As we reported earlier this month, Wednesday 15th May 2024 saw the start of daylight testing for the new Tyne and Wear Metro trains when 555 005 was let out in between the service on the coastal route between Newcastle and North Tyneside. The same unit has been out most weekdays since then as the testing continues and in this article we take our first look at the unit on test.
There are 46 trains on order from Stadler with all being constructed by the company in Switzerland. Seven have so far been delivered to the northeast with the latest Nexus update confirming that 23 have now been fully assembled.
Testing will follow in the coming months before the first unit enters service later this year (as usual no date will be announced until they are sure that its going to happen, especially when you consider their introduction is now behind schedule).
When they enter service they will start to replace the Metrocars which were built for the opening of the network in 1980 (many examples of which have already been withdrawn and stored or scrapped). They promise an improvement in the “passenger experience” with new modern features including wi-fi and level boarding with a sliding step installed.
555 005 approaches Benton with a daytime test run. The clean and bright fleet livery is shown here which will see the mainly black livery of the current fleet wiped away. (Photograph by Trevor Hall, 20th May 2024)
Another day and 555 005 leaves the depot with what seems to be its regular test turn.
Then we see the unit head away from us and towards Longbenton. (Photographs x2 by Trevor Hall, 21st May 2024)