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In 1989, the first 'Steam on the Met' event took place, and London Underground, hired British Rail coaching stock for the excursions. It was found that it was actually cheaper to buy the coaches instead of hiring them. Thus, London Underground has acquired numerous former British Rail coaching stock for these special excursion trains on the Metropolitan line, usually hauled by either steam locomotives, or the preserved electric locomotive No. 12 "Sarah Siddons". The fleet consisted of several Mark 1 and Mark 2 vehicles, and eight former British Rail Class 438 electrical multiple unit trailer set vehicles. The two coaches bought in the late 1980s were initially painted in red, white and blue of LUL. After the acquisition of more coaches in 1992, all vehicles were painted in the maroon livery of the Metropolitan Railway. They were normally based at West Ruislip depot.
Contents
Even though the last 'Steam on the Met' event took place in 2000, the fleet remained in use until 2003, when all vehicles were stored. In 2005, Metronet decided to dispose of its coaching stock. The Mark 2 vehicles and one 4-car trailer set have been sold for preservation, and the rest remained advertised for sale. However, after the refurbishment of Sarah Siddons by Metronet in 2007, the remaining coaching stock is now being used on occasional specials with the Met loco. They are now painted in faux teak as shown in the pictures on this page.
The full list of vehicles is given below.
Trailer Control Units
These are former Class 438 4TC vehicles, and were purchased in 1992.
Between 1992 and 2003, one vehicle, TFK no. 70855 was used as a support coach for locomotives. The remaining seven vehicles were marshalled into two coaching sets. The 3-car unit was formed of 76298+70823+76322, whilst the 4-car unit was formed of 76297+70824+71163+76324.
Coaches
These vehicles were used as standard locomotive-hauled coaching stock. Mark 1 BSK 35011 and Mark 2 3152, prior to purchase by London Underground, were used as brake force runners, and numbered 977588 and 977547 respectively.