Publisher: Video 125
Regions: Region 2
Language: English
Running time: 75 minutes
The North London Line is unique in being the only Network Rail route to be consistently featured on the London Underground map. 2006 is the last year of operation into North Woolwich by the class 313 EMUs. To record this for posterity, Silverlink Trains allowed Video 125 cameras unrestricted access to train cab and stations along the route.
We start our journey in South West London at Richmond, where North London Line trains run, interspersed with those of the LUL District line as far as Gunnersbury. Here, we branch off towards South Acton for the NLL proper. At Acton Central we see the raising of our pantograph and the switch from third rail to overhead current collection.
The route was electrified at 25KV overhead to allow vital freight movements around the capital. North London stations such as Hampstead, Camden Town and Hackney come and go in quick succession before we arrive at the modern Stratford (low level) station where 2 of the 4 hourly trains terminate.
We continue alongside the Jubilee line and Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town – a 2 mile section of line that will soon be converted to DLR. At Custom House we travel over a section of line that will be lost to rail altogether, from Custom House to North Woolwich.
The history of the route is complex but totally fascinating, details of which are related en route by Rob Curling.