# Event Details - **Event Name**: The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 07:30 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: This talk will cover the history and construction of the Tyne and Wear Metro and some of the innovative techniques and equipment used.About this EventThe presentation will cover the concept of the Tyne and Wear Metro, its history and construction, which will also reference its extensions to Newcastle Airport, Sunderland and more recently the doubling of the track between Pelaw and Jarrow. Consideration will also be given to some of the innovative techniques and equipment used over the years, many of which are now standard items practices on the national and international networks.Phil Kirkland is a career railwayman with over 52 years continuous frontline service. He started his railway career with British Rail Newcastle in 1973, and over the years has worked for numerous post-privatisation organisations both within Permanent Way Maintenance and Renewals where he would be seconded to the BR Metro construction team in 1979. After a wide-ranging career including work overseas, Phil would return to take up the role of Head of Maintenance Delivery at Nexus (Tyne and Wear Metro) in 2007. His role at Nexus encompassed heading up all infrastructure inspection, maintenance and rapid response, covering Track, Overhead Line, Signalling, Plant and Equipment, E&M, Civils and all other non-rail (bus) infrastructure.To give some particular context, Phil worked on Metro in two spells - during its original design and construction phases up to and after the handover from British Rail until 1984 before returning in 2007 to head up the infrastructure maintenance department. Here he has brought influence and strong leadership qualities to ensure the necessary changes and working practices were actioned in order that Nexus kept pace with the wider rail industry, but importantly conducted its business in a safe, professional, assured and technically competent manner. His extremely high levels of personal availability all hours and commitment have been the hallmark of his time with Nexus, often recorded in dispatches.Phil has also worked overseas in North America, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, drawing on these experiences and always sharing his learning opportunities widely via the Permanent Way Institution, where he became Vice President for over 20 years. In recent years Phil has been instrumental in supporting the concept and development of the Newcastle College Rail Academy, which today is the envy of many. Through consistent support and guidance, the Academy is now teaching appropriate curriculae in disciplines such as the inspection, maintenance and renewal of Track, Signals, OLE and Railway Civils. In semi-retirement, Phil is Director of his own business, RATW Railway Consultancy Services Ltd., established in 2019.17:30-18:00 - Tea and Coffee18:00-18:50 - In-person only Lecture Starts18:50 to 19:00 - Q & AWelcome to our November NEIMME Lecture. NEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering, Science and Technology in the North.For more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/For information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/ https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/5465b990-bc25-11f0-b7c6-b927f12f07fb-rimg-w1200-h655-dcffffff-gmir.jpg - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/newcastle-upon-tyne/the-history-engineering-and-maintenance-of-the-tyne-and-wear-metro/100001962613433612 - **Event Categories**: business, art, fine-arts - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Newcastle upon Tyne - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Neville Hall - **lat**: 54.9693394 - **long**: -1.6142903 - **full address**: Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/972bc693e0715274a0b2d4e8d23d9107890dc700945ec16baa3ea26e5619ea4d-rimg-w1200-h676-dc010101-gmir.jpg?v=1762552905 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro being held? - **A:** The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro takes place on Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 07:30 pm at Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro? - **A:** The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro is organized by North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The History, Engineering and Maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Newcastle upon Tyne, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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