Mattmatt
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Taken from Trams today on Facebook, i thought people might like to read it. They offer some great info on trams etc. The people who write this blog knows their stuff.
First ever second generation tram is withdrawn
In 1992 a new era for tramways in Britain began following the launch of Manchester Metrolink, the first wholly new tramway to be constructed for generations and the beginning of the light rail era. Twenty six trams were constructed to operate the initial network, built by Ansaldo-Firema in Italy and known as the T68s. Numbered 1001-1026, these trams heralded a radical departure from the conventional view of a tramcar and became the pioneers of the second generation trams which now operate in other towns and cities across the country.
After twenty years, in which the technology and sophistication of new trams has evolved, the T68 now look increasingly old fashioned when set against the new M5000s being introduced to Manchester, as well as other designs such as the Variotram in Croydon and the Flexity in Blackpool. Increasingly worn and becoming more unreliable, the T68s have become something of an unwanted embarrassment to Manchester, being largely responsible for the frequent breakdowns and disruptions which have plagued the system in recent months and, with the increase in the order for new M5000 trams, it had long been known that the plan was to phase out the older rolling stock.
Now, after two decades of faithful service, the first T68 has been withdrawn, becoming the very first second generation tram ever to suffer this fate. Sensibly Metrolink have carried out an assessment of each of the T68s to determine which are in the worst condition, with a hit list drawn up of trams which need to be withdrawn as a priority. Therefore, the axe will not fall on the trams in numerical order and it is 1011 which has been given the dubious honour of being the first casualty. The demise of this particular tram has been mooted several times over the last few weeks, with at least three withdrawal dates having been suggested but 1011 continued in use until April 18th when its luck finally ran out. After operating as a coupled pair with 1004, 1011 was unceremoniously returned to Queens Road depot where, it is believed, stripping of the car has already commenced, ruling out a last minute reprieve. Parts from the tram will now be salvaged to help keep the other T68s on the road and its ATS equipment will be fitted to a M5000 tram to allow it to be activated from store and launched into service after which it is expected that the remains of 1011 will be scrapped, an inauspicious end to this particular tram.
The loss of 1011 is not expected to be an isolated occurrence with several other members of the class already on the hit list for withdrawal. Amongst those believed to be in the worst condition are 1004, 1007 and 1019 and any of these three could follow in the footsteps of 1011 and be withdrawn shortly, as the run down of the original fleet accelerates. In order to compensate for the withdrawal of 1011, further M5000 trams have now started to be fitted with the ATS equipment necessary for them to work with the current signalling system. The most recent addition to the operating fleet has been 3022, which now joins 3001-3021 and 3024 in service, with 3025 expected to follow shortly.
When first delivered it was expected that the T68s would have a lifespan of at least thirty years but they have fallen a decade short of this. With Metrolink officially opening on April 6th 1992, 1011 has managed to survive for exactly twenty years and 12 days! Although the T68s are not expected to disappear completely from the streets of Manchester, with several examples being kept indefinitely and the possibility that those in the best condition will join 1003 in receiving the new yellow and silver livery, the demise of 1011 inevitably raises speculation about the ultimate preservation of one of these trams. Several members of the class have notched up notable achievements in the lifetime which adds weight to their selection for survival. 1001 is important as it represents the very first second generation tram ever constructed for operation in Britain, 1005 was the first tram to operate under its own power in Manchester, when operating on a test run prior to the system opening, 1012 was the tram which launched passenger services on the network, 1010 was chosen to convoy the Queen when she officially opened the system whilst 1004 and 1008 were the first to run as a couple pair. 1015 achieved notoriety in 2010 when it was chosen to play a starring role in Coronation Street, being the tram which plunged off a viaduct, killing several members of the cast. 1007 has probably the greatest claim to fame as it was this tram which carried passengers through the streets of Manchester for the first time since the original system closed in 1949. With a sense of history, 1007 was chosen as the number of the tram which officially ended Manchesters first tram system was also numbered 1007.
However, it is not certain as to whether a T68 will actually be preserved as their length may be a deterrent to museums. Crich would be the logical place to display one of these trams but, with the recent rejection of a Blackpool Twin Set and Centenary Car due to lack of space, it is unlikely that they would be in a position to accommodate a T68. Hopefully, one example at least will be selected for continued survival, possibly in Boyle Street Transport Museum or maybe, one day, there will be the possibility of a ride on a T68 through Manchesters Heaton Park.
www.facebook.com/pages/Trams-Today/144002195699684
First ever second generation tram is withdrawn
In 1992 a new era for tramways in Britain began following the launch of Manchester Metrolink, the first wholly new tramway to be constructed for generations and the beginning of the light rail era. Twenty six trams were constructed to operate the initial network, built by Ansaldo-Firema in Italy and known as the T68s. Numbered 1001-1026, these trams heralded a radical departure from the conventional view of a tramcar and became the pioneers of the second generation trams which now operate in other towns and cities across the country.
After twenty years, in which the technology and sophistication of new trams has evolved, the T68 now look increasingly old fashioned when set against the new M5000s being introduced to Manchester, as well as other designs such as the Variotram in Croydon and the Flexity in Blackpool. Increasingly worn and becoming more unreliable, the T68s have become something of an unwanted embarrassment to Manchester, being largely responsible for the frequent breakdowns and disruptions which have plagued the system in recent months and, with the increase in the order for new M5000 trams, it had long been known that the plan was to phase out the older rolling stock.
Now, after two decades of faithful service, the first T68 has been withdrawn, becoming the very first second generation tram ever to suffer this fate. Sensibly Metrolink have carried out an assessment of each of the T68s to determine which are in the worst condition, with a hit list drawn up of trams which need to be withdrawn as a priority. Therefore, the axe will not fall on the trams in numerical order and it is 1011 which has been given the dubious honour of being the first casualty. The demise of this particular tram has been mooted several times over the last few weeks, with at least three withdrawal dates having been suggested but 1011 continued in use until April 18th when its luck finally ran out. After operating as a coupled pair with 1004, 1011 was unceremoniously returned to Queens Road depot where, it is believed, stripping of the car has already commenced, ruling out a last minute reprieve. Parts from the tram will now be salvaged to help keep the other T68s on the road and its ATS equipment will be fitted to a M5000 tram to allow it to be activated from store and launched into service after which it is expected that the remains of 1011 will be scrapped, an inauspicious end to this particular tram.
The loss of 1011 is not expected to be an isolated occurrence with several other members of the class already on the hit list for withdrawal. Amongst those believed to be in the worst condition are 1004, 1007 and 1019 and any of these three could follow in the footsteps of 1011 and be withdrawn shortly, as the run down of the original fleet accelerates. In order to compensate for the withdrawal of 1011, further M5000 trams have now started to be fitted with the ATS equipment necessary for them to work with the current signalling system. The most recent addition to the operating fleet has been 3022, which now joins 3001-3021 and 3024 in service, with 3025 expected to follow shortly.
When first delivered it was expected that the T68s would have a lifespan of at least thirty years but they have fallen a decade short of this. With Metrolink officially opening on April 6th 1992, 1011 has managed to survive for exactly twenty years and 12 days! Although the T68s are not expected to disappear completely from the streets of Manchester, with several examples being kept indefinitely and the possibility that those in the best condition will join 1003 in receiving the new yellow and silver livery, the demise of 1011 inevitably raises speculation about the ultimate preservation of one of these trams. Several members of the class have notched up notable achievements in the lifetime which adds weight to their selection for survival. 1001 is important as it represents the very first second generation tram ever constructed for operation in Britain, 1005 was the first tram to operate under its own power in Manchester, when operating on a test run prior to the system opening, 1012 was the tram which launched passenger services on the network, 1010 was chosen to convoy the Queen when she officially opened the system whilst 1004 and 1008 were the first to run as a couple pair. 1015 achieved notoriety in 2010 when it was chosen to play a starring role in Coronation Street, being the tram which plunged off a viaduct, killing several members of the cast. 1007 has probably the greatest claim to fame as it was this tram which carried passengers through the streets of Manchester for the first time since the original system closed in 1949. With a sense of history, 1007 was chosen as the number of the tram which officially ended Manchesters first tram system was also numbered 1007.
However, it is not certain as to whether a T68 will actually be preserved as their length may be a deterrent to museums. Crich would be the logical place to display one of these trams but, with the recent rejection of a Blackpool Twin Set and Centenary Car due to lack of space, it is unlikely that they would be in a position to accommodate a T68. Hopefully, one example at least will be selected for continued survival, possibly in Boyle Street Transport Museum or maybe, one day, there will be the possibility of a ride on a T68 through Manchesters Heaton Park.
www.facebook.com/pages/Trams-Today/144002195699684
