Loading

London Underground R49-stock driving motor car

Metropolitan Cammell Ltd and London Transport1949 - 1952

London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum
United Kingdom

The R-stock was commissioned between 1949 and 1959 and ran on the District line until 1983. It comprised 246 newly constructed cars and 132 cars converted from 1938 Q-stock. Notable features include it being the first stock on the Underground with fluorescent lighting and the fact that every car was equipped with traction motors. Car number 22679 was one of many constructed in aluminium alloy, which reduced the weight by 5.4 tons. It formed part of an experimental eight-car train left unpainted to save costs.

Details

  • Title: London Underground R49-stock driving motor car
  • Creator: Metropolitan Cammell Ltd, London Transport
  • Date Created: 1949 - 1952
  • Physical Dimensions: 3600 mm, 15800 mm
  • Subject Keywords: Train
  • External Link: Record in London Transport Museum Collections Online
  • Reference number: 1982/35
  • Physical Description: All the Tube trains that run on sub-surface lines such as the District and Metropolitan are technically referred to by a letter, which indicates their date of issue and design. The R-stock was introduced in 1947 and based on the same design as the pre-war O-, P- and Q-types. This is an example of the second batch produced by Metro-Cammell. They were made of lightweight aluminium and were the first on the Underground. This experimental train was left unpainted, which saved costs. The R-stock were also the first trains to be fitted with fluorescent lighting.
  • Item location: Acton Depot

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app

Interested in Science?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Google apps