Railway carriage

Metropolitan Railway steam train, Willesden Green, circa 1890. The steam train has the original rigid eight- and four-wheel carriages.

The original coaches used on the Metropolitan Railway had long wooden bodies mounted on a fixed iron frame. First-class compartments had upholstered seating, but third-class passengers had to sit on hard, cramped wooden benches. The trains had gas lighting. There were two lamps in each first-class compartment, but only one in second and third class.

Metropolitan Railway first-class rigid four-wheel coach, circa 1900. This style of coach was used on Inner Circle services until 1905.

District Railway steam trains just before electrification, Mill Hill Park (Acton Town), 1902. .

The District Railway's steam trains were even more basic than the Metropolitan's. They were made up of short, four-wheeled carriages in eight or nine coach sets. Each compartment was designed to seat five passengers on each side, even in first class.

District Railway third-class coach, circa 1900. There was a guard's compartment at the back of the steam underground trains used until 1905.

Metropolitan coach number 400 after restoration for display in London Transport Museum, Ruislip Depot, 1979.

The Metropolitan introduced more comfortable coaches like this in the 1890s, when its main line was extended above ground out to Buckinghamshire. The main bodywork is wooden. It is constructed mostly of varnished teak. All compartments are upholstered, even in third class, and equipped with battery electric lighting.

Met E-class steam locomotive number 7 and train, Neasden Depot, 1905. The train is made up of Ashbury Bogie stock coaches and a luggage van.