Tim Dunn and Siddy Holloway uncover the secrets of the London Underground in the latest episode of this documentary series. In this instalment, Tim and Siddy explore the maintenance depot at Northumberland Park, where the entire fleet of Victoria Line trains is meticulously cared for.
Tim meets the team responsible for checking and maintaining the carriages, a task that includes finely shaving the metal wheels to ensure a smooth ride on the tracks. Meanwhile, Siddy climbs the 1960s control tower and discovers a vintage control panel that remains operational, directing the points on the track to guide trains to their correct destinations within the depot.
The pair also ride on the private service linking the depot to Seven Sisters station, alighting at its mysterious third platform. At Finsbury Park station, on both the Victoria and Piccadilly lines, Siddy embarks on a night-time track walk to explore a disused tunnel. This tunnel holds a unique place in history as part of an experiment to run large electric mainline trains on the tube.
Tim’s journey also takes him to the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where he meets the museum’s CEO to discuss the importance of design across the tube network. Together, they examine the bespoke fabric designs that grace the seats of different underground lines, each with its unique pattern.
Secrets of the London Underground: Northumberland Park and Finsbury Park airs on U&Yesterday on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at 8:00 pm.
