Spa Valley Railway

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email spavalleyrailway@email.com

(Photo ©J. Nye)

Metropolitan Railway T-Stock Nos. 2749 & 2758

Built in 1932

Built in 1932 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company Ltd. The two cars above made up six car sets of the MW (LT designation "T" Stock) type electric multiple units on the Metropolitan Railway working out of Baker Street, to Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Originally numbered 249 and 258, they later became 2749 and 2758. They were amongst the last of the type to run on the Metropolitan Railway, with the last running in October 1962.

These two were retained by London Underground for use on sandite de-icing trains, becoming ESL 118A and 118B (ESL standing for "Electric Sleet Locomotive"). It was at this time that all the seats were removed from both coaches and the two end compartments were removed for the fitting of tanks and other equipment. All of the original four traction motors have also been removed either during the time with London Underground or in preservation. The coaches were preserved by the North Downs Steam Railway and moved to the Spa Valley in 1996. They have been fitted with replacement seats from SR electric units.

No. 2749 was re-entered service in 1995, whilst No. 2758 is in the latter stages of restoration in the shed at Tunbridge Wells. Upon completion of 2758, 2749 entered the works for a repaint and some much-needed attention. Following this, 2749 was released into service in late 2005 and for the first time in over 10 years the pair were re-united to form a member's special for an AGM.

Livery - Early Metropolitan Railway livery.

Current Status - Both 2749 and 2758 are available for service.

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