LU WORLD

Already running late, the coronavirus outbreak looks set to further delay the long-planned upgrade work.

Slow progress on 1992 Stock overhaul.

KNOWN as the Central Line Improvement Programme, the life extension overhaul project for the 1992 Tube Stock (used by the Central and Waterloo & City Lines) commenced back in December 2015. Its aim is to achieve compliance for the 25-year-old trains with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2010.

Two cars were sent to Bombardier’s works at Derby in December 2018 so prototype designs could be developed. These cars, Driving Motor No. 91111 and Non-Driving Motor No. 92111, were later joined by Nos. 92446 and 93446 midway through 2019 to enable design work to progress on each of the four car types that make up the fleet.

The trains were built by British

Rail Engineering Limited from the summer of 1990 onwards, and utilised a combination of early microprocessor systems along with established electro-magnetic systems. This means that the Central Line trains are in effect hybrids, using a combination of modern and older control systems that has not led to a happy merger of technologies.

The original bogies have already been replaced, as have around half of the car ends due to common water ingress issues as part of a previous overhaul programme. The CLIP life extension work will include: fitting AC motors to the bogies; installing new passenger information systems and LED saloon lighting; removing seats to make space for wheelchair use; and replacing the door interlocking system. Some details still need to be clarified, such as the height for perch seats, a RVAR-compliant floor covering, and the final interior decoration.

WORKSHOP DELAY

Delays to the completion of other projects, such as the Track Maintenance Unit Workshop, has hindered progress on the facilities being built at Acton Depot to undertake the 1992 Stock overhaul work.

Construction began in early 2018, but the building is nowwatertight and concrete pouring for the pit-roads was almost complete by the end of 2019.

Whilst the fit out of the workshop with mechanical and electrical systems was progressing, the original intended target to accept the first unit ready for overhaul in April 2019 has long passed. Consequently, it has been decided that trains one, two and three will now be overhauled at Derby.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the rescheduled target for the first unit to enter the newworkshop had already slipped back to January 2021. With all project and construction work across Transport for London nowhalted, it may not be until mid to late-2021 before any train enters the newshed for overhaul.