The museum's chairman has outlined his enthusiasm for the project
A historic Tyne and Wear Metro carriage that once carried Queen Elizabeth II is making its way to a museum in Washington, near Sunderland, where it will be preserved for generations to come.
Carriage 4020, affectionately dubbed "The Royal Train," transported the monarch when she formally inaugurated the Metro network in 1981.
The vehicle is departing from Wallsend in North Tyneside and heading to The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum.
This iconic piece of transport history belongs to the original Metro fleet, which completed its last scheduled service on Friday. The network's operations have now largely transitioned to 46 new Stadler trains.
David Charles, the museum's chairman, described his enthusiasm for the project, which has been in development for approximately three years.
"I'm really excited, because I have lived with this project for probably three years," he said.
He emphasised the significance of acquiring such a notable piece of railway heritage, calling it "kudos" for the institution.
"There's a little bit of kudos for the museum because this is a nationally significant rail item. It is really important," Mr Charles explained.
The chairman also noted that the Washington-bound carriage represents one of just three original Metro trains being preserved within the region.
A 120ft lorry will transport the carriage from Howdon to its new home, navigating through the Tyne Tunnel en route.
"It's the biggest endeavour we've ever done," Mr Charles said.
Visitors will be able to view the train from Wednesday, with access to the interior expected by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the museum has ambitions to create an interactive "Metro experience" that would simulate the sensation of sitting at the front and operating the train.
The arrival comes as plans remain in place to extend the actual Metro line to Washington by 2033.