London Underground 1986 Stock

In 1984, London Transport ordered three different prototype trains to test new materials, construction methods and seating layouts.[1] Two were built by Metro-Cammell at its Washwood Heath factory, and the third by British Rail Engineering Limited at its Derby Litchurch Lane Works.[2][3]

Each train consisted of two two-carriage motored cars, with one having a cab. All were built to the same design and were able to operate in four, six and eight car formations, despite each having different electrical equipment. The first was delivered in October 1986.[4] To make their identification easier the prototypes were distinctively and individually coloured - red, blue and green.[2]

After an extensive testing program on the deep level tube lines, they sporadically operated in passenger service on the Jubilee line between May 1988 and August 1989 in six-carriage formations. After being stored for seven years, all but green driving motor no.16 were scrapped in 1996. The latter was stored at Ash Grove bus garage before moving to the London Transport Museum's Acton depot.[2]

The public consultation results show that the blue prototype was the favoured, and provided the core design basis for the 1992 Stock that was built for London Underground's Central line and Network SouthEast's Waterloo & City line.[3]

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  The Green 1986 prototype London Underground train at South Ealing station on the test track whilst undergoing trials.
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  The Blue 1986 prototype London Underground train arriving at South Ealing station on the test track whilst undergoing trials.
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  Inside the Red 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.
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  Inside the Green 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.
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  Inside the Blue 1986 prototype London Underground train when on public display at Woodford station.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to London Underground 1986 Stock.

• A short video of these trains in public service has been placed on YouTube.
• A second video showing the blue and green cars in service on the Aldwych branch, March 1989 on YouTube.