Another week and another two Metrocars have headed off to be scrapped as the programme continues at a pace. The latest two to go are 4008 and 4045 – both of which were still able to move under their own power!
So far with the scrap moves we have seen the unit which is set to go off to be scrapped towed in between two of its still operational sisters between Gosforth and Howdon but this time it was a bit different.
Both units were still able to run under their own power – indeed 4008 was still in service just a few days earlier – and so they went as a coupled pair, in effect driving themselves to be scrapped!
The move across to Howdon took place on Wednesday 21st January and then 4008 was collected by lorry on Thursday 22nd January followed by 4045 on Friday 23rd January.
4008 had been the lowest numbered remaining Metrocar on the network but this honour now falls to 4009. Other survivors still on the Tyne and Wear Metro system (but not necessarily available for service) are 4014, 4015, 4020, 4023, 4024, 4026, 4027, 4029, 4032, 4035, 4041, 4042, 4050, 4056, 4060, 4061, 4065, 4068, 4069, 4071, 4078, 4079, 4081, 4085, 4087, 4089 and 4090. That’s just 28 of the once 90 strong class!