Royal carriage reaches final destination

A North East transport museum has secured a unique piece of regional history after taking ownership of a train carriage used by two generations of the Royal Family.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus has donated carriage 4020 to the North East Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) in Washington, where it will go on public display as part of its transport heritage collection.

The carriage carried Queen Elizabeth II when she officially opened the Metro system on 7 November 1981, travelling from Monument to Gateshead. 

Four decades later, King Charles III also travelled on the same carriage during Metro’s 40th anniversary celebrations while Prince of Wales.

The donation fulfils Nexus’ commitment to preserve two trains from the original Metro fleet as the ageing vehicles are replaced by a new generation of rolling stock. 

Metro’s first prototype carriage, number 4001, was previously donated to the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside, ensuring another landmark vehicle from the original fleet remains preserved for future generations.

The last of the original trains completed passenger service in June.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, said: “We’re delighted to have donated this old Metro train to the North East Land Sea and Air Museum. 

“It was used for the Queen’s visit in 1981, a huge moment in Metro’s history, when she travelled on board it and then opened the system at a ceremony at Gateshead Interchange. 

“That very same carriage was also used during another Royal visit in 2021, when Prince Charles travelled on board from Central to Haymarket to mark our 40th anniversary year. 

“We’re over the moon that a museum has been able to take this train and put it on display for the public. 

“It is part of the region’s proud railway heritage. 

“We have achieved our commitment to keep two original trains for heritage purposes, meaning they can still be seen by the public for generations to come.”

NELSAM, based on the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland Airport site near the Nissan plant, is home to a wide range of aviation, military and transport exhibits, including the renowned Avro Vulcan B2 bomber.

David Charles, chair of trustees for NELSAM, added: “The arrival of the Metro unit at the museum marks the completion of the transition from an aircraft museum to a transport museum.

“The Royal Metro is a nationally significant rail item and cements the importance of the museum as a regional heritage location.  

“The delivery marks the end of a journey that started three years ago to add this significant item to the collection.

“The trustees are honoured to be chosen by Nexus and the Rail Heritage Board to be custodians of the Metro trains.  

“It will form the centrepiece of a new Metro experience to keep alive the memory of the first light railway system in the country.” 

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