The scrappings of the outgoing Metrocars which have plied their trade on the Tyne and Wear Metro for over 40 years have continued over the past week with a further two examples heading off to Shildon to be cut-up. Meanwhile, the phased introduction of the new fleet has also continued.
The latest departures have been 4057 (on 2nd April 2025) and then 4016 (3rd April 2025). The usual process was followed in that they were top ‘n’ tailed by two serviceable Metrocars from Gosforth Depot to the temporary maintenance facility at Howdon. After shunting there they are then picked up by a low loader and driven away from the Metro for the last time.
Both of these units went to J Denham Metals in Shildon, the company who have scrapped the vast majority of the now 19 scrapped trains.
Of interest is that both of these latest scrappings had only been in service fairly recently with the pair having been noted in service during March. That is despite there being a few examples stored at Gosforth which have been stored for much longer.
For the record the trains which have been scrapped are now 4002, 4007, 4016, 4022 (as long ago as 2020 following accident damage), 4031, 4037, 4052, 4054, 4055, 4057, 4062, 4064, 4070, 4076, 4077, 4082, 4083, 4084, 4088.
On the more positive side of things, 555 028 has become the eighth of the new trains being built by Stadler to enter service. It was used for the first time on Thursday 10th April 2025. This unit was delivered on 25th October 2024 (along with 555 027 which entered service on 26th March 2025) and has seen undergone testing to allow it to get to this stage.
There are another seven Stadler trains in the northeast yet to enter service (555 001, 555 006–555 009, 555 013 and 555 014) although this number is set to increase by two very soon with the next pair on their way!
- For regular videos of the Tyne and Wear Metro – including new units in service, on test as well as the outgoing Metrocars – why not head to T&WM Fan on YouTube? https://www.youtube.com/@TWMfan