Riding The Metropolitan Line's Secret Curve Of Track

So there's a 'secret' curve of track on the Tube out in Zone 7 called the "North Curve" out between Rickmansworth and Croxley ... which only a small number of trains use, but who travels on them? It was time to get up early and find out, and tick off the North Curve - in both directions - to say that I'd done it.
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[@EuanBCFC]

you should name this developing series *”Geoff gets up at ridiculous times to ride bits of track that don’t really mean much but are quite cool”*

[@chrisbrown6168]

Very catchy

[@cgbgaming9363]

GGUARTTRBOTTDRMMBAQC

[@gbdashcam4724]

Yeah 😂

[@ianneill1400]

@@geofftech2 GGUARTTRBOTTDRMMBAQC??

[@the_idiot_destroyer]

@@geofftech2 no it can be as long as you want, and it should be a series

[@poggs]

Driver: "Are you sure you want this tra... oh, hello Geoff"

[@fetchstixRHD]

“Are you sure you want this train? It’s just a normal one and the special one is the one after”

[@PrateekKarandikar]

This needs a follow-up: How to Get Home from Rickmansworth at 1 AM.

[@Eddyspeeder]

I've opened up the comments hoping Geoff revealed what got him home

[@geofftech2]

@@Eddyspeeder I … took my bike and cycled back to Watford and spent the night there!

[@briangarrow448]

As I sit underneath a canopy of old growth Douglas Fir trees on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state and drink my morning coffee, I am transported to a the rarely used section of the London rail system. Damn me if the internet isn’t a blast!

[@robertmarshall6578]

Yo Brian! Greetings from li'l ol' Englandland! Yes, the internet is wonderful - if only we could get rid of all the bad stuff. Came across this video by chance (like you, I guess). Never been to Rickmansworth. Next up, I'm going to watch a vintage clip of the 3rd Ave El - touche! (never been to NY either!)

[@Croydon387]

You mean London underground

[@robharris5245]

I used to be a station supervisor at Croxley. You must be the only person who has ever travelled on that last train to Ricky.

[@geofftech2]

the driver looked VERY surprised see me!

[@britishcorndog6079]

The Oyster Operators weren't

[@LWR1]

i rememeber in secrets of the metropolitan line video when you said youre not dedicated enough to wake up very early to catch a train on this curve so well done!

[@memofromessex]

I bet Geoff never wished he asked if we wanted to see him do rarely used track. There's a lot of very early mornings and late nights 😴😴😴😴

[@shorey66]

He looked so tired at the end of the video. Poor Geoff, the things he does for our curiosity.

[@personalsigh]

4:06 "the bridge that we just went under through" now that's a mouthful

[@TheCaptScarlett]

For all you Geocachers out there, there is a Micro that Geoff walked past (but not on film) at this spot that celebrates the Underground's only non-London tunnel - Underground Overground I placed it, but no longer maintain it. Happy hunting.

[@geofftech2]

totally forget to do any caching whilst i was out filming! got too absorbed in the trains ....

[@TEBEnthusiast]

I’ve always wanted to see the North Curve ever since I watched Secrets Of The Metropolitan Line. And thanks to this video now I know how it looks like, thank you Geoff for the video! :-)

[@thatguyshawzy]

Can relate.

[@tahmedurrahman666]

@@geofftech2 I swear you said on the Decreets Secrets of the Metropolitan Line video that you weren't bothered to get up so early to ride the North Curve 😂😂😂

[@Jacques1675]

@@thatguyshawzy I was on a Metropolitan line train at Watford on Tuesday (at around 3:50pm) and there was a faulty train at Northwood and the train went to Rickmansworth (via the North Curve and then turned into a fast Metropolitan line train (via Moor Park and Harrow on the Hill)

[@Karlinski73]

And this is why, folks, you should make the most of British Summer Time when it’s daylight at 5-6am, so that you can do stuff like this! 👍☀️

[@thegreatwesterner9481]

Geoff is makeing a new series of secret rarely used track

[@tsareric1921]

He slowly working us up for the All the track series he gonna start next year post covid.

[@spottymaxy1628]

Nice

[@highpath4776]

There are a few other bits of line connections in the tubes but they are not public other than some railtours. I have done the kennington loop when asleep

[@TWX1138]

Did anyone else at 1:18 initally get the impression that Geoff was somehow entering into a moving train? EDIT: there was _just enough_ camera shake that it felt like someone struggling to remain upright first, with camera control second.

[@Aviertje]

Yeah I had that feeling too. It made me queasy because it felt that intense!

[@drewzero1]

Sneaky cut from moving train, to stationary train with a moving train on the other track. Thought it looked odd the first time I saw it.

[@britrocker3393]

I used to ride that service for a few months every morning! I was a night shift worker who commuted back home to Watford from Rickmansworth. It was very useful.

[@bishwatntl]

Geoff mentioned the early morning Chesham to Watford train. I just left Chesham on a delayed 21:57, expecting it to head into London, but it pulled into Chesham labelled Watford - and that's where it went! So I managed to get from Ricky to Croxley round the North Curve, arriving about 22:30-ish. Luckily, a regular Watford-Baker Street train turned up a couple of minutes later to get me home. Just goes to show - it can happen. The departure boards at the intermediate stations gave up and said "check front of train". Another tick.

[@superlynx98]

A regular service between Watford and Rickmansworth would be very useful to locals (Source: I have lived both in Watford and Rickmansworth)

[@vegancam]

*_Wakes up at 5am_* Geoff: "Good morning, you're early, I like that. It's 10 to 6..." *_Watches a beautiful little mini adventure in the leafy outskirts of London_* Great stuff, very peaceful. Can't wait til the world is back to normal and I can wing my way over to that part of the world and enjoy the London Underground, streets and byways and endless cups of tea again.

[@vegancam]

Thank you, as always. :)

[@hartstukken]

Must be lots of fun as an operator seeing one guy with a camera at a platform which is usually completely empty at that time. And going "oh its Geoff!" At this point I wonder if T.O's keep record of how many times theyve seen him

[@trueriver1950]

Although they are commonly known as "Geoff spotters", they themselves prefer the term "Geoff Enthusiasts"

[@wclifton968gameplaystutorials]

The Dot Matrix probably says "Metropolitan Line" because its an unadvertised service like how parliamentary trains operated by the Southern Railway (GTR) in South London/Oyster Card Zone 2 says "Private Train"

[@AchyutChaudhary]

The North Curve appeared on a couple of the first Tube Maps by Harry Beck in the 1930’s, would love to see this back on the Tube Map! It would have likely been brought into regular passenger service had the Croxley Rail Link (the Metropolitan Line extension) not got cancelled in 2016!

[@jackiedavis5599]

There were 4 maps issued in 1933. 1st/ ref 750M-1-33 2nd/ ref 33-3636 3rd/ ref 33-2791 and 4th/ with no ref. The first 2 didn't show the curve, the latter 2 did, and from 1934 onwards it was omitted.

[@guganesan.ilavarasan]

Hi, I think I have seen your post in the London oddity Facebook group!

[@cstevephillips]

The next time you are in Rickmansworth, I recommend the Chess Valley Walk following the River Chess to Chesham, where you can then catch the tube home. It is a 10 mile walk. Alternatively, you can do a detour through picturesque Chenies and then to Chorleywood

[@davemoon201]

When I was a teenager, there used to be a gap in the fence in croxley woods so you could sneak through and stand on top of the bridge/tunnel in the north curve. On rare occasions it had been used to stable stock too. Sometimes you'd go past and see a couple of unpainted aluminium A60's in there. That's going back a bit. Happy times :)

[@zForce4]

Just wanted to say that I love these recent “things you may not know” / “secrets on the London Underground” type of videos! I’ll be waiting for the NLE one!

[@transportationuk7656]

I know a Transpennine Express service that makes an alternative route. On the Cleethorpes-Manchester Piccadilly Service. Between Swinton and Meadowhall they usually go on the main line past the old Rotherham Masborough Station. However the last train of day which terminates at Sheffield diverts at Aldwarke Junction and additionally calls at Rotherham Central. There is also another service. The last train from Manchester Airport terminating at Doncaster diverts at Nunnery Junction and goes via Broughton Lane Junction and passes Rotherham Central. It goes directly from Sheffield to Doncaster without calling at Meadowhall.

[@blueberrypirate3601]

A halt at Magna Centre is planned on that line.

[@markdixey3180]

A couple of afternoon Scarborough-Sheffield services do the freight line between Sheffield and Doncaster avoiding Rotherham. This was in the summer of 2019

[@bigbazzaRUFC]

Yes I remember one late night at Rotherham Central I was on a train of some sort and we pulled up right next to a TPE Turbostar

[@lucaschang689]

I remember you mentioning this years ago on your 'Secrets of the Metropolitan Line' video! I suppose because the curve is pointing away from central London it's not used that much?

[@Gary0557]

You’d never know this curve was there unless you live in this area and ride the Met line regularly. Great vid.

[@dougstar2013]

I’m off Friday and I’m gonna do it . I’ve always wondered why that curve was there. Cheers Geoff 👍

[@adamsyed5535]

I'm an American who did 2 years of college in London, and I loved riding the Metropolitan line to Amersham and Chesham. This was more than two decades ago, when zones 7 through 9 were zones A through D. Those were the days of the Chesham Shuttle. There were only three through trains from Aldgate to Chesham per day, one in the morning and two at night. I can still remember that they were at 6:45, 17:04 and 17:36. I got up early once to ride the 6:45 one. Have not been in the UK since 2001 but hope to come back this year and ride it again.

[@truebrit3578]

Just want to say as a Brit expat who cannot travel back to the UK now what a pleasure these videos are

[@TheNapalmFTW]

Same!

[@peterrussell830]

Such enthusiasm Geoff. These little used lines are really interesting, so keep them coming.

[@RUOKH]

Totally agree with Peter - keep these quirky lines coming Geoff. Thanks.

[@barrykeen5643]

As a young boy in the 1950s and using that part of the Met line to go to school, I remember that this curve was frequently used to 'turn' trains. Back then trains were 'handed' and had A and D ends and all of the A ends were supposed to face in one direction (eg North) whilst all of the D ends would face in the opposite direction. If for whatever reason a train faced in the wrong direction it would be driven from Moor Park round the South curve and when it had cleared the points the driver would proceed to the other end of the train and 'reverse' it round the North curve back onto the main line where it would then be facing in the opposite, ie correct direction - job done. Once the A60 stock was introduced this was no longer needed for Metropolitan stock but the Bakerloo 1938 stock continued to be turned there from time to time.

[@untensil]

On my way from Chesham to the 2012 Olympic Games, our train was diverted and reversed at Croxley, then preceded to London. Rode the north curve without even trying...

[@frankate9145]

Same here! Only time I've been on it was when met line was up the creek and for some reason our train to london from ricky got diverted through croxley. Ironic given I had to be dropped off at ricky in to meet my friend in the first place!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Living in Chalfont I occasionally have to be at Watford on a Saturday morning for work so I use the 05:16 from Chesham. For a long time I had the train to myself but the last few times the local postman gets on with his bike and letters at Rickmansworth and gets off at Croxley!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I love it when Geoff gets a train to himself. His fans should go along with him on such an adventure.

[@markwright3161]

Then you'd have a lot of really puzzled staff. :)

[@petertansley176]

There is also a tunnel outside of London in Essex. It is on the Central line between Grange Hill and Chigwell.

[@markbunn4376]

I am pleased I have travelled on this bit of line when I used to live near Watford Met. Around 2010, I used to use, the late train from Rickmansworth (just after midnight), as I was the only person getting on, the driver actually asked me once if I would like to ride in the cab, so I have rode the north curve from the front as it where. If a plan in the late 1980's had taken place, the curve would have been used for national rail trains, to link to the Croxley BR line, then go through to Watford Junction, but unlike the "Croxley Rail Link" for the Underground, it would not have stopped at WJ, it would then taken over the St Albans Abbey line, but before it got to the Abbey, it would have gone underground through a tunnel to join up with the St Albans City line. I used to have a newspaper report from the Watford Observer from 1989, announcing it, it was called at the time "The Colne Valley Rail Link", and the plan was to run regular trains from Aylesbury to Luton. It was planned to have been opened by 1994, but of course it never happened.

[@asdaneedsfunds]

"Early, I like that" Geoff how did you know I watched this 2 minutes after uploading

[@AAAyyyGGG]

I was happy to see it 10 minutes after uploading!

[@goatgamer001]

I was happy to watch this video 3 days after uploading

[@juansanchezdominguez7885]

@@goatgamer001 6 weeks LOL

[@goatgamer001]

@@juansanchezdominguez7885 lol

[@brucewilliams8714]

Thanks, Geoff. You remind me of my Jack Russell: get onto something, and don't let go.

[@davidgibson1978]

Thanks Geoff for the video, its great to see you highlighting these rare services, it would be good if TFL out this as a regular service and in sure that some commuters would want them on a regular basis.

[@simonbennett9687]

I’ve bashed that track steam hauled in the 90s. The Steam on the Met events were so great.

[@PetertheRock.]

This is fantastic. I have been walking all over this part of London and the Chilterns for years, and always idly wondered about this line, assuming it was defunct, though the lines seemed used. A mystery solved! Many thanks Geoff!

[@LiftsAndElevatorsInScandinavia]

I did ride the entire length of every single line except the London Overground, Crossrail and the Metropolitan line - I'd love to see this track when it's safe for me to return :)

[@maxfrobisher7849]

Geoff has finally gone round the bend! Love your enthusiasm Geoff, you have kept me entertained for many hours, thanks.

[@1258-Eckhart]

I do admire Geoff's dedication.

[@trevorwilliams6815]

I would just add that the curve sees occasional use for Watford to Rickmansworth shuttles if the slow lines via Moor Park are closed. Its how I got the curve in the 1990s. Fascinating short films.

[@ianmcclavin]

I've been round the North Curve a few times, mainly during the "Steam on the Met" events of the 1990's, but also on one of those "engineering weekends" you mentioned. I haven't done it in "S" Stock yet, though!!

[@ts051076]

Another great video. Your unwavering enthusiasm with these videos make it a joy to watch.

[@tahmedurrahman666]

Great video! Some weekends, when there is no Metropolitan Line trains between Moor Park and Watford due to planned engineering works it's great all the trains are diverted around the curve. One Bank Holiday weekend, all trains from Watford ran to either Chesham or Amersham around the curve. Watford may seem like a peaceful, residential area but believe me Saturday afternoons it gets really busy!

[@acps110]

Fantastic Geoff! I’m very glad that you got to ride the North Curve and share it with us.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

Fascinating; thank you for the early-morning (and late-night!) dedication to creating this historical document. Mike

[@brooklyntrainspotting8464]

Amazing video Geoff! Love the content. The amazing videos never bore me. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@Hammondfreak]

Well compiled video. Not many people would put themselves out to show this rarely serviced curve at such early times so, well done Geoff !

[@NS-xo6qe]

"You are going to Rickmondsworth" *"OH NO"*

[@shaunganley]

Random comment: the video quality on your newest videos is so good Geoff! And I've considered your older ones good too, but they've gotten incredibly sharper now! Love it.

[@lipkinasl]

I like the graphic showing all the North Curve trains .... it'll be out of date by mid-September, as the whole Sub-Surface Lines start new timetables.

[@djlewis5149]

Atmospheric shot of the Train clacking away into the early morning from a lonely station triggered the old proustian memories. Top vid Geoff

[@sambarton5963]

Was just thinking earlier today that I needed another Geoff video in my life! I'm glad it worked!

[@anthonylloyd6094]

Hi Geoff. Bored at work so perusing maps and I noticed another 'once a railway' line. It branches off the Ebury Way behind the Post Office depot and curves around to join the Metropolitan Line.

[@quantisedspace7047]

This sounds like the Railway from Rickmansworth to where ? Watford ? Croxley ? Can't remember where it went. As far as I can remember, it had a dedicated terminus at Rickmansworth Church Street. It didn't join the Metropolitan Line at all. It also is completely separate from the Watford/Croxley Green line, as was.

[@ashfuller3480]

You are a man who is dedicated to his craft Geoff riding both trains

[@chrischandler833]

Full marks for your dedication in exploring the obscure !

[@Buckstom]

One route you can’t do any more but I remember well was very early northbound Met trains from Baker St used to stop at all Jubilee Line stations to Wembley Park. These would have finished when Jubilee line was resignalled.. For extra interest the southbound service was run with C stock trains from Neasden depot to take up service on the Circle Line.

[@KnotChinese]

I traveled from Watford to Chorleywood every day, via Moor Park, in the ‘80’s and never knew about this. Thank you!

[@MrPete1x]

Excellent video, thank you for showing

[@takeeverythingin]

seriously hardcore, doing that tiny jaunt in the opposite direction.. in the dark.. at way past your bedtime. chapeau.

[@Johnyperks]

Interesting Video Geoff. With a nice bit of countryside. Keep up the good work.

[@andrewholloway231]

Yay, I can safely say that I have ridden the North Curve. I forget which year it was, however there was a IWA boat show at Cassiobury Park. I travelled from Chalfont & Latimer and I travelled the North Curve each way.

[@dennisdaily5463]

Geoff, I really envy you your youth and energy. You do the kind of videos I would be doing were I young again and lived in London. I miss visiting there. Keep up the great work. Dennis

[@hithisisachannel8747]

Google Maps surprisingly show this curve if you go onto Transit mode. I’ve tried it with Apple Maps as well but sadly it doesn’t show the curve.

[@hermand]

God I'm not even a train geek but I had a real rush of sadness that its been so long since I was in London and on the tube when you first got on! I think you've broke me!

[@ariepaul]

I am amazed how you found this ( I will Use the name that popup in my memory) jewel on that line. Great video Geoff!

[@grahamumbo9059]

I rode this over 40 years ago on an LT trip called the Auto Tube rambler. We also changed from Metropolitan to Central by going through Ruislip depot over some very bumpy track before going round the Hainault loop. All this for a few quid.

[@johnmurrell3175]

The connection Ruislip Depot to the Met was funded as part of the programme to buy 73TS. At that time trains were delivered by British Rail into Ruislip Depot then out of gauge items like the shoe beams and trip cocks were fitted. The units were then tested and taken by rail to their depot. Without the link the trains would have to go round some very long route to the Piccadilly Line and the long cars may not have fitted the Tunnels. A really rare trip is from Network rail into Ruislip depot - not sure if this has ever been done by a passenger carrying train ? Ruislip depot is unique in that it has a connection to 3 different lines - the only LU depot to do this. Don't ask about the procedures for getting from Network Rail into Ruislip Depot - that brings back memories of the chaos caused by the PPP with Metronet, Tube Lines, LU Operations, Network Rail and the Freight company driving the train all involved !

[@grahamumbo9059]

@@johnmurrell3175 Many thanks for such an interesting reply

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@maherhamadouch2005]

You have impeccable commitment to the cause

[@DurhamGooner]

Wonderful effort Geoff!!

[@MrBlackkie]

very informative video to me as an ex metropolitan line relief signalman from the late 90,s, i worked at ricky signal box at the end of the northbound platform I always wondered what that forest was that you could see over the curve, now i know! I recall back then the curve was used to turn around the old A stock, so the cabs faced different directions periodically and reduce wear on the wheels. the time table back then in 1998 allowed non stop trains from Finchley road to moor park, non stop harrow on the hill , then on to the fast chiltern line to moor pk , big mistake if you wanted wembley park as it didnt stop there either

[@filip78channel15]

Very interesting video, indeed, Geoff! Thanks.

[@davekirwin]

I've glared at that piec of track several times and thought that I should try and go on it...but so far getting up that early for it has eluded me. Well done nutter.

[@matthewiles5714]

I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel. Your videos are really interesting.

[@tonywallow964]

Nicely done

[@stevehendon4076]

A trip down memory lane for me Geoff 😊. I used to live in Chorleywood and went to school at Durrants and Cassio College. Thanks. Oh, and first job in Chesham 😎😎

[@ohwhye]

This is a fascinating series.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Hi Geoff 😀 Always very informative as always 👍🏻

[@NELincsTrainspotting]

Great video, thanks for the very enjoyable content, keep up the great work 👍

[@gregmichael8473]

Thanks for the video, Geoff. I rode that curve on a Steam on the Met special in 1996, both ways, probably not knowing that it was rare trackage.

[@MrJohnSeager1]

Saw this curve on my way back from Aylesbury last weekend - glad to see this curve is used on LU

[@patrickasselin2326]

Geoff Marshall is a KZbinr with a particular set of skills.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Thanks a lot for this video, Geoff! I miss London, and I miss the tube.

[@SonicbusterX2000]

Geoff on the tube again! Long awaited, back in his natural habitat. Awesome Video, can't wait for more :)

[@robertpagetfilms]

very nicely filmed

[@DaVane]

Such childlike joy at obscure tube services...

[@zrhplanespotting]

Finally after 7 years! I have been waiting for this :-)

[@stevebarlow3154]

That has to be one of the geekiest videos you have ever done Geoff!

[@C5FlyingSquad]

Ah, so this is the video you told me about when we met at Battersea Park.

[@xoeliasp8898]

I've never Ridden the North Curve On the Met but thankfully from you I get to see what it looks like

[@dream.machine]

Very intriguing!

[@DanCojocaru2000]

9:08 Goeff: "And oh we've stopped at a red signal." CC: "And (indistinct) red signal." Oof.

[@AllensTrains]

I always thought you were going around the bend. This documentary proves it!

[@neilroughton4614]

I have driven both the first and last journeys on a rail replacement bus on a Monday to Friday when there has been overnight engineering work at Ricky. Needless to say, I didn't have any passengers!

[@bluevanimaging9998]

Great stuff. Ridden those lines a lot but never that curve, so thanks for this!

[@Robslondon]

This is incredible, Geoff. I lived in Watford/Croxley for quite a few years, even ridden on the curve on a heritage event, but had no idea it was still possible to do this. Am I right in thinking there was once a more regular service through the curve in the late 1980s. or did I imagine that?