London underground 1956 stock

The 1956 stock at Morden depot. The 1956 stock has special on its destination board.

The London Underground 1956 stock were prototype units built by Metro Cammell that were used on the London Underground from 1956 to 1995. The trains later helped develop the London Underground 1959 Stock. A total of 3 1956 stock units were produced.

Development

Before the 1956 stock was created, trains on the London Underground were usually painted red. Some great examples of trains that were painted on the London Underground at this time include the London Underground 1938 Stock, the London Underground O and P stock, and the London Underground R stock (though several units were painted to a white livery most likely in the 1950s and 1960s). Metro Cammell was given the job of building the 1956 stock.

Use on the London Underground

1956 stock at Golders Green depot.

When the units of 1956 stock entered passenger service in 1956 and 1957, the trains became extremely popular because of the fact that they were the first trains on the Underground to use unpainted aluminum. This would later be used for the London Underground 1959 Stock. Even after the London Underground 1959 Stock was produced, the 1956 stock remained in use. Eventually, the 1959 stock was transferred to the Northern Line in 1973 from the Piccadilly line and as a result the 1956 stock was also transferred. The 1956 stock remained in service until 1995 when they were replaced by the London Underground 1962 Stock which had previously worked the central line. After their retirement, all 3 units were scrapped.