Bakerloo Line 1972 Stock

Built: 1972 – 1974
Manufacturer: Metro-Cammell, Birmingham
Entered Service: 1972 – 1975 (Northern Line)
Refurbished: 1991 – 1995
Number in Service:  36
Number of Carriages per Train: 7
Seats per Train: 268
Passenger Capacity: 968 (approx.)

Train Formation:  Driving Motor – Trailer – Trailer – Driving Motor  + Uncoupling Non-Driving Motor – Trailer – Driving Motor

Train Length: 367ft 9in
Train Width: 8ft 8ins
Train Height: 9ft 5.25ins
Train Weight: 164.2 tonnes

Bakerloo Line 1972 Stock History

Following the decision in the early 1970s to replace the life-expire 1938 stock on the Bakerloo & Northern lines, designs were produced for a new Northern Line fleet. However, the plans were shelved in favour of a new train fleet for the Piccadilly Line following the decision to build an extension to Heathrow Airport.

This plan led to the existing fleet of 1959 stock on the Piccadilly Line being readied for transfer to the Northern Line to replace the 1938 stock. However, sufficient units were available to cover the required diagrams, so 30 trains of MkI 1972 stock were ordered.

Due to the speed of the order, a new design was not possible, so the units were based on the 1967 stock in use on the Victoria Line. The main differences were the addition of the guard and door controls in the rear unit and the non-compatibility with 1967 stock.

A further 33 1972 MkII units were also ordered for the new Jubilee Line which were built with slightly different interiors and externally, the passenger doors were painted red, with an LT roundel in place of the usual London Transport lettering.

In 1984, following the introduction of new stock on the Jubilee Line, the MkII 1972 stock was transferred to the Northern Line, then subsequently to the Bakerloo Line, where they remain in service. However, the MkI units remained on the Northern Line until they were replaced in 1999 by GEC Alsthom 1995 Stock.