On Friday 21st March 2025 the LRTA organised a members day on the West Midlands Metro. As well as members enjoying a ride on the tramway they were also treated to a behind the scenes tour of Wednesbury Depot where they got the chance to hear about the use of battery trams on the network, the driver simulator in action and to see some of the trams which are currently not in service. Bob Hodges was one of those who got to see behind the usually closed doors.
With a 42 tram fleet and not even 50% of this being required for the daily service at the moment (the orders were made in preparation for the future extensions – including the Dudley line which should open by the end of this year) there are always plenty of trams which are stabled in the yard. This photo shows two of those – 37 (closest to us) and 38. These represent the last of the original Urbos3s and the first of the newer Urbos100s. 37 is not currently serviceable and as can be seen has its pantograph lowered (whereas 38’s is raised).
The far side of the yard – which when you pass on the tram just looks completely full of trams! – where 28 is currently stored. Again the tram has its pantograph lowered.
Inside the main workshop building at the depot where 31 is under attention. A popular tram thanks to its name and associated vinyls for Cyrille Regis MBE its been out of action for a while and is one of those which has spent some time away at Worksop for off-site storage. (All Photographs by Bob Hodges, 21st March 2025)
- Some video and stills from the same visit can also be seen on Podbaba Transport’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/F-nm_PEo2MU?si=UpifZvedzIlr2ujC