Now I know that sometimes we are a little slow to bring you some news stories but this one is probably a new record! Manchester Metrolink 1016 is believed to have been scrapped after suffering damage at its long-term storage facility at Long Marston with it (or at least half of it) seen on a low loader in June 2021 leaving the Warwickshire site.
1016 was one of 26 Metrolink T68s built for the opening of the network in 1992, entering service on the first day of operation on 6th April 1992. It remained in service until being withdrawn on 10th February 2014. After a short period of storage in Manchester it departed on 21st August 2014 but whereas many of its sisters left for a one-way trip to the scrapman, 1016 was one of the lucky ones as it had been secured by UK Tram with a view to be used for testing. Along with 1022, 1024 and 1026 it was moved to Long Marston which is where it remained until June 2021.
Although not confirmed its understood that the tram suffered vandalism damage whilst in store and it was deemed not to economically viable to repair it. As a result the tram was moved away for scrapping. However, not much is known as although there is photographic evidence of half of the tram on the back of a lorry in June 2021 that’s about all we can report on! It is presumed that the other half also departed at the same time but where they went isn’t known.
Its believed that 1022, 1024 and 1026 currently remain at Long Marston.
Both halves were photographed leaving Long Marston on a pair of Reid’s low loaders. The site at Long Marston belongs to Porterbrook, so it is possible that they were scrapped by Sims Metals, but nothing has been confirmed since the LRV left Warwickshire.