As the anticipation of their entry into service continues to build, the new trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro which have already been delivered to the northeast are continuing to be put through their paces as part of the extensive testing required before they can be cleared for service. Although daytime testing is yet to commence, a recent update has seen a series of traction power tests take place over the network’s curves and gradients.
These tests were to evaluate their horsepower with a particular focus on the curved sections of track at Manors and Tynemouth as well as the gradient in the underground section between Haymarket and Jesmond.
There was an examination of the ability of one of the new trains in towing one of the old trains, a test considered vital as there will be a period of time when there is a crossover between the two fleets. As with previous announcements of tests having happened these have been considered a success. Tests took place under battery power (they have battery technology installed so that they can still move if the overhead power is disabled) as well and they were still able to pull another new train when using this.
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, commented: “Our rigorous testing programme continues to go well, and one of the most recent runs saw a focus on the new train’s traction power. We had to check that the new train was capable of hauling one of the old ones, especially in areas of the Metro network where there are curves and gradients. This is essential given that the fleet transition period will see both new and old trains in service on the network at the same time.
“The test train was loaded with 39 tonnes of sand packages to simulate a full customer loading and then put through its paces towing one of the old two carriage sets, which, I am pleased to say, it managed comfortably and performed as expected.
“The team also tested that at fully laden new train is capable of hauling another one of the new trains. The power output is really impressive. It weighs 98 tonnes and then laden with 39 tonnes of extra weight it was still able to pull an old Metro car set, which with two carriages coupled together weighs 80 tonnes.
“Testing the new Metro fleet is a really detailed process. We are going through around 90,000 different checks and are leaving no stone unturned as we get the first train ready to welcome customers next year.
“The Stadler trains are going to be transformative, and we are really excited to get them into service. They have been shaped by customers, employees, trade unions and specialist user groups. We believe this to have been the most far-reaching consultation yet staged into a new train design. Over 23,000 customer responses have helped to shape the design.”
There are currently three trains in the northeast with further examples set to be delivered in due course. It had been previously announced that the programme of testing and introduction was running behind schedule but despite that it was planned that a train would be used (however briefly) before the end of the year, however, the most recent press release only states that they will start to enter service in 2024.