Preserving former London Underground rolling stock is one of the most demanding challenges in railway heritage — requiring space, funding, specialist knowledge and long-term volunteer commitment. A detailed look at current projects highlights both the dedication involved and the scale of the task ahead.
Following their withdrawal in January 2021, former 38 Tube Stock units — later known as Class 483 on the Isle of Wight — were offered for disposal by South Western Trains for a nominal £1. However, any prospective owner had to demonstrate the ability to safely remove, store and care for the trains long term.
The London Transport Traction Group (LTTG) became owners of unit 483006 in 2020, and later unexpectedly acquired 483008 as well. With no previous preservation track record and a small membership, the group accepted the second unit both to safeguard it from scrapping and to provide spares and workspace for restoration.
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Both units suffered vandalism before leaving the Isle of Wight. 483006 was transferred to the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway in October 2021, followed by 483008 in February 2022. Since then, volunteers have stabilised both units, cleaned up damage, and made them as weatherproof as possible. Unit 006 is now earmarked for use as a Santa’s Grotto, helping to generate engagement and support.
Progress has inevitably slowed due to the limited availability of volunteers, a familiar issue across preservation projects.
Elsewhere, similar challenges can be seen at Quainton Road, where a former CO/CP Stock set has been conserved for over four decades, and at Mangapps Farm in Essex, where Ian Allington has single-handedly transformed 59 Tube Stock trailer car 2044 using self-taught skills and sheer persistence.
Looking ahead, the LTTG hopes to repaint 483006 into Network SouthEast livery, marking 40 years since NSE’s launch. Achieving this goal will require new volunteers, donors and increased visibility — all while covering ongoing site and storage costs.
The preservation of London Underground rolling stock remains a niche but vital part of Britain’s railway heritage, balancing realism with ambition.
Those interested in supporting the LTTG can find details at www.lttractiongroup.co.uk.
The original Piers Connor & Christopher Westcott article appeared in Rail Express Magazine. You can subscribe, here
