London Underground A60 Stock
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The A60 Stock is a class of sub-surface train run on the London Underground, which was built in 1960 by Cravens of Sheffield for the extension of the electrification to Amersham. The A62 Stock is a second batch of identical units, built in 1962 to replace elderly stock on the Uxbridge line. They are both commonly known simply as 'A' stock, as there is no need to distinguish between the 60 and 62 batches, or between either of these and the 1903 trains, also known as "A Stock". The only significant difference between the two types is the compressors. The A60s are fitted with rotary compressors, whereas the A62s have reciprocating compressors, and the different sound of these can act as an identifying feature.
The 'A' in the unit designation stands for 'Amersham', as the trains were ordered as part of the electrification of the Metropolitan Line to that station.
They work in an 8 car permanent formation on the Metropolitan Line, and in 4 car formation on the East London Line. They were refurbished by Adtranz (now Bombardier) Derby in the mid to late 1990s.
When built they had a top speed of 70mph, but the maximum line speed is now only 50mph. Still, these are the fastest operating trains in the London Underground network.
A distinctive feature of these stocks is the 'transverse' seating throughout. This means that seats are oriented across the car's width as opposed to the standard longitudinal layout, where the seats follow the sidewalls of the carriage. The transverse seats on one side are in groups of four and on the other groups of three. The stock is equipped with luggage and umbrella hooks as well, being the only stock on the system to have these features.
Replacement
An order has been placed for new rolling stock to replace the A60 and A62 units. On the Metropolitan Line, the new S Stock will enter service around 2009, while the East London Line will receive new National Rail type rolling stock once its extension opens.
| London Underground rolling stock | |
| Tube stock: |
Gate -
Standard -
1935 -
1938 -
1959 -
1960 -
1962 -
1967 1972 - 1973 - 1983 - 1986 - 1992 - 1995 - 1996 - 2005 |
| Sub-surface stock: |
A -
B -
C -
D -
E -
F -
G -
K -
L -
M -
N -
O -
P -
Q23 -
Q35 -
Q38 R38 - R49 - S - T - A60 - A62 - C69 - C77 - D78 |
| Locomotives: | Battery-electric - Diesel - Electric - Steam |
| Other stock: | Coaching stock - Departmental - Engineering |
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