A journey from Monkseaton Metro station to Newcastle Airport Metro station was used to photograph structures and details to help with creating the atmosphere on Round Trees Sidings.
Extensive foliage and new buildings make it impossible to use the same vantage points as Tim harris in the 1980s.
The Metro cars are one of the few vehicles in the UK where passengers can obtain a "drivers eye" view of the track ahead.
A brief photographic survey of Bankfoot Station in October 2005 is also included to allow comparison with the 1980s shots and also to obtain some reference information as part of potentially modelling a representation of this terminus.
Left hand mast at Monkseaton metro station - note how the mast reduces in diameter in three distinct sections.
The right hand mast - note how the span wires hold the contact wire in the correct position.
Detail of the mast with the concrete weights used to tension the contact wire.
A sign denoting a neutral section about 50 yards in the distance.
The catenary mast in the rear of the neutral section.
Plenty of detail for the modeller.
Track and signal details
Our only photograph of the fawdon Factory. The whole area is now very overgrown and it is not possible to use the viewpoints in the original 1986 photographs.
Ground signal at Monkseaton Station
Departing from North Shields station, the Metro follows the original route of the LNER line through Percy Main towards Tynemouth. These bridges and retaining walls are impressive structures when seen from the front seat, but they soon give way to a spectacular viaduct.
This bridge on the outskirts of Tynemouth was the inspiration for the pedestrian bridge on Round Trees Sidings used to hide the fiddle yard.
These retaining walls provided the inspiration for the walls on Round Tree Sidings
