45mph speed limits between Barking and Upminster

[NorthLondoner]

Pre digital signalling on the District line section between Barking and Upminster, speed limits were only limited to 45mph despite currently the speed limits were upped to 60mph.

Was there any physical or technical constraints holding back increasing the speeds?

 

[ThameslinkUser]

Pre digital signalling

perhaps to do with this?

 

[Dstock7080]

Signal overlaps on legacy signalling.
Alterations were also made to intermediate running signals to hold them at danger until the home signal in advance cleared.

 

[Bishopstone]

Elm Park to Dagenham East often saw a lively run, well before digital signalling. Good fun!

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

In the 1920s-30s the rather peculiar F Stock (the fleet with the oval cab windows) were overpowered and had a reputation for attaining high speeds on the Barking section of the route, to the point at which it became a safety issue. I believe they were transferred away to the Metropolitan line where these characteristics were more useful.