In Pictures: New Victoria Line Train

TfL recently began night-time test services on some of the new Victoria line trains, which are due to replace the existing models over the next few years. We caught a ride on one last night between Highbury and Euston.

The trains are the first new models on the Tube network in ten years, and to the naked eye aren’t anything more than a re-working of the existing models, with some additional room for standing passengers squeezed in — the fold-down seats give it a certain Northern Line feel. Each train has four additional single doors, will reduce journey times by 16% due to improved speed and acceleration, and when all 47 new trains are operational, they’ll provide a quicker, more regular and reliable service, according to TfL in their official blurb.

We’re not the only ones to have spied ‘em: aside from unsuspecting clubbers on the last train home, London Reconnections has some pics, and one of Annie Mole‘s readers recently caught some candid shots. For most Vicky line passengers, it’ll be a couple years yet before they’re offering relief during rush hour.

  • http://cultureandthecity.blogspot.com/ ZoZo

    They’re very… what’s the word… clean:-)

  • http://undefined cobo04

    I can remember seeing a carriage (just one) sitting outside Euston main line station a year or so back and had a ‘tour’ of it then. Looks good and the seats feel good (poss as they are new and the springs work). Won’t hold my breath for their coming into service time though, this is TfL we are talking about.

    Now for air con in the deep level tunnels….

  • http://undefined DeanN

    I went to the carriage in Euston too (though I think it was back in 2006 or so — last year they had a mock-up of the new H&C, District & Circle line carriages).. the seats do currently have a nice springiness to them, and there’s a definite ‘new car’ smell to it, which won’t last long.

    As for them coming into service — I think they’re actually ahead of schedule on this project. All the existing trains should be replaced by 2012.