"Mizter T" wrote in message

On Mar 31, 11:41 am, "Ian F." wrote:

"Paul Corfield" wrote:

Drain
Leak

LOL

Ian
(a man of simple pleasures!)

Ha ha!

Where does the Drain nickname come from anyway? I presume it wasn't a
reference to its City banker-type clientele being considered effluent,
was it...

FWIW, this is what Wikipedia has to say:
The Waterloo & City is colloquially known as the Drain. The origins of
this name are somewhat obscure today. One theory is that this arose when
the line was operated by train crew in a link that otherwise operated
normal surface suburban routes. In comparison with working surface
railways, the Waterloo & City consists of underground tube tunnels.
Messroom conversation would include discussion of what turn a driver
would be working tomorrow, and if it was a Waterloo & City turn of duty,
it was an obvious metaphor to say that the driver was working "down the
drain". Another theory is that it was given this name by the maintenance
staff, because the tunnels, being under the river Thames, leak
considerably allowing much water to enter. This water has to be
continually pumped out. This water gives rise to a musty smell which
provides a third theory for the name.