I remember riding these on my first trip to Britain in 1968! Compared to the New York Subway trains, I found them very comfortable, not to mention cleaner. Cheerio from New England 🇬🇧 😊
I couldn't see what was the art deco bit. The semi-streamlined experimental 1935 stock with their outcurved side walls recall the 1938 District and Uxbridge Metropolitan stock, a totally pointless esthetic fashion which just reduced the interior space for passengers.
Ditto! I would not be surprised if they are emulated for a re-issue of sorts. The design was incredibly 'frugal' and yet efficient in its presentation and function. And that's good engineering manifest.
I remember these trains in service. They had a nice warm, cosy ambience about them for passenger - especially comforting on a cold winter's day. The lighting from the incandescent bulbs was warm and soft, as was the interior colour scheme and wood slat floor. I've always found all the successor stocks to be cold, soulless, unwelcoming and sterile.
Nothing on TFL is nearly as cold, soulless, unwelcoming and sterile as NYC subway cars. Each generation is worse than the one before. The recent versions finally have modern suspension systems but they need it with the world's worst seats.
By the 80s they seemed the epitome of grot, TBH. And the Isle of Wight ones you could see the tracks through the holes in the floor. But now I miss them!
Same here. I still wonder what the little transfer codes were on the woodwork, such as EPBIC-PIC. (Maybe my memory of half a century ago has the letters wrong!)
The 38 stock has a special place in my heart as one of my early childhood memories, traveling up to visit my grandmother in Edgware. The varnished wood and green paint of the interiors, combined with the bowler hats and smell of pipe smoke from the City gents, who seemed, to this little lad, like another species entirely!
I remember them still being in service when I was a small child in the early 70s,and hoping a red train would come out of the tunnel rather than a silver one as we waited on the platform on our Tube trips across London. Not that I had anything against the silver ones.
I went to school in these trains from 1966 to 1973. They used to shake rattle and roll between Finchley Central and East Finchley but the worst thing was the awful nicotine fug which permeated even into the crowded non-smoking cars.
I was surprised by the colour of the wood floor on that preserved train, one couldn't see it through the fag butts and ash when they were in service or the actual colour of the ceiling (LT cream). The same on the top deck of an RT/RM bus, Trolleybus or the rear seats of an RF.
@@stephensaines7100 I was a 40+ a day person until 30 year ago, then a pipe for 10 years. Non smokers were a minority species. There was uproar in my local when the Landlord painted the ceiling white after the ban, it was far to bright in there, a few wannabee comedians started wearing sunglasses, we all preferred the light olive green that it was before.
Travelled on a little red one in service, in1998 from Stockwell to London Bridge. It absolutely made my day. I remember them of course from the 1970's and 80's with those little grooves in the floor filled with cigarette ends! They scrub up well, don't they!
Wonderful video ! I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and I'm of an age to have fallen in love with Canada's first subway. The rolling stock used were built by the Gloucester Railway and Cartage Company in the early 1950's. Far and away, in my opinion, the best trainsets our system ever had, I miss them still. My honeymoon was spent in Britain and when in London, I was SO happy to have had the experience of riding the 1938 stock, we had not rented a car, traveling exclusively on public transport or on British Rail. After 23 years the marriage is gone, but my memories of the time spent in England's green and pleasant land were rekindled by your wonderful video seen today. Jago, thank you !
Thumbs up from me, also in Toronto, but a Brit/Cdn Dual. I have to disagree on the Gloucester cars. They couldn't reach the speed the line was designed for, they were too heavy and had a litany of design shortcomings. They were replaced as soon as possible for good reason. Google: THE GLOUCESTER SERIES CARS (1954-1990) That brings up the article I intend and quite a few others directly relevant. The LU '38 stock, on the other hand, were evolutionary, and in my eye, as timeless as a well-cut Tweed jacket. And they performed well in their intended role.That they were cascaded to so many other assignments is telling.
I grew up with these, thundering and rocking as they emerged from tunnels into the station. The green moquette has never lost its charm, neither has the overall design of the 38 stock which I think is the most esthetic. I used to kneel on the seat,, resting on the marvellous window frames and watch the dark tunnel with their pipes roll by, until my mum told me how dirty the soot and dust was making me.
I remember once travelling on a 38 stock train a few stops in tunnel in absolute darkness as all of the lights, including the emergency lights at the ends, had failed. As would be expected, everyone carried on as normal, nobody said anything or remarked at all about the pitch blackness.
Was there a case of hearing strange sound that went thusly: Oh! My word! (Sound of a man being slap) Man: Hey! Why would you do that? I didn't do anythin! Woman: I felt a grab and a tug! Someone was taking liberties, I'm quite certain it was you! The lights come back on, and there is one angry woman, and one man rubbing his cheek. Next to him, another young man with a mischievous grin... (Well, anyways this came to my mind.)
They were always my favourite. The colours, the styling, the panelling. I remember them from trips into deepest London ( I lived in Rayners Lane) and the Bakerloo when I was a boy in the 70s/80s (?). Later, I moved to the Isle of Wight. I often wondered if I was riding in a carriage I had travelled in previously while it was still on the tube.
I used to travel on these trains as a child and also as a teenager going to work in the 1960s. This was on the original Bakerloo line between Stanmore and Elephant and Castle, now the Jubilee line. I will always remember these trains with fond memories, thanks for the video.
Oh, I rode on some of these on my first trip to London in May 1980! I remember the wooden floors, the wooden trim, the vent windows, and those things hanging down from the ceiling so passengers could hang on. Good memories!
My favourite too Jago. I rode these trains in the 50's and 60's when I was a lad. I especially liked the run up to Watford High Street on the Bakerloo. The interior was iconic and beautifully made and always gave me a warm feeling inside. I called them "Little Red Electrics" and loved to watch them moving like a red snake around the curves. Thank you LT Museum for preserving and still running the '38 stock.
My favourite Tube stock as well. I first rode on them in the 1950s as a kid - the last ride was on their final, final retirement on the Isle of Wight after 80 years sterling service. They always strike me as "modern" even today.
I rode on the IoW stock several times in the 1980's, very nice, but boy were they bouncy when they were running! Very amusing to see all the passengers bouncing up and down in unison as the train went along. Could it be, I wonder, that the track in the Island was not as good as it might have been, or was it an intrinsic characteristic of the stock? Or a bit of both?
@@gospelman7222 My Dad used to call "wobbly woodys" because of peoples heads being bounced around and they looked like the outside of a Morris Minor Traveller on the inside.
@@gospelman7222 I always assumed it was because they got up to higher speeds on the Island due to the much longer runs between stations, especially either side of Brading. But the track construction/foundation might well be different between British/Network Rail and London Transport.
Love the flush windows : very sleek design. The lighting, woodwork and plush upholstery made travel a very human experience. As a child, I remember asking dad what the the strange things were, hanging from the ceiling. And I love/d the asymmetrical frontal design and headlights in a number-five-on-a-dice formation.
I remember going on these trains from Northfields to Hounslow East when I use to go shopping with my mum. I found them fascinating, with the colour, design and all the wood in them and the patterned seats. Definitely gives the feeling and vibe of the 1930's, which is an era that I love.
Your final bit of film here reminded me when I lived at the Morden end of the Northern Line in the early 70s, I found that the door to the rear cab was sometimes not locked, and I sometimes snuck into it for that magical view of the tube when no-one was watching on the quieter late trains home. I'd forgotten all about that!
I don't recall the doors to the drivers cab or cabin as they are referred to ever having locks on them on the 38 stock.Maybe locks were fitted later but I certainly don't remember them and they definitely didn't have locks on the cab doors in the 60s and 70s.You could just walk in but remember at the rear of the train was the guard. He was at the opposite end to the drivers cab in the the rear car and would be able to see anyone attempting to gain access to 5he cab.At the front was the driver or motorman as they were called so you wouldn't get in there so the only cab you could access was in the middle of the train. Sometimes there was only one drivers cab car in the middle of the train and Sometimes two.The trains themselves were comprised of seven cars.These comprised of one three car train and one four car train joined to make the complete train.If there was only one drivers cab where the two trains joined the other innocent looking trailer car concealed a driving console behind a panel and the train could still be driven from what looked an ordinary trailer car.Visibility (to see where you were going)was through the window of the inter connecting door. Trains were never driven in service from these cars,only in the depots or in an emergency.
I'm old enough to remember riding them regularly. It's nice to see them preserved, though they weren't as comfortable as they might have been. What I always particularly liked were the hand grips. I remember getting to be just old and tall enough to hang to them with a sense of real pride and accomplishment.
@@jon6815it was not only the hand straps that moved in unison - so did the passengers. All the heads and legs moving from side to side in unison always amused me!
The joy this film delivers to the connoisseur!! 1938 stock all day, such a beautiful classic. The air intake on the front roof is exquisite. I had to pause to take in the seat fabric design, flashback to one of my earliest memories in the 70s. This history is priceless.
Excellent video. I always loved riding on this stock in the 1970s when I was a boy. Unfortunately we moved back to the US in 1977, but I did manage to collect a couple of the Northern Line destination signs and a double doorway tread plate from the ‘38s many years later.
Lovely video Jago. My absolute favourite tube stock... and I'm just about old enough to remember when they were still running in regular service! 😬 I really wanted to get tickets for this but couldn't make it sadly... next time hopefully. keep up the great work.
Lovely video, and for all your good work, you should be awarded a medal to adorn your flat front. Makes me feel old though, I used to go to work on these rather old but glorious trains!
I commuted from West Finchley to Leicester Square from September 1987 - Easter 1988 and it was always a treat when a beautifully restored one of these turned. So much more comfortable, everyone agreed, than the more modern stuff.
I used to travel on the 38 stock while they were in LT service and also rode the Island Line rather more recently. That line certainly demonstrated how bouncy the 38 stock could be.
Ironically improved suspensions and bogies happened generations before modern motor control did. It could well be that a few well-placed dampers on the '38 bogies would improve tractability and ride greatly.
The '38 Stock was ok on the tube. I think the main reason they started bouncing around so much on the Isle of Wight was that instead of importing proper ballast from the mainland, they decided to make do with beach shingle!! It's all been properly "invested" in now, with ballast deliveries during the upgrade for the class 484 (ex-D Stock) in 2021
I like the 1938 stock as well as the sub surface Q, CoCp and R Stock trains with the flared sides and diamond droplight windows. I donated money to the London Transport Museum to get the Q Stock restored to running order. I'd love a trip on that once it's finished and the 38 tube stock at some point.
I'm from New York and got familiar with the '38s from the Class 483 variant on Train Simulator's version of the Island Line. I finally got to see the Transport Museum's example this year and drove the sim they had. It's a very elegant and durable design and driving it in the sim reminded me of our R1/9s.
Some of the best designs in LT coming about in/by 1938. The Bus Shelters of varying types , the bodies for the AEC Q in Double and Single Deck form rising to the design for the RT Bus with the themed design of new Bus Garages, New Trolleybuses and the Tube stations and rolling stock, with the 1938 tube designs complimented by the CO/CP Sub Surface Design. (The A Stock would take us in one leap into the 1950s in the same way the Routemaster would re-define the asthetic of the London Bus )
From the US - the visual design really holds up well, and I love the wood. I rode streetcars with many similar features in the 1940's-1950's. Same hardwood 3/4" x 3/4" floors, incandescent lights. They had slowly rotating air vents in the ceiling. They were old, but definitely not "grotty".
Lovely to see this train out and about. Brings back memories of living in East Finchley in the mid 80's when from time to time, a red 1938 stock train would appear on the platform.
I used to enjoy it when picking up on the second half of a duty a 38 came into the platform with the set number I was looking for. Lovely machines to drive once you got used to their idiosyncrasies.
As a railwayman I prefer trains to arrive at platforms. Trains which arrive on platforms are the cause of a lot of paperwork and unwanted media attention!
Still remember the only time I ever rode on one, in summer 1983, when I was five. We didn't live in London, and I wasn't used to the noise, heat and crowds of the Underground, and I think I was bit scared when this bright red beast of a thing roared into the station with it's strange quincunx of lights on the front. I've learned to love them since though!
That’s the first time I’ve seen the word “quincunx” used in a comment on RUclips; I may never live to see it again. It’s lucky you weren’t reported for abusive language!
Long, long ago I seem to recall a few rides on this rolling stock when I was a nipper. This was on the Bakerloo to Regent's Park to visit the zoo. I recall the motif of the seat upholstery, the leather armrests, wooden floors (similar to many escalators) & the lighting was via small 25w globes that would dim & go out for a few seconds - very eerie.
My wife took me to the Acton depot for fathers day this year, I was excited to see the 38 stock trains they had there. My favorite underground train because of its long service life. I just love a well built bit of kit, wish I knew they were running one
Thank you for the video. It is my favourite Tube stock too. I used to look forward to riding on them on the Bakerloo Line in the early 1980s. They have aged very well.
My earliest memory of these trains was being taken by a neighbour with her own children up from Morden to Clapham Common to what was then the location of the Transport Museum in London. I suppose this was in about 1968. Yet in retrospect these trains were comparatively modern because my earliest memories of travelling on the Underground was of the standard stock from 1927 on the Central Line where the trains had what I would describe as the "winking eye" cab frontage. That would have been in the early sixties when we were taken by my parents up to Gamages at Christmas time to visit "Father Christmas", see that department store's magnificent model railway display, admire the lights on Regent Street and eat hot chestnuts from a street vendor. Happy but fading memories.
Thanks, Jago! I grew up on the Piccadilly northern extension in the 1960s and 70s, and always looked out for 'the red trains'; it was always a great bonus if your train was of that type. I think there were only ever about 7 sets of them on that line, most of whose trains were Standard Stock, replaced in the early 1960s with 1959 stock. The 1938 trains were much more fun!
I remember these in the late 60s travelling on the Northern line to and from Colliers Wood. I loved everything about these trains from the colour, to the seating, wood floors, and lighting. On Sunday nights, when making our way to Euston for the journey back to Rugby, while walking along the platform, the train would make a deep groan as it disappeared in the tunnel, usually with wind.
My introduction to tube travel was on pre '38 standard stock which were noisy at the cab ends, and had lights that frequently flickered, but they had character. What a difference the 1938 stock made. Very smart styling, and a pleasure to ride in. They were so well made and simple that it is no wonder that they had a long working life. I doubt if the more recently manufactured expensive stock will do as well.
I too remember travelling to school when these trains were in use on the Picadilly Line, along side older and more modern stock. I always hoped one of these would appear for my ride, for the aesthetic (inside and out), the lighting and the well-sprung seats. Far and away the best.
My family had its first trip to England in 1977, when I was 8. We rode on many 1938 stock trains that were still in regular service. It was odd to see their wooden floors, and the wooden escalators in the stations. In Toronto, our subway trains had linoleum floors, and the station escalators were steel. The last time I rode a 1938 stock was in 1991, when I lived in Golders Green for the summer. Early one Sunday morning, I had to meet a family friend, and when I got to Golders Green station, one of these beautiful 1938 trains, restored to its original livery and decor, in honour of "Starlight Express", was waiting at the platform. I noted how calming the decor was, compared with the harsh lighting and cold grey of the modern stock. It's one of my favourite memories of England.
[The last time I rode a 1938 stock was in 1991, when I lived in Golders Green for the summer.] I stayed with a friend from Toronto in a visit to Golders Green around that time. You're not in the theatre scene by any chance?
Great video as usual the 38 stock are part of my childhood from the 60s sure I can remember some running in the 90s when there was a shortage of rolling stock in my opinion the classic tube train
I remember this stock very well, painted red with all the wood, very comfortable seats and proper light bulbs giving a warm almost welcoming coloured light (but not the lamp shades you show). I also remeber red trains onthe District line too.
My brother and I had ride on the 38 stock last Sept. Such care attention in keeping it running, including the adverts inside the carriages. Those very springy seats. It was an experience we won't forget.
When the LPTB took over the former GNR branches in north London there was an arrangement that some of the 1938 stock would be the property of the LNER. Plate were affixed to the solebars of the cars affected marking them as "Property of the LNER". I don't have details of the financial arrangements.
I rode on those in November of 1974 when I was in London for the first time. I've also been in the museum annex and I could not believe the great collection of stuff! Boxing trophies, of all things. Contemporary to them were the Zurich trams I rode in 1978. Wood trim, well-upholstered seats and builders plates that showed they were from 1938. Built by Brown-Boveri as I recall.
One thing I particularly like about the 1938 stock is that the doors slide back and forth within the rest of the bodywork. Nowadays, they're entirely on the outside, making the profile of the cars look that little bit untidier. I suppose it makes maintenance easier, though.
Brought back memories, I lived near Clapham South during my childhood and teenage years in the 60s and 70s so travelled on these regularly. They were still going strong when I left London in 1980. Definitely an excellent design which still looks OK today. Excellent video which captured them well.
I love the '38 stock. Takes me back to my teens/20s when I travelled on them almost daily on the Bakerloo line. I must have a nostalgic last trip on one.
I remember these fondly, they used to work the Bakerloo when I first moved to London, but my favourite by far are the Graff-Baker Q- and R-Stock for the District with their flared bodysides and pleasanter ride than the 38 Stock.
Well that took me back! Living in London in the 80s I was often a passenger on these trains when travelling on the Northern line, which was pretty frequently! Thank you, Jago!
Good to see some of it preserved. I’m pretty sure that the first LU service I travelled on was 38 stock, on a family holiday in the Paddington area in 1966.
Thanks Jago for taking us on this special ride, I mentioned the IOW trains on your interiors video as that was the last time I travelled in one, my first time was late 60,s a "wobbly woody" as my Dad used to call them , happy memories ❤
I can remember travelling on the 1938 stock on the Bakerloo, back in the last century! very cosy..with the tungsten bulbs making it a nice warm colour inside..
First time I ever rattled around on the tube, about 1960, it was on one of these. I liked them. The red and green with touches of wood were cosier that the clinical silver and plastic of more modern stock. The art deco style is appealing too.
Another wonderful video, seen this these trains at Acton and in the actual London Transport Museum and I do love how distinctive they are compared to modern carriages. (Not that modern carriages are bad or anything) Interesting they point out the disused stations, its somewhat fascinating how well they've been covered up. I'd imagine these trains will have a long life in preservation, their electric nature (Eco friendly yay!) and durability means they shouldn't become paperweights anytime soon I hope.
A lovely record of a lovely train! I was lucky to travel on the Coronation Special to Uxbridge a few months ago - was really surprised by the comfort of the ride and seeing the very-of-the-period adverts still up around the carriages!
I did one of these 1938 stock tours in the mid 70's. Baker Street-Amersham-Watford (via the little used curve)-Baker Street (lunch break)-New Cross-Acton Town-Baker Street. That was one long day!!
Proper nostalgia I used to ride them to school on the Bakerloo Line between Warwick Avenue and Marylebone stations. In the rear carriage there was the guard operating the doors. On the Bakerloo Line they operated as 7 car trains using a converted "Standard Stock" trailer. I managed to ride on unit 6 on the Island Line before they finally bowed out of service.
I rode on one of these in an earlier event, to Uxbridge and back. There were a few people who were confused when the train passed their station (3:48), it was very funny when that happened. Overall, I had a great time and I see you did too, thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you for this Jago. I'm the same age as this stock and I commuted on the Bakerloo to the Elephant (Borough Polytechnic) in the 50s and early 60s. Definitely my favourite tube stock, the best-looking tube stock ever! Another loved LT vehicle was the 1920 Metrovick Bo-Bo loco.
I'm JUST about old enough to remember riding on 1938 Stock sometime in the early 1970s during one of my visits to London with my parents. Watching your video took me back 50 years. I even started recalling the springy seat cushions, the roof hangers, wooden interiors and even the aroma! Great memories. Thank you.
Rode on the ' 38 stock train for an extended one and a half hour ride in 2010 .As it slowed down through stations it was very amusing to see the expression on the faces of waiting passengers and the fact that they thery couldn't get on - totally agree with what you observed Jago ! - another brilliant video , thank you .
Excellent as always mate, I think it is great how The Underground allow these types of excursions to take place on such a busy network (even on slightly quieter days like Sunday) compared to all of the hoops that must be jumped through (and questionable pathing) to allow a tour on the mainline.
What a beautiful tube train 2:09. I love the colours of Red and Green and the colour of the wood inside too, 3:07. Beauty and the stylish character doesn't seem to take much of a priority these days. I think that this is may favourite London Underground Tube train too.
Working on the pic in the late sixties I had many a trip through pipe as both a Guard and Driver and I loved the 38 stock. I always thought they gave a much better ride than the 1959 stock, weren't as noisy and the art-deco styling made them appear more luxurious and up market. One day I will tell about the time I (unwittingly) took a passenger into the siding at Acton Town and we let her drive the train back into the platform. Happy days. Nostalgia trip over for now and I need my afternoon nap.
I rode one of the IOW units shortly before withdrawal in 2021. The ride was so rough my suitcase fell over! They were utterly knackered though, it's a miracle the engineers there kept them going so long. Glad to see some preserved though. I need to get on one of the LT trips sometime.
Ohoo woaaaw !! That was a very nice video . Thanks Jago. These old red 1938 are also my favourite !! I wonder if one day they’ll go back to something so beautiful … (dreams) 😊
I remember riding these on my first trip to Britain in 1968! Compared to the New York Subway trains, I found them very comfortable, not to mention cleaner. Cheerio from New England 🇬🇧 😊
Rode these 1960's. Please next time lets have some onboard sound including the wonderful sound of the Westinghouse brake compressor thumping away. NZ
Shouldn't that be New England, New GB? 🤔
I forgot old people could be on youtube
@@WhiffTheRubbishEngine1869
Aren't you too kind.
@@rogink New Britain is in Papua New Guinea.
The 1938 stock really is the best looking tube stock. I love the art deco semi-streamlined look.
Pity they didn't keep the streamlining of the prototypes.
I couldn't see what was the art deco bit. The semi-streamlined experimental 1935 stock with their outcurved side walls recall the 1938 District and Uxbridge Metropolitan stock, a totally pointless esthetic fashion which just reduced the interior space for passengers.
Ditto! I would not be surprised if they are emulated for a re-issue of sorts. The design was incredibly 'frugal' and yet efficient in its presentation and function. And that's good engineering manifest.
Without a doubt. jonny.
I remember these trains in service.
They had a nice warm, cosy ambience about them for passenger - especially comforting on a cold winter's day. The lighting from the incandescent bulbs was warm and soft, as was the interior colour scheme and wood slat floor.
I've always found all the successor stocks to be cold, soulless, unwelcoming and sterile.
I believe the wooden floor was Canadian Maple.
Nothing on TFL is nearly as cold, soulless, unwelcoming and sterile as NYC subway cars. Each generation is worse than the one before. The recent versions finally have modern suspension systems but they need it with the world's worst seats.
And suffocating in the summer but I would broadly agree.
I well remember these trains from the Northern line in the early 70s. Always found the seats to be pretty comfortable and loves all the wooden touches
By the 80s they seemed the epitome of grot, TBH. And the Isle of Wight ones you could see the tracks through the holes in the floor. But now I miss them!
They were grotty by then, but so was most of the underground and London in the 70s /early 80s, it wasn't the best kept city back then
Same here. I still wonder what the little transfer codes were on the woodwork, such as EPBIC-PIC. (Maybe my memory of half a century ago has the letters wrong!)
Definitely was on one of those once or twice.
London in the 1970s and early 80s was not great. The UK was not working well at the time.
@@johnjephcote7636I remember those, too. The EPB bit suggests electro- pneumatic brake, but beyond that, no idea.
The 38 stock has a special place in my heart as one of my early childhood memories, traveling up to visit my grandmother in Edgware. The varnished wood and green paint of the interiors, combined with the bowler hats and smell of pipe smoke from the City gents, who seemed, to this little lad, like another species entirely!
I remember them still being in service when I was a small child in the early 70s,and hoping a red train would come out of the tunnel rather than a silver one as we waited on the platform on our Tube trips across London. Not that I had anything against the silver ones.
I went to school in these trains from 1966 to 1973. They used to shake rattle and roll between Finchley Central and East Finchley but the worst thing was the awful nicotine fug which permeated even into the crowded non-smoking cars.
I was surprised by the colour of the wood floor on that preserved train, one couldn't see it through the fag butts and ash when they were in service or the actual colour of the ceiling (LT cream). The same on the top deck of an RT/RM bus, Trolleybus or the rear seats of an RF.
@@tonys1636 Yes I remember using the service from Finchley Central at that time & your right about the smoking cars.
Yeah, and the upholstery must also have been permeated too. What a disgusting habit.
You mean tar from the smoke . . . not nicotine - that's a clear drug.
@@stephensaines7100 I was a 40+ a day person until 30 year ago, then a pipe for 10 years. Non smokers were a minority species. There was uproar in my local when the Landlord painted the ceiling white after the ban, it was far to bright in there, a few wannabee comedians started wearing sunglasses, we all preferred the light olive green that it was before.
Travelled on a little red one in service, in1998 from Stockwell to London Bridge. It absolutely made my day. I remember them of course from the 1970's and 80's with those little grooves in the floor filled with cigarette ends! They scrub up well, don't they!
Wonderful video ! I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and I'm of an age to have fallen in love with Canada's first subway. The rolling stock used were built by the Gloucester Railway and Cartage Company in the early 1950's. Far and away, in my opinion, the best trainsets our system ever had, I miss them still. My honeymoon was spent in Britain and when in London, I was SO happy to have had the experience of riding the 1938 stock, we had not rented a car, traveling exclusively on public transport or on British Rail. After 23 years the marriage is gone, but my memories of the time spent in England's green and pleasant land were rekindled by your wonderful video seen today. Jago, thank you !
Thumbs up from me, also in Toronto, but a Brit/Cdn Dual. I have to disagree on the Gloucester cars. They couldn't reach the speed the line was designed for, they were too heavy and had a litany of design shortcomings. They were replaced as soon as possible for good reason.
Google:
THE GLOUCESTER SERIES CARS (1954-1990) That brings up the article I intend and quite a few others directly relevant.
The LU '38 stock, on the other hand, were evolutionary, and in my eye, as timeless as a well-cut Tweed jacket. And they performed well in their intended role.That they were cascaded to so many other assignments is telling.
Great video Jago.
The Tube should put more of these excursions on
I grew up with these, thundering and rocking as they emerged from tunnels into the station. The green moquette has never lost its charm, neither has the overall design of the 38 stock which I think is the most esthetic. I used to kneel on the seat,, resting on the marvellous window frames and watch the dark tunnel with their pipes roll by, until my mum told me how dirty the soot and dust was making me.
I remember once travelling on a 38 stock train a few stops in tunnel in absolute darkness as all of the lights, including the emergency lights at the ends, had failed.
As would be expected, everyone carried on as normal, nobody said anything or remarked at all about the pitch blackness.
Native Brit ?
Was there a case of hearing strange sound that went thusly: Oh! My word! (Sound of a man being slap) Man: Hey! Why would you do that? I didn't do anythin! Woman: I felt a grab and a tug! Someone was taking liberties, I'm quite certain it was you!
The lights come back on, and there is one angry woman, and one man rubbing his cheek. Next to him, another young man with a mischievous grin...
(Well, anyways this came to my mind.)
Turned out dark again?
Stiff upper lip , no big deal , how the country has changed ……
@@msamour Is that from the Carry On series? It seems familiar.
They were always my favourite. The colours, the styling, the panelling. I remember them from trips into deepest London ( I lived in Rayners Lane) and the Bakerloo when I was a boy in the 70s/80s (?). Later, I moved to the Isle of Wight. I often wondered if I was riding in a carriage I had travelled in previously while it was still on the tube.
I used to travel on these trains as a child and also as a teenager going to work in the 1960s. This was on the original Bakerloo line between Stanmore and Elephant and Castle, now the Jubilee line. I will always remember these trains with fond memories, thanks for the video.
Oh, I rode on some of these on my first trip to London in May 1980! I remember the wooden floors, the wooden trim, the vent windows, and those things hanging down from the ceiling so passengers could hang on. Good memories!
I miss those black knobs on springs for standing passengers to hang on to, though I remember banging my head on them often when getting out of a seat.
My favourite too Jago. I rode these trains in the 50's and 60's when I was a lad. I especially liked the run up to Watford High Street on the Bakerloo. The interior was iconic and beautifully made and always gave me a warm feeling inside. I called them "Little Red Electrics" and loved to watch them moving like a red snake around the curves. Thank you LT Museum for preserving and still running the '38 stock.
My favourite Tube stock as well. I first rode on them in the 1950s as a kid - the last ride was on their final, final retirement on the Isle of Wight after 80 years sterling service. They always strike me as "modern" even today.
I rode on the IoW stock several times in the 1980's, very nice, but boy were they bouncy when they were running! Very amusing to see all the passengers bouncing up and down in unison as the train went along. Could it be, I wonder, that the track in the Island was not as good as it might have been, or was it an intrinsic characteristic of the stock? Or a bit of both?
@@gospelman7222 My Dad used to call "wobbly woodys" because of peoples heads being bounced around and they looked like the outside of a Morris Minor Traveller on the inside.
#metoo. Often from Oakwood. Or from Woodgreen to Holborn. Lovely things, but rattly and a bit bumpy.
@@gospelman7222 I always assumed it was because they got up to higher speeds on the Island due to the much longer runs between stations, especially either side of Brading. But the track construction/foundation might well be different between British/Network Rail and London Transport.
Love the flush windows : very sleek design. The lighting, woodwork and plush upholstery made travel a very human experience. As a child, I remember asking dad what the the strange things were, hanging from the ceiling. And I love/d the asymmetrical frontal design and headlights in a number-five-on-a-dice formation.
I remember going on these trains from Northfields to Hounslow East when I use to go shopping with my mum. I found them fascinating, with the colour, design and all the wood in them and the patterned seats. Definitely gives the feeling and vibe of the 1930's, which is an era that I love.
Your final bit of film here reminded me when I lived at the Morden end of the Northern Line in the early 70s, I found that the door to the rear cab was sometimes not locked, and I sometimes snuck into it for that magical view of the tube when no-one was watching on the quieter late trains home. I'd forgotten all about that!
I don't recall the doors to the drivers cab or cabin as they are referred to ever having locks on them on the 38 stock.Maybe locks were fitted later but I certainly don't remember them and they definitely didn't have locks on the cab doors in the 60s and 70s.You could just walk in but remember at the rear of the train was the guard. He was at the opposite end to the drivers cab in the the rear car and would be able to see anyone attempting to gain access to 5he cab.At the front was the driver or motorman as they were called so you wouldn't get in there so the only cab you could access was in the middle of the train. Sometimes there was only one drivers cab car in the middle of the train and Sometimes two.The trains themselves were comprised of seven cars.These comprised of one three car train and one four car train joined to make the complete train.If there was only one drivers cab where the two trains joined the other innocent looking trailer car concealed a driving console behind a panel and the train could still be driven from what looked an ordinary trailer car.Visibility (to see where you were going)was through the window of the inter connecting door. Trains were never driven in service from these cars,only in the depots or in an emergency.
I'm old enough to remember riding them regularly. It's nice to see them preserved, though they weren't as comfortable as they might have been. What I always particularly liked were the hand grips. I remember getting to be just old and tall enough to hang to them with a sense of real pride and accomplishment.
I remember as a small child thinking they were rather odd and mysterious, also the way they all moved in unison with the shaking of the carriage.
@@jon6815it was not only the hand straps that moved in unison - so did the passengers. All the heads and legs moving from side to side in unison always amused me!
It's not every subway car where you can grab the low hanging balls and hang on.
Given the hard lives the ones on The Island Line had, I'd bet the well preserved ones in the collection will go well beyond 100 years!
The joy this film delivers to the connoisseur!! 1938 stock all day, such a beautiful classic. The air intake on the front roof is exquisite. I had to pause to take in the seat fabric design, flashback to one of my earliest memories in the 70s. This history is priceless.
Excellent video. I always loved riding on this stock in the 1970s when I was a boy. Unfortunately we moved back to the US in 1977, but I did manage to collect a couple of the Northern Line destination signs and a double doorway tread plate from the ‘38s many years later.
Lovely video Jago. My absolute favourite tube stock... and I'm just about old enough to remember when they were still running in regular service! 😬 I really wanted to get tickets for this but couldn't make it sadly... next time hopefully.
keep up the great work.
Lovely video, and for all your good work, you should be awarded a medal to adorn your flat front.
Makes me feel old though, I used to go to work on these rather old but glorious trains!
I commuted from West Finchley to Leicester Square from September 1987 - Easter 1988 and it was always a treat when a beautifully restored one of these turned. So much more comfortable, everyone agreed, than the more modern stuff.
Seeing these trains brings back such fond memories for me. I wonder if modern trains and buses will ever evoke such emotion from today’s young people.
I used to travel on the 38 stock while they were in LT service and also rode the Island Line rather more recently. That line certainly demonstrated how bouncy the 38 stock could be.
Ironically improved suspensions and bogies happened generations before modern motor control did. It could well be that a few well-placed dampers on the '38 bogies would improve tractability and ride greatly.
Loved going on the old carriages on the Isle of Wight, not tried the "new" carriages yet.
The '38 Stock was ok on the tube. I think the main reason they started bouncing around so much on the Isle of Wight was that instead of importing proper ballast from the mainland, they decided to make do with beach shingle!! It's all been properly "invested" in now, with ballast deliveries during the upgrade for the class 484 (ex-D Stock) in 2021
I like the 1938 stock as well as the sub surface Q, CoCp and R Stock trains with the flared sides and diamond droplight windows. I donated money to the London Transport Museum to get the Q Stock restored to running order. I'd love a trip on that once it's finished and the 38 tube stock at some point.
I'm from New York and got familiar with the '38s from the Class 483 variant on Train Simulator's version of the Island Line. I finally got to see the Transport Museum's example this year and drove the sim they had. It's a very elegant and durable design and driving it in the sim reminded me of our R1/9s.
I miss the old England. This channel steals my heart. Thanks mate
Some of the best designs in LT coming about in/by 1938. The Bus Shelters of varying types , the bodies for the AEC Q in Double and Single Deck form rising to the design for the RT Bus with the themed design of new Bus Garages, New Trolleybuses and the Tube stations and rolling stock, with the 1938 tube designs complimented by the CO/CP Sub Surface Design. (The A Stock would take us in one leap into the 1950s in the same way the Routemaster would re-define the asthetic of the London Bus )
From the US - the visual design really holds up well, and I love the wood. I rode streetcars with many similar features in the 1940's-1950's. Same hardwood 3/4" x 3/4" floors, incandescent lights. They had slowly rotating air vents in the ceiling. They were old, but definitely not "grotty".
Lovely to see this train out and about. Brings back memories of living in East Finchley in the mid 80's when from time to time, a red 1938 stock train would appear on the platform.
I used to enjoy it when picking up on the second half of a duty a 38 came into the platform with the set number I was looking for. Lovely machines to drive once you got used to their idiosyncrasies.
As a railwayman I prefer trains to arrive at platforms. Trains which arrive on platforms are the cause of a lot of paperwork and unwanted media attention!
Brings back memories of riding on these trains on the Bakerloo line in the 70s. Very nostalgic.
0:13 Oh heavens, nostalgia. I lived in Croxley in the late 60s & early 70s and recall this station so well. Fond memories of it.
Still remember the only time I ever rode on one, in summer 1983, when I was five. We didn't live in London, and I wasn't used to the noise, heat and crowds of the Underground, and I think I was bit scared when this bright red beast of a thing roared into the station with it's strange quincunx of lights on the front. I've learned to love them since though!
That’s the first time I’ve seen the word “quincunx” used in a comment on RUclips; I may never live to see it again. It’s lucky you weren’t reported for abusive language!
Long, long ago I seem to recall a few rides on this rolling stock when I was a nipper. This was on the Bakerloo to Regent's Park to visit the zoo. I recall the motif of the seat upholstery, the leather armrests, wooden floors (similar to many escalators) & the lighting was via small 25w globes that would dim & go out for a few seconds - very eerie.
Thanks for taking us with you in this ride!
My wife took me to the Acton depot for fathers day this year, I was excited to see the 38 stock trains they had there. My favorite underground train because of its long service life. I just love a well built bit of kit, wish I knew they were running one
Thank you for the video. It is my favourite Tube stock too. I used to look forward to riding on them on the Bakerloo Line in the early 1980s. They have aged very well.
These look way more comfy than any tube train today.😮
My earliest memory of these trains was being taken by a neighbour with her own children up from Morden to Clapham Common to what was then the location of the Transport Museum in London. I suppose this was in about 1968. Yet in retrospect these trains were comparatively modern because my earliest memories of travelling on the Underground was of the standard stock from 1927 on the Central Line where the trains had what I would describe as the "winking eye" cab frontage. That would have been in the early sixties when we were taken by my parents up to Gamages at Christmas time to visit "Father Christmas", see that department store's magnificent model railway display, admire the lights on Regent Street and eat hot chestnuts from a street vendor. Happy but fading memories.
Thanks, Jago! I grew up on the Piccadilly northern extension in the 1960s and 70s, and always looked out for 'the red trains'; it was always a great bonus if your train was of that type. I think there were only ever about 7 sets of them on that line, most of whose trains were Standard Stock, replaced in the early 1960s with 1959 stock. The 1938 trains were much more fun!
I remember these in the late 60s travelling on the Northern line to and from Colliers Wood. I loved everything about these trains from the colour, to the seating, wood floors, and lighting. On Sunday nights, when making our way to Euston for the journey back to Rugby, while walking along the platform, the train would make a deep groan as it disappeared in the tunnel, usually with wind.
My introduction to tube travel was on pre '38 standard stock which were noisy at the cab ends, and had lights that frequently flickered, but they had character.
What a difference the 1938 stock made. Very smart styling, and a pleasure to ride in. They were so well made and simple that it is no wonder that they had a long working life. I doubt if the more recently manufactured expensive stock will do as well.
I too remember travelling to school when these trains were in use on the Picadilly Line, along side older and more modern stock. I always hoped one of these would appear for my ride, for the aesthetic (inside and out), the lighting and the well-sprung seats. Far and away the best.
Fully upholstered seating meant a superb ride for the passenger! I rode these to and from work and college in the early 70s.
My family had its first trip to England in 1977, when I was 8. We rode on many 1938 stock trains that were still in regular service.
It was odd to see their wooden floors, and the wooden escalators in the stations. In Toronto, our subway trains had linoleum floors, and the station escalators were steel.
The last time I rode a 1938 stock was in 1991, when I lived in Golders Green for the summer.
Early one Sunday morning, I had to meet a family friend, and when I got to Golders Green station, one of these beautiful 1938 trains, restored to its original livery and decor, in honour of "Starlight Express", was waiting at the platform. I noted how calming the decor was, compared with the harsh lighting and cold grey of the modern stock.
It's one of my favourite memories of England.
[The last time I rode a 1938 stock was in 1991, when I lived in Golders Green for the summer.]
I stayed with a friend from Toronto in a visit to Golders Green around that time. You're not in the theatre scene by any chance?
I moved to London to start my nurse training in 1984 and lived in Belsize Park... I remember this lovely tube train!
Thank you Mr H. Up to your usual excellent standard. As indeed was the stock, with a superior paint finish. All jolly good stuff. Thanks. Simon T
Great video as usual the 38 stock are part of my childhood from the 60s sure I can remember some running in the 90s when there was a shortage of rolling stock in my opinion the classic tube train
I remember this stock very well, painted red with all the wood, very comfortable seats and proper light bulbs giving a warm almost welcoming coloured light (but not the lamp shades you show). I also remeber red trains onthe District line too.
My brother and I had ride on the 38 stock last Sept. Such care attention in keeping it running, including the adverts inside the carriages. Those very springy seats. It was an experience we won't forget.
I remember travelling on those carriages, brilliant to see them still running.
You lucky, lucky, lucky, ba****d.
When the LPTB took over the former GNR branches in north London there was an arrangement that some of the 1938 stock would be the property of the LNER. Plate were affixed to the solebars of the cars affected marking them as "Property of the LNER". I don't have details of the financial arrangements.
Loved it! Was on the previous outing a few weeks ago. Happy 160th anniversary LT.
I rode on those in November of 1974 when I was in London for the first time. I've also been in the museum annex and I could not believe the great collection of stuff! Boxing trophies, of all things. Contemporary to them were the Zurich trams I rode in 1978. Wood trim, well-upholstered seats and builders plates that showed they were from 1938. Built by Brown-Boveri as I recall.
One thing I particularly like about the 1938 stock is that the doors slide back and forth within the rest of the bodywork. Nowadays, they're entirely on the outside, making the profile of the cars look that little bit untidier. I suppose it makes maintenance easier, though.
Brought back memories, I lived near Clapham South during my childhood and teenage years in the 60s and 70s so travelled on these regularly. They were still going strong when I left London in 1980. Definitely an excellent design which still looks OK today. Excellent video which captured them well.
I love the '38 stock. Takes me back to my teens/20s when I travelled on them almost daily on the Bakerloo line. I must have a nostalgic last trip on one.
Jealous jealous jealous. Thank you for sharing it with us. Such a classic, dare I say Iconic? train
I remember these fondly, they used to work the Bakerloo when I first moved to London, but my favourite by far are the Graff-Baker Q- and R-Stock for the District with their flared bodysides and pleasanter ride than the 38 Stock.
Well that took me back! Living in London in the 80s I was often a passenger on these trains when travelling on the Northern line, which was pretty frequently! Thank you, Jago!
comfortable. noisy. Noisy but comfortable, yes, comfortable but NOISY. I loved those trains! Especially the 'dominoes' lights on the front!
I was about to write how jealous I am, but then remembered my age and remembered going on these in the 70's! Awesome video.
Two of my favourite things - Art Deco and trains!
yes i remember travelling on these well - great to see one again
The 1938 stock are, have, & always will be my favourite London Underground Tube Stock. Great video as always Jago 👍
Good to see some of it preserved. I’m pretty sure that the first LU service I travelled on was 38 stock, on a family holiday in the Paddington area in 1966.
I remember riding these in my student days in the 70's.
Thanks Jago for taking us on this special ride, I mentioned the IOW trains on your interiors video as that was the last time I travelled in one, my first time was late 60,s a "wobbly woody" as my Dad used to call them , happy memories ❤
I've driven those trains and been a guard on the back! They were still very much in use on the Northern Line in the 1960s and 70s.
I can remember travelling on the 1938 stock on the Bakerloo, back in the last century! very cosy..with the tungsten bulbs making it a nice warm colour inside..
The 1938 stock is gorgeous and I remember riding them.
First time I ever rattled around on the tube, about 1960, it was on one of these. I liked them. The red and green with touches of wood were cosier that the clinical silver and plastic of more modern stock. The art deco style is appealing too.
Got on one of these trains in the Isle of Wight in the mid-2010s, was like stepping back in time!
The old silver/grey ones on the central line are my earliest memories of the tube
Very interesting!! Wonderful interiors…..WOW!!! 🤩
Another wonderful video, seen this these trains at Acton and in the actual London Transport Museum and I do love how distinctive they are compared to modern carriages. (Not that modern carriages are bad or anything) Interesting they point out the disused stations, its somewhat fascinating how well they've been covered up. I'd imagine these trains will have a long life in preservation, their electric nature (Eco friendly yay!) and durability means they shouldn't become paperweights anytime soon I hope.
A lovely record of a lovely train! I was lucky to travel on the Coronation Special to Uxbridge a few months ago - was really surprised by the comfort of the ride and seeing the very-of-the-period adverts still up around the carriages!
I did one of these 1938 stock tours in the mid 70's. Baker Street-Amersham-Watford (via the little used curve)-Baker Street (lunch break)-New Cross-Acton Town-Baker Street. That was one long day!!
Proper nostalgia I used to ride them to school on the Bakerloo Line between Warwick Avenue and Marylebone stations. In the rear carriage there was the guard operating the doors. On the Bakerloo Line they operated as 7 car trains using a converted "Standard Stock" trailer. I managed to ride on unit 6 on the Island Line before they finally bowed out of service.
I rode on one of these in an earlier event, to Uxbridge and back. There were a few people who were confused when the train passed their station (3:48), it was very funny when that happened. Overall, I had a great time and I see you did too, thank you so much for sharing this!
Wonder if anyone on that platform thought they might be seeing a ghost train?
Thank you for this Jago. I'm the same age as this stock and I commuted on the Bakerloo to the Elephant (Borough Polytechnic) in the 50s and early 60s. Definitely my favourite tube stock, the best-looking tube stock ever! Another loved LT vehicle was the 1920 Metrovick Bo-Bo loco.
I'm JUST about old enough to remember riding on 1938 Stock sometime in the early 1970s during one of my visits to London with my parents. Watching your video took me back 50 years.
I even started recalling the springy seat cushions, the roof hangers, wooden interiors and even the aroma!
Great memories. Thank you.
I was on the same train. It was a very cool and interesting ride.
Did you see our hero in action?
@@mcarp555 Yes
@@alexb__4133 Wow!
Rode on the ' 38 stock train for an extended one and a half hour ride in 2010 .As it slowed down through stations it was very amusing to see the expression on the faces of waiting passengers and the fact that they thery couldn't get on - totally agree with what you observed Jago ! - another brilliant video , thank you .
Looks like you had fun that day - funny how the Train didn't stop at those Stations & as you said - they were excited & confused!!! 😀🚂🚂🚂
Good memories of getting these to work on the Isle of Wight. Strangely cosy and comfy seats!
Excellent as always mate, I think it is great how The Underground allow these types of excursions to take place on such a busy network (even on slightly quieter days like Sunday) compared to all of the hoops that must be jumped through (and questionable pathing) to allow a tour on the mainline.
Controlling their own maintenance might be a factor, giving confidence that a train isn't likely to break down and stop all traffic.
@@SteamCrane Yes I hadn't thought of that, it makes a lot of sense. Thanks :)
What a beautiful tube train 2:09. I love the colours of Red and Green and the colour of the wood inside too, 3:07. Beauty and the stylish character doesn't seem to take much of a priority these days. I think that this is may favourite London Underground Tube train too.
Working on the pic in the late sixties I had many a trip through pipe as both a Guard and Driver and I loved the 38 stock. I always thought they gave a much better ride than the 1959 stock, weren't as noisy and the art-deco styling made them appear more luxurious and up market.
One day I will tell about the time I (unwittingly) took a passenger into the siding at Acton Town and we let her drive the train back into the platform. Happy days. Nostalgia trip over for now and I need my afternoon nap.
Absolutely best ever LU stock. I rode them thousands of times.
Used to travel on these trains in the late 50s loved the grab handles
I rode one of the IOW units shortly before withdrawal in 2021. The ride was so rough my suitcase fell over! They were utterly knackered though, it's a miracle the engineers there kept them going so long. Glad to see some preserved though. I need to get on one of the LT trips sometime.
A wonderful trip, I hope they do this again.❤
Lovely to see it running, I when on the Isle of wight 1930s stock in 2017 it was very bumper but great fun .😊
Ohoo woaaaw !! That was a very nice video . Thanks Jago. These old red 1938 are also my favourite !! I wonder if one day they’ll go back to something so beautiful … (dreams) 😊
I remember the smell of them too. Very distinctive.
These used to run from Stanmore. We would wave to the drivers from the footbridge in Canons Park. I love the colour scheme and wooden interior.