Riding The Metropolitan Line's Secret Curve Of Track 

you should name this developing series *”Geoff gets up at ridiculous times to ride bits of track that don’t really mean much but are quite cool”*

Driver: "Are you sure you want this tra... oh, hello Geoff"

As I sit underneath a canopy of old growth Douglas Fir trees on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state and drink my morning coffee, I am transported to a the rarely used section of the London rail system. Damn me if the internet isn’t a blast!

I used to be a station supervisor at Croxley. You must be the only person who has ever travelled on that last train to Ricky.

This needs a follow-up: How to Get Home from Rickmansworth at 1 AM.

i rememeber in secrets of the metropolitan line video when you said youre not dedicated enough to wake up very early to catch a train on this curve so well done!

I bet Geoff never wished he asked if we wanted to see him do rarely used track. There's a lot of very early mornings and late nights 😴😴😴😴

I’ve always wanted to see the North Curve ever since I watched Secrets Of The Metropolitan Line. And thanks to this video now I know how it looks like, thank you Geoff for the video! :-)

4:06 "the bridge that we just went under through" now that's a mouthful

Geoff is makeing a new series of secret rarely used track

For all you Geocachers out there, there is a Micro that Geoff walked past (but not on film) at this spot that celebrates the Underground's only non-London tunnel - Underground Overground I placed it, but no longer maintain it. Happy hunting.

Did anyone else at 1:18 initally get the impression that Geoff was somehow entering into a moving train? EDIT: there was _just enough_ camera shake that it felt like someone struggling to remain upright first, with camera control second.

*_Wakes up at 5am_* Geoff: "Good morning, you're early, I like that. It's 10 to 6..." *_Watches a beautiful little mini adventure in the leafy outskirts of London_* Great stuff, very peaceful. Can't wait til the world is back to normal and I can wing my way over to that part of the world and enjoy the London Underground, streets and byways and endless cups of tea again.

I used to ride that service for a few months every morning! I was a night shift worker who commuted back home to Watford from Rickmansworth. It was very useful.

And this is why, folks, you should make the most of British Summer Time when it’s daylight at 5-6am, so that you can do stuff like this! 👍☀️

Geoff mentioned the early morning Chesham to Watford train. I just left Chesham on a delayed 21:57, expecting it to head into London, but it pulled into Chesham labelled Watford - and that's where it went! So I managed to get from Ricky to Croxley round the North Curve, arriving about 22:30-ish. Luckily, a regular Watford-Baker Street train turned up a couple of minutes later to get me home. Just goes to show - it can happen. The departure boards at the intermediate stations gave up and said "check front of train". Another tick.

Must be lots of fun as an operator seeing one guy with a camera at a platform which is usually completely empty at that time. And going "oh its Geoff!" At this point I wonder if T.O's keep record of how many times theyve seen him

A regular service between Watford and Rickmansworth would be very useful to locals (Source: I have lived both in Watford and Rickmansworth)

The Dot Matrix probably says "Metropolitan Line" because its an unadvertised service like how parliamentary trains operated by the Southern Railway (GTR) in South London/Oyster Card Zone 2 says "Private Train"

I remember you mentioning this years ago on your 'Secrets of the Metropolitan Line' video! I suppose because the curve is pointing away from central London it's not used that much?

When I was a teenager, there used to be a gap in the fence in croxley woods so you could sneak through and stand on top of the bridge/tunnel in the north curve. On rare occasions it had been used to stable stock too. Sometimes you'd go past and see a couple of unpainted aluminium A60's in there. That's going back a bit. Happy times :)

The North Curve appeared on a couple of the first Tube Maps by Harry Beck in the 1930’s, would love to see this back on the Tube Map! It would have likely been brought into regular passenger service had the Croxley Rail Link (the Metropolitan Line extension) not got cancelled in 2016!

The next time you are in Rickmansworth, I recommend the Chess Valley Walk following the River Chess to Chesham, where you can then catch the tube home. It is a 10 mile walk. Alternatively, you can do a detour through picturesque Chenies and then to Chorleywood

You’d never know this curve was there unless you live in this area and ride the Met line regularly. Great vid.

Just wanted to say that I love these recent “things you may not know” / “secrets on the London Underground” type of videos! I’ll be waiting for the NLE one!

Such enthusiasm Geoff. These little used lines are really interesting, so keep them coming.

As a young boy in the 1950s and using that part of the Met line to go to school, I remember that this curve was frequently used to 'turn' trains. Back then trains were 'handed' and had A and D ends and all of the A ends were supposed to face in one direction (eg North) whilst all of the D ends would face in the opposite direction. If for whatever reason a train faced in the wrong direction it would be driven from Moor Park round the South curve and when it had cleared the points the driver would proceed to the other end of the train and 'reverse' it round the North curve back onto the main line where it would then be facing in the opposite, ie correct direction - job done. Once the A60 stock was introduced this was no longer needed for Metropolitan stock but the Bakerloo 1938 stock continued to be turned there from time to time.

Living in Chalfont I occasionally have to be at Watford on a Saturday morning for work so I use the 05:16 from Chesham. For a long time I had the train to myself but the last few times the local postman gets on with his bike and letters at Rickmansworth and gets off at Croxley!

I'm an American who did 2 years of college in London, and I loved riding the Metropolitan line to Amersham and Chesham. This was more than two decades ago, when zones 7 through 9 were zones A through D. Those were the days of the Chesham Shuttle. There were only three through trains from Aldgate to Chesham per day, one in the morning and two at night. I can still remember that they were at 6:45, 17:04 and 17:36. I got up early once to ride the 6:45 one. Have not been in the UK since 2001 but hope to come back this year and ride it again.

I know a Transpennine Express service that makes an alternative route. On the Cleethorpes-Manchester Piccadilly Service. Between Swinton and Meadowhall they usually go on the main line past the old Rotherham Masborough Station. However the last train of day which terminates at Sheffield diverts at Aldwarke Junction and additionally calls at Rotherham Central. There is also another service. The last train from Manchester Airport terminating at Doncaster diverts at Nunnery Junction and goes via Broughton Lane Junction and passes Rotherham Central. It goes directly from Sheffield to Doncaster without calling at Meadowhall.

I’m off Friday and I’m gonna do it . I’ve always wondered why that curve was there. Cheers Geoff 👍

There is also a tunnel outside of London in Essex. It is on the Central line between Grange Hill and Chigwell.

Just want to say as a Brit expat who cannot travel back to the UK now what a pleasure these videos are

On my way from Chesham to the 2012 Olympic Games, our train was diverted and reversed at Croxley, then preceded to London. Rode the north curve without even trying...

I love it when Geoff gets a train to himself. His fans should go along with him on such an adventure.

"Early, I like that" Geoff how did you know I watched this 2 minutes after uploading

Thanks, Geoff. You remind me of my Jack Russell: get onto something, and don't let go.

I do admire Geoff's dedication.

I’ve bashed that track steam hauled in the 90s. The Steam on the Met events were so great.

I am pleased I have travelled on this bit of line when I used to live near Watford Met. Around 2010, I used to use, the late train from Rickmansworth (just after midnight), as I was the only person getting on, the driver actually asked me once if I would like to ride in the cab, so I have rode the north curve from the front as it where. If a plan in the late 1980's had taken place, the curve would have been used for national rail trains, to link to the Croxley BR line, then go through to Watford Junction, but unlike the "Croxley Rail Link" for the Underground, it would not have stopped at WJ, it would then taken over the St Albans Abbey line, but before it got to the Abbey, it would have gone underground through a tunnel to join up with the St Albans City line. I used to have a newspaper report from the Watford Observer from 1989, announcing it, it was called at the time "The Colne Valley Rail Link", and the plan was to run regular trains from Aylesbury to Luton. It was planned to have been opened by 1994, but of course it never happened.

Thanks Geoff for the video, its great to see you highlighting these rare services, it would be good if TFL out this as a regular service and in sure that some commuters would want them on a regular basis.

Geoff has finally gone round the bend! Love your enthusiasm Geoff, you have kept me entertained for many hours, thanks.

I did ride the entire length of every single line except the London Overground, Crossrail and the Metropolitan line - I'd love to see this track when it's safe for me to return :)

Google Maps surprisingly show this curve if you go onto Transit mode. I’ve tried it with Apple Maps as well but sadly it doesn’t show the curve.

I like the graphic showing all the North Curve trains .... it'll be out of date by mid-September, as the whole Sub-Surface Lines start new timetables.

I've been round the North Curve a few times, mainly during the "Steam on the Met" events of the 1990's, but also on one of those "engineering weekends" you mentioned. I haven't done it in "S" Stock yet, though!!

Amazing video Geoff! Love the content. The amazing videos never bore me. Can’t wait for the next video.

Atmospheric shot of the Train clacking away into the early morning from a lonely station triggered the old proustian memories. Top vid Geoff

Fantastic Geoff! I’m very glad that you got to ride the North Curve and share it with us.

"You are going to Rickmondsworth" *"OH NO"*

You are a man who is dedicated to his craft Geoff riding both trains

Another great video. Your unwavering enthusiasm with these videos make it a joy to watch.

Was just thinking earlier today that I needed another Geoff video in my life! I'm glad it worked!

This is fantastic. I have been walking all over this part of London and the Chilterns for years, and always idly wondered about this line, assuming it was defunct, though the lines seemed used. A mystery solved! Many thanks Geoff!

Great video! Some weekends, when there is no Metropolitan Line trains between Moor Park and Watford due to planned engineering works it's great all the trains are diverted around the curve. One Bank Holiday weekend, all trains from Watford ran to either Chesham or Amersham around the curve. Watford may seem like a peaceful, residential area but believe me Saturday afternoons it gets really busy!

Fascinating; thank you for the early-morning (and late-night!) dedication to creating this historical document. Mike

I would just add that the curve sees occasional use for Watford to Rickmansworth shuttles if the slow lines via Moor Park are closed. Its how I got the curve in the 1990s. Fascinating short films.

Well compiled video. Not many people would put themselves out to show this rarely serviced curve at such early times so, well done Geoff !

Random comment: the video quality on your newest videos is so good Geoff! And I've considered your older ones good too, but they've gotten incredibly sharper now! Love it.

I’m curious, Geoff. What’s your routine when you’re up so early? You’re always so ebullient. Obviously strong coffee, but there must be more to it! The rush of the railway also helps, of course.

Full marks for your dedication in exploring the obscure !

God I'm not even a train geek but I had a real rush of sadness that its been so long since I was in London and on the tube when you first got on! I think you've broke me!

That has to be one of the geekiest videos you have ever done Geoff!

Finally after 7 years! I have been waiting for this :-)

Yay, I can safely say that I have ridden the North Curve. I forget which year it was, however there was a IWA boat show at Cassiobury Park. I travelled from Chalfont & Latimer and I travelled the North Curve each way.

Hi Geoff. Bored at work so perusing maps and I noticed another 'once a railway' line. It branches off the Ebury Way behind the Post Office depot and curves around to join the Metropolitan Line.

Excellent video, thank you for showing

Very interesting video, indeed, Geoff! Thanks.

Geoff on the tube again! Long awaited, back in his natural habitat. Awesome Video, can't wait for more :)

Geoff, I really envy you your youth and energy. You do the kind of videos I would be doing were I young again and lived in London. I miss visiting there. Keep up the great work. Dennis

One route you can’t do any more but I remember well was very early northbound Met trains from Baker St used to stop at all Jubilee Line stations to Wembley Park. These would have finished when Jubilee line was resignalled.. For extra interest the southbound service was run with C stock trains from Neasden depot to take up service on the Circle Line.

Interesting Video Geoff. With a nice bit of countryside. Keep up the good work.

Nicely done

I am amazed how you found this ( I will Use the name that popup in my memory) jewel on that line. Great video Geoff!

This is incredible, Geoff. I lived in Watford/Croxley for quite a few years, even ridden on the curve on a heritage event, but had no idea it was still possible to do this. Am I right in thinking there was once a more regular service through the curve in the late 1980s. or did I imagine that?

9:08 Goeff: "And oh we've stopped at a red signal." CC: "And (indistinct) red signal." Oof.

I traveled from Watford to Chorleywood every day, via Moor Park, in the ‘80’s and never knew about this. Thank you!

Geoff Marshall is a RU-vidr with a particular set of skills.

Thanks a lot for this video, Geoff! I miss London, and I miss the tube.

You have impeccable commitment to the cause

Wonderful effort Geoff!!

Thank you for sharing this video.

Hi Geoff 😀 Always very informative as always 👍🏻

Great video, thanks for the very enjoyable content, keep up the great work 👍

I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel. Your videos are really interesting.

I've glared at that piec of track several times and thought that I should try and go on it...but so far getting up that early for it has eluded me. Well done nutter.

This is a fascinating series.

i’ve been waiting for this for so long

YES!! The moment I've been waiting for!

I rode this over 40 years ago on an LT trip called the Auto Tube rambler. We also changed from Metropolitan to Central by going through Ruislip depot over some very bumpy track before going round the Hainault loop. All this for a few quid.

Completely off-topic, but did you know there are (at least) 4 legal routes to travel from Farnborough Main to Wokingham? Worthy of a video.... eventually....

Saw this curve on my way back from Aylesbury last weekend - glad to see this curve is used on LU

0:45 Croxley Green... something we don't know, Geoff? Is the extension back on?!

Great stuff. Ridden those lines a lot but never that curve, so thanks for this!

very nicely filmed

Thanks for the video, Geoff. I rode that curve on a Steam on the Met special in 1996, both ways, probably not knowing that it was rare trackage.

seriously hardcore, doing that tiny jaunt in the opposite direction.. in the dark.. at way past your bedtime. chapeau.

I have driven both the first and last journeys on a rail replacement bus on a Monday to Friday when there has been overnight engineering work at Ricky. Needless to say, I didn't have any passengers!

Very enjoyable Geoff

I've never Ridden the North Curve On the Met but thankfully from you I get to see what it looks like