The Post Office Tube Railway.

Every visitor to London is familiar with the unique system of underground railways which serves all parts of the metropolis. Few, however, know of the existence right under the capital of one of the most remarkable of transportation links—the Post Office tube railway. This system has recently celebrated its tenth birthday, for while construction was begun a quarter of a century ago, the Post Office tube was not actually opened to traffic until 1926. During the war years, the partially-completed tunnels served a useful purpose as bomb-proof shelters for priceless national works of art.

Running east to west beneath London, from Whitechapel to Paddington, the tube connects with various mainline railway stations where mails are handled. The double-tracks are of 2ft. gauge, and the tunnel is 9ft. in diameter. Approaching a station, the main tunnel divides into two 7ft. tunnels, and in the stations themselves passing loops are provided. Trains are electrically operated, and are automatically controlled throughout.

The “Mid-Day Scot,” Euston-Glasgow Daily Express, drawn by a “Princess Royal” class locomotive.

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