As legacy is the essence of the 2012 Olympics, I was wondering whether anybody is aware of the plans for the Central Line trains which now really seem to be falling apart?

It is hard to find a carriage these days where the roof panels are not kept together with duct tape. When it rains, there are brownish water drops falling from the ceiling. Pretty much all destination LED panels are broken. Rost patches are appearing in many locations, particularly under the windows. The inside of the doors which become visible when they open have not been cleaned since the trains were taken into service in 1993. With the recent grafitti explosion on the tube, it is hard to find a Central Line train without any grafitti on the outside these days. Many of the internal fascia need replacing as they have been permanently damaged by vandalism. The problems with the unreliable engines which have reached the end of their useful life are also well reported.

As the Central Line trains will be about 20 years old at the time of the Olympics, one would assume they should have had a mid-life refurbishment by then. The legacy aspect is obvious and the funds should be available as a part of the anti-recession investment package in transport. It would also avoid a public embarassment of having to explain why one of the main tranport routes to the games needs to be held together by duct tape.

Yet, as obvious as such train refurbishment seems, I have not read anything about it so I wonder what is planned. Does anybody have any additional information?

It is hard to find a carriage these days where the roof panels are not kept together with duct tape. When it rains, there are brownish water drops falling from the ceiling. Pretty much all destination LED panels are broken. Rost patches are appearing in many locations, particularly under the windows. The inside of the doors which become visible when they open have not been cleaned since the trains were taken into service in 1993. With the recent grafitti explosion on the tube, it is hard to find a Central Line train without any grafitti on the outside these days. Many of the internal fascia need replacing as they have been permanently damaged by vandalism. The problems with the unreliable engines which have reached the end of their useful life are also well reported.

I think you ride a different Central line. Whilst the trains aren't exactly new, the problems aren't as widespread as you cite.

There are no current plans to replace the Central line trains or a refurbishment before 2012. I do expect, however, that all trains running all over the network will be thoroughly cleaned and buffed up prior to the Games starting.

I use the central line every day, to and from work and it is one of the better lines to ride. I also use the Jubilee daily and that is much less pleasant and has newer trains and tracks.

The central line isn't one of my concerns for 2012

I get the Central Line every day and the OPs description doesn't really ring any bells with me.

I doubt it's a priority.

I must admit i don't use the Central Line very often, but i've always found the trains to be fine - clean and in good shape. The only problem i have with the central line is that it's always packed.

Considering they're from 1992 i think they are some of the best looking on the network, the huge window look great. If anything is to happen to them i hope they get a refurb, not replaced with newer (uglier) models.

Has nobody then seen brownish drops fall from the ceiling when it rains outside? It is certainly not surprising given the roof panels are held together with duct tape. Despite the line being punctual and reasonably reliable and the carriages being of a nice design, they do look very shabby now. Assuming they will be used for 30 years, I think a mid-life refurb after 15 years is not excessive.

A refurb would not go a miss, they are looking tatty now. The w&c (same type as central) trains had one a few years back and look much better for it.

Im pretty sure I read recently that the Central line will be having an interior refurbishment sometime this year with an all new blue colour scheme.

Has nobody then seen brownish drops fall from the ceiling when it rains outside? It is certainly not surprising given the roof panels are held together with duct tape. Despite the line being punctual and reasonably reliable and the carriages being of a nice design, they do look very shabby now. Assuming they will be used for 30 years, I think a mid-life refurb after 15 years is not excessive.

I'd hope more than 30 years. There's still stock around from the 1960s.

Im pretty sure I read recently that the Central line will be having an interior refurbishment sometime this year with an all new blue colour scheme.

Blue? Central is red. Red, red, red! I've always thought moquette and handrail colours should match the line colour.

I agree. From what I read they are planning on standardising the seat upholstery on all underground lines to this new blue pattern. The pattern was chosen as the result of a design competition and as a result it is essentially blue with some abstract shapes representing the london skyline.

is the op writing an article for the daily mail on public transport?

is the op writing an article for the daily mail on public transport?

No, there was no mention gay immigrants living off benefits! Can't be Daily Express either - no mention of Diana saving the tube... Must be Evening Standard! :lol:

Here is the new pattern:

http://londonist.com/2010/07/new_underground_moquette_unveiled.php

Here is the new pattern:

http://londonist.com/2010/07/new_underground_moquette_unveiled.php

article says Central line trains are getting the upgrade in 2013

where in the article does it mention that?

The fabric will be deployed on refurbished Central line trains from 2011, then on all trains thereafter

from 2011

where in the article does it mention that?

It was an article linked in the article.

TfL indicate that the Moquette will likely make its first appearance on refurbished Central Line stock in 2013. This is perhaps a more telling statement than it appears at first glance - back in 2009 the Press Release announcing the design competition indicated that its first outing would be on "the proposed 2012* tube stock for the Piccadilly line."

http://londonreconnections.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-standard-moquette-unveiled.html

TFL: "As part of the TfL Investment Programme the fabric will be used on refurbished Central line trains from the middle of 2011 and on other new trains where possible."

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/16243.aspx

Just got on the central line this morning to go to work and the train which pulled up (No 21) had its last 2 carriages fitted with brand new BLUE seats and were much firmer than the ones it is replacing. Now the article I posted a few pages ago talked of a refurbishment of the central line taking place this summer, I take it that would take the form of train re-fits rather than just new seats? Are we likely to see new floors, new paintwork and so on?

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7296/photojnk.jpg

As I understand it, all the Central line trains will have new seats and a lick of paint in time for the Games next year as their 20 year refit. Great news, as the seats especially in the trains are a bit grim.

i'm more concerned about the smelly passengers particularly in summer. I do often think of bringing a can of air freshners on board and using it, obviously not aimed directly at the stinking individuals.

... obviously not aimed directly at the stinking individuals.

Really? Why not? The Central Line is particularly smelly, especially after people get on from the District Line at Mile End.

lol...... agreed!