Business and Industry - Transport for London

by Pat
Hainault Station was opened on the 1st May 1903 by Great Eastern Railways on the branch line between Woodford and Ilford.  It closed in 1908 as there were few passengers and was re-opened in 1930 as Hainault started to be developed.  Electrification of the line brought the Central Line in May 1948.

Hainault Depot was built in 1939 with accommodation for 344 cars.  The major function of the Depot is to carry out maintenance on the Central Line trains as and when necessary.  On some occasions trains have to be sent to Ruislip for heavier work that requires a flat and level road.  However, it is hoped that Hainault Depot will be adapted to do this work which will save time.

During the Second World War the Depot was used to store surplus tube stock.  It was also used for military purposes when the American Army Transportation Corps were stationed there, to supply air bases in Essex.

New technology has been introduced with foaming arches for carriage cleaning. This new system ensures that not only the sides of the trains are thoroughly cleaned, but also the drivers’ windscreens.  In the past these had to be cleaned manually to remove dust, bugs, etc.  Trains are also cleaned inside daily and are regularly inspected at Hainault Station by staff who walk through the carriages removing papers, fast food packaging, drinks cans, etc.

As the train service becomes more intensive it is essential for the Fleet Manager and his team to evaluate the performance of each component, to plan preventative maintenance.

The reliability of the Central Line trains is approximately 90% and the team hope to keep up this high standard.

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