When Tyneside youngsters helped test new Metro track

It is 50 years since the Tyne and Wear Metro's test track was opened in North Tyneside.

- By DAVID MORTON

The bespoke facility, which is now home to the Stephenson Steam Railway, was to play a crucial role in the development of the transport system a full five years before the Metro opened to customers in 1980.

Located at Middle Engine Lane, the first two prototype trains were tested there along a 1.5-mile stretch of test track, which had a tunnel section, a two-lane workshop, and even a mock station.

The centre - built by the Tyne and Wear PTE (who would run the Metro system before Nexus) - also boasted a train shed and control room, plus other support and training facilities.