Historic carriage on track for Underground anniversary

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Underground in 2013, London Transport Museum is restoring Metropolitan Railway Jubilee Carriage No. 353, a four-wheeled first class carriage built in 1892.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £422,000 which, together with a £150,000 contribution from the London Transport Museum Friends will enable the carriage to be refurbished to full working order. Inspired by the history of the vehicle, a programme of exhibitions by community groups will also tour across London.

The work is being undertaken by the Festiniog Railway, a specialist in heritage railway carriage restorations. Completion is expected later this year with the first passenger operation of Met353 scheduled to take place early in 2013. Following the Underground anniversary celebrations the carriage will tour preserved railways in London and the South East.