Tube Train Numbering

[EJD799]

How does the numbering of tube trains work?

The 1996TS makes sense (96xxx), but what how do other trains get their numbering?
Is it just a coincidence that the 1996TS is 96xxx?

- 1972TS: 3xxx (why not 72xxx)
- 1973TS: xxx (huh?, why not 73xxx)
- 1992TS: 91xxx (sort of makes sense since the 1992 stock was built in 1991)
- 1995TS: 51xxx (why isn't it 95xxx)
- 2009TS: 11xxx (why isn't it 9xxx)

 

[Peter Mugridge]

It's just a coincidence, I think - based purely on what series were available for use at the time. Although I do have a sneaking suspicion that someone has tried to get a match where they can.

For the 1992 Stock - look more carefully; each of the four units in one train does have a 92xxx car - so those do match your criteria.

 

[Harsig]

The Underground has never officially tried to get the car numbering to include the stock type as part of the number. Remember that the car numbering schemes also include the Sub-Surface fleets used on the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City and District lines and these stock types have always been identified by letter, rather than number. Any examples where the stock type is included in the car number is either just a coincidence, or someone spotting an opportunity to be clever.

More details on the car number series that have been used can be found here:

Underground Car Numbering Schemes

Note how some number series have been used more than once.