If you’ve ever ridden the London Underground, you may have noticed the distinct lack of wooden escalators. That’s because, as of 2019, there are no wooden escalators left on the Tube. But that wasn’t always the case.
The History of Wooden Escalators on the London Underground
For over a century, wooden escalators were a common sight in London’s Subway system. They were first introduced in 1911 and quickly became a popular mode of transportation for commuters. In fact, at one point there were over 400 wooden escalators in use throughout the Tube network.
Why Were Wooden Escalators So Popular?
There are several reasons why wooden escalators were so widely used on the London Underground. First and foremost, they were cheaper to produce than their metal counterparts. They also had a unique aesthetic appeal that many people found charming.
But perhaps most importantly, wooden escalators provided a quieter ride than metal ones. The clanging noise that metal escalators made as they moved was often seen as an annoyance by commuters. Wooden escalators, on the other hand, provided a much more pleasant experience.
Why Did Wooden Escalators Disappear from the London Underground?
Despite their popularity, wooden escalators began to fall out of favor with officials in the mid-20th century. One major reason was safety concerns. Wood can be prone to catching fire and is not as durable as metal or concrete.
In 1987, a fire broke out at King’s Cross station that killed 31 people and injured dozens more. While it wasn’t caused by a wooden escalator specifically, it did raise concerns about fire safety on the Tube network. As a result, officials began phasing out wooden escalators and replacing them with metal ones.
The Last Wooden Escalator
The final wooden escalator on the London Underground was removed from the Greenford station in 2014. It had been in service for over 80 years, making it one of the oldest escalators on the Tube network.
Today, all of the escalators on the London Underground are made from metal or concrete. While they may not have the same charm as their wooden predecessors, they are much safer and more durable.
Conclusion
While there are no longer any wooden escalators on the London Underground, they remain an important part of its history. From their unique aesthetic appeal to their quieter ride, they provided a distinct experience for commuters. However, safety concerns ultimately led to their demise and today we must say goodbye to this nostalgic piece of transportation history.
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