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Why are London Underground trains so small?

Why are London Underground carriages so small? London Underground carriages are so small because they need to fit into tunnels, many of which were built between 1863 and 1930.



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Why are London Underground carriages so small? London Underground carriages are so small because they need to fit into tunnels, many of which were built between 1863 and 1930. Their size and profile gives the service its widely used name - the Tube.

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Essentially it has to do with history. Rail tunnels in the uk vary in sizes due to different builders and standards throughout history. This means that their loading gauge (how high off the tracks) needs to fit these tunnels. To maintain space in the coaches they adopted a pear like shape.

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It is thought that because the Northern and Central lines are older and, for reasons of economy while building, the tunnels were dug directly beneath streets on the surface so they have more curves and bends. This may increase the likelihood of the loud noises happening.

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The Victoria Line on the Tube network is a hotspot for noise complaints, according to new City Hall data. Five sections of the line, which runs from Walthamstow to Brixton, have accrued 306 complaints about loud screeching in Tube tunnels.

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The longest distance between stations is on the Metropolitan line from Chesham to Chalfont & Latimer: a total of only 3.89 miles. 11.

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The four rail system was first used in the early twentieth century. The isolated traction current return allowed a train's position to be detected using DC track circuits, and reduced any earth leakage currents that could affect service pipes, telephone cables, or cast iron tunnel liners.

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The Victoria Line is teeming with bacteria, having the highest number of germs of all the Tube lines. Touching your face after coming into contact with dirty seats and handles can transfer a whole host of blemish-causing bacteria.

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The 10p is a pre-authorisation charge that's taken at the start of the journey - it's basically a way of making sure that you're presenting a valid card at the start before the fare proper is taken. Once you tap out, that's when you should be charged the proper fare.

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The Central line is a London Underground line that runs through central London, from Epping, Essex, in the north-east to Ealing Broadway and West Ruislip in west London. Printed in red on the Tube map, the line serves 49 stations over 46 miles (74 km), making it the longest line on the Underground.

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Whatever direction you're coming from –whether via car, tube or walk – you'll know you're reaching King's Cross St Pancras when traffic will start slowing down and you'll even have to queue to cross the road. As such, seeing it top the chart as London's most stressful station is certainly not a surprise.

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The maximum speed currently possible in the UK is 186mph, achieved by Eurostar trains on the HS1 line between London and the Channel Tunnel. The HS1 line is used by Eurostar services and Javelin commuter services from Kent, although the latter have a max speed of 140mph.

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The Stourbridge Town branch line is a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) railway branch line, in Stourbridge, West Midlands, England. It is the shortest line in Britain, and can also be defined as the shortest line in Europe. A Parry People Mover approaching Stourbridge Town station.

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The Waterloo and City line won the title of the safest line was followed by the London overground with 24, Docklands railway at 92, the Metropolitan line with 166 and the Hammersmith and City line with 364 thefts.

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Source of the heat The heat in the tunnels is largely generated by the trains, with a small amount coming from station equipment and passengers. Around 79% is absorbed by the tunnels' walls, 10% is removed by ventilation, and the other 11% remains in the tunnels.

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