Wednesday 22nd November saw the last of the current confirmed order of CAF Urbos100 trams for the West Midlands Metro with 52 arriving at Wednesbury Depot. This concludes the delivery of all 21 in the order, a process which started on 28th April 2021 when 39 was delivered.
As with all previous Urbos variety trams for the West Midlands Metro, 52 was built by CAF at their factory in Zaragoza, Spain. It was then transported across to the UK before making its final trip on the back of a low loader to arrive at Wednesbury Depot.
Whereas most arrivals at Wednesbury Depot have come around lunchtime this time the tram didn’t turn up until around 1500 with the usual Police escort bringing it to its new home. The lorry was then driven into the depot complex to allow unloading to take place and then the process of commissioning will get underway. And then, of course, the tram will enter service at some point in the future.
This is the twenty first of the later generation Urbos100 trams which have been constructed for the expanding West Midlands Metro network. These have a number of differences to the original 21 Urbos3 trams and have also been built as new with batteries fitted for use on the sections of line built without overhead wires.
You may recall that previously it had been said that West Midlands Metro would be receiving an additional tram – 59 – as part of the deal in relation to the problems experienced with the bodyside cracks. However, its now believed that this will not now be received at this time and that 21 trams will be the total of this fleet. There does remain an option for further orders if the network continues to expand as hoped by some local politicians.
52 is escorted on the final approach to the depot.
The newest arrival is manoeuvred into Wedmesbury Depot. (Both Photographs by Andy Walters)