Visit to Newcastle

On 17th August six members travelled to Newcastle, primarily to savour the Tyne & Wear Metro whilst the existing units are still operating. Five of the party travelled on the 07.54 ex­ Liverpool Lime St. with one using the 07.24 service. Whilst in the north east participants went their various ways using an all ­area day ticket. During a trip around the coastal route it was particularly pleasing to see some of the NER station structures still in situ, especially at Tynemouth, which was most impressive with its overall roof and bay platforms still prominent even though there was no longer any track.

During the day 70 of the 87 operational units were noted in traffic although nothing was seen at either South Gosforth or the new depot near Howdon whilst on the coastal route journey. All but one of the party returned on the 17.42 ex ­Newcastle after what was an extremely interesting and enjoyable day, with the only unfortunate aspect being a lack of trolley services on each journey. TPE were providing them on alternate trains although it was only the second day of their return since the Covid pandemic.