But I miss the old seats facing forwards and the smell of the wood (albeit I hated being in the smoking carriage 🤢) and I suppose what my dad dying in 1979, it was one of the things that made smile when I visited London as it reminded me of being an over excited infant with a love for tube trains 😉 As for the now: well, we recently took a trip on the Dark Blue from Kensington to Covent Garden and I still say they feel as comfortable as most other tube trains for those of us that are able bodied. If it is more access that is the issue, and if finances are an issue, then it is a no brainier. However, experience working on the railway has taught me that many people making decisions are ‘no-brainers’ themselves. They also are ‘back pocketers’…er…allegedly (Phew!) so I am afraid my view is moot and nothing more as it’s not necessarily down to whether or not the 73 stock is fit for purpose alas 🙄 But enough. I hope there is an upgrade. I hope someone realises the 73 stock is a fantastic design (almost retro futuristic like 1930s Buck Rogers stuff) and that a simple rethink will enable it to carry on, especially as there are other things that they could spend the dish on 🤔 Meh we’ll see. Cheers as ever chap. Might have to make this the last catch up today. Cheerio 🍻🍀👍
@nicktaylor228
@nicktaylor228 2 жыл бұрын
Hey Jango... How about look at the various train termination sidings of the underground. As this is something we don't usually see that interesting and would be great.. the 1973 stock ... still fab!
@huwlewis9059
@huwlewis9059 2 жыл бұрын
I used to use the Piccadilly Line into central London from the north east for work. Russell Square used to see a lot of tourists board the train for Heathrow. Always remember an American couple with plenty of bags getting on. The lady got on the train, the husband handed her the bags and the doors closed before he could board. Get out of that one! I also remember a tumbling bag down an escalator after a passenger put it on the top of the escalator, forgetting that the steps separated! Lots of warning shouts as a quite heavy suitcase threatened to rake out commuters.
@thomastc520
@thomastc520 2 жыл бұрын
While extra space was kept in mind in the design of 1973 stocks, I've always wondered if London Transport back then have ever considered bringing sub-surface trains (say the District Line) to Heathrow for even more space on the trains instead?
@PlanetoftheDeaf
@PlanetoftheDeaf 2 жыл бұрын
The Heathrow tunnels were built around "tube" trains, so sub-surface trains won't fit!
@nicolasperrotti1307
@nicolasperrotti1307 2 жыл бұрын
thanks for this superb and (almost) poetic video!
@edrose5045
@edrose5045 2 жыл бұрын
They need replacing not because of the trains themselves, but because of the signalling. All other deep level tube lines, along with large sections of the subsurface lines, use automation to drive them which allows trains to run closer together. Running trains closer together increases capacity. The Picadilly and Bakerloo lines are still manually driven by a driver looking at light signals, and that can't change without a change in rolling stock. That might be the reason the Picadilly is earmarked for upgrade before the Bakerloo
@Eddyspeeder
@Eddyspeeder 2 жыл бұрын
6:36: Well thanks a lot for having me imagine tube lines in... line. Maybe that'll straighten them out.
@noondayx2011
@noondayx2011 2 жыл бұрын
Nice to see some videos about the trains themselves ☺️
@birdbrain4445
@birdbrain4445 19 күн бұрын
I must say - I hardly use the Piccadilly because of the areas it serves, as it comes nowhere near me or really goes to places I generally do (and even when it does, there's more convenient options.) I am rather more familiar with the Bakerloo Line and this is how this is relevant - for a while there's been calls to withdraw the 1972 Stock and it makes sense, as the poor geriatric trains are very much showing their age. I had presumed the '73 Stock was in a similar sort of position; coming towards the end of their useful life. And yet I noticed, I hardly hear people complain about these trains, even those who use it regularly. You never hear about them going wrong nearly as much as their older siblings on the Bakerloo. I would have thought that being of a similarish vintage and a similar design they would have a lot of the same problems, but no. It makes sense I suppose, it is not merely another order of '72 stock but a specialised train learning the lessons of the '72s. It's honestly pretty impressive that these now nearly 50 year old trains work decently well - very well in some cases - even now, holding their own against newer stock even as they approach the end of their quoted service life. Clearly, they were thought out and maintained well, and the lessons learnt from older trains that were applied to its design have paid dividends decades later. I rather like and respect them for that. With that in mind; whilst these trains will have to be replaced eventually of course, I do wonder why it's the Piccadilly that is first in line for new trains. Why not the Bakerloo line, with even older and far more aged, worn trains? Knowing how the latter line is treated I would not be surprised if the Central, Northern, W&C and Jubilee Lines all get to go before it as well. Maybe the Victoria too, to add insult to injury. It just seems like such a backwards way of doing it when the '72s are the oldest trains still running regular passenger service, and are showing their age more than any of the other Tube rolling stock. The 2024 stock has A/C, and the Bakerloo is one of the hottest lines - surely it would make the most sense to bring them where they're needed most first? Great video!
@daveherbert6215
@daveherbert6215 2 жыл бұрын
Jago you got a mention autoshenanigans recently. Your fame grows and grows. Nice video on the dilly line, must go to Heathrow sometime
@chrisadye1590
@chrisadye1590 2 жыл бұрын
The extra length of the carriages may make them impossible to fit on the Bakerloo line, but it actually also caused problems on the Piccadilly. Before new trains are introduced "gauging" exercises are carried out in which loaded and unloaded trains are run along the line to see that they fit. Because of the longer overhangs at either end of the carriages they came too close to the tunnel walls on the tightly curved section between Covent Garden and Holborn. The solution was to cut back the flanges on the tunnel linings in the affected locations thereby effectively widening the tunnels. This gave rise to lots of "new tube trains too big for tunnels" stories in the press.
@Shalott63
@Shalott63 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much @Chris Adye - you've restored my faith in my sanity. I've always had a memory that there were problems with the 1973 trains when they were introduced (which I think is part of the reason why they were introduced so late and slowly - although called 1973 stock they were actually rolled out over 1975-7), but for ages I've been looking at all the places on the internet where this stock is described and there's been nothing at all about the 'too big for tunnels' thing, so I was beginning to think perhaps I was imagining it after all (even Jago seems not to have found anything about it). In the mid-70s I was barely in double digits (agewise) so my memories of it all are a bit hazy. PS Was it just the C Garden to Holborn section that the trains couldn't fit through? Wouldn't the horribly sharp curves just east of South Ken have been even worse? I have a vague memory of that section being mentioned at the time as one of the problem areas.
@chrisadye1590
@chrisadye1590 Жыл бұрын
@@Shalott63 to be honest I can't remember where the problem was, and I suspect its my own personal bias because that was the section I was most familiar with at the time the memory formed
@TadeuszCantwell
@TadeuszCantwell 2 жыл бұрын
Woot, a train I have some familiarity with since I've flown into Heathrow a few times. I do like the 60s look to the train and wouldn't mind it staying.
@highpath4776
@highpath4776 2 жыл бұрын
I like the Picc, when the trains actually arrive. The Ghost location of Kings Cross where trains to Heathrow terminal anything are absent for 15 min at at time, and I think at times Rayners Lane doesnt exist
@iankemp1131
@iankemp1131 2 жыл бұрын
Really? So where are the trains billed as going to if neither of those places? Northfields is the only other westbound terminal I can think of. Or do they not display at all? I remember being scared by a similar phenomenon at Kilburn Park - arriving late at night to see nothing on the indicator for 15 minutes which would have made me miss my train at Paddington. As I was panicking, a train magically appeared, leaving in 2 minutes. They didn't register on the system until they had pulled out of the Queens Park sidings. But again I didn't think the Piccadilly had any turnround points south of Arnos Grove.
@highpath4776
@highpath4776 2 жыл бұрын
@@iankemp1131 Well its not the same time , but I have been , (mostly at Green Park or Kings X) and the general lack of frequency is notable for a urban metro system. A few I think terminate at Acton Town for a reverse movement from the onward / backward sidings. Oddly if you get to Hammersmith there seems to be more westbound trains - its as if they get laid up in the non stop tunnel bit from Earls Court.
@jimmyedwards1639
@jimmyedwards1639 Жыл бұрын
I remember some off peak trains reversing at Barons Court. And after the 1973 stock was introduced, some services which normally would run all the way to Uxbridge would terminate at Ruislip
@cyberwomble7524
@cyberwomble7524 2 жыл бұрын
Should it stay or should it go now? If it stays there may be trouble, but if it goes there may be double. By that I mean, the added cost of building wholly new trains and scrapping existing stock would outstrip the cost of retrofitting a train that has a proven track record on the line it serves.
@pintpullinggeek
@pintpullinggeek 2 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure that last sentence scans with the melody....but it might be an accurate assessment.
@davidty2006
@davidty2006 2 жыл бұрын
Keeping them as spares as first can work. As for scrapping... well feel like just better to sell them off for them to find other uses like the pacers have.
@sainsspadpop
@sainsspadpop 9 ай бұрын
I would say, move them to another another line on the tube, get the 2024 stock to come in and move the 1973 stock to the Bakerloo line if it can. I say they do not to be scrapped. they could still use them on the piccadly line when the 2024 stock come in but for staff and maybe if we need any extra trains or if one breaks down?
@ianbillericay
@ianbillericay 2 жыл бұрын
I will be sad to see them go, older stock has character
@nicksurface3513
@nicksurface3513 2 жыл бұрын
Want them to stay but I have sentimental bias. Those trains got me everywhere my whole life - school, university, work, football, tennis, meeting friends, nights out, catching flights. I used the Piccadilly Line for everything. Sad to see them go.
@johnburns4017
@johnburns4017 2 жыл бұрын
To me it seems TfL need to reassess the length of its cars. Merseyrail did this making them shorter. It may mean trains being interchangeable between the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
@trevorelliston1
@trevorelliston1 2 жыл бұрын
That is the plan with the new trains and a common design for many lines.
@martincowley9003
@martincowley9003 2 жыл бұрын
aah hounslow west again:) my family moved oop north in '71 so missed the new station layout . I spent many a day for the price of 1 ticket travelling all around the tube for a whole day in my mis-spent summer hols. as always love your videos. btw i have a picture of my better half on an underground platform with '38 stock coming up behind!
@nicholasroberts6954
@nicholasroberts6954 2 жыл бұрын
I can remember travelling on the 1959 stock, when it was nearly new in the early 60s and on the old '38 stock. Given TFLs current finances, replacement of the 1973 stock, may well be a case pitting the extra maintenance costs of continued use against the cost of capital required to replace them . . .with interest rates rising . . . May be the '73's will be given a stay of execution. Against this is the fact that maintenance costs must be higher for the 73's.I take it that the '73 stock didn't have brushless motors, so maintenance on these would be more costly, along with the higher incidence of fatigue in the older parts and chassis. Hey, but TFL's loss is the Isle of Wight's or some other regional railway's gain.
@Stuartrusty
@Stuartrusty 2 жыл бұрын
I shall lament the passing of the 1973 stock. Many times have I used it on the Piccadilly line for airport access and other travel related business. It still seems very much up to it's design brief and still a capable set of drive units and carriages. I really do think that the poor old Bakerloo line stock rattling and clattering its way into the 21st century should definitely be replaced before anything else. The Piccadilly line can wait for a bit....
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