After a period where tram movements to and from the West Midlands Metro had been fairly quiet (its all relative when you’re used to very regular movements!) that has changed over the past couple of days. Wednesbury Depot has seen one Urbos3 head off for storage whilst a brand new Urbos100 has been delivered from Spain.
The movements started on Wednesday 4th October and it was a tram leaving the depot which started the ball rolling. This time it was 34 which was the tram which made its departure. 34 had been in service fairly recently but with space remaining at a premium during the continued upgrade works at the depot and another tram due from CAF it was chosen to head off for temporary storage away from the tramway.
34 departed on the morning of 4th October with Allely’s again contracted for the move. Although the exact location of where the tram was going has not been revealed, sightings of the tram close to Derby seem to support the likelihood that it has become the latest tram to be moved to the Harry Needle storage facility at Worksop. Also stored there are 17, 26 and 29.
Add 24 hours to your clocks and it was time for an arrival at Wednesbury. That was 55 which was delivered from CAF’s factory in Zaragoza in Spain in the standard lunchtime slot. The well rehearsed delivery procedure was in place again with escort van bringing the single lorry to the depot and then the lorry driving into the depot to allow the tram to be unloaded and for a start to be made on its initial commissioning work.
Who doesn’t like a puddle picture?! 55 arrives in the West Midlands with the earlier rain having stopped.
Another look at 55 as it arrives at its new home for the first time.
55 again.
The previous day and 34 is seen upon departure from the depot. (All Photographs by Andy Walters)