Metrocar 4001
 | |
| Status | Preserved |
|---|---|
| Key dates |
|
| Grim reapers | 4056+4069 |
4001 is the only surviving prototype Metrocar. It was built in 1975 and withdrawn in 2021. It is preserved by North East Museums at the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside.[1][2][3][4][5]
Preservation
[edit | edit source]Nexus confirmed in March 2023 that 4001 would be preserved by Tyne and Wear Museums (now North East Museums) at Stephenson Steam Railway, the site of the former Metro test track[6].
On 10 September 2025, 4001 made its final journey on the Metro networks and its first journey in over four years. It was taken dragged to Howdon Depot by 4056 and 4069, where it was taken onto a GCS Johnson low-loader and stored overnight. The same ramp used to lift 4001 onto the low-loader was taken apart and put back together at the museum.
-
Heading up ramp towards low-loader -
Overnight storage alongside the shed -
Ramp being taken apart
The next day, on 11 September 2025, the low-loader was taken via road to the museum, where 4001 was lowered back down the ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, a coupling adaptor was attached to 4001 to allow it to couple to 08915 via a hopper wagon. 08915 then pulled 4001 the rest of the way off the ramp.
-
Heading down ramp -
Coupling up to 08915 via the hopper wagon -
Location after being driven away from the ramp
The metrocar has been opened to the public as a static exhibit a couple times since arriving at the museum, although part of the A end has been taped off. Volunteers at the museum intend on returning it to the full PTE livery in the short term, and on restoring it as much as possible in the long term.
The band "Leazes" filmed parts of a music video for their song "Melissa In Action" on board the unit shortly after it arrived at the museum.
- ↑ "Tyne and Wear Metrocar 4001", North Tyneside Steam Railway (accessed 17 September 2025)
- ↑ Younger, Owen (12 September 2025). "Tyne and Wear Metro's first ever train donated to Stephenson Steam Railway". Chronicle Live (archived)
- ↑ Prior, Gareth (11 September 2025). "Another old Metro train leaves – but this time its not for scrap!". British Trams Online (accessed 17 September 2025)
- ↑ Smith, Roger (12 September 2025). "Original Tyne and Wear Metro unit donated to Tyneside railway for preservation". Rail Advent (accessed 17 September 2025)
- ↑ Nexus (11 September 2025), "Metro’s first ever train is donated to North East Museums" (accessed 17 September 2025)
- ↑ BBC (9 March 2023), "First Tyne and Wear Metro car to become museum exhibit" (archived)
