We go right back to before public services began on the Tyne and Wear Metro for the next couple of weeks of “Picture in Time” as we concentrate on the two prototype units.
We all know that the Tyne and Wear Metro started public services in 1980 (2020 should have seen celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary but you know what intervened) but what isn’t reported much is that period before the opening when the two prototype units were on test. 4001 and 4002 were delivered in 1975 having been built by Metro Cammell in Birmingham and with construction of the Tyne and Wear Metro network having only started the year before a special test track was built. This was established on a 2.4km section of the Backworth Colliery Railway from West Allotment towards Percy Main.
With track reconstructed, overhead electrification installed, a short artificial tunnel built plus a two road shed and basic platform provided at Middle Engine Lane, this test facility opened in June 1975. Occasional open days were held which allowed the public to see the new cars and to experience the future of rail travel on Tyneside.
This test line closed in June 1980 and the Middle Engine Lane site is now occupied by the Stephenson Steam Railway.
In the first photo below, all of which were taken on 6th June 1976, 4001 is seen loading at the Middle Engine Lane platform. It was a different era in 1976 with the photographer allowed to stand trackside to take this image plus a sheer drop from the end of the platform.
Next up is an interior view of 4001 with its clear and uncluttered design. A design which would scarcely look dated today.
In this final photo we see 4001 during one of its test runs on 6th June 1976 as it approaches the platform. Also visible on the right is the temporary depot and 4002.
All Photographs by Donald Brooks