Whilst the scrappings of stored Metrocars has started to increase in recent weeks there is set to be another survivor as it has been confirmed that the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will be receiving one of the withdrawn fleet for training at their base in Washington.
Old trains and trams are often used for this purpose with the most high-profile recent tram example being Manchester Metrolink 1003 which went to the Greater Manchester Fire Service training centre. And an as yet unidentified Metrocar will be the latest to have a useful purpose following the end of its operating career.
The confirmation that they will be getting a Metrocar came as part of a planning application for the fire service’s training centre at Washington where they are seeking to add 15 metres of rail line which will house the unit. This will allow the fire service to carry out enhanced fire service training scenarios on the train.
It is expected that the donated train will arrive at Washington later this year.
It won’t be the only Metrocar which will survive either. Its already known that 4001 will be preserved at the North Tyneside Steam Railway (this unit remains stored at Gosforth Depot) and it is also rumoured that Beamish will end up being the home for another unit. Previous plans to donate some other units to local community groups were abandoned due to the complexities involved in their transport.