Transport for LondonC' stock
'C' stock - Circle, Hammersmith & City lines, District line (Edgware Road-Wimbledon)
- Refurbished by RFS Industries, Doncaster, 1991-1994
These trains were designed specifically for urban traffic and high passenger numbers with short stops between stations and consequently considerable movement into and out of trains.
Among their new features was a secondary suspension system, thermostat controlled blower-heater fans mounted in the roofs and extra doors whose vestibules afforded an increase in standing space.
A subsequent order for a second batch, known as C77 stock, comprised 67 cars for 11 trains with one car to replace a C69 unit destroyed in a bomb incident at West Ham in 1976.
These trains commenced operation on the District line between Edgware Road and Wimbledon in April 1978. The short platforms over the western part of the Circle line prevent the use of the longer District line 'D' stock cars.
This was the first manually controlled stock on London Underground to be fitted with rheostatic braking, using the traction motors for braking.
It was also the first to be equipped with a 'selective close' facility, which allowed all the doors, except one pair to be closed to retain interior heat, while the trains were standing at terminal stations. They have four pairs of double doors on each side.
All trains were refurbished by RFS industries in Doncaster between 1991 and 1994. The seating was originally transverse except at the outer ends of the cars which were longitudinal, but upon refurbishment all seating is longitudinal throughout.
Although this kept the amount of seating the same, it did provide additional standing room in the gangways. Windows were introduced in the car ends to enhance personal security.
| Length per car | 52ft 7in (16.03m) driving motor cars, 49ft (14.94m) |
|---|---|
| Height | 12ft 1in (3.68m) |
| Width | 9ft 7in (2.92m) |
| Seating per car | 32 |
| Seating capacity per train | 192 |
| Standing capacity per train | 547 |
| Total six car train capacity | 739* |
| Weight | 31.70 tonnes (driving motor cars), 20.2 tonnes (trailer cars) |
*Total train capacity is based on 4 passengers per m2
As part of the upgrade of the sub-surface lines, new trains are being introduced. These began to be introduced in 2010 on the Metropolitan line.
By 2015, the entire sub-surface fleet will have been replaced with new rolling stock, which will be known as S stock. The Metropolitan line will be followed by the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines, and finally the District line.
