A mock-up of the cab for the new trains on the Tyne & Wear Metro has arrived at the Metro Depot at Gosforth in Newcastle.

The detailed full-size replica is a fully fitted out mock-up of the cab for the new trains due to arrive next year.

Included in the replica cab is a full dashboard and driver’s seat along with the iconic yellow livery on the outside.

The new trains are being built by Stadler and the mock-up will help the workforce become familiar with the layout of the new cab and will enable feedback of any final design changes which may be required before the trains enter production.

Credit: Nexus

42 new trains are to be built for the new £362m Metro fleet, with delivery starting in 2022 up to 2024.

Nexus who own and manage the Tyne & Wear Metro are hoping that the mock-up will be able to go on public display once Coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

More information about the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet is available on their website.

Metro Development Director at Nexus, Neil Blagburn, said: “This gives you a real sense of the exciting future that the new trains are going to bring to the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

“The mock-up has been built to a stunning level of quality by Stadler, and it is playing a very important role in getting get the cab design right ahead of the real trains arriving in 2022.”

“It is exactly to the scale of the new Metro cab and it has the same layout. Train crews can interact with the control panels and provide feedback on the ergonomics and comfort of the cab.”

“It is an essential part of our design consultation and I know that the drivers really appreciate the opportunity to experience the new trains and have their final say on the design before trains start rolling off the production line later this year.”

“The Covid-19 restrictions mean that we are currently unable to put the mock-up on public display. We hope that once the restrictions have eased off then we will be able let people have a closer look, as it gives a fascinating snapshot of what the new Metro trains are going to look like.”

Andreas Discher, Stadler project manager, added: “Producing a mock-up some time before trains enter passenger service has many benefits. Not only does it enable drivers to familiarise themselves with the workings of the train, but it gives passengers and other stakeholders a taster of what the new fleet will actually be like. We share the hope that over the next few months, it will be possible for the general public to visit the mock-up and get a glimpse of these fantastic new trains for themselves.”