London Underground A60 Stock
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The A60 Stock is a class of sub-surface train run on the London Underground, which was built in 1960 by Cravens of Sheffield for the extension of the electrification to Amersham. The A62 Stock is a batch of almost identical units, built in 1962 to replace elderly stock on the Uxbridge line. They are both commonly known simply as 'A' stock, as there is no need to distinguish between the two batches (or between them and the 1903 trains, also known as "A Stock"). The only significant difference between the A60 and A62 types is their compressors: the A60s are fitted with rotary compressors whereas the A62s have reciprocating compressors, and the different sound of these can act as an identifying feature.
The Metropolitan Line is one of the most complicated lines. During peak times, trains from Baker Street or Aldgate serve all destinations and vice versa. All Uxbridge services stop at all stations, the Watford service becomes semi-fast - not stopping between Finchley Road and Harrow on the Hill and the Amersham service remains a fast service not stopping between Finchley Road and Harrow on the Hill and Harrow on the Hill and Moor Park. During off peak times and weekends the service is Aldgate - Uxbridge (all stations), Baker Street to Watford (all stations) and Baker Street to Amersham (Fast but stopping at Wembley Park). There are two trains in the morning and evening peak that travel between Aldgate and Chesham at other times passengers have to change at Chalfont & Latimer for a shuttle to Chesham.
The 'A' in the unit designation stands for 'Amersham', as the trains were ordered as part of the electrification of the Metropolitan Line to that station.
They work in an eight-car permanent formation on the Metropolitan Line, and in a four-car formation on the East London Line. They were refurbished by Adtranz (now Bombardier) Derby in the mid to late 1990s.
When built they had a top speed of 70mph, but the maximum line speed is now only 50mph. Still, these are the fastest operating trains in the London Underground network. The A60/62 Stocks are the only ones left on London underground that still feature independent brake and traction control.
A distinctive feature of these stocks is the 'transverse' seating throughout: the seats are oriented across the car's width as opposed to the standard longitudinal layout, where the seats follow the sides of the carriage. The transverse seats on one side are in groups of four and on the other in groups of three. The stock is equipped with luggage racks and umbrella hooks as well, being the only stock on the system to have these features.
[edit] Replacement
An order has been placed for new rolling stock to replace the A60 and A62 units. On the Metropolitan Line, the new S Stock will enter service around 2009, while the East London Line will receive new National Rail type rolling stock once its extension opens.
 |
This London Underground-related article is a stub. You can help WikiProject Underground by expanding it. |
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: |
| London Underground rolling stock | |
|
1900 - 1903 - 1906 - 1914 - 1915 - 1920 - Watford Joint |
|
|
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - G23 - H - K - L - M - N - O - CO - P - P1 |
|
|
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - K - Metropolitan District |
|
|
Sleet locomotives - Coaching stock - Departmental - Engineering |
|
