| Information | |
|---|---|
| Number built: | 464 (104 4-car sets) |
| Built: | 1960-62 |
| Builder: | Cravens |
| Engine: | GEC LT114 traction motors (630v DC fourth rail) |
| Power: | Driving Motor (DM)+Trailer (T)+T+DM[+DM+T+T+DM] |
The two batches looked pretty much identical with the biggest difference being the compressor used. They entered service in 1961 and remained in service until September 2012 - finally being replaced by S8 Stock [2], making them one of the longest serving British EMUs with 51 years service and still the longest serving London Underground unit (though the 1972 Tube Stock will probably overtake them). As well as the Metropolitan Line they were also used on the East London Line from the late 1970s onwards.
The A Stock was usually employed in 8 car rakes consisting of 2 4-car sets coupled together. Unlike some types of LU stock the sets had driving cabs at both end so could be used on their own - as indeed they were on the Chesham branch of the Metropolitan [3].
With the Metropolitan having longer distances between stations than on most lines the A Stock could reach up to 70mph making them the fastest fourth rail units in the world! [4] By the 2000s however they had been restricted to 50mph to help nurse them along in their final years. One car has been preserved and a couple more (plus some spares) remain in service as one of LU's Rail Adhesion Trains - though a new RAT made from D78 Stock has been recently built and may replace it.
 |
| Preserved 5034 at LT Museum Acton Depot |
 |
| Aboard 5034, the Metropolitan Line retains transverse seating unlike most tube lines |
 |
| Overhead view of 5034 |
 |
| Cab view |
[1] John Glover, ABC London Underground (Ian Allan, 1997) p. 54
[2] Piers Connor, The London Underground Electric Train (Crowood Press, 2015), p. 167
[3] John Glover, London Underground Rolling Stock in Colour (Ian Allan, 2009) p. 5
[4] Paul Moss, London Underground (Haynes, 2014), p. 112