We are heading back to 1976 again for this “Picture in Time” to see the testing of the Metrocars.
Last time in this series we saw the first of the prototype Metrocars in action on the test track in 1976 and in this edition we see the other prototype, 4002, stabled outside the depot, not being required for testing during this open day. Carrying the original yellow and white livery (a livery partially resurrected on 4001 for the 40th anniversary) and Tyne and Wear PTE logos, 4002’s destination blind is set to South Shields (not that it could get there just yet!) as it part in and part out of the simple depot building. Of note here is that those Open Day visitors obviously felt it was an occasion to dress up for! You wouldn’t get dress of this type at any Open Day in 2020!
4001 and 4002 were joined by 88 production models between 1978 and 1981, all but one of which still remain extant and can be seen operating the Metro service across Tyne and Wear.
The below image was taken on 6th June 1976 during an Open Day at the test track.
Photograph by Donald Brooks