The Underground is electrified using a four-rail system, the DC traction supply being independent of the running rails. Planned improvements include new stations, line extensions and more lines with automatic train operation (ATO).
When did London Underground stop using steam engines?
The last steam locomotives ran on this line in 1961. But even after this, there was some steam still in operation. These trains were run by London Transport from the Lillie Bridge depot near Earl's Court and were for engineering works or train company business.
How was the London Underground made?
Digging downMuch of the central London network was completed in the first 50 years, all through private development. In this period the first group of routes were built in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels along existing thoroughfares and needed plenty of vents to allow smoke and steam from the engines to escape.
Why does London Underground use DC?
The four rail system was first used in the early twentieth century. The isolated traction current return allowed a train's position to be detected using DC track circuits, and reduced any earth leakage currents that could affect service pipes, telephone cables, or cast iron tunnel liners.
When did the London Underground go electric?
1890The first deep-level tube line, the City and South London Railway, opened in 1890 with electric trains. This was followed by the Waterloo & City Railway in 1898, the Central London Railway in 1900, and the Great Northern and City Railway in 1904.
Was the tube always electric?
Initially, these early underground railways used steam trains. The technology for the safe tunnelling of tubes deeper below London had been developed by 1870, but the first successful tube railway was not practical until electric power and safe lifts were perfected in the late 1880s.
Has the London Underground always been powered by electricity?
When did tube trains become electric?
On 4 November 1890, the Prince of Wales opened the world's first electric underground railway at the King William Street Terminus in London. The line ran from King William Street to Stockwell and, after its inauguration on 4 November 1890, it opened to the public the following month.
How was the first London Underground powered?
Initially, these early underground railways used steam trains. The technology for the safe tunnelling of tubes deeper below London had been developed by 1870, but the first successful tube railway was not practical until electric power and safe lifts were perfected in the late 1880s.
What is the longest line on the London Underground?
The Central lineThe Central line is a London Underground line that runs through central London, from Epping, Essex, in the north-east to Ealing Broadway and West Ruislip in west London. Printed in red on the Tube map, the line serves 49 stations over 46 miles (74 km), making it the longest line on the Underground.
When was electricity first used in London?
When would you guess the first electric lights appeared on the streets of London? The date usually given is 1878, when Embankment and Holborn Viaduct were bathed in the glow of arc lamps.
Did the London Underground run during ww2?
The London Underground continued to run while also providing shelter from air raids. Bus routes, stations and garages were regularly disrupted and damaged by bombing. While doing their jobs in the Second World War, 426 staff were killed and nearly 3,000 injured.
When did UK trains become electric?
1883Electric railways began in Great Britain in 1883 and the first EMU ran on the Liverpool Overhead Railway in 1893. In the early 20th century, systems were developed where all the motors on a train could be controlled by a low voltage signal from any cab.
What is the top speed of a London Underground train?
60MPHLondon Underground train speeds vary across our network, from as slow as 15MPH, up to 60MPH. The speed of the trains can be impacted by a range of factors including the track infrastructure, the type of signalling system, the distance between stations, and the frequency of services in the timetable.