Sunday 20th July 2025 saw the departure of a M5000 from Manchester as 3053 left, although don’t worry its not a permanent move as it has headed away for accident repairs with Brodie Engineering in Kilmarnock its destination.
3053 was damaged in a head-on collision with a bus at Piccadilly Gardens in central Manchester on Friday 18th October 2024 which saw it suffer significant damage. The tram did manage to move under its own power away from the scene and back to the depot but upon closer inspection it was discovered that the damage was significant enough that it would need to be sent away for full repairs.
Brodie Engineering of Kilmarnock (who have form with repairing trams having completed the work on South Yorkshire Supertram 105 after it was hit by a lorry) were awarded the contract for the work and after preparations, Allelys were booked to perform the move with the date set as Sunday 20th July 2025.
With 3053 moved into place for its eventual loading, Allelys arrived at Queens Road Depot shortly before 1045 and soon set about loading the tram. This was finally completed with it onto the low loader and back through the gates at the depot at around 1710. It then started the long journey up to Scotland where work will get underway on its repairs before it can come back south and return to service at some point in the future.
The low loader arrives.
The lorry gently backs down to the depot to pick up its cargo.
On-board and ready to go. This is the end of the tram which was hit by the bus and is now covered in tarpaulin.
Lorry and 3053 come out of Queens Road Depot for the start of their journey to Scotland.
Another look at 3053 as it moves away from the depot.
And off it goes. The next time it will be seen in Manchester it should be fully repaired! (Photographs x6 by Reece Hughes, 20th July 2025)
A look at 3053 within Queens Road Depot as its loaded onto the lorry.
Another look at the tram as its now on the lorry and all ready for its lengthy journey. (Photographs x2 by Dave Hughes, 20th July 2025)
Rivington Services was the first rest break for Allelys crew and that is where we see the tram here arriving in heavy rain.
And the tram and lorry turns into the services for a break showing the other end. (Photographs x2 used with permission)