A life-sized replica of one of the new Tyne and Wear Metro trains has become a teaching aid to support railway safety classes for thousands of local children. The mock-up of one of the train’s cabs has been given a permanent home at Safety Works! in Newcastle, where it will provide realistic, hands-on safety training for schools, youth groups, and community organisations.
Deborah Rodenby, Youth Liaison Officer at Nexus, explains more: “The replica of the new Metro train is a vital new tool for engaging young people when they visit SafetyWorks!. It’s going to really grab their attention and that will make it easier for us to get the key railway safety messages across.
“It’s fantastic to give the cab mock-up a permanent new home. It looks amazing. It has supported our Metro drivers with adapting to the new trains, and now it’s got a new lease of life as a teaching aid, helping thousands of children learn about the dangers of trespassing on the lines.
“By stepping onto this realistic station layout, they experience the real-world environment of the new Metro fleet firsthand, learning about the dangers of trespassing and to respect the lethal nature of high-voltage overhead lines. This hands-on training does more than just teach rail safety. It actively deters dangerous trespassing and anti-social behaviour by fostering a genuine respect for the network.”
The replica was provided by Stadler to Nexus and will bring the Metro training area at Safety Works! up-to-date, replacing a mock-up of the original Metro carriage that was previously there. The training facility also includes a Metro station, tracks, ticket machines, platforms and a level crossing.
Safety Works! is a multi-agency training facility used by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, Northumbria Police, Nexus, and the local authorities to conduct safety awareness days for young people.
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “This is a great legacy project within the ongoing roll out of the new Metro train fleet. The cab mock-up did a great job early on in the project when we used it to familiarise our drivers with the new trains ahead of the real ones arriving.
“It’s heartwarming to see that it’s now getting used to educate young people in railway safety and accident prevention. As a Metro operator we are committed to youth liaison work to ensure children understand the dangers of trespassing on our lines.”