These Metro Trains Are Stuck in the '90s

Out of the 90-odd-strong fleet of trains serving the Tyne and Wear Metro, enthusiasts are always chasing after two particular metrocars, and to answer why, you only need to take a peek the unrefurbished interiors inside...
Travel with me to take a look at metrocars no. 4040 and 4083, aka the 'unrefurbs'

[@moramento22]

I always loved those textures poles. I managed to be on those old trains a few times, and i never knew why they were different. Thank you.

[@class91joe]

Update, 4002 and 4083 have now been scrapped. This took place at the beginning of October. 4040 is due away soon to meet the same fate unfortunately!

[@edificity]

So sad. I'm so glad I got to document them

[@andie_pants]

As am I, little trains. As am I.

[@sglenny001]

These were first cars i went on and i didnt realize this and i found them an impressive piece of design thanks fir expain why they gave of this vibe its the 90s flavor

[@pineappleroad]

I think I’ve been lucky enough to see one of these in person

[@kyatisback12]

At 1:24 you say that you miss the old handrails. In Frankfurt (Germany) we have exactly these handrails in the newest train sets. (type U5)

[@edificity]

I've wanted to visit your city for a long time. You've just made me even more desperate :)

[@SaishoVibes]

new ones are coming out soon (end of year)!

[@lukestevens8735]

I wonder if there is any change to get at least one of them preserved? Ideally with a refurbed one

[@edificity]

Number 4001 (the prototype) is being preserved at the Stephenson Steam Railway, but I think that's still unrefurbed. Hopefully one of the ones being used for community groups can stay as-is

[@CitytransportInfoplus]

@@edificity what livery will it be preserved in? Original? Present-day? Red / green / blue - with same colour doors / yellow triangle on the doors /full yellow doors?

[@caramelldansen2204]

Geordies and scousers unite in a common cause; to save our beloved metro systems' trains from replacement by Stadler trains!! 😤

[@edificity]

To be fair, the old girls are well on their last legs and deserve a quiet retirement. Got my fingers crossed at least one gets turned into a bar or cafe though

[@caramelldansen2204]

@@edificity Same here. I don't expect them to keep working on and forever, but they should at least be preserved or get the London D-stock treatment (classes 230, 484, etc). Fun fact: not a single Class 503 exists today, they were all scrapped, and only the driving coaches of one Class 502 survive through basically pure luck (both were the precursors of the classes 507 and 508). I fear Merseyrail may repeat their seeming carelessness with regards to preservation. Off topic: there's a fun connection between the Classes 484 and 503, where the 503s were meant to serve on the Isle of Wight, but there were loading gauge issues.

[@philk1853]

Well, yes. Thats why they're being replaced now

[@griffinrails]

Very cool to see stuff like this!

[@Cheeseeatingshark]

Wait they took 4001 and 4002 out of service?

[@edificity]

Unfortunately, yes. Mechanical issues. I believe 4001 is about to go into preservation at the Stephenson Steam Railway

[@Cheeseeatingshark]

@@edificity cool, I heard somewhere they are making some sort of metro shed for it

[@edificity]

@@Cheeseeatingshark I think it's going to basically turn into a full mini Metro museum, I'm so excited

[@Cheeseeatingshark]

@@edificity yes I’m gonna have to go when it opens

[@tanyaburton3122]

Has 4002 been withdawn?

[@epscproductions1373]

Think so, I’ve also not seen 4001 either.

[@tanyaburton3122]

😢😢😢😢

[@KH73637]

Yeah it has

[@DDRailways]

4001 is going to be preserved, so don’t worry.

[@caramelldansen2204]

So am I...