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Metrocar updates and withdrawals - Tyne & Wear Metro

tez thorn

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No, definitely a train, either that or it the train had horrendous wheel flats, it genuinely sounded like Metrocars
 
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tez thorn

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Its 4009 haunting you as it wants it revenge for you not liking it
If it were any metrocar haunting me, it would be 4005 or 4014, if its 4009, haunt me as much as you like, it'll make me dislike it even more , back to the point in hand, you can tell when its a Metrocar and when its a 555 based on the wheel pattern, when you're my age you can anyway
 

RyanT15

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If it were any metrocar haunting me, it would be 4005 or 4014, if its 4009, haunt me as much as you like, it'll make me dislike it even more , back to the point in hand, you can tell when its a Metrocar and when its a 555 based on the wheel pattern, when you're my age you can anyway
Ill donate you 4009 for your room
 

35B

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From the sounds of it, it would just be whatever trains show up, which would almost certainly be entirely Class 555. If it were to do with metrocars, then the run from Northumberland Park to Ashington would be particularly strange!
The BLS have run a number of similar events, which are not tours but simply use service trains as required to get between places. This trip is advertised as only being for 12, so I suspect @JJ Henry's source is misinformed
 

D1537

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Aaaand.... 4050+4068 have had a trip on T106 before being pulled because they were too hot. They got to South Hylton before they were pulled though, so about those PRM exemptions on NR metals....
 

ModernRailways

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about those PRM exemptions on NR metals....
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that nobody has realised this, or those who have are keeping quiet. Easier to plead ignorance and ask for forgiveness.
 

D1537

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There's a pair out again - 4041+4050 on T121.

4068 was the one that was failed by the driver yesterday for the cab being too hot so they've replaced it. How long this pair lasts though ...
 

bluegoblin7

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It is not beyond the realms of possibility that nobody has realised this, or those who have are keeping quiet. Easier to plead ignorance and ask for forgiveness.
It’s also entirely possible that enthusiasts are putting two and two together and making five. It wouldn’t be the first time, and there is often a delay between extensions being granted and documentation being posted to the ORR website.

I wouldn’t read anything into it.
 

D1537

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It’s also entirely possible that enthusiasts are putting two and two together and making five. It wouldn’t be the first time, and there is often a delay between extensions being granted and documentation being posted to the ORR website.

I wouldn’t read anything into it.
Possibly, although the Nexus rep that was on the "last" services indicated that the expiry of those exemptions was precisely why the "last week of Metrocars" was in that particular week. We will see, no doubt.
 

D1537

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4041+4050 were pulled around 13:30 due to an interlock fault.

The bigger question, really, is "why is one-third of the 555 fleet not available"? There are currently 40 Stadlers for 28 diagrams...
 

tez thorn

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4041+4050 were pulled around 13:30 due to an interlock fault.

The bigger question, really, is "why is one-third of the 555 fleet not available"? There are currently 40 Stadlers for 28 diagrams...
Because they're plastic garbage, and have been a pain in the backside since they first showed up, these won't last 46 years like the Metrocars, i'd still like to know why customers comments haven't been answered in regards to the 555's having no grab straps, i still remember the original proposal for the new Metro fleet, they basically looked like a new version of the Metrocars
 

ModernRailways

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It’s also entirely possible that enthusiasts are putting two and two together and making five. It wouldn’t be the first time, and there is often a delay between extensions being granted and documentation being posted to the ORR website.

I wouldn’t read anything into it.
I must admit, I did believe the fleet was compliant after we sent them for their refurbishment ~2010. The exemption was to the four unrefurbished cars.
I’m not fully up-to-date with the regulations so it is possible that there has been further changes to ‘ban’ the original fleet.

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Because they're plastic garbage, and have been a pain in the backside since they first showed up, these won't last 46 years like the Metrocars, i'd still like to know why customers comments haven't been answered in regards to the 555's having no grab straps, i still remember the original proposal for the new Metro fleet, they basically looked like a new version of the Metrocars
The ‘original’ proposal was circulating prior to the refurb in ~2010, it was purely a fantasy mockup by Nexus as part of their ridiculous plan. There was close to zero chance any new metrocars would be built to that same/similar design.
The new trains are great, much more reliable, and on days like this their air con is a welcome relief.
I agree re the lack of grab straps but this was largely done to help prevent vandalism. I believe Nexus have stated they are working with Stadler to get grab rails/straps installed, if true it won’t be quick.
 

D1537

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I must admit, I did believe the fleet was compliant after we sent them for their refurbishment ~2010. The exemption was to the four unrefurbished cars.
I’m not fully up-to-date with the regulations so it is possible that there has been further changes to ‘ban’ the original fleet.
The exemptions date from 2019 (linked here from gov.uk).

The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) (Tyne and Wear Metro Metrocar) Exemption Order 2019

The bigger question, really, is "why is one-third of the 555 fleet not available"? There are currently 40 Stadlers for 28 diagrams...
Well, that explains that ....

Nexus: "We will be operating a reduced service today after an issue was identified with some of our Class 555 fleet during routine maintenance."

Meanwhile...

T108 - 4041+4050
 
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