Following completion of the £70m project to rebuild the Metro maintenance depot in Gosforth where 46 light metro trainsets will be maintained, Stadler Rail have kindly opened their doors to Engineering & Manufacturing Network members for a tour of the facility. Kindly hosted by James McCaffrey, UK Head of Programmes, James will talk about the successes and challenges of implementing such a largescale project.

The facility includes 17 stabling sidings, inspection roads and pits, a wheel lathe building and a wash-plant. There are also monorail cranes on the light maintenance roads and an overhead crane on the heavy maintenance roads for lifting roof components.

Train movements are controlled using a Stadler signaling system from a room offering a bird’s eye view of the depot and energy efficiency features include insulation, roof-mounted solar panels and use of natural light. Even water is recycled for train washing and there are charging bays for electric cars, a secure area for bikes and showers for people cycling to work. Material from the previous 1923 building on the site was crushed in situ and reused for tracks and foundations, reducing lorry movements too. The depot brings fleet maintenance into the 21st century.

Guests must bring their own hard hat or bump cap as well as railway approved safety boots to participate in the tour.

• EMN Members Free – Please choose the appropriate ticket type
• Non Members £10 (refundable if membership taken up within 30 days of visit)