The number of trams which have had their repairs completed on the West Midlands Metro continues to increase with a further two examples being seen on test including “celebrity” 31 and 19.
31 was named Cyrille Regis MBE was named in a ceremony at Wednesbury Depot on 18th January 2019 by members of the late footballer’s family. As well as featuring the name “Cyrille Regis MBE 1958-2018” it includes silhouettes of his familiar goal celebration.
The tram had not been seen out of the depot since before the service suspension in March 2022 but has now seemingly had its bodyside panels replaced as part of the ongoing project and is almost ready for a return to passenger service. It was noted on test on 25th July 2022.
This has not been the tram’s first period out of service as it was involved in an accident in August 2019 which saw it receive extensive repairs. It didn’t return to service until 5th March 2020.
Then just a few days later and 19 was out on the line, again being tested. Another tram which hadn’t been seen since pre-closure, its first day seen being tested was 28th July. And the testing was obviously a success as it was back in service on Friday 29th July!
Both trams show the evidence of repairs with the plain white panels around the doors.
31 stands at Wolverhampton St George’s on test. (Photograph by Andy Walters, 25th July 2022)
19 out on the line once more under test. (Photograph by Andy Walters, 28th July 2022)