New Tube for London - Groundbreaking in every way possible
https://preview.redd.it/e8zuio1k7ivf1.png?width=1796&format=png&auto=webp&s=2d384e83d6e6d45298948de992380929d92e9460
**One of the most cutting-edge trains in Europe, these NTFL is set to revolutionise London Underground in 2026.**
It brings features previously thought impossible onto the deep level tube, like air conditioning, walkthrough carriages, etc, which have only been achievable thanks to significant technological innovations.
Most railway stock around the world is derived from a modular platform, where common components can be shared and interchanged in order to create a variation of an off the shelf design for the customer. This works because the lines they run on are quite similar from a capability point of view, such as their general gauge (size).
However, the deep tube is unique, with it's smaller tunnels and therefore below average gauge size. As a result, in order to incorporate the latest modern technology found elsewhere like HVAC systems into this challenging environment, every component of the units has had to be completely rethought and redesigned from the ground up, along with considerations to accommodate them, meaning a truly bespoke design.
# Air conditioning: The biggest challenge
If we look at arguably the most important feature of the NTFL, it's air conditioning, there are two key problems to solve. The first one is space. A traditional HVAC system, which is typically installed on the roof of a train, is a bulky bit of kit, and therefore requires a lot of room which the tunnel height simply does not allow for.
**The first part of the process was realising the system had to be fitted underneath the train, which also means it had to contend with the bogies, traction converter boxes, electrical systems, etc. Every component therefore had to be made as space efficient as possible, meaning all special redesigns:**
\- The bogies are a unique product, with a very compact build featuring optimised component arrangement, short wheelbase (which also makes them more track friendly) and adaptative wheelsets with a special axle bearing system. Hydrobrushes are fitted to reduce track wear.
\- **Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)** instead of a traditional asynchronous three phase AC motor, allowing for high power ratings in a much smaller installation space, among many other benefits mentioned later in the article. This is the first use of PMSM on a metro train outside of Asia.#
[Picture of the PMSM motor and gearbox](https://preview.redd.it/f24kww053ivf1.png?width=302&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a4a2572c6e3c949b490c88a955d973c80e4969c)
\- The **Auxiliary Power System (APS)** was also redesigned, featuring **SiC-MOSFET** instead of the traditional IGBT, which with it's smaller switching frequencies means smaller magnets and therefore a smaller overall system size.
[Picture of the Auxiliary Power System](https://preview.redd.it/cq0flnez2ivf1.png?width=346&format=png&auto=webp&s=81fb686d446d8333efae6931f60c7c35277b06a3)
\- **Sold State Power Circuits (SSPC)** instead of the traditional circuit breakers, which take up less space and are more reliable.
\- The **brake system** has a significantly reduced weight and size, while incorporating bogie-wise brake control / axle-wise Wheel Slip Protection (this is an advanced solution, most WSP systems are bogie wise).
The HVAC units themselves are also completely re-engineered to take up as little space as possible, which was a considerable challenge.
However, despite all these changes, extra space was still required. The solution was to remove one of the largest components, the bogies, from every intermediate carriage, creating the "floating carriage" design. This layout, which has only ever previously been used on trams, works by suspending a slightly shorter carriage between two longer carriages which have bogies. This creates significantly more space while also making the train much lighter.
[Diagram showing the floating carriages as well as other structural and design properties
https://preview.redd.it/e8zuio1k7ivf1.png?width=1796&format=png&auto=webp&s=2d384e83d6e6d45298948de992380929d92e9460
**One of the most cutting-edge trains in Europe, these NTFL is set to revolutionise London Underground in 2026.**
It brings features previously thought impossible onto the deep level tube, like air conditioning, walkthrough carriages, etc, which have only been achievable thanks to significant technological innovations.
Most railway stock around the world is derived from a modular platform, where common components can be shared and interchanged in order to create a variation of an off the shelf design for the customer. This works because the lines they run on are quite similar from a capability point of view, such as their general gauge (size).
However, the deep tube is unique, with it's smaller tunnels and therefore below average gauge size. As a result, in order to incorporate the latest modern technology found elsewhere like HVAC systems into this challenging environment, every component of the units has had to be completely rethought and redesigned from the ground up, along with considerations to accommodate them, meaning a truly bespoke design.
# Air conditioning: The biggest challenge
If we look at arguably the most important feature of the NTFL, it's air conditioning, there are two key problems to solve. The first one is space. A traditional HVAC system, which is typically installed on the roof of a train, is a bulky bit of kit, and therefore requires a lot of room which the tunnel height simply does not allow for.
**The first part of the process was realising the system had to be fitted underneath the train, which also means it had to contend with the bogies, traction converter boxes, electrical systems, etc. Every component therefore had to be made as space efficient as possible, meaning all special redesigns:**
\- The bogies are a unique product, with a very compact build featuring optimised component arrangement, short wheelbase (which also makes them more track friendly) and adaptative wheelsets with a special axle bearing system. Hydrobrushes are fitted to reduce track wear.
\- **Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)** instead of a traditional asynchronous three phase AC motor, allowing for high power ratings in a much smaller installation space, among many other benefits mentioned later in the article. This is the first use of PMSM on a metro train outside of Asia.#
[Picture of the PMSM motor and gearbox](https://preview.redd.it/f24kww053ivf1.png?width=302&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a4a2572c6e3c949b490c88a955d973c80e4969c)
\- The **Auxiliary Power System (APS)** was also redesigned, featuring **SiC-MOSFET** instead of the traditional IGBT, which with it's smaller switching frequencies means smaller magnets and therefore a smaller overall system size.
[Picture of the Auxiliary Power System](https://preview.redd.it/cq0flnez2ivf1.png?width=346&format=png&auto=webp&s=81fb686d446d8333efae6931f60c7c35277b06a3)
\- **Sold State Power Circuits (SSPC)** instead of the traditional circuit breakers, which take up less space and are more reliable.
\- The **brake system** has a significantly reduced weight and size, while incorporating bogie-wise brake control / axle-wise Wheel Slip Protection (this is an advanced solution, most WSP systems are bogie wise).
The HVAC units themselves are also completely re-engineered to take up as little space as possible, which was a considerable challenge.
However, despite all these changes, extra space was still required. The solution was to remove one of the largest components, the bogies, from every intermediate carriage, creating the "floating carriage" design. This layout, which has only ever previously been used on trams, works by suspending a slightly shorter carriage between two longer carriages which have bogies. This creates significantly more space while also making the train much lighter.
[Diagram showing the floating carriages as well as other structural and design properties
](https://preview.redd.it/4hi6x1nu6ivf1.png?width=1399&format=png&auto=webp&s=ee2c3ba7ec5ddf984789e6595915ac90d4108fe7)
**The other problem is the heat itself. When the AC system on the NTFL is mentioned, many people logically ask the question "won't the tunnels just get hotter with heat being pumped out?". The solution is to make the train produce significantly less heat as a base, allowing the thermal headroom to bring in AC without the train producing anymore heat overall than the existing units.**
The easiest way to do this is to improve the efficiency of the components, as the more efficient something is, the less energy is lost (in the case of electrical items, this happens through heat). Innovative technology had to be drawn to again:
\- The entire train is built to be as lightweight as possible. From the **bionic aluminum shell**, to the **bogie design and layout**, as well as the **use of composites**, it is **extremely lightweight per metre**. This means there is less mass to move, and less to brake.
\- **PMSM motors** provide **significant efficiency gains** over traditional asynchronous three phase AC motors, with **up to 97% compared to 90-93%** in the best case scenario for the latter. The motors used on the legacy stock, DC Camshaft, **have an efficiency of around 75%.**
\- **SiC-MOSFET auxiliaries** \- **increased efficiency** compared to IGBT.
# Let's go a bit further into detail about the PMSM motors and their benefits:
Traditional induction motors require current to create/energise the magnetic field, which creates losses. PMSM instead have permanent magnets that create the magnetic fields themselves.
Induction motors are also asynchronous, which means they “slip” from the magnetic field, again creating losses. PMSMs are synchronous as the magnetic and stator field rotate synchronously which is possible due to the lack of an external power source required to energise the magnetic field.
Other benefits of PMSM motors include more precise control over torque, faster reaction time and lower noise. As mentioned previously, they also have a superior power to weight ratio, allowing them to be much lighter and smaller.
On the NTFL, the PMSM motors are part of an integral system with the double stage gearbox assembly, with a max starting torque of 1,239nm and a 5,175 max rpm. They are self cooled and two are fitted to each bogie, driving the unit up to a max speed of 62mph and a starting acceleration rate of 1.4m/s\^2, making it one of the fastest accelerating metro units in the world.
[Picture of the PMSM motor and gearbox](https://preview.redd.it/589qhpbb3ivf1.png?width=302&format=png&auto=webp&s=d3cb33c2b734b8b58ba91de48028957ba257e9c6)
# Let's go a bit further into detail about the bogie design:
The bespoke bogies have been optimised to be as lightweight and compact as possible while also including the latest technology.
They of an H-Frame construction, chosen after assessment of the curves in order to provide the most suited option, with a 1.8m wheelbase and hydrobrushes. In order to optimise weight, they are of welded steel and feature hollow axles. The primary suspension is steel coils and rubber springs, while the secondary is metalastic rubber, moving away from the traditional "airbag" suspension in order to improve ride quality.
They also feature accelerometers in order to power a feature known as "rough ride detection", which will be able to detect areas of rough riding and send it back to the data centre in order to determine areas where track needs repairing or replacement.
[3D model of one of the motor bogies](https://preview.redd.it/nucbvrgh3ivf1.png?width=565&format=png&auto=webp&s=ded3fd6b41836e2c95ea4ca0a7f0a8a2261a4d9a)
# Inside the train:
The inside of the train is just as impressive as what's under the hood. A significant amount of extra space has been made available through some clever engineering - for example, by moving all components under the train (excluding lights, CCTV cameras, etc), **the celling has been made higher**, which will mean taller passengers will
**The other problem is the heat itself. When the AC system on the NTFL is mentioned, many people logically ask the question "won't the tunnels just get hotter with heat being pumped out?". The solution is to make the train produce significantly less heat as a base, allowing the thermal headroom to bring in AC without the train producing anymore heat overall than the existing units.**
The easiest way to do this is to improve the efficiency of the components, as the more efficient something is, the less energy is lost (in the case of electrical items, this happens through heat). Innovative technology had to be drawn to again:
\- The entire train is built to be as lightweight as possible. From the **bionic aluminum shell**, to the **bogie design and layout**, as well as the **use of composites**, it is **extremely lightweight per metre**. This means there is less mass to move, and less to brake.
\- **PMSM motors** provide **significant efficiency gains** over traditional asynchronous three phase AC motors, with **up to 97% compared to 90-93%** in the best case scenario for the latter. The motors used on the legacy stock, DC Camshaft, **have an efficiency of around 75%.**
\- **SiC-MOSFET auxiliaries** \- **increased efficiency** compared to IGBT.
# Let's go a bit further into detail about the PMSM motors and their benefits:
Traditional induction motors require current to create/energise the magnetic field, which creates losses. PMSM instead have permanent magnets that create the magnetic fields themselves.
Induction motors are also asynchronous, which means they “slip” from the magnetic field, again creating losses. PMSMs are synchronous as the magnetic and stator field rotate synchronously which is possible due to the lack of an external power source required to energise the magnetic field.
Other benefits of PMSM motors include more precise control over torque, faster reaction time and lower noise. As mentioned previously, they also have a superior power to weight ratio, allowing them to be much lighter and smaller.
On the NTFL, the PMSM motors are part of an integral system with the double stage gearbox assembly, with a max starting torque of 1,239nm and a 5,175 max rpm. They are self cooled and two are fitted to each bogie, driving the unit up to a max speed of 62mph and a starting acceleration rate of 1.4m/s\^2, making it one of the fastest accelerating metro units in the world.
[Picture of the PMSM motor and gearbox](https://preview.redd.it/589qhpbb3ivf1.png?width=302&format=png&auto=webp&s=d3cb33c2b734b8b58ba91de48028957ba257e9c6)
# Let's go a bit further into detail about the bogie design:
The bespoke bogies have been optimised to be as lightweight and compact as possible while also including the latest technology.
They of an H-Frame construction, chosen after assessment of the curves in order to provide the most suited option, with a 1.8m wheelbase and hydrobrushes. In order to optimise weight, they are of welded steel and feature hollow axles. The primary suspension is steel coils and rubber springs, while the secondary is metalastic rubber, moving away from the traditional "airbag" suspension in order to improve ride quality.
They also feature accelerometers in order to power a feature known as "rough ride detection", which will be able to detect areas of rough riding and send it back to the data centre in order to determine areas where track needs repairing or replacement.
[3D model of one of the motor bogies](https://preview.redd.it/nucbvrgh3ivf1.png?width=565&format=png&auto=webp&s=ded3fd6b41836e2c95ea4ca0a7f0a8a2261a4d9a)
# Inside the train:
The inside of the train is just as impressive as what's under the hood. A significant amount of extra space has been made available through some clever engineering - for example, by moving all components under the train (excluding lights, CCTV cameras, etc), **the celling has been made higher**, which will mean taller passengers will
have a lower chance of knocking their head.
The units have also been able to be **made wider** because of the geometric and kinetic impact of the shorter "floating" intermediate carriages. When a train goes around a curve, there are two types of swing:
\- **End throw:** Carriage corners swing outward.
\- **Centre throw:** Carriage bulges inwards towards the curve centre.
By having the shorter intermediate carriages, there is less throw, and therefore meaning less overall swing and therefore more room for the carriages to be wider.
The **passenger information system** on-board has some innovative properties as well. While digital display screens are something new for London Underground which has up until now used dot matrix, they're becoming present on many modern trains these days. However, these screens have some of their own advancements packed into them which make them unique too.
\- Each panel is **optically bonded to the glass,** which removes the air-gap between them. This creates much **better viewing angles and brighter colours**, which are both important properties for this type of application (standing and sitting passengers, different lighting environments etc).
\- An **optical film stack** is used to make the backlight of the display **significantly more efficient** by directing it, resulting in higher brightness with lower energy consumption.
\- While most displays fade over a certain lifespan due to the LED backlight becoming weaker, these have backlights with a **400% reserve**. Traditionally, by using an **intelligent management system**, the current is slowly increased to **keep the same luminosity as brand new throughout the lifetime of the screen.**
# Some other key features include:
\- **Advanced door technology:** The **widest doors on the entire of the TfL network (1.65m)** \- fitted with **sensitive edge and obstacle detection** \- **green/red strip LED lights** to indicate when the door is open and closing.
\- **Advanced wheel slip protection** \- As aforementioned, **per axle WSP** controlled using hundreds of sensors, which will **eliminate the leaf problem.**
\- **Advanced digitalisation for higher reliability** \- Remote monitoring systems, self testing, remote control of systems, front facing camera.
\- **Advanced noise insulation technology** \- Reduces loud noises such as track and tunnel.
[Video of the construction process](https://reddit.com/link/1o8bgk1/video/rerwre7e2ivf1/player)
https://redd.it/1o8bgk1
The units have also been able to be **made wider** because of the geometric and kinetic impact of the shorter "floating" intermediate carriages. When a train goes around a curve, there are two types of swing:
\- **End throw:** Carriage corners swing outward.
\- **Centre throw:** Carriage bulges inwards towards the curve centre.
By having the shorter intermediate carriages, there is less throw, and therefore meaning less overall swing and therefore more room for the carriages to be wider.
The **passenger information system** on-board has some innovative properties as well. While digital display screens are something new for London Underground which has up until now used dot matrix, they're becoming present on many modern trains these days. However, these screens have some of their own advancements packed into them which make them unique too.
\- Each panel is **optically bonded to the glass,** which removes the air-gap between them. This creates much **better viewing angles and brighter colours**, which are both important properties for this type of application (standing and sitting passengers, different lighting environments etc).
\- An **optical film stack** is used to make the backlight of the display **significantly more efficient** by directing it, resulting in higher brightness with lower energy consumption.
\- While most displays fade over a certain lifespan due to the LED backlight becoming weaker, these have backlights with a **400% reserve**. Traditionally, by using an **intelligent management system**, the current is slowly increased to **keep the same luminosity as brand new throughout the lifetime of the screen.**
# Some other key features include:
\- **Advanced door technology:** The **widest doors on the entire of the TfL network (1.65m)** \- fitted with **sensitive edge and obstacle detection** \- **green/red strip LED lights** to indicate when the door is open and closing.
\- **Advanced wheel slip protection** \- As aforementioned, **per axle WSP** controlled using hundreds of sensors, which will **eliminate the leaf problem.**
\- **Advanced digitalisation for higher reliability** \- Remote monitoring systems, self testing, remote control of systems, front facing camera.
\- **Advanced noise insulation technology** \- Reduces loud noises such as track and tunnel.
[Video of the construction process](https://reddit.com/link/1o8bgk1/video/rerwre7e2ivf1/player)
https://redd.it/1o8bgk1
The new MF19 rolling stock entered service today on Paris' line 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaoSNiY3b10
https://redd.it/1o8gqwa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaoSNiY3b10
https://redd.it/1o8gqwa
YouTube
Metro 10 RATP : Mise en service du MF19 premier jour sur la ligne 10
La Nouvelle génération MF19 est arrivée sur la ligne 10 en mise en service le premier jour jeudi 16 Octobre 2025.
Le MF19, c’est grave clean maintenant. La rame est toutes neuve,
Y’a de la lumière partout, les sièges sont confortables Franchement, c’est…
Le MF19, c’est grave clean maintenant. La rame est toutes neuve,
Y’a de la lumière partout, les sièges sont confortables Franchement, c’est…
In 2007, the government released the world's most potent greenhouse gas in a Tube station
https://www.thereengineer.pro/p/the-worlds-most-potent-greenhouse
Sulphur hexafluoride. It's a gas that has many fascinating uses, including as a tracer gas in air flow studies. The UK government wanted to find out how a poisonous gas cloud might move around a busy Tube station.
I wrote about why they did this - and what they did about the environmental consequences.
https://redd.it/1o8ekg1
https://www.thereengineer.pro/p/the-worlds-most-potent-greenhouse
Sulphur hexafluoride. It's a gas that has many fascinating uses, including as a tracer gas in air flow studies. The UK government wanted to find out how a poisonous gas cloud might move around a busy Tube station.
I wrote about why they did this - and what they did about the environmental consequences.
https://redd.it/1o8ekg1
The air ventilation needs to be fixed in the Jubilee line.
In the cold days it gets Bad.
I've seen that a lot of ventilators were open, and so were the windows in the doors, but none of those are helping much.
https://redd.it/1o8l9yr
In the cold days it gets Bad.
I've seen that a lot of ventilators were open, and so were the windows in the doors, but none of those are helping much.
https://redd.it/1o8l9yr
Ian Visits: Old Piccadilly line trains to be cannibalised to keep Bakerloo line running.
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/old-piccadilly-line-trains-to-be-cannibalised-to-keep-bakerloo-line-running-84646/
https://redd.it/1o8ukjr
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/old-piccadilly-line-trains-to-be-cannibalised-to-keep-bakerloo-line-running-84646/
https://redd.it/1o8ukjr
ianVisits
Old Piccadilly line trains to be cannibalised to keep Bakerloo line running
When the Piccadilly line's new trains start carrying passengers later next year, some of the replaced trains will be used to keep the ageing Bakerloo line running.
Paris Metro Line 10 full ride on board a brand new MF 19 Train, on it's first day of service
https://youtu.be/qRvyfhprRWM
https://redd.it/1o95hvx
https://youtu.be/qRvyfhprRWM
https://redd.it/1o95hvx
YouTube
MF19 Métro de Paris Ligne 10 Gare d'Austerlitz - Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud
Métro de Paris / Paris Metro
Ligne 10 / Line 10
Gare d'Austerlitz - Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud
Gare d'Austerlitz 0:00
Jussieu 2:12
Cardinal Lemoine 3:29
Maubert - Mutualité 4:55
Cluny - La Sorbonne 5:53
Odéon 6:59
Mabillon 8:21
Sèvres - Babylone 9:52
Vaneau…
Ligne 10 / Line 10
Gare d'Austerlitz - Boulogne-Pont de Saint-Cloud
Gare d'Austerlitz 0:00
Jussieu 2:12
Cardinal Lemoine 3:29
Maubert - Mutualité 4:55
Cluny - La Sorbonne 5:53
Odéon 6:59
Mabillon 8:21
Sèvres - Babylone 9:52
Vaneau…
Riding Lisbon's HISTORIC and MODERN trams
https://youtu.be/8b7Fcovi77U?si=-l8DCxwPB4kV7gWa
https://redd.it/1o9r9u6
https://youtu.be/8b7Fcovi77U?si=-l8DCxwPB4kV7gWa
https://redd.it/1o9r9u6
YouTube
Riding Lisbon's HISTORIC and MODERN trams
If you're traveling soon, use the Holafly eSIM: https://holafly.sjv.io/zxMmX6
Discount code: DOWNIELIVE
Follow me on IG, TikTok & Twitter: @DownieLive
Mike’s Hats: https://wirthhats.com/pages/downielive-hat
The best place to watch my videos early and without…
Discount code: DOWNIELIVE
Follow me on IG, TikTok & Twitter: @DownieLive
Mike’s Hats: https://wirthhats.com/pages/downielive-hat
The best place to watch my videos early and without…
Do You Agree with the Tube Zones Marked Outside of the Banana?
https://youtu.be/eGaJyFyXeqU?si=2qCuIkELq0-pmGn3
https://redd.it/1oaraqs
https://youtu.be/eGaJyFyXeqU?si=2qCuIkELq0-pmGn3
https://redd.it/1oaraqs
YouTube
The No-Go Zones in London Explained 🍌🇬🇧
🍌 BANANA SAFETY ZONE — Only in London!
In this video, I dive into the bizarre concept of London’s so-called “Banana Safety Zone” — a nickname for a curiously shaped area stretching across the city. From urban myths to demographic shifts, this witty take explores…
In this video, I dive into the bizarre concept of London’s so-called “Banana Safety Zone” — a nickname for a curiously shaped area stretching across the city. From urban myths to demographic shifts, this witty take explores…
HELP WANTED: Looking for 2 Independent Witnesses for Guinness World Record Tube Challenge Attempt – Wed 29th Oct
Hey everyone,
A small team and I are attempting the **Guinness World Record for visiting all London Underground stations in the fastest time** — the *Tube Challenge*!
As part of the official Guinness verification process, we need **two independent witnesses** to help confirm the start and end of our attempt.
**Details:**
* **Start:** Heathrow Terminal 4
* **Time:** 05:02 AM on **Wednesday 29th October** (you’ll need to be there a little before this)
* **Finish:** Amersham, around **10:00 PM** the same day
**What we need you to do:**
* Be at Heathrow T4 station to **start a stopwatch** as soon as the train doors close at 05:02 AM.
* Watch us depart and keep the stopwatch running throughout the day.
* Meet us again at **Amersham** around 10 PM to **stop the stopwatch** when we arrive.
* Finally, **fill out a short Guinness World Records witness form** confirming what you observed.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress and estimated arrival times on the day, and of course, we’ll cover any reasonable travel costs or grab you a coffee for the early start!
If you’re interested or have any questions, please **DM or comment below** — we’d be incredibly grateful for your help in making this record attempt official!
Thanks so much!
https://redd.it/1ob0ny0
Hey everyone,
A small team and I are attempting the **Guinness World Record for visiting all London Underground stations in the fastest time** — the *Tube Challenge*!
As part of the official Guinness verification process, we need **two independent witnesses** to help confirm the start and end of our attempt.
**Details:**
* **Start:** Heathrow Terminal 4
* **Time:** 05:02 AM on **Wednesday 29th October** (you’ll need to be there a little before this)
* **Finish:** Amersham, around **10:00 PM** the same day
**What we need you to do:**
* Be at Heathrow T4 station to **start a stopwatch** as soon as the train doors close at 05:02 AM.
* Watch us depart and keep the stopwatch running throughout the day.
* Meet us again at **Amersham** around 10 PM to **stop the stopwatch** when we arrive.
* Finally, **fill out a short Guinness World Records witness form** confirming what you observed.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress and estimated arrival times on the day, and of course, we’ll cover any reasonable travel costs or grab you a coffee for the early start!
If you’re interested or have any questions, please **DM or comment below** — we’d be incredibly grateful for your help in making this record attempt official!
Thanks so much!
https://redd.it/1ob0ny0