I've been on it a couple of times. I think there's now a couple of them out and about.

There was one southbound mid-morning on a Thursday 2 weeks ago.

I was delayed on the Victoria line the other week because there were "too many trains on the line" which were apparently causing the power to cut out. I really enjoyed sitting in pitch darkness in a stifling Harold Wilson-era tin can when I should have been at work. I'll miss the old trains.

> CommentAuthorADGS CommentTime1 day ago
Last train seems an odd place to deploy shiny new stock, what with it being surely the most likely time to get drunks vomming &c.

Nah - they're worried that new rolling stock will break down / have problems. So they run it last so any breakdown doesn't cause delays for trains following on. (well, unless its a *really bad* breakdown).

I asked the lovely old fellah who works on the southbound Vic platform at FP most mornings. Apparently it also runs for a few hours in the daytime too - he was uite specific actually, the first one is at 10:17 (at FP I huess). He said they are still ironing out some issues so the roll-out is delayed.
More standing, less seats, fold-out seats like on the Central, slightly wider carriages, digital displays, etc.
Arky

Misscara, perhaps you're thinking of the Northern Line: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Underground_rolling_stock
A

The old guy who works the southbound Victoria line platform in the mornings is an absolute treasure.

@ Arky

It's either fewer seats, or less seating.

Got on at Pimlico and - low and behold - it was a new train. I wasn't paying attention, so only noticed because the doors made an unfamiliar beep. I got on right at the front, and there were a couple of 'spare' drivers in the carriage being trained.

Pros: 1) Much better lighting 2) More leg space in the aisle 3) More space in the standing area (due to slightly fewer seats and a thinner shell) 4) Digital displays 5) Enormous double-doors throughout - no single doors. 6) Much faster acceleration and breaking 7) Much, much quieter. Sounds more like the DLR.

Cons: 1) I reckon the seats are harder. I would have thought that in the last forty years we would have cracked a balanced combination of comfort and durability, but apparently not. 2) I should mention fewer seats, though I'd happily suffer a slightly reduced chance of a seat for more space in rush hour. Arky

Possibly. I'd say there are less 'pinch points' though, and the aisles are wider without being able to cram in two people where there was once one, so it should be a touch easier. Arky

Why not have a virtual view

http://londonist.com/2009/07/in_pictures_new_victoria_line_train.php

Well I have in built upholstery in that region so should be ok ;-)

Perhaps we should put together a collective letter on behalf of Stroudgreen.org? That might have more impact than an individual note(s). Unless there are any objections I will draft something for wider approval. Arky

Unless you change from the overland it would be hard to miss the old fellah with the peaked cap who 'looks after' the southbound platform most mornings. He stands between the rail and the track and greets everyone who arrives, gives excellent advice and amusing announcements, and as noted is also a mean whistler. Arky

Does anyone recall his name? If not I'll check tomorrow. A

Andy, as moderator perhaps you might confirm that you are happy for this to go out? Suggested amendments welcome. I have a contact at TFL who can probably find me the appropriate person to send it to. No hurry though, let’s give it a few days to see who might want to contribute.

Dear TFL

On behalf of StroudGreen.org* we would like to formally present our thanks and praise to [], who regularly supervises the southbound Victoria Line platform on weekday mornings. It has been noted by several contributors to the forum that []’s irrepressible cheer, unfailing supply of helpful advice, and vaudeville-standard tune-whistling greatly contribute to making our daily commute tolerable. Despite the unending army of miserable commuters, he always has a smile and a nod for those in his temporary care. He is a jewel in the crown of your staff, and should be rewarded accordingly. We hope that this declaration of our appreciation can be duly noted and passed on.

Yours sincerely

StroudGreen.org

*StroudGreen.org is a forum for residents of Stroud Green in North London, which lies between Finsbury Park and Crouch End.

A very well-written letter.

@staplejack - why not get the W3? Unless you live on the ladder somewhere? Good point on the jewel-crown-staff thing though.

Great letter.

Will make a note to smile at, or start a conversation with, the pleasant TfL man.

He is a great bloke. I only started chatting to him recently, I am not a great man for mornings. I saw him say hello to a regular and I thought I'd like to be a regular too, makes it feel more pleasant. So I started breaking the ice with a nod, moved to a word and now we have a little chat every morning. I guess it shouldn't be remarkable but somehow it is. We should nominate him for a people's honour next time round. Public service should always be like that.

I'm not keen on a letter going out on behalf of stroudgreen.org, mainly because I don't thing it's the place to start campaigning/representing a collective view. I think the bloke is great, as I've said, but it doesn't seem right to me that the site takes a corporate view about anything. I'd be up for writing on my own behalf though.

@Ian: Surely a community forum is a great place to campaign, if there's interest in doing so? It's a great organising medium.

@staplejack: I was using it in January when the PAYG kicked in. Do you have a season ticket just for Harringey-Finsbury Park? How much is that if so?

How about sending a letter from '[list of names of people who have said upthread how great he is] of Stroudgreen.org'?

@ Arky zones 1-3. And the annual acts as a network card for discounts on longer rail journeys too.

I don't mind either way if a letter goes out from ST.org, on behalf of named member of ST.org, or from a collective of named individuals. Would you use your real names or online monikers?

Quickest and easiest way to commend the bloke is to go to the London Transport website. They have a page where you can applaud the service of one of their employees. They even have drop down boxes to help you describe the chap (age, facial hair, glasses, etc). https://custserv.tfl.gov.uk/icss_csip/ZCreateRequestChangeRelatesTo.do?newTab=CA_12660