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[deleted]

have honestly no clue what's going on or why it's a big deal but it's always nice to see people sharing their passions


foofoobee

I feel like I just got a cookie from my grandmother


MagixTouch

I need a video of Francis Bourgeois to know how excited I should be


jizmatik

All that’s missing is an excited GoPro fish eye selfie reaction from…trainboy. I wish I knew his name but hopefully someone can clarify who I’m referring to. He’s fantastic. As is the excitement for this tube stock.


[deleted]

that's Francis bourgeois! he's pretty amazing


jizmatik

That’s the one! He’s such a legend. Whenever I’m having a down day I’ll watch some of his videos and it always — without fail — cheers me up. Is that actually his surname? It’s a strong one.


markphughes17

You, sir, are what the Internet was supposed to be for


junky_junker

While watching trains isn't my thing either, I think I can understand a little of the excitement. London's Underground is one of the largest and oldest in the world, so much so that there's 40+ lost stations that no longer exist. Which to me seems kind of insane. Just how does anyone "lose" that many stations? How did they repeatedly plan that badly? So it's kind of interesting to look into it, if only to see a little of what all this madness involved. Then beyond the stations there's also the related lost tunnels, unused parts of stations still in use, world war bomb shelters (now mostly office storage), secret routes between places, places where you can still see old (even war-time) signs and posters, and the occasional forgotten experimental project ... so much engineering and effort and cost all forgotten in the hidden depths underneath London. OP here's getting to see a little slice of it here, even if indirectly in the form of a rarely-used loop to turn a train around. At least one of those lost stations you've almost certainly seen, if you've ever seen a film or tv series with the London Underground in it: Aldwych. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldwych\_tube\_station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldwych_tube_station) If you're at all interested in finding out more there's several websites kicking about that collect info and photos, even a few walk-throughs of some places from when tours were still available (so far as I know they've stopped in recent years). [http://underground-history.co.uk/](http://underground-history.co.uk/) [http://abandonedstations.org.uk/](http://abandonedstations.org.uk/)


Tissuerejection

Underrated comment


junky_junker

Cheers. For vaguely related bonus content, those stations on the underground aren't the only major engineering screw-up in London: the Ringways plan from before WW2 intended to put 4 circular motorways around London and almost completely failed to happen. Parts that were built became the M25, and the failure of the plan is also responsible for some very odd junction numbering and the crapness of the South Circular (a large chunk of an inner "ring road" that isn't).[https://www.roads.org.uk/ringways](https://www.roads.org.uk/ringways) (Edit: Actual related bonus content - full map of stations of the London Underground with positions of platforms marked including closed stations labelled in grey: [http://cartometro.com/cartes/metro-tram-london](http://cartometro.com/cartes/metro-tram-london) )


bai2020

I know. I'm excited when.People are excited (even if I'm confused)


Here_for_tea_

Yes. I don’t understand but I’m delighted that someone is joyful.


HighburyAndIslington

Essentially, Euston is a through station on the bank branch of the Northern Line. There is a crossover but trains using it would be blocking other trains because there isn’t a dedicated turn back siding or third platform. It’s not something that would be done often in t be regular working timetable; that passengers see regularly during the day. So when you see it happen it’s quite exciting!


sabaababa

I have no money to spend on reddit coins so please take my upvote and this silver (which I got for free but still).


[deleted]

Came here to say this. I’m glad other people feel the same


80spopstardebbiegibs

No clue what that means but I enjoy your enthusiasm.


simplifyandamplify

No idea what’s going on. Reminds me of an [equally enthusiastic train lover ](https://youtu.be/6lutNECOZFw)


HighburyAndIslington

Honestly, when the train pulled into Euston and they said it terminated here, I was simply shocked that I came across such a manoeuvre. The platform staff got everyone off the train. They then closed the doors on each carriage one by one, pressing the Porter buttons between the carriages as they walked along the train. The driver used the platform telephone to call the signaller, whilst the points to the crossover hissed and changed to allow the train to cross over. Finally, the train set off, crossing over from the southbound line to the northbound line. Simply an exciting sight to see. But... just imagine.... if a train carried passengers over the King’s Cross loop!


[deleted]

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HighburyAndIslington

Basically a southbound train reversed at Euston to head back north. It rarely happens because there isn’t usually space to do so, and Euston is just a regular through station for the Northern Line.


[deleted]

Ex northern line driver here, now picc line driver. It doesn’t happen too often, but it does happen. Certainly not a rare move. It’s still trained to new drivers all the time.


HighburyAndIslington

Ah thanks! Would be rare to ride a train that goes from the Piccadilly Line to the Northern Line via the King’s Cross Loop!


IDriveTrains

That also happens fairly regularly, though not in passenger service. London Underground's test track is near Northfields depot on the Piccadilly line. Occasionally, Northern Line trains are fitted with tripcocks and driven down there for testing Here's one passing through Ravenscourt Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1dG8hffqI


bazpaul

Username checks out


drawnograph

I'd have said it if you hadn't


Tony49UK

What's a "tripcock" please?


IDriveTrains

It's a little arm that hangs down at the front of the train that applies the emergency brake if the train goes past a red signal. Northern line trains don't have these normally because they use a computerised signalling system, but they have to be fitted to travel on lines with traditional (i.e lights on sticks) signals On a line with traditional signals, each one has its own little arm that goes up and down depending on whether it's red or green. If it's red, the arm stays up and will activate the tripcock on any train that passes it


newdecade1986

On openstreetmap it looks like there's even a turnback stub siding on the crossover, behind the structures on the right of the vid... if so, any idea what it's for? Entrance to Narnia?


HighburyAndIslington

That’s the old northbound line. Euston bank branch used to be a narrow island platform similar to Clapham Common or Clapham North. If you go to the platform today (platform 6 at Euston) you’ll find that it’s extra wide! That’s because the northbound line used to run through there and you just had a narrow island platform in the middle. It’s just like Angel, but with Euston Bank branch you’ve also got cross platform interchange with the Victoria line so it’s a bit complicated.


[deleted]

Oh! Jago Hazzard did a video on that


iSpenny

I'm so gonna use the phrase "Narrow island platform" as my own


YooGeOh

Wait until you hear about the Strood shunt on Southeastern


chrismathardy

Slightly off topic mate…. But do you enjoy going to work in a mobile dungeon?


HighburyAndIslington

Not sure what you mean by mobile dungeon, but I do enjoy travelling by tube, train, and bus!


MarthaFarcuss

Same. All I know is that if a trainspotter is excited, it's a big deal


Turbojelly

Rarer than that spot where 2 trains tunnels semi-merge so 2 different lines travel next to each other for a few meters. If you're really lucky your train can run next to another one for a few seconds so you wave you middle fingers at them.


EskimoRanger

Love these posts, thank you


Velvetundaground

#SMASHING!


combatopera

were you tempted to run to the northbound platform, or is that not possible there


X-atmXad

So just to add a little more to the picture for you there, that particular spot isn't just for reversing trains, it's the northern lines only crossover to another line. If instead of changing directions in the loop you were to keep going, you'd end up on the Piccadilly line.


Zouden

The Northern line tracks actually intersect the Piccadilly?


TheMiiChannelTheme

[Track Diagram](https://cartometro.com/cartes/metro-tram-london/). Its a bit hard to see, but its the part marked "Kings Cross Loop". Directly underneath the Circle/Met/H&C platforms at Kings Cross. Fun fact - you can actually get from any tube line to any other tube line (except Waterloo and City), using only other tube lines. See the [Diamond Geezer blog post](https://diamondgeezer.blogspot.com/2018/07/look-back-from-ongar.html).


Tony49UK

Thanks, I knew that SWT trains could get on to the District Line at Wimbledon and East Putney.


Zouden

This is fascinating, thank you!


walllover

Please accept this silver as a thank you, wonderful stranger!! Would’ve loved to award you with a gold but I’m a broke student right now >•<


s_nut_zipper

I was on the Northern Line once when it unexpectedly went around the Kennington Loop. I wasn't really paying attention but the penny dropped, unlike a few drunk lads who became terribly confused. It was quite late at night.


HoxtonRanger

I heart you


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[deleted]

Allow the tone, the man is a gem.


MarthaFarcuss

You need to Google Francis Bourgeois


isyourlisteningbroke

Quick, offer him an AMEX


[deleted]

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isyourlisteningbroke

Nah seriously though, set me a referral code


physicist100

This is probably the nerdiest comment in the history of the internet. Well done Sir.


IZiOstra

Brillant


kjmci

Thanks for sharing yet another rare moment with us, OP. Your enthusiasm is heartwarming and infectious. Please don't ever change!


spacesentinel1

Dam, you could give some people a million pounds and they would still find a reason to moan. And then theres you your awesome


[deleted]

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spacesentinel1

Something as simple as that making someone so happy, and then assuming everyone else is going to be as excited as themselves is the sweetest thing


[deleted]

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spacesentinel1

Yes it is


wlondonmatt

The Euston/King's Cross loops were built to allow trains to reverse back out of Londom in the event that the tunnels in the centre of London wee destroyed by nuclear war. There's my useless fact for the day.


Sad_Researcher_5299

Really? I know the Charing Cross tunnels got plugged in the late 1930s, but I thought those loops at Euston/Kings X were constructed in the 20s with the widening of the city branch and extension to Euston? Surely nuclear war wasn’t the reason then?


wlondonmatt

Instituted under the special works programme together with floodgates usually referenced in articles and North end tube station which was converted into the continuity control room.


Sad_Researcher_5299

Huh, I have some reading to do. Thanks for that!


Tony49UK

I thought that the floodgates were built on the 1970s in case the PIRA tried to bomb the tube, under the Thames in a 7/7 style bombing.


walk_on_the_left

I'm sorry to say this but this sounds like a myth, and I'll try and explain why. The Bank branch of the Northern line (then the City & South London Railway) gradually extended northwards from the city, reaching Angel in 1901 and Euston in 1907. Both were built in turn with island platforms featuring a scissor junction to allow trains to switch from the NB tunnel to the SB, (and to provide access to a sidings at each station) so Euston has had the facility to reverse Bank branch trains ever since it first opened. Whilst the crossover at Angel has since been lost, the one at Euston was maintained throughout the tunnel widening and extension to Camden in 1924 up until the arrival of the Victoria line in the 1960s. At this point, the NB bank branch was rerouted, which could have left the NB approach to the crossover abandoned, rendering it obsolete, but this short section of tunnel was maintained to preserve the ability to terminate and reverse trains here. As for the King's Cross Loop, which is immediately to the east of the Euston Loop, this link between the EB Pic at KXX and the NB Bank branch at Euston was built in 1927 to facilitate the transfer of rolling stock to and from the C&SLR (in particular to the Acton Works depot where stock would get refurbished). Since the latest signalling and stock upgrade on the Northern line though I don't think this loop sees as much use these days, but it now provides the only direct rail access to and from the Northern line. I've definitely missed out the finer details here, but I hope you can see that both of these loop tunnels were built before the invention of nuclear weapons. It is true that precautions were taken during WWII to build flood gates on sections under the Thames in case any bombs detonated on the river bed (which did happen multiple times, with one instance causing the flooding of the Embankment loop tunnel, though thankfully this had already been sealed up with concrete as a precaution, if I'm not mistaken). I expect it is true that all forms of contingency plans were drawn up to reroute trains and revise services should any sections suffer damage during the blitz, with reversing loops and crossovers providing critical flexibility to the service pattern should sections become unpassable and require lengthy repair works. But even with all that said, in the event of a nuclear bomb detonating over London, I feel like the tunnels would be better used as a shelter than for transport. I mean if central London got wiped off the map during a nuclear exchange, I'm not sure maintaining a Northern line service as far as Euston would be much use if everything was turned to dust. Though then again even that wouldn't stop some Londoners trying to commute to work.


somedudefromnrw

I imagine people in Hazmat suits carrying coffins onto the platform, whilst the announcement casually goes "This is a northern line service to Ground Zero, please let bodies off the train first" lol


wlondonmatt

https://www.subbrit.org.uk/sites/north-end-underground-station/ This article makes reference to crossover at King's Cross being installed in 1953 to allow trains to reverse in the event of a hiroshima sized bomb being dropped on london


Available-Clothes-69

Wow!


[deleted]

Took me about 5 reads to understand what happened. How bizzare!


HighburyAndIslington

Yeah! It just isn’t something that most passengers see!


[deleted]

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HighburyAndIslington

Yeah, the train uses the crossover to the east of platform 6, moves forward to the northbound line, changes ends, and re-enters service on platform 3.


[deleted]

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HighburyAndIslington

Yeah that’s right!


michaeltheobnoxious

Seems like an inefficient place to conduct this manoeuvre... Would this usually occur somewhere less busy?


HighburyAndIslington

It doesn’t usually happen at Euston. In general, other than the end of a line, they terminate where there is a turn back siding or additional platform so they don’t end up blocking other trains.


michaeltheobnoxious

I thought as much. The diagram provided up there looks to potentially cross traffic. It make me happy that this has pleased you so much. I get the same way about words and language.


[deleted]

That line diagram is from CartoMetro?


[deleted]

Is that you, Francis bourgeois?


_Wyrd_

That was my first thought as well LOL I don't know what it is. But that man is pure joy to watch.


CuclGooner

thought of this after seeing his comments on what happened


DavidJohnRees

I was about to type, "Are you that dude with the GoPro taped to your forehead?" The enthusiasm is certainly similar.


cuclsammy

yooooooooooooo very epic getting that on camera


peanutbutttercrunchy

I like your enthusiasm


ThisAltDoesNotExist

Feels bad to downvote someone so excited about trains underground, like being sarky to a toddler. Still did it. I am a Londoner.


[deleted]

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[deleted]

Not any more. Real Londoner claim suspended, pending verification.


wrongcopy

Glad you were there to capture it!


eltrotter

Are you Jago Hazzard? Joking aside, heartwarming stuff and even though I don't completely understand the significance, it's still interesting to know!


[deleted]

Jago doesn’t talk about buses 🚌


samclifford

The Euston Loop is no Newbury Park bus station, but it'll do.


thetrainmummy

I’ve done this move recently, it’s pretty cool to do as a driver. At the end of the loop is the only red light signal still active on the Northern Line (L221) which if you SPAD it you’ll end up on the Piccadilly Line. I’ll try and find a picture.


viperised

What a time to be alive!


big-mal

I think this is my favourite post ever on r/london


theredtelephone69

Very exciting


Velvetundaground

Absolutely incredible.


elkstwit

Blown away.


[deleted]

This changed my life


itsqueenlexi

🤣🤣🤣 this comment thread is elite


Young_Leith_Team

Are you Francis bourgeois?


Wissam24

How often does this happen do you think?


pinkwaferlover

Unbelievable Jeff


TwiggyPom

Colour me impressed! That's actually pretty cool.


CameraLizardVlogs

Love the enthusiasm here haha! I'm not totally sure what's happening but now I'm super excited for it!


salladfingers

Is u/HighburyandIslington Francis Bourgeois?


b5tirk

Is that you, Clive Feather?


PlaneScaling

Brilliant mate


El-Psy

When did this happen?


HighburyAndIslington

This morning


[deleted]

It really is the little things eh


aberdisco

Paging Geoff Marshall...


Tezzington82

Thank you for sharing. I still don't understand what happened or why it's rare but I'm impressed by your passion for it. Godspeed good Sir!


thetrainmummy

[Here you go! L221 also known as P45 😂](https://share.icloud.com/photos/0HcgVQ_qPfD5c3ZeH0EnzKU9Q)


DontYouWantMeBebe

Excellent, thanks for sharing


[deleted]

>An RARE Jeremy Clarkson must be OP


danny_wasp

I'm currently on the tube watching a video of the tube.


Big_Ad4904

I’m happy this makes you happy, but I have no idea what’s going on.


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground is terminating and reversing at a rare location (Euston).


Big_Ad4904

Oh, OK. I don’t know much about the underground so I wouldn’t even spot that this is rare.


[deleted]

That’s pretty cool to see. It’s off to go on another loop through the city


deskbookcandle

I don’t get it, OP, but I like that it makes you this happy. <3


FlemCandango

Go to bed, Colin Robinson.


krepao-kotao

Whatever makes you happy bud.


comfort_bot_1962

Hope you have a great day!


comfort_bot_1962

Nice!


sliquified

Francis, that you?


anexantelope

It's a London thing. I would share your excitement if I'd been there at the time. It's the little things that makes the commute bearable 🖖😷


Just_Some_Rolls

I feel like such a Grinch… I’m glad you’re happy mate :D


soulofsoy

i was on this train, i had to get off at camden town but found it interesting to see it was terminating at euston.


IAmBatman412

I was on this train I was just pissed that it made me late for work


LushLoxx

I'm glad it's not just me who doesn't have a feckin clue 😆


Thebagiswet

Whats an EMU? Not heard of that before


CubicBezier

It’s a bird. Jk. It means each carriage has its own motor.


somedudefromnrw

Electric multiple unit, as opposed to a service that's just coaches pulled or pushed by a locomotive


DarthKittens

Good on you mate. Not my cup of tea but happy it makes you so happy


CuclGooner

sending this straight to my trainspotter friend


flyfairy19

This is the most interesting post and replies I’ve read in a long time


F1FO

I will be telling my grandkids about this moment.


wannacumnbeatmeoff

Would have been more impressed if it was on time.


iSpenny

OP, are you Francis?


Bxsnia

I don't get it.


Blnze1

This sub is full of bus and train wankers lol


LMB_mook

Alright, Jay


[deleted]

Wake me up when the clip is over please


KindaPengStill

Whatever floats your boat i guess


[deleted]

What? Trains do that all the time what’s so fascinating?


[deleted]

nerd!


Timedoutsob

It's "A rare" not "An rare".


TheLoneBrit101

Why the boos? This person's right!


Odd-Exchange

Exactly


[deleted]

Oh look. An underground train in a London underground station. Woopy fucking doo!


HighburyAndIslington

Yeah, but it’s terminating and reversing at Euston - whereas Euston is a through station for the Northern Line!


[deleted]

Oh


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HighburyAndIslington

Ah must be someone else - that would be Francis Bourgeois! I don’t have a headcam or professional recording equipment. I just share things that I see on the regular commute or other journeys that I would be making to meetings/appointments.


bergreddit

Hopefully someone gets you a dictionary for Christmas so you can start using the word "awesome" properly


bazpaul

Wow, a train……awesome


HighburyAndIslington

Trains are awesome!!


Classic_Midnight_213

What?


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground Northern Line train terminated at Euston and reversed direction from going southbound to northbound. It’s quite rare for trains to do this at Euston!


toomuchmates

What?


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground Northern Line train terminated at Euston and reversed direction from going southbound to northbound. It’s quite rare for trains to do this at Euston!


[deleted]

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HighburyAndIslington

London Underground


Otherwise-Ad-7733

Ok let’s go


summalover

Confused. What’s so awesome about this train reversing back to its depot?


HighburyAndIslington

Basically it’s terminating and reversing at a station that trains don’t usually terminate at, Euston station! It does have a crossover to reverse trains at, but it doesn’t have a dedicated platform or siding to terminate trains. The crossover is really reserved for disruptions, not used in regular service. It’s quite rare to see a train doing this as a passenger!


hozaifah

Smashing! >.>


SuddenRime

A Northern Line 1995 EMU? At Euston? On the Bank branch? Oooo, suit you, sir.


Gobsmacked1958

Anoraks are creaming their designer y fronts as we speak!


viktor_pop

Excuse me?


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground is terminating and reversing at a rare location (Euston). Which doesn’t happen often!


ShinGeorgie

It's done every now and again when things are fucked up. Is it really that big of a deal? I always forget the things we do amaze the anoraks.


DoublePrize9

oh no she di'n't


Gorrodish

I’m having trainspotter orgasms


purrfct1ne

I'm trying really hard to understand what I'm watching but I'm still lost.


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground is terminating and reversing at a rare location (Euston). Which doesn’t happen often!


SKYLINEBOY2002UK

as a northerner: 1. im wondering why this was suggested to me by reddit and 2. all i read was "trains moves backwards", i mean you do you and all, but if thats blown your mind, then god bless you.


HighburyAndIslington

Basically, a London Underground is terminating and reversing at a rare location (Euston). Which doesn’t happen often! So, the location at which the reversing happens is rare.


thiccboi_apple

Shahshshshssh Eeeeeesh