Metrocar updates and withdrawals - Tyne & Wear Metro

[Paul_10]

Whether the dates are reliable or not it does support the speculation that by February, the metrocars will be a thing of the past so looking increasingly likely my next trip in a few weeks time will be my final chance to sample the metrocars.

Of course circumstances could alter things like bad weather(heavy snowfall) but it will be interesting if that list is reliable or not.

 

[Segedunum]

The plan for the St James to Wallsend shuttle this week is that the core service diagrams (141-143) are all old stock then the peak additional diagrams (144/145) are 555.

 

[P156KWJ]

New units 024, 025 and 030 will arrive next week.

 

[RyanT15]

Not my information however 4005 has returned to service.
4005+4051 operating T101 today.

 

[7522]

4047 is being scrapped today.

 

[hopperelec]

4047 is being scrapped today.

The low-loader had a fault on the way to Howdon. 4047 is still expected to get put on the low-loader this afternoon, but it hasn't arrived yet and it can't go through the Tyne Tunnel with a load past 2PM, so it will be staying in Howdon overnight.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2025 ==

Nevermind, and like there have been a very last-minute change of plans. Got back to Howdon Depot at the time we were told the low-loader would be arriving, to give the low-loader not only already there but leaving the depot with 4047 on it! I then asked where it would be going and was told it was being stored before the Tube Tunnel for a few hours because it couldn't through during rush hour but could go through on the evening. I then watched TT2 block off the Tyne Tunnel just a couple minutes later and let the truck through. We were told it was going to GCS Johnson's yard to be stored overnight but, with the number of times the plans have changed, I wouldn't be surprised if that's changed now too.

 

[thomastrainsel]

So does this mean 4047 will be scrapped tomorrow? Seen on the FOI request that today (03/11/2025) and tomorrow right to Thursday all are dates of scrap, so that would been the low loader would have to take 4047 and then come back, however they aren’t 100% accurate, so that might not happen.

Saw 4047 and 4030 next to each other at Gosforth Depot on Saturday.

Which ones are next if you know?

 

[RyanT15]

So does this mean 4047 will be scrapped tomorrow? Seen on the FOI request that today (03/11/2025) and tomorrow right to Thursday all are dates of scrap, so that would been the low loader would have to take 4047 and then come back, however they aren’t 100% accurate, so that might not happen.

Saw 4047 and 4030 next to each other at Gosforth Depot on Saturday.

Which ones are next if you know?

4047 left the depot around 1 hour ago heading for scrap.

 

[thomastrainsel]

Does anyone know the next metrocars for scrap or know the units currently sitting at Howdon?

 

[hopperelec]

Does anyone know the next metrocars for scrap or know the units currently sitting at Howdon?

4086 and 4059 are in Howdon pan-down, and have been for weeks now. When I left Howdon a couple hours ago, I noticed another set next to 4059 that wasn't there this morning, but that could be 4051+4044 which dragged 4047 to Howdon this morning. I've seen people say 4030 is being scrapped this week but I don't remember seeing an original source of that information so take it with a grain of salt.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

4030 has just been dragged to Howdon Depot by 4038 and 4073, so it seems like whoever told me that was reliable!

 

[thomastrainsel]

All 3 of which I have been on, real damn shame to see 4030 go. 4030 was the first I ever went on.

 

[Segedunum]

IIRC 4030 was as simple as wheelflats with the wheels having been cut down as far as they'd go, rather than it having any particular fault.

 

[RyanT15]

4086 went for scrap today, now only half metrocar fleet left.

 

[CL395]

Anyone know why danger keep out signs have been added on floor panels by the doors on old metrocars?

 

[Segedunum]

Anyone know why danger keep out signs have been added on floor panels by the doors on old metrocars?

In conjunction with messaging which is circulating:

It is a criminal offence to tamper with any engineering or safety equipment on stations or trains. CCTV, customer service and security teams are in place across the Metro system – anyone doing this will be reported to the Police and may face prosecution.

I'm not aware of any incident specifically other than that *something* has happened to warrant it.

 

[mansonlo49]

4001* - Preserved at North Tyneside Steam Railway. Left Gosforth by rail 10/09/2025 hauled by 4056+4069. Withdrawn 18/04/2021
4002* - Left Gosforth by rail 03/10/2023 hauled by 4004+4054, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 08/08/2022
4003 - Left Gosforth by rail 11/06/2025 hauled by 4028+4047, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 14/04/2025
4004 - Left Gosforth by rail 01/10/2025 hauled by 4024+4028, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn September 2025
4005 - last ran September 2025
4006 - Left Gosforth by rail 07/10/2025 hauled by 4009+4073, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn September 2025
4007 - Left Gosforth by rail 18/02/2025 hauled by 4042+4086, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 30/05/2024, damaged by tree
4008
4009
4010 - Left Gosforth by rail 03/06/2025 hauled by 4045+4056, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 17/05/2022
4011 - Left Howdon by road 20/10/2025 for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn September 2025
4012 - Left Gosforth by rail 02/09/2025 hauled by 4035+4078, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 09/06/2025
4013 - Left Gosforth by rail 05/06/2025 hauled by 4039+4049, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 01/05/2025
4014
4015
4016 - Left Gosforth by rail 03/04/2025 hauled by 4038+4059, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 16/03/2025
4017
4018 - Left Gosforth by rail 09/06/2025 hauled by 4059+4086, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 04/05/2025
4019 - In training use at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue HQ, Washington. Left Gosforth by rail 15/09/2025 hauled by 4075+4041. Withdrawn 12/07/2025
4020 - Earmarked for preservation at Beamish Museum
4021 - Left Gosforth by rail 10/06/2025 hauled by 4049+4008, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 17/05/2025
4022 - Scrapped at Nemesis Rail, Burton-on-Trent, early 2020 - Withdrawn 30/03/2017
4023
4024
4025 - Left Gosforth by rail 06/06/2025 hauled by 4039+4049, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 22/05/2025
4026
4027
4028
4029
4030 - last ran October 2025
4031 - Left Gosforth by rail 11/03/2025, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 24/11/2024
4032
4033 - Left Gosforth by rail 17/07/2025 hauled by 4068+4061, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 12/06/2025
4034 - Left Gosforth by rail 09/09/2025 hauled by 4020+4061, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 22/06/2025
4035
4036 - Left Gosforth by rail 31/07/2025 hauled by 4023+4075, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 29/06/2025
4037 - Left Gosforth by rail 04/02/2025 hauled by 4032+4053, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 31/08/2023
4038
4039
4040* Left Gosforth by rail 04/06/2025 hauled by 4069+4089, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 05/08/2023 - last ran 29/07/2023
4041
4042 - last ran September 2025
4043
4044
4045 - last ran August 2025
4046
4047 - last ran September 2025
4048 - Left Gosforth by rail 21/08/2025 hauled by 4035+4078, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 22/07/2025
4049
4050
4051
4052 - Left Gosforth by rail 11/07/2024 hauled by 4017+4024, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 18/04/2024
4053
4054 - Left Gosforth by rail 24/03/2025 hauled by 4029+4038, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 10/11/2024
4055 - Left by road for scrap at EMR Tyne Dock on 28/06/2023. Withdrawn from passenger service 19/08/2020, was in training use until early 2023
4056
4057 - Left Gosforth by rail 02/04/2025 hauled by 4032+4042, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 16/03/2025
4058 - Left Gosforth by rail 02/10/2025 hauled by 4069+4020, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn June 2025
4059 - Withdrawn September 2025. Stored at Howdon pending disposal.
4060
4061
4062 - Left by road for scrap at EMR Tyne Dock on 29/06/2023. Withdrawn from passenger service 22/09/2020, was in training use until early 2023
4063 - Left Gosforth by rail 27/08/2025 hauled by 4079+4068, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 24/06/2025
4064 - Left Gosforth by rail 25/03/2025 hauled by 4043+4085, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 24/02/2025
4065
4066 - Withdrawn October 2025. Stored at Howdon pending disposal.
4067 - Left Gosforth by rail 30/09/2025 hauled by 4051+4071, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn August 2025.
4068
4069
4070 - Left Gosforth by rail 22/05/2024 hauled by 4032+4073, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 12/05/2023
4071
4072 - Left Gosforth by rail 18/07/2025 hauled by 4049+4068, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 24/05/2025
4073=
4074
4075
4076 - Left Gosforth by rail 06/02/2025 hauled by 4006+4058, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 01/11/2022
4077 - Left Gosforth by rail 28/05/2024 hauled by 4023+4054, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 10/02/2023
4078
4079
4080 - Left Gosforth by rail 06/10/2025 hauled by 4069+4020, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn September 2025
4081
4082 - Left Gosforth by rail 13/03/2025 hauled by 4004+4063, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 26/11/2024
4083* - Left Gosforth by rail 05/10/2023 hauled by 4042+4049, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 29/07/2023
4084 - Left Gosforth by rail 14/03/2025 hauled by 4071+4089, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 26/11/2024
4085
4086 - Withdrawn September 2025. Stored at Howdon pending disposal.
4087
4088 - Left Gosforth by rail 21/05/2024 hauled by 4008+4058, removed from Howdon same day by road for scrap at J Denham Metals, Shildon. Withdrawn 29/06/2023
4089
4090

59，66，86 had gone scrap since then

 

[DanNCL]

59，66，86 had gone scrap since then

Quite a few changes have taken place since the last update. Had been waiting for this weeks disposals to finish so that I only had to do one update, now that’s happened I’ll do the update.

 

[mansonlo49]

Quite a few changes have taken place since the last update. Had been waiting for this weeks disposals to finish so that I only had to do one update, now that’s happened I’ll do the update.

Thanks DAN, would be helpful updating it

 

[StuBeeDoo]

I appreciate that the Metrocars are ancient technology, and passenger seats right at the front are probably not compliant with current safety legislation, but I miss not being able to sit alongside the drivers cab and see where we're going.

But apart from that, the 555s are definitely a step-change.

 

[hacman]

I appreciate that the Metrocars are ancient technology, and passenger seats right at the front are probably not compliant with current safety legislation, but I miss not being able to sit alongside the drivers cab and see where we're going.

But apart from that, the 555s are definitely a step-change.

They're great units, despite some seeing the teething issues that have occurred as nothing short of a sign of abject failure.

Sadly, there are a few stupid design decisions that were made with them, which make them fall just short of being excellent.

Either way they are a welcome upgrade.

 

[deep south]

Sadly, there are a few stupid design decisions that were made with them, which make them fall just short of being excellent.

Either way they are a welcome upgrade.

Yes, the units themselves are much smoother and the heating/cooling much more effective - as they should be compared to 40 year old units.

But the seating, with zero padding, and no place to put luggage is very poor indeed especially on an airport service. Fine for short distance commuting, but not for anything else.

Bays of 3 seats that don't fit 3 people for example....

 

[SuspectUsual]

Sorry if this is something mentioned upthread but I could do with knowing asap - does anyone know when the last of the old units is likely to go out of service?

 

[ainsworth74]

Sorry if this is something mentioned upthread but I could do with knowing asap - does anyone know when the last of the old units is likely to go out of service?

A few months ago I had heard it would be early in December 2025 but that may well have changed!

 

[Segedunum]

A few months ago I had heard it would be early in December 2025 but that may well have changed!

IIRC this is now more like later in December with the last units scheduled to go for scrap in February 2026.

Again all subject to change!

 

[ainsworth74]

IIRC this is now more like later in December with the last units scheduled to go for scrap in February 2026.

Again all subject to change!

My info was obviously a bit older, either way it feels like we waited ages for them to be introduced and then suddenly they've taken over and the old ones are going going gone!

 

[hacman]

Yes, the units themselves are much smoother and the heating/cooling much more effective - as they should be compared to 40 year old units.

But the seating, with zero padding, and no place to put luggage is very poor indeed especially on an airport service. Fine for short distance commuting, but not for anything else.

Bays of 3 seats that don't fit 3 people for example....

The lack of padding I don't take too much issue with, to be honest, and I'm actually quite surprised Nexus didn't just specify plastic bucket seats - replacing and cleaning soiled/damaged upholstery is absolutely a cost Nexus could do without. The big issue is the size of the seats, which are much the same as when other new fleets have specified 3+2 seating or crappy legroom; it checks the box of "x seats per train" on paper, but actually results in a far worse real-world passenger experience. The people ordering trains need to understand that a lower number of usable seats offers more value than a high number of seats with, say, 1/4 remaining empty when they're needed.

I think it was a mistake not to look at having slightly longer 6-car units too, as that would have given space for an extra "flex" for those with luggage, and allowed extra space such that it wouldn't have been so important to have an entirely linear seating layout.

The 50Mph top speed was also a bit daft too, seeing as these units do share the Durham Coast line with heavy rail traffic, and there are a few stretches on the existing network where journey times could be trimmed.

 

[ainsworth74]

A gentle reminder that this thread is to discuss the outgoing original fleet. To discuss the replacement fleet please use the dedicated thread which can be found here. Thanks!

 

[Paul_10]

IIRC this is now more like later in December with the last units scheduled to go for scrap in February 2026.

Again all subject to change!

Which is only 4 to 5 weeks away yet according to the discord allocations, half of the trains in service today were Metrocars!

 

[7522]

Looks like metro have had 3 failed trains already this morning, and 3 service suspensions! You'd hope that it would be the old trains failing and we can hopefully see the back of this problem next winter. The old ones have been bad in cold for years.

 

[Steddenm]

One got stuck on the incline up to Callerton Parkway. Couldn't get adhesion on the rail after trying a few times. Was a 555.