Words and photographs by Mark Richards

On the weekend of 29th/30th August Upminster Depot on the London Underground's District Line opened its doors to the public to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the depot in 1959.

Upminster was the first LU depot to open after the Second World War and was part of a £2.5 million modernisation of the eastern end of the District Line. When built the depot had four miles of track which could accommodate 34 eight car trains. Nine covered tracks over inspection pits were provided in the examination shed  along with two additional tracks in the lifting shed adjacent. At opening in 1959, Upminster handled Q and CO/CP stock and R Stock. D stock was introduced from the 1980s and this remains in service, although these trains were completely refurbished between 2005 and 2008. A selection of these underground types and other traction was on display at the depot on the Open Weekend.

A shuttle bus service was provided on both days from Upminster station to the depot. A rare bonus at Upminster was the presence of Underground battery locomotives which were being used in connection with engineering works taking place on the District Line.

At the depot a number of demonstrations/talks were held at regular intervals during the day and large parts of the site were accessible to visitors. The weather could have been kinder, with dull overcast skies for most of the day but this did not dampen the enthusiasm or number of visitors on the Sunday. On display in the main inspection shed were C and D stock, the 1938 stock (which has been beautifully restored), battery locomotive L29 and a rack displaying the various mechanical components of the underground stock. The stock on display was open to the public to wander through including the cabs, which was a rare treat and probably the only occasion I will ever have to sit at the controls of a D stock train!

A taste of the future was provided in the form of a mock-up of the new S Stock train, whose interior seems very similar to that of the Class 378s with through carriage connections and a bright, airy interior. The seats are decidedly uncomfortable though and I wouldn't wish to make a long journey on this stock!

Further D stock trains and the heritage units were also on display in the wheel lathe shop including Sarah Siddons.