Tyne & Wear Metro Fleet Replacement: Awarded to Stadler

[Volvictof]

Been just over a month since the publicised test run, has any other testing been taking place on the system since then? Usually metro would be keen on posting positive PR content like that and there has not been any.

I do wonder when we will see the timescale been subtly changed in statements when the first train will be introduced from "the end of this year" to "early next year". I be amazed if there is any early new trains in passenger service this year.

I have heard there have been quite a few test runs already so I’m confused as to why non of the enthusiast have posted pictures on Facebook, I’ve certainly passed the train leaving the depot as i‘ve been coming in at night. And apparently the company is pretty confident that things are going to plan and there will be some services (more than just a single token ride for dignitaries) in place by the end of this year…. Not sure I hold the same confidence but I’m being open minded.

 

[DanNCL]

Been just over a month since the publicised test run, has any other testing been taking place on the system since then? Usually metro would be keen on posting positive PR content like that and there has not been any.

I do wonder when we will see the timescale been subtly changed in statements when the first train will be introduced from "the end of this year" to "early next year". I be amazed if there is any early new trains in passenger service this year.

As far as I understand overnight testing is now happening regularly. The PR team will only be there for milestones, not for every test run. The next milestone will likely be the first daytime test run outside the depot, whenever that happens.

Recent report to NECA says first in service by autumn.

Autumn which year?

I have heard there have been quite a few test runs already so I’m confused as to why non of the enthusiast have posted pictures on Facebook, I’ve certainly passed the train leaving the depot as i‘ve been coming in at night. And apparently the company is pretty confident that things are going to plan and there will be some services (more than just a single token ride for dignitaries) in place by the end of this year…. Not sure I hold the same confidence but I’m being open minded.

It’s all being done on a need to know basis, short of just happening to be in the right place at 02:00 there’s no way for the enthusiasts to see the test runs.
The deliveries, even on Nexus infrastructure, could be roughly deduced as it’s always a few hours after the unit is dragged onto the Jarrow connection from Tyne Yard.

My guess is these services will be the peak extras reinstated, with the existing fleet continuing to handle the main service, but that’s entirely a guess.

If the deadline of December is met the 555s will have carried passengers before the 701s, quite the achievement considering the 555s hadn’t even been ordered at the point the 701s were supposed to have entered service!

 

[ModernRailways]

Been just over a month since the publicised test run, has any other testing been taking place on the system since then? Usually metro would be keen on posting positive PR content like that and there has not been any.

It's been out at least once a week testing around the network, it's done at night at the moment hence the lack of photos but it should soon be seeing some tests during the day mingled in with other services.

Recent report to NECA says first in service by autumn.

Autumn is very optimistic, but it's certainly possible if it's going to be more of a token 'We've ran the first new train successfully between Pelaw and Regent Centre'.

My guess is these services will be the peak extras reinstated, with the existing fleet continuing to handle the main service, but that’s entirely a guess.

At first this is almost guaranteed

It’s all being done on a need to know basis, short of just happening to be in the right place at 02:00 there’s no way for the enthusiasts to see the test runs.

You can use the Pop app, and I'm reliably informed it has been displaying. Requires checking fairly frequently and trying different stations depending on where it is on network, downside is it could also just be a maintenance train.

 

[Paul_10]

I have heard there have been quite a few test runs already so I’m confused as to why non of the enthusiast have posted pictures on Facebook, I’ve certainly passed the train leaving the depot as i‘ve been coming in at night. And apparently the company is pretty confident that things are going to plan and there will be some services (more than just a single token ride for dignitaries) in place by the end of this year…. Not sure I hold the same confidence but I’m being open minded.

Do you know if they have been to every station on the system(apart from the Sunderland line as that would be advertised on RTT no doubt) or are they keeping it more local to Gosforth depot so Longbenton to Monkseaton or Regent Centre to Airport?

Not convinced they will be put on peak runs at first, I believe there is no real desire for peaks to return even when the full fleet is operational, I suspect it will be more it be on a diagram that finishes early or they do a few runs and withdraw it from service.

I guess in an ideal scenario around the half way stage of them in service, you can have the new stuff out on the full runs and the old metrocars on the peaks but I have not seen much in the way of complaints of trains being severely overcrowded or people left behind or delays because of slow boarding and going from my own observations when I was up there, I don't think we need the peak trains, not on an evening at least.

 

[ModernRailways]

Not convinced they will be put on peak runs at first, I believe there is no real desire for peaks to return even when the full fleet is operational, I suspect it will be more it be on a diagram that finishes early or they do a few runs and withdraw it from service.

They won't officially be timetabled, they will be purely extras. Sort of similar to the old additional services we'd run at Christmas.

 

[Paul_10]

They won't officially be timetabled, they will be purely extras. Sort of similar to the old additional services we'd run at Christmas.

I guess it would make sense to do a few short Pelaw/Regent Centre/Monkseaton runs at first, it will be interesting to find out what the plan ends up being!

 

[DanNCL]

Have drivers began training on the simulator for the new fleet yet?

You can use the Pop app, and I'm reliably informed it has been displaying. Requires checking fairly frequently and trying different stations depending on where it is on network, downside is it could also just be a maintenance train.

Interesting, I hadn’t expected anything other than service trains to show on the app. Out of interest what will these show as on the app? I assume ‘Not in Service’?

Not convinced they will be put on peak runs at first, I believe there is no real desire for peaks to return even when the full fleet is operational, I suspect it will be more it be on a diagram that finishes early or they do a few runs and withdraw it from service.

I guess in an ideal scenario around the half way stage of them in service, you can have the new stuff out on the full runs and the old metrocars on the peaks but I have not seen much in the way of complaints of trains being severely overcrowded or people left behind or delays because of slow boarding and going from my own observations when I was up there, I don't think we need the peak trains, not on an evening at least.

There definitely is a desire to get the peak shorts back as soon as possible. There’s a lot of political pressure on Nexus to do so.

Peak shorts are no longer advertised in the public timetable but a small number have continued to run when the stock has been available. It’s not every day and when it does happen it’s usually only one diagram.

I guess it would make sense to do a few short Pelaw/Regent Centre/Monkseaton runs at first, it will be interesting to find out what the plan ends up being!

The introduction to passenger service for the first two Wabtec refurbished Metrocars was on a regular Green line diagram. They’d started the diagram at the usual start time but had been swapped off by 09:00. Though that’s not the same as introducing an entirely new fleet.

 

[Volvictof]

Have drivers began training on the simulator for the new fleet yet?

Not regular drivers no, although I believe some of the instructors and specialists have.

 

[DominikM]

Not regular drivers no, although I believe some of the instructors and specialists have.

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to look at the 555 sim in action, a driver was being trained on emergency situations and how to deal with them. Not sure if this was a legitimate training exercise or troubleshooting session to see if the sim works properly so it can be used for training.

 

[DanNCL]

Paths are in for testing on Network Rail infrastructure for the early hours of the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd July. Assuming this runs tonight, this'll be the first 555 to run on Network Rail infrastructure under its own power.
2I81 0059 South Gosforth - South Hylton
2I81 0153 South Hylton - Brockley Whins
2I81 0220 Brockley Whins - South Hylton
2I81 0248 South Hylton - Brockley Whins
2I81 0315 Brockley Whins - South Hylton
2I81 0342 South Hylton - South Gosforth
Note the 2Ixx headcodes. This does not indicate passenger use, all Metro workings on Network Rail infrastructure run under a 2Ixx headcode corresponding with the three digit running number used on Nexus infrastructure regardless whether the working is in passenger service or not.

No other trains are planned to be on the shared section at the same time as the 555.

Update 01:45 01/07: Despite paths not being activated this is running, unit is at Pelaw with route set on to Network Rail infrastructure.

Further update 0200: 555003 has become the first of the class to reach Sunderland. It’s about 30 minutes late, the RTT paths haven’t been activated but I can confirm that it has definitely ran.

 

[ModernRailways]

Paths are in for testing on Network Rail infrastructure for the early hours of the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd July. Assuming this runs tonight, this'll be the first 555 to run on Network Rail infrastructure under its own power.
2I81 0059 South Gosforth - South Hylton
2I81 0153 South Hylton - Brockley Whins
2I81 0220 Brockley Whins - South Hylton
2I81 0248 South Hylton - Brockley Whins
2I81 0315 Brockley Whins - South Hylton
2I81 0342 South Hylton - South Gosforth
Note the 2Ixx headcodes. This does not indicate passenger use, all Metro workings on Network Rail infrastructure run under a 2Ixx headcode corresponding with the three digit running number used on Nexus infrastructure regardless whether the working is in passenger service or not.

No other trains are planned to be on the shared section at the same time as the 555.

Update 01:45 01/07: Despite paths not being activated this is running, unit is at Pelaw with route set on to Network Rail infrastructure.

Further update 0200: 555003 has become the first of the class to reach Sunderland. It’s about 30 minutes late, the RTT paths haven’t been activated but I can confirm that it has definitely ran.
View attachment 138369

I can also confirm that it ran.
The other paths *should* also run on the dates listed, of course subject to last minute change if there’s an issue. So far everything is going well with testing and I can totally see us having at least one unit in revenue earning service within 2023 (likely early December) so my previous negative estimation of nothing in 2023 might’ve been unfair on Stadler, albeit the official word is still back end of Autumn I believe.
They really are solid, very impressive units, and I’m glad we didn’t just go for the cheapest option

 

[hacman]

They really are solid, very impressive units, and I’m glad we didn’t just go for the cheapest option

Stadler was absolutely the horse to bet on given Metro's requirements and Stadler's past performance. I'm glad that so far is bearing out.

That said, it's still a shame a few opportunities have been missed with the design of these units, but given the flexibility of the Stadler platform there is still the chance some of these could be realised in the future with modifications.

 

[safcwebster]

Anyone know when more new trains are arriving?, there seems to be a massive gap in them getting delivered.

 

[The Laziest]

Anyone know when more new trains are arriving?, there seems to be a massive gap in them getting delivered.

The Newcastle Chronicle seems to suggest two new trains should be delivered later this month here.

 

[safcwebster]

The Newcastle Chronicle seems to suggest two new trains should be delivered later this month here.

Thanks for the link.
Glad to see they're going to be arriving again soon.

 

[DanNCL]

555003 has made a test run out to the Airport in the last few days, photos published on Nexus social media earlier today. It's also been sighted on the southern part of the coast loop in recent days. Apart from possibly South Shields, looks like it's now covered the whole network on test at least once.

 

[ModernRailways]

555003 has made a test run out to the Airport in the last few days, photos published on Nexus social media earlier today. It's also been sighted on the southern part of the coast loop in recent days. Apart from possibly South Shields, looks like it's now covered the whole network on test at least once.

It should be down to South Shields within the next two weeks or so all being well.

 

[Killingworth]

It should be down to South Shields within the next two weeks or so all being well.

Wasn't there an aspiration to have units in service to showcase their greatee capacity for the Great North Run weekend in September?

 

[DanNCL]

Just seen photos of 555003 at St James. Couldn’t help noticing that it was stopped slightly into the overrun tunnel, although all passenger doors still platforms. Is this going to be the regular stopping position? Or will this just have been part of testing?

I’ve also noticed that all photos from the various test runs have been of 555003. Have either of the other two units ventured out of the depot yet?

 

[ModernRailways]

Just seen photos of 555003 at St James. Couldn’t help noticing that it was stopped slightly into the overrun tunnel, although all passenger doors still platforms. Is this going to be the regular stopping position? Or will this just have been part of testing?

I’ve also noticed that all photos from the various test runs have been of 555003. Have either of the other two units ventured out of the depot yet?

All testing runs are with 003 at the minute as it’s being used for gauging and initial preparation testing. Once that’s all completed the other units will come out and be tested.
I believe the stopping positions will be changed with some stops requiring part of the train to not be platformed. All doors will be platformed and as dispatch is done in cab this isn’t an issue, but they’re longer than the current trains.

Wasn't there an aspiration to have units in service to showcase their greatee capacity for the Great North Run weekend in September?

Thats not going to happen, maybe 2024 if you’re very lucky.

 

[Willie Bee]

Could anybody please tell me when / if there will be test runs towards Monkseaton please ?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Could anybody please tell me when / if there will be test runs towards Monkseaton please ?

I feel like an "if" has to be a certain yes? Don't they have to run one down there at least once to test it fits and stuff?

 

[adam_haddad40]

I believe unit 555004 is at the South Shields learning centre as of this morning.

 

[ModernRailways]

Could anybody please tell me when / if there will be test runs towards Monkseaton please ?

It's already been round there but more testing will happen

 

[adam_haddad40]

The new Stadler on-train metro map sticker has been published online.

Looks a bit of a shoddy job compared to the current map imo.

Stadler
Stadler 555 Metro Map 981x154 Printable Area 10mm Offset 2022.pdf

Current
Metro map above door 2018.pdf

 

[hacman]

The new Stadler on-train metro map sticker has been published online.

Looks a bit of a shoddy job compared to the current map imo.

Stadler
Stadler 555 Metro Map 981x154 Printable Area 10mm Offset 2022.pdf

Current
Metro map above door 2018.pdf

Another map with Monument still having the wrong number of spots to indicate the stopping pattern!

Both of these maps are not great examples of graphic design...

 

[willgreen]

Another map with Monument still having the wrong number of spots to indicate the stopping pattern!

Both of these maps are not great examples of graphic design...

To be fair how would you suggest they show the stopping pattern at Monument? I’m not sure how similar setups are conducted on other light rail system maps

 

[hacman]

To be fair how would you suggest they show the stopping pattern at Monument? I’m not sure how similar setups are conducted on other light rail system maps

This would be a simple fix that makes it clearer what happens here.

Narrow white spaces between the lines to show that the east-west yellow passes over/under the north-south, and an extra spot to show that said line serves the station and that interchange is possible.

 

[swt_passenger]

This would be a simple fix that makes it clearer what happens here.

Narrow white spaces between the lines to show that the east-west yellow passes over/under the north-south, and an extra spot to show that said line serves the station and that interchange is possible.

I think I’d go as far as removing all the ‘spectacle links’ between Pelaw and South Gosforth, replacing them with single dots in the middle of the green/yellow line, except for at Monument, after all it’s the only station with separate platforms. Then that gives Monument only a dedicated symbol to show it’s not a same platform interchange.

 

[The Laziest]

I think I’d go as far as removing all the ‘spectacle links’ between Pelaw and South Gosforth, replacing them with single dots in the middle of the green/yellow line, except for at Monument, after all it’s the only station with separate platforms. Then that gives Monument only a dedicated symbol to show it’s not a same platform interchange.

Exactly this. I never really understood why they went for the double dot instead of the single one. It must be a design choice, but given how peculiar Monument is, I think using single dots for all stations that shared the Green and Yellow Line and using the double dots for Monument just makes so much more sense…