Liverymarks40 yearsof T&WM~!ro -
PAUL BICKERDYKE
METROCANRo.4001t,he first of the two prototypesbuilt for the Tyne& WearMetro,hasbeen repaintedin a special iveryto mark40 yearsof the network's operation.
Thetwo-carsethasbeen repaintedin a yellow,blue,red and blacklivery,representing thosecarriedoverthe past40 years.
It will wearthisthroughoutthe summer,and be usedto stagea numberof travellingexhibitions celebratingthe Metrdsheritage and its placein the community.
No.4001and classmate No.4002werebuilt in 1975,three yearsbeforemainproductionof the fleet began,sothey couldbe trialledon a 1.5-miletesttrackin the BackworthareaofTyneside.
A further 88 Metrocarswere then built between1978and 1981,with the first passenger operationsbeginningon August11,1980.
All but No.4022remainin servicetoday,this set being scrappedafter a derailmentat Gosforthdepot in March2017. Thefleet wasrefurbishedin the late-1990sandagainfrom 2010-2012(apartfrom Nos.4001, 4002,4040and4083,which canthereforeonly be usedto strengthenservicesat peaktimes now).
Theyaredueto be replacedby 46 Stadler-builftive-carsetsfrom the 2023.
■ VolkerFitzpatrichkasbeen appointedto rebuildthe depot at Gosforthfor the newfleet of trains,whichStadlerwill not only build but maintainas part of a 35-yearcontract. Areasof the depotdatebackto steamdays,but the sitewill be demolishedand a new structure built with inspectionpits,cranes, jacks,a wheellathe,andtest equipment.
Duringthe work the fleet will be maintainedat a temporary baseat Howdon,which is currentlyunderconstruction.