Trams have come and trams have gone from the West Midlands Metro depot at Wednesbury in recent days with one returning from Dudley after repairs whilst another has gone in the opposite direction for its repairs to be started. The two trams in question this time are 20 (returning) and 30 (departing).
The night-time movements started on the night of Tuesday 11th April with Allely’s once again contracted to move the tram the relatively short distance from the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre in Dudley onto Bilston Road. This was 20 which we hadn’t even reported as being moved to Dudley but has presumably been there undergoing its repairs for the last 6-8 weeks or so.
The on the night of Friday 14th April it was the turn of a tram to depart and this time it was 30 which was transported. As is the current norm it was towed dead from the depot to Bilston Road from where it was loaded onto the back of the truck to be moved to Dudley. The tram used to do the towing was 39.
30 will now join 25 at the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre which has been there since 25th March.
In total there have now been eight trams which have been sent to Dudley for repairs plus one which went to Wolverton last year. Of those which have been sent away for repairs only 17 and 28 (the only one to go to Wolverton) have since returned to service although 27 (back January 2023) has been seen around the depot being readied for a return to action. The other trams which have been to Dudley are 24 (returned March 2023), 26 (returned January 2023) and 29 (returned March 2023).
As you’ll notice trams are continuing to be loaded and unloaded on Bilston Road with access to lorries still limited at the depot because of building works. This situation is expected to remain the case for some time which means not only are those trams which head to and from Dudley using this location but also any of the new Urbos100 trams which come from Spain.
Having towed 30 from the depot this first photo shows 39 still coupled to the tram before the loading process starts.
The Allely’s low loader waits on the right as we take a look at 39.
The Allely’s low loader waits on the right as we take a look at 39.
The ramp to load 30 is being made here.
And here we see the tram gently being winched up.
The following day and trams are lined-up at the depot. Nearest to the camera is 28 and alongside is 22 and then 32. (All Photographs by Andy Walters)