West Midlands Metro rolling stock

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The West Midlands Metro is a passenger light rail line in the West Midlands conurbation in England, which opened in 1999. Its rolling stock consists of 21 CAF Urbos 3 trams which came into service in 2014/15, replacing the older T-69 trams which had operated the line since 1999.

Urbos 3[]

Urbos 3
Midlands Metro Tram 31 - 2019-04-04.jpg
Urbos 3 No.31 on Corporation Street
In service5 September 2014 – present
ManufacturerCAF
Built atZaragoza, Spain
ReplacedAll remaining T69
Constructed2012-2015
Number built21
Formation5 sections with 4 articulations.[1]
Fleet numbers17-37
Capacity210 (54 seats, 156 standing)[1]
Operator(s)West Midlands Metro
Line(s) servedWolverhampton - Birmingham
Specifications
Car length33 m (108 ft 3+1⁄4 in)[1]
Width2.65 m (8 ft 8+3⁄8 in)[1]
Height3.4 m (11 ft 1+7⁄8 in)
Maximum speed70 km/h (43 mph)[1]
Weight56 tonnes (55 long tons; 62 short tons)
Traction motors12 × 80 kW (110 hp)
Power output960 kW (1,290 hp)
Electric system(s)750 V DC from overhead catenary
Current collection methodPantograph
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

A new fleet of 21 CAF Urbos 3 trams began to enter service in September 2014, they replaced the old T-69 fleet in 2015.[2] In February 2012 Centro named CAF the preferred bidder for a contract to supply 19 to 25 Urbos 3 trams.[3] A £40 million firm order for 20 was subsequently signed, with options for five more.[4] The first of the new trams was unveiled at the Wednesbury depot in October 2013,[5] with the first four entering service on 5 September 2014.[2]

The new fleet provided an increased service of 10 trams per hour in each direction, with an increased capacity of 210 passengers per tram, compared with the 156 passengers on the former T69 trams. The Urbos 3 trams are 33 m (108 ft) long; 9 m (30 ft) longer than the former T69 stock, and have a maximum operating speed of 70 km/h (43 mph). They are low floor throughout, and consist of five sections with four articulations. Three of the modules are mounted on bogies and the other two modules are suspended.[1]

At 2.65 m (8 ft 8+3⁄8 in) wide, The Urbos 3 trams are slightly wider than the 2.48 m (8 ft 1+5⁄8 in) wide T69s. The line was closed for two weeks during March and April 2013, in order for the platforms on each of the stops to be narrowed by 15 cm (5.9 in) to accommodate the new trams. The T69s were modified with wider steps to be compatible with the narrower platforms.[6]

In 2016, it was announced that the Urbos 3 fleet would be fitted with rechargeable batteries to allow them to operate along various extensions of the Midland Metro network intended to be constructed without overhead lines.[7] Tram 18 was the first to be fitted with batteries in 2017,[8] with the final tram, number 26, being fitted by April 2020.[9] Tram 31 was the first to receive the new blue livery and was relaunched on 16 July 2018.[10] In May 2019, tram 19 was given a silver and blue livery with special logos to mark the 20th anniversary of the West Midlands Metro on 30 May 2019.[11] It was given the full blue livery in February 2021.[12] All trams now carry this livery.[13]

In October 2019, an order was signed for 21 new Urbos trams, with the option of a further 29.[14]

Fleet Number Tram Name Notes
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 Out of use between June 2017 and June 2019 following a derailment in the depot.[15]
27
28 Jasper Carrott[16] Named after the Birmingham born comedian Jasper Carrott on 13 November 2019 at the new Town Hall Tram Stop.[17]
29
30
31 Cyrille Regis[18]
32
33
34
35 Previously named Angus Adams by Elizabeth II on the 19 November 2015.[19][20]
36
37 Ozzy Osbourne Named by Osbourne on 26 May 2016.[21]
38 Delivered 9 June 2021
39 Delivered 28 April 2021
40 Delivered 26 May 2021
41 Delivered 23 June 2021
42
43
44

Former fleet[]

T-69[]

T-69
Midland Metro tram.jpg
Tram 05 in original livery at West Bromwich Central
In service30 May 1999–14 August 2015
ManufacturerAnsaldoBreda
Built atNaples, Italy
Constructed1996–1999
Refurbished2013
Scrapped2018
Number built16
Number preserved4
Number scrapped12
Formation2 sections per tram, articulated intersection
Fleet numbers01–16
Capacity156 (56 seats, 100 standing)[22]
Operator(s)National Express Midland Metro
Line(s) servedWolverhampton - Birmingham Snow Hill
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Car length24.36 m (79 ft 11 in)[22]
Width2.48 m (8 ft 1+5⁄8 in)[6]
Height3.7 m (12 ft 1+5⁄8 in)
Maximum speed43.5 mph (70 km/h)
Weight38 tonnes (37 long tons; 42 short tons) per tram [22]
Traction motors4 × 105 kW (141 hp) separately-excited DC motor
Power output420 kW (563 hp)
Electric system(s)750 V DC from overhead catenary
Current collection methodBrecknell Willis high reach pantograph
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)

Sixteen T-69 trams, were the original fleet, introduced into service in 1999, These were withdrawn from service gradually during 2014/15 as the new Urbos 3 fleet was introduced. The last, no. 16, was withdrawn from service in August 2015.[23]

The T69s were used only on the Midland Metro, and were built by the Italian company AnsaldoBreda. Their closest "brothers" were the SL95 running in Oslo, Norway. At 24.36 m (79 ft 11 in) long, the T-69s were the shortest modern tramcars in Britain. The vehicles were articulated, resting on three bogies, and had low floors over about 60% of the length. The central section of the trams was low floor, with inwards facing seating at the sides, while at each end was a raised seating area, accessible by steps. Each tram had 56 seats, with space for another 100 standing. They were accessible from three 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in) wide entrances on each side, with twin plug doors.[22]

At delivery, all trams had a livery of a blue body, red fronts, grey skirt and yellow doors, but several were refurbished and repainted in Network West Midlands' silver and magenta livery. From their entry into service, each tram had a roller-blind style destination board. in 2013, these were replaced with new LED Destination boards on all trams.[24]

Most trams were named after local celebrities or people of note.[13] After withdrawal 1-15 were placed in storage at Long Marston. In February 2016 proposals were unveiled to convert the Isle of Wight Island Line into a tram line. It was reported that the remaining T-69s could be purchased second hand and re-used for this scheme.[25] However, this proposal never came to fruition, and in 2018 two were donated for preservation, while two others are in storage at Long Marston. The remaining 12 were sold for scrap. Trams 07, 10 and 11 remain in storage at Long Marston. Tram 16 was originally planned to be retained as an engineering tram, but has now also been stored at Long Marston.

Key: In service Stored Scrapped Preserved
Fleet Number Tram Name Livery Notes
01 Original (blue, red, grey, yellow) Scrapped
02 Original Scrapped
03 Ray Lewis Original Scrapped
04 Sir Frank Whittle Original Scrapped
05 Sister Dora Silver and Magenta Scrapped
06 Alan Garner Original Scrapped; was involved in 2006 collision
07 Billy Wright[26] Silver and Magenta Preserved by UK Tram[27]
08 Joseph Chamberlain Original Scrapped
09 Jeff Astle Silver and Magenta Scrapped
10 John Stanley Webb Silver and Magenta Stored at Long Marston[28]
11 Theresa Stewart Birmingham Corporation Preserved by City of Birmingham[27]
12 Original Scrapped
13 Anthony Nolan Original Scrapped
14 Jim Eames Original Scrapped
15 Agenoria Original Scrapped
16 Gerwyn John[29] Original Stored at Long Marston

  • Interior of a T69

  • Sideways view of tram 06 in original livery

  • Tram 09 in silver and magenta livery in 2008

  • Trams 09 and 14 on the street running section in Wolverhampton in 2006

Maintenance vehicles[]

National Express Midland Metro, the former operator of the tramway until 2018, acquired a number of vehicles for maintaining the line. These included a Unimog,[30] and road-rail lifting platform.[31] These vehicles have been transferred to the new operator, Transport for West Midlands, and are still in use today.[citation needed]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f "CAF trams for Midland Metro Expansion Project". The Rail Engineer. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "New Midland Metro trams launched into service". Centro. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  3. ^ "CAF named preferred bidder to supply new Midland Metro trams". Railway Gazette International. 2 February 2012.
  4. ^ "Work begins on £128m Midland Metro expansion project". Railway Gazette International. London. 22 March 2012.
  5. ^ "Midland Metro unveils first CAF tram". Railway Gazette International. London. 16 October 2013.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "Essential Engineering Works". Network West Midlands. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Midland Metro trams to be converted for catenary-free operation". Railway Gazette. 12 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  8. ^ "In Pictures: Urbos3 18 returns - with batteries now included!". British Trams Online. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  9. ^ "In Pictures: All batteries now included on West Midlands Metro". British Trams Online. 11 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  10. ^ "In Pictures: Blue is the colour as West Midlands Metro new livery unveiled". British Trams Online News. 16 July 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  11. ^ "In Pictures: 19 receives West Midlands Metro 20th anniversary livery". British Trams Online News. 30 May 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  12. ^ "Livery changes in Manchester and West Midlands Metro". British Trams Online News. 27 February 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b "West Midlands Metro fleet list". British Trams Online. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  14. ^ "21 more Urbos trams for West Midlands Metro". British Trams Online News. 8 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  15. ^ "In Pictures: 26 gets ready for a return to service on West Midlands Metro". British Trams Online. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  16. ^ "Birmingham comic Jasper Carrott has tram named after him". BBC News Online. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  17. ^ "Comedian Jasper Carrott unveils tram named in his honour in Birmingham". Birmingham Mail. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  18. ^ "Cyrille Regis: Metro tram in memory of footballer". BBC News. 18 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  19. ^ "In Pictures: Another blue tram on West Midlands Metro". British Trams Online News. 17 August 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  20. ^ "Royal seal of approval for Midland Metro". Centro. 19 November 2015. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  21. ^ "Ozzy Osbourne has Birmingham tram named after him". BBC News Online. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  22. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Boynton 2001, pp. 80.
  23. ^ "End of the line for original Metro trams". Express & Star. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  24. ^ "Midland Metro : Trams". The Trams.co.uk. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
  25. ^ "IS THE FUTURE TRAMS AND STEAM TRAINS INTO RYDE?". islandecho.co.uk. Island Echo. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
  26. ^ "Midland Metro : Trams : 07". TheTrams.co.uk. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b Original Midland Metro tram to go on display Birmingham Mail 26 February 2018
  28. ^ "In Pictures: Midland Metro 10 still at Long Marston". British Trams Online News. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  29. ^ "16 'Gerwyn John'". TheTrams.co.uk. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  30. ^ "Ancillary vehicle at Wednesbury depot". Thetrams.co.uk.
  31. ^ "Ancillary vehicle at Wednesbury depot". Thetrams.co.uk.

Bibliography[]

  • Boynton, John (2001). Main Line to Metro: Train and tram on the Great Western route: Birmingham Snow Hill – Wolverhampton. Kidderminster: Mid England Books. ISBN 978-0-9522248-9-1.
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