It was another historic date for second generation trams in the UK on Tuesday 17th June with Midland Metro T69 14 becoming the first of the class to leave Wednesbury. As rumoured at the weekend 14 has left and it is believed it is on its way to Long Marston where testing will take place, although just what this testing will consist of is unclear!
The tram was collected by Allelys and after a loading which took around one hour it left for pastures new at 1827. Earlier in the day 14 had been plastered in stickers telling everyone that it is a “Test Tram” and also that its testing is for UK Tram. The partners of UK Tram are also listed on the stickers carried on the upper sides of 14.
Also on 17th June 03 was moved into the workshops from its normal resting place in the depot yard.
We will report further on this development as and when we know anything to report on! We are also hoping to have further photos of the departure later on this week.
14 departs Wednesbury Depot on 17th June. It is thought it is on the way to Long Marston for testing although this isn't 100% confirmed! (Photo: Andy Walters)
This passed me around 18.45 tonight as it headed out of Wednesbury towards Junction 9 of the M6. Possible that it was going to Allelys’ yard at Studley for an overnight stopover before continuing on to Long Marston tomorrow.
At a Joint (TLRS/LRTA/TMS/ERS) West Midlands meeting we were told by a Senior Centro Officer that UK Tram were establishing a Tramway test centre at Long Marston, to test many matters including vehicles and track and infrastructure. They had even made an offer to Lewis Lesley to use the facilities to test his Track system etc..
Could uk tram see old sheffield / nottingham / crydon trams coming there way.
between 17:00 – 17:40 the system was only running between snowhill and black lake. caused by a fire in the wednesbury area.
Who knows, 14 could end up running in Preston!
Looks like tram 14 was attending Rail Live 14 in Long Marston.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.762722110444821.1073741828.238460106204360&type=1
Err Paul. There are no spare Croydon, Sheffield or Nottingham Cars they are all adding to their fleets. An MM car is probably the only available serviceable tram except in Edinburgh of course. However the permanent employee of UK Tram is part time with UK tram and part time with Centro so as usual 2 and 2 make 4.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=764540023596363&set=a.762722110444821.1073741828.238460106204360&type=3&theater