Transport for London1973
- Piccadilly line
- Refurbished by Bombardier Prorail 1995-2000
A total of 88 new trains of 1973 stock were built by Metro-Cammell and delivered during the mid-1970s for the Piccadilly line, in connection with the increased stock required for the extension from Hounslow West to Heathrow.
They commenced operation mid 1975. To cater for airline passengers carrying baggage, extra floor space has been provided, made possible by setting back the glass screens at door openings to provide larger vestibules than normal.
This also had the advantage of helping speed up discharging and embarking passengers, essential to maintain a highly intensive service through central London stations.
The cars are longer than normal Tube stock, a six-car train is 350ft (107.6m) long which is only 17ft (5.23m) shorter than the seven-car trains they replaced.
The advantages are that there are fewer bogies per train, and therefore less cost, a saving in weight and noise and a greater degree of comfort.
There are three types of 1973 car - DM (driving motor cars - fitted with drivers controls and traction motors), UNDM (uncoupling non-driving motor cars - fitted with traction/control equipment but no drivers controls or accommodation, with a small cabinet allowing uncoupling and shunting), T (trailer coach with no driving controls or traction equipment)
| DM | UNDM | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 57ft 3.75in (17.7m) | 57ft 1.5in (17.48m) | 57ft 1.5in (17.47m) |
| Height | 9ft 5in (2.88m) | 9ft 5in (2.88m) | 9ft 5in (2.88m) |
| Width | 8ft 7.5in (2.63m) | 8ft 7.5in (2.63m) | 8ft 7.5in (2.63m) |
| Seating | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Weight | 27.2 tonnes | 26.2 tonnes | 18.4 tonnes |
| Total seating capacity for six cars |
228, plus 44 perch seats | ||
| Total standing capacity for six cars |
456 | ||
| Total six-car train capacity | 684* | ||
*Total train capacity is based on 4 passengers per m2
