You wait ages for a new tram to turn up and then two turn up within a few weeks of each other! Coming just two weeks after 3135 was delivered to Queens Road Depot, Manchester Metrolink’s latest M5000 – 3136 – arrived at the depot on Saturday 12th February 2022.
3136 took the well-trodden path to Manchester via Hull Docks and arrived at Queens Road shortly before midday where it was soon off loaded from the back of the lorry to allow a start to be made on its commissioning.
It is joined in being commissioned by the previous arrival – 3135 – which had only arrived at the depot on 29th January 2022 and has yet to be noted in passenger service.
There are now just a further 11 of the trams due to be delivered to bring the total fleet size up to 147.
3136 on the final stages of its journey with checks seemingly being made that the load remains secure at the rear of the lorry.
Another shot of 3136 as it swings round to the depot. (Both Photographs by Ben Worsley, 12th February 2022)