The lines which later became part of the Metro system from Newcastle to the Coast formed Britains first Provincial electric railway system; this vehicle is the only survivor of rolling stock built for the Tynemouth scheme of 1904. Two suburban railways competed for the distinction of starting electric services but the N.E.R. trains began running from the New Bridge Street Station in Newcastle a few weeks ahead of Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway trains from Liverpool to Southport.

No 3267 was one of two vehicles which carried small consignments of boxed fish and what the Railway termed "Sundries" traffic. Driving cabs were provided at both ends and two traction motors were fitted in each bogie; D. C. power was collected from a third-rail outside the track by collector shoes mounted on the bogies. B.T.H Type M Line-Voltage Contactor control equipment was fitted under the floor of the vehicle and Master Controllers were provided in the cabs; compressed-air brakes and rail-sanding were also used.

The distinctive "porthole" drivers window in each cab was similar to steam locomotive practice of the period and it is uncertain whether it was used to make the electric trains more familiar to drivers transferring from steam locos or to eliminate the distraction caused by the "flicker" of sleepers passing below deep rectangular windows In addition to sundries and fish traffic both vans were also used as locomotives on the Riverside line services for shipyard workers; a train of carriages fitted with control circuits was used and a Motor Luggage Van was attached at each end.

When both vans were replaced in 1938 they were converted to spray an anti-freeze mixture on the live-rails in severe weather. All control and traction equipment was removed and the vehicles were hauled around the electrified lines by steam locomotives in the overnight period when electric trains were not running.