Tyne & Wear Metro: Fleet Refurbishment List

[ModernRailways]

Not sure but if it means that my ears won't be taken off by the loudness of the Haymarket announcements then I'm happy.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Just want to say a huge well done to Metro tonight. As always I do have one problem though

Trains leaving the Foo Fighters concert were rammed, extra trains were put on, extra to those that were already extras. It caused the power to trip on my train I think the last train left St Peters at around 0100, which is quite a bit later than the last train should be. Staff were on hand and Metro actually staffed their Twitter and were/are giving responses to queries which is a very big well done.

However, the last train to South Shields from Pelaw was still at 2336 (the usual time), I must admit, I do feel that a shuttle service from Pelaw to South Shields could have been provided until around 0030 though. There seemed to be a lot of people having to get taxi's because there were no trains and the last bus (No. 27) left Heworth at 2350. I don't believe there were additional buses from Heworth/Pelaw towards South Shields (none that I was aware of anyway).

Either way, I thought I'd give them a bit of a thumbs up for their handling of the event and especially for manning their Twitter!

 

[142094]

There was an extra train down to South Shields after midnight. It was formed from one of the extras which terminated at Regent Centre and then ran empty down to Pelaw and in service from there to South Shields, then back to the depot empty.

Differences between the A and B end cabs after refurb:

New lighting and new light switch
New seats (not all A ends have new seats, and some B ends also have them)
New radio panel (varies as if faulty may be fitted with an old panel which still has door tones button)
New grab handles
Interior painted
New wiper control

Both cabs now have Call for Aid equipment which shows where a button has been pressed
First 13 cars also had HVAC equipment
Door release and close system has been changed in both cabs

 

[Paul_10]

4002 and 4040 are back paired together again after 4002 was paired with 4001 for the 40th anniversary trip. Hopefully we will see 4001 again on the system soon!

Also what is the issue with 4067? I've only seen it twice since it came back from refurbishment and both times, the next day, its pairing car was paired with another unit so from what I seen, its barely been out on the system since its been refurbished.

 

[Tommy1581]

Here is an up to date list of Metrocars.

4001 994001 - 1975 Tyne & Wear PTE livery
4002 994002 - Nexus Website (tyneandwearmetro.co.uk)
4003 994003 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4004 994004 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 23/01/14
4005 994005 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 16/01/15
4006 994006 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 23/04/13
4007 994007 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 16/01/15
4008 994008 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 01/08/13
4009 994009 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 10/04/14
4010 994010 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 25/01/13
4011 994011 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 30/08/13
4012 994012 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 22/03/15
4013 994013 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 18/09/13
4014 994014 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4015 994015 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 10/10/12
4016 994016 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4017 994017 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 22/05/13
4018 994018 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 06/06/13
4019 994019 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 12/03/14
4020 994020 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 12/09/12
4021 994021 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4022 994022 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 08/05/12
4023 994023 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 20/06/13
4024 994024 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4025 994025 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4026 994026 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 09/04/15
4027 994027 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4028 994028 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4029 994029 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 07/11/12
4030 994030 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 09/04/13
4031 994031 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 08/05/13
4032 994032 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 16/01/15
4033 994033 - Emirates Airways - Refurbished 11/01/13
4034 994034 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished & Rejected by Metro 09/10/13
4035 994035 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4036 994036 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4037 994037 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4038 994038 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4039 994039 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4040 994040 - Fly Emirates
4041 994041 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 21/06/10
4042 994042 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 20/10/11
4043 994043 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4044 994044 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 18/10/13
4045 994045 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4046 994046 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 14/10/10
4047 994047 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4048 994048 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4049 994049 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 08/08/12
4050 994050 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4051 994051 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4052 994052 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 31/10/13
4053 994053 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 25/07/12
4054 994054 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 22/02/13
4055 994055 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4056 994056 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 14/02/14
4057 994057 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 13/03/12
4058 994058 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 20/02/12
4059 994059 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 15/08/13
4060 994060 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 18/07/13
4061 994061 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 20/09/11
4062 994062 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 22/03/13
4063 994063 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 17/11/13
4064 994064 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4065 994065 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4066 994066 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 03/12/13
4067 994067 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 16/01/15
4068 994068 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 13/12/13
4069 994069 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 10/01/14
4070 994070 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 04/02/14
4071 994071 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 19/12/13
4072 994072 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 02/09/10
4073 994073 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 05/03/13
4074 994074 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 06/06/12
4075 994075 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 05/09/12
4076 994076 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 19/12/12
4077 994077 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 22/04/15
4078 994078 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 27/09/13
4079 994079 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 08/02/13
4080 994080 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 01/05/15
4081 994081 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 04/07/13
4082 994082 - Emirates Airways - Refurbished 24/11/11
4083 994083 - Fly Emirates
4084 994084 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4085 994085 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4086 994086 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 25/02/14
4087 994087 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4088 994088 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished
4089 994089 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 21/11/12
4090 994090 - Metro Black & Yellow - Refurbished 25/06/12

 

[MetroCar4058]

Out of curiosity, do all of the newest refurbs have the male PA? I really don't think 4080 or 77 has it, but I couldn't be 100% sure. Furthermore why was 4034 rejected?

 

[Paul_10]

Furthermore why was 4034 rejected?

Graffiti attack whilst stabled overnight at Washington, coach alex had some pics/video showing this, I think it came back the following day or something?

 

[ModernRailways]

4045 has some strange traction package. Seemed to accelerate incredibly well, and the sounds it made when accelerating/braking where odd to say the least.

 

[HugePilchard]

Yesterday, seated at the back of a Metro, I looked up as we came into Jesmond and spotted that the single overhead line had split into two, running close and parallel to each other. This seemed to continue through the city centre, and I could have sworn it split into four parallel wires at some points.

Anyone know what this is for?

 

[Tommy1581]

Graffiti attack whilst stabled overnight at Washington, coach alex had some pics/video showing this, I think it came back the following day or something?

They're always stabled at Annitsford (Cramlington), when I see them, just opposite the McDonalds and petrol station. That's where I assumed the Metrocar was stabled that night.

 

[MetroCar4058]

I've just been caught up in the overhead line obstruction, thank you plastic bag! I must admit metro handled this very well. It was a bit unusual being in a unit which was switched off as they dropped the pantographs but it was an interesting experience! We were delayed by 9 minutes by the time we reached South Gosforth, which was cut massively by a very good driver who fully utilized The power of the MetroCar. It's nice to experience the power those units have when you're trying to catch up with time - thank you to the driver and staff for dealing with the situation, they deserve some credit for once.

 

[142094]

Yesterday, seated at the back of a Metro, I looked up as we came into Jesmond and spotted that the single overhead line had split into two, running close and parallel to each other. This seemed to continue through the city centre, and I could have sworn it split into four parallel wires at some points.

Anyone know what this is for?

From what I understand, the extra wires are there to deal with additional pressure put on the overheads when more than two pantographs are raised on a set. Normally, trains run as two car sets so there are only two pantographs raised, however apparently now in certain circumstances such as during outstabling, if there are more than two cars running joined together for an empty move, more than 2 pantographs can be raised.

 

[MetroCar4058]

https://www.facebook.com/NCLuncovered/videos/vb.397734040319742/878062952286846/?type=2&theater

I've just saw this video on Facebook. Hat off to the revenue protection team for protecting themselves and the passengers from a dangerous situation.

The lady who is shouting 'that is against the law' is a disgrace in my eyes; firstly it was self defense and secondly, if my memory is correct. the Bylaws give them the authority to partake in such activity if justified. People really should be in the know-how and stop interfering when these lads provoked the staff into this response. Well done Metro.

 

[ModernRailways]

https://www.facebook.com/NCLuncovered/videos/vb.397734040319742/878062952286846/?type=2&theater

I've just saw this video on Facebook. Hat off to the revenue protection team for protecting themselves and the passengers from a dangerous situation.

The lady who is shouting 'that is against the law' is a disgrace in my eyes; firstly it was self defense and secondly, if my memory is correct. the Bylaws give them the authority to partake in such activity if justified. People really should be in the know-how and stop interfering when these lads provoked the staff into this response. Well done Metro.

They are acting in self-defence. The security team where I work are the same. Usually a taking too is all that is needed but rarely the person can sometimes get aggressive and as a result security need to try and pin the person down to protect themselves.

The video doesn't show much either, going by the video all you can see is a group of CSAs trying to hold down some guy. Why are they holding him down? What happened prior?

Since this is Metro staff a lot of people won't be siding with them, because they don't like Metro as a company. It's pretty ridiculous but it's a sad fact.

 

[Paul_10]

Since this is Metro staff a lot of people won't be siding with them, because they don't like Metro as a company. It's pretty ridiculous but it's a sad fact.

In fairness, i would say there is a higher percentage of support for the staff going from the comments I have read, on the other hand, you read comments and saying its "assault" I'm not quite sure having someone pinned down to restrain someone is a real form of "assault".

That said, you don't need the rest of the video to know in cases like this, some sort of threatening/physical behaviour more than likely occured hence pinning the 2 guys down. What annoys me in videos like this is the person would exaggerate any pain through screaming to make it look like he is under a lot of pain when in reality he is not.

 

[ModernRailways]

In fairness, i would say there is a higher percentage of support for the staff going from the comments I have read, on the other hand, you read comments and saying its "assault" I'm not quite sure having someone pinned down to restrain someone is a real form of "assault".

That said, you don't need the rest of the video to know in cases like this, some sort of threatening/physical behaviour more than likely occured hence pinning the 2 guys down. What annoys me in videos like this is the person would exaggerate any pain through screaming to make it look like he is under a lot of pain when in reality he is not.

I think in the comments there are, but actually out on the system I've noticed a lot of the travelling public don't seem to have any sympathy for them. It could just be me being cynical there, but that's I've tended to see it.

It most definitely isn't assault, fair enough if the CSA was hitting the guy or even digging their knee into the guy's back, but from the video the guy is clearly just in a restrained position.

The person screaming usually feels no pain because of all the adrenaline. Their was a guy at work the other day who came in and started screaming about something, security came over as well as managers and they got him to the ground eventually. He kept complaining about him hitting his head when nothing of the kind happened. Security and managers all kept the guy pinned to the ground whilst they waited for the police to arrive 20 minutes later.

 

[MetroCar4058]

I really do agree with you MR. I feel so sorry for the CSA's because they and the system get lots of abuse from quite allot of people. Like yourself I may too be cynical because I am always on the side of M People really do have it in for the Metro and I really don't understand why.

The CSA's are well within their right to restrain a man, firstly it was self defense as we discussed and they have authority under the by-laws. Its just the do-gooder society we have nowadays.

 

[Scott M]

Forget what idiots think, we all know the CSAs were probably in the right and won't be prosecuted.

Downloaded a speedometer app on my iPhone for when I go for a jog, and decided to use it on the metro today since I got a front seat. One thing I noticed is that when coming into stations, they always seem to 'hit the platform' at 30 kmph in long platform stations such as Haymarket, and 25 kmph in short platform stations such as Jarrow.

Wonder if they are taught to do this?

Bit of useless info for yous there... lol.

 

[MetroCar4058]

Just out of interest, how often did you reach top speed? Might have to download this app myself

 

[Scott M]

Just out of interest, how often did you reach top speed? Might have to download this app myself

We were going full speed the entire journey! Was quite surprised. There was no "I'm doing 74 in an 80 zone... Good enough".

We did follow the blue coasting speed limits where possible though - eg if blue speed sign said 70 and the diamond said 80, we would do 70.

 

[142094]

Downloaded a speedometer app on my iPhone for when I go for a jog, and decided to use it on the metro today since I got a front seat. One thing I noticed is that when coming into stations, they always seem to 'hit the platform' at 30 kmph in long platform stations such as Haymarket, and 25 kmph in short platform stations such as Jarrow.

You can hit the start of a small platform doing 40kph and stop in the proper place without too much effort. Going in a bit slower means less chance of over-running the platform, but depends on experience. You could probably hit the start of the platform doing 50 kph but would be banging the brakes on pretty hard to get it to stop in time.

Longer platforms like Haymarket platform 2, 55-60 kph is possible.

 

[MetroCar4058]

I've noticed recently a new issue with adherence to timetable, some trains call at the platform 1-2 minutes early, this therefore counts them as 'off timetable' as they have departed 29 seconds ahead of time. Could this be due to onboard clocks not being correctly calibrated?

 

[ModernRailways]

I've noticed recently a new issue with adherence to timetable, some trains call at the platform 1-2 minutes early, this therefore counts them as 'off timetable' as they have departed 29 seconds ahead of time. Could this be due to onboard clocks not being correctly calibrated?

No, it's just drivers not thinking of the timetable. Happens at Jarrow quite often, train arrives early (the time it should have arrived at Hebburn), and because it's early it gets a green signal because the train towards Newcastle is still at Bede so the train towards Shields will be able to clear the single line quicker. The driver gets a green signal and leaves, 2-3 minutes early. The trains are supposed to meet at Jarrow if they are both on time, late running and I can understand it, but early running there is no excuse whatsoever for.

And if the on board clocks are wrong, then how do they manage to leave South Shields bang on time?

I don't blame drivers for this, because like I say at Jarrow if the train is early and gets a green signal towards South Shields it has to leave pretty sharpish otherwise is will delay the train towards Newcastle.

 

[MetroCar4058]

Its a bit worrying to be honest. I've noticed many a train which has left ahead of time.

I understand at stations with conditional aspects such as with level crossings and shared lines. But there is no excuse to depart Gateshead 2 minutes ahead of time. Its a bit of a shame really.

Have they been refreshing some of the seats on the older units? They seem to be 'plumped' up again.

 

[Paul_10]

Anyone know the mystery with 4001/4083, 4083 has been spotted
with its pantograph down and at that time it was on its own however 4001 is now paired with it but with its pantograph up and the saloon lights on(you can see the destination on) yet they both have been in the same stabling road all this week.

As for trains running early then is this really often? In all honesty, I have no idea on the exact times trains are suppose to depart and I doubt many passengers do either plus with the frequency then for me its not a massive issue.

The trains running early through Jarrow is interesting, I think one reason why a South Shields train may run early is because if a St James's train which is meant to pass the Shields train at Pelaw junction is not running on time, then the South Shields train will not have to stop at the signal before it goes onto the single line towards Hebburn therefore it will be starting to run slightly ahead of schedule so if it leaves Hebburn slightly earlier because of the St James train is running slightly late then it will obviously arrive into Jarrow earlier therefore even if the next St James train is on time, then the South Shields train usually get another green signal without any hold up at Jarrow which means the train could be running even earlier.

Just an observation and its not one that will be liked by Metrocar4058 but that male PA looks like it could be rolling out now, both 4056 and 4032 has got the male PA now and both are paired together at the moment.

 

[MetroCar4058]

As for trains running early then is this really often? In all honesty, I have no idea on the exact times trains are suppose to depart and I doubt many passengers do either plus with the frequency then for me its not a massive issue.


Just an observation and its not one that will be liked by Metrocar4058 but that male PA looks like it could be rolling out now, both 4056 and 4032 has got the male PA now and both are paired together at the moment.

Regarding punctuality, it is probably one of the most important things! The DfT bases its payments from performance which Is derived from punctuality. Also people moan about the poor punctuality so leaving a platform early is rather inexcusable when people throw around the 80% statistic.

I was on 56 the other day and she was fine! You really did hit the nail on the head but hey-ho, not everyone is a snob like me who's agains the accent. I just prefer it posh lol - maybe now is a time to get a copy of the female voice for myself.

 

[142094]

Not all stations count towards the punctuality figures, so there are a lot of stations where trains run early but will still be classed as on time. In fact, if you left on time at every station you would be late at the terminus station. It is impossible to run to time on Network Rail without leaving Pelaw 30 seconds early.

4083 needs a traction motor change. 4002 is still with 4040 and has been running good recently so no need to change. Pantograph is probably down on 4083 to save power. However it is normally good practice to keep the pantographs up on cars such as 4001 which don't need maintenance as when the pans are lowered, air from the reservoirs leaks away, which causes problems later on.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Regarding Jarrow and Hebburn. Under normal daytime running, trains meet at Jarrow in the middle of the single lines. If one train is running so late that it will make the other more than 3 minutes late, the signalling system will often hold the 1st late train at Hebburn or on the approach to the single line from Bede. The signaller can also do this manually.

 

[Tramfan]

4083 needs a traction motor change. 4002 is still with 4040 and has been running good recently so no need to change. Pantograph is probably down on 4083 to save power.

So they do intend to repair 4083 then? I'd begun to assume it had been decommissioned, as it has been outside with its pantograph down for over 6 weeks now, most of those were spent dumped between some of the engineering wagons.

Noted 4085 shunting the other day after being refurbished (presumably in the process of being commissioned) so we are just waiting for 4027 to return before all refurbs are back at Gosforth.

On a similar note, has anyone seen 4077 at all, as this came back in April according to photos on the web, but I've never seen in in service.

 

[Paul_10]

So they do intend to repair 4083 then? I'd begun to assume it had been decommissioned, as it has been outside with its pantograph down for over 6 weeks now, most of those were spent dumped between some of the engineering wagons.

Noted 4085 shunting the other day after being refurbished (presumably in the process of being commissioned) so we are just waiting for 4027 to return before all refurbs are back at Gosforth.

On a similar note, has anyone seen 4077 at all, as this came back in April according to photos on the web, but I've never seen in in service.

Well the plan states the 4 unrefurbished units will see use but in a more limited capacity. How much we will actually see them in service is unclear though.

I have not seen 4077 either in service so can only assume more problems. I'm curious to know what the issue is with 4067, I've only seen it twice in service and each day, it only lasted one day(if that) before its pairing unit was paired with another metrocar.

So quite a good number of units not in active service at the moment

 

[Tramfan]

I've seen 4067 fairly frequently shunting around the shed at least once, sometimes twice a week, though not in the last fortnight or so.

Last time I saw it, it had some wiring coming from underneath the unit which had been routed through one or two sets of the passenger doors into the saloon.

 

[MetroCar4058]

Nice experience with a Metro ticket officer at Monument today. His attitude was actually shocking, something I would never expect from anyone. His attitude and the fact he snatched the ticket out of my hand, all because the ticket barrier scrunched and broke the magnetic strip of my ticket. I'll be contacting Nexus House tomorrow to report the incident - If I'm honest, I really have lost a lot of faith after today.

It is a huge shame and when I told the ticket officer at Gateshead he was shocked and very sympathetic/helpful. People like him are really let down by the minority who victimize passengers because they've got the 'Metro Badge'