Lack of Tube Train models.

[Going Spare]

I am not so sure of your claim that Underground stock can not run "on the main line" because I remember seeing photographs of LT stock being delivered from the manufacturer (in Birmingham?) on Network Rail tracks, using class 20 locomotives and special barrier vans if my memory is correct. Was the LT stock running on accommodation bogies/wheelsets?

[LCDR]

Nowadays track gauge is expressed in metric units, (1432mm on NR) and minor differences is not usually a problem for interchange running. Indeed LUL and National Rail trains regularly share tracks for example between Harrow on the Hill and Amersham, East Putney to Wimbledon, and Gunnersbury and Richmond. Surface stock on the Metropolitan, District and Circle lines also share track with tube line stock on many routes. Tube sized stock operates alongside NR stock between Willesden Junction and Harrow and Wealdstone, although many years ago it used to run all the way to Watford Junction.

LUL use four rail power supply with two conductor rails, one centrally between the running rails, and another outside the 'four foot'. The National Rail TOCs use three rail omitting the centre rail, current return is via the running rails. Where LUL and NR operate over the same track the centre rail is employed for LUL but the running rails are bonded at the substation to allow three rail traction to work properly.

The biggest problem being the difference in floor height between the two different types at stations. Joint platforms are usually at a compromise height.

Additional precautions have to be taken to prevent the taller surface stock entering tube tunnels by mistake, and height sensors connected to both the signalling and traction power are employed.

At one time certain Underground surface stock were too wide to operate normally on British Railways outside the London area, and if taken away over BR lines for repair or scrapping had to be operated as "Out of Gauge" loads.

Similar considerations occur elsewhere. The Tyne and Wear Metro operate over National Rail between Pelaw and Sunderland, for example, and recently the Sheffield Tram network operates "Tram-Train" vehicles on NR from Tinsley to Rotherham.

[RB51]

Just announced. I think.

https://www.themodelcentre.com/e99939-efe-rail-oo-scale-london-underground-1938-tube-stock-4-car-motorised-train-1960s-northern-line-set?_ccCt=zhcIlCXfPtUEuCVU5a3u_xpKvMPi7Kz6NToHSlKRHvY5mltTM6N93c%7egqpRqXqVn

R-

[SD Stephen]

I agree that there is a market for London Underground trains especially the older units CO/COP units used on the Circle District and Metropolitan lines would sell. As has been proved by Bachmann with their 1938 Northern Line stock.

Hornby have consistently ignored producing London Transport Underground models even though it is an important network used by millions of people every day.

I suppose that Simon Kohler not being a Londoner has something to do with it.

Stephen

[Trains1707822545]

I doubt Hornby would make the effort for tube train models unless they can squash a small manufacturer who is trying to do it and can potentially be successful. The makers of 00 gauge tube stock that I know of are relatively sizable.

Or though Hornby may suprise you.

[Brew Man]

My problem with tube train models is, it is mainly an underground system, so you can either build a subterranean system, in which case you will never see them. Or you can run them over ground, which isn't very realistic. So I think I'll pass.

[Going Spare]

Only 45% of the London Underground system is sub-surface. Of a total of 250 route miles on the network, 20 miles are in cut-and-cover tunnel and 93 miles in tube tunnels. So there are plenty of opportunities for both tube and surface stock to be seen in daylight, often running alongside Network Rail tracks.

[Rog RJ]

@ Brewman

There are many, many miles of underground that run on the surface (far more than underground, I believe) It's far cheaper to build above ground, so it only goes underground when necessary, eg central London

[Brew Man]

Well you can tell I'm not from London joy. Thanks for the correction.

[Rog RJ]

Well you can tell I'm not from London joy.

 

 

Neither am I.

[Bexhill Donkey]

Can you run a tube model on your layout? In theory, you can't run a tube train on the main line, though a mainline engine would run on the tube due to different rail gauges...

The London underground uses a different track gauge to the rest of the UK network. Underground lines are built to a standard gauge of 4ft 8 3/4 inches whereas standard gauge is 4ft 8 1/2 inches. In practice however, this probably isn't a problem because most railways widen gauges on curves and if its not tight to gauge it still works.

 

 

This is incorrect. While the difference in gauge between the London Underground and the national rail network is often cited as 1/4 inch, this is an old wives' tale. The gauge of both the London Underground and the national rail network is the same - 4 feet 8 1/2 inches (1435mm). The statement that most railways widen gauges on curves is also incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true - rails are banked on curves to reduce the forces on the trains and maintain the standard gauge.

 

 

You can however widen the gauge on a model railway track to allow a train to take a tighter curve. The new Hornby TT:120 has the advantage of having a more accurate track to gauge scale. It will be great for modelling the London Underground, as longer trains can be represented.