The end of new tram deliveries to Manchester Metrolink is in sight with M5000 3119 arriving at Queen’s Road Depot on Saturday 20th August – leaving just one further tram of the current order to make the trip. On the same day that 3119 arrived the previous arrival, 3118, was noted in service (believed to be its first day in passenger action) whilst other changes to the fleet have seen a number of trams lose their yellow spots in favour of rainbow spots ahead of the forthcoming Manchester Pride event.
3119 made the standard journey across mainland Europe via Hull arriving at Queen’s Road slightly earlier than its usual lunchtime delivery spot. Devoid of its spots the tram was soon unloaded from the low loader and moved into the workshops for a start to be made on its commissioning. Once this is complete it will embark on mileage accumulation before it enters service.
Saturday 20th August also saw the first passenger use of 3118, which had arrived in Manchester on 16th July, with the tram being allocated to the Shaw & Crompton to Piccadilly service.
Meanwhile at least four trams – 3016, 3046, 3078 and 3085 – have a slightly new look branded as #RainbowTram ahead of the Manchester Pride event which takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend. As well as receiving small window vinyls with the #RainbowTram hashtag the trams have seen their usual yellow spots replaced by rainbow spots along with the words “Connecting everyone with Pride since 1992”.
3119 arrives at Queen's Road on 20th August,
Another view of 3119 as it arrives at its new home.
3118 arrives into Piccadilly on its first day in service - 20th August - whilst working the Shaw & Crompton to Piccadilly service.
One of the rainbow trams - 3046 - is seen in Piccadilly Gardens.
3085 leaves Cornbrook. (All Photographs by Steve Kemp)
The rainbow used to be the emblem of the Women’s Institute in the past, and a favourite theme of rock stars like Richie Blackmore in the 1970s. It has more than one meaning.