End of the Line for the T68s

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 30 May 2014

A view of the Metrolink sidings at Queen’s Road tram depot. Of particular note are the blue white and grey trams which were part of the original fleet when the system was first opened by HM the Queen in 1992. Built first by Firema and later by Ansaldo, the T68s have enormous historical significance as they were the first “new generation” trams to run in a UK city and, as such, they played a major role in re-establishing light rail onto the UK’s streets. When this photograph was taken, the remaining T68 trams had all been consigned to the sidings having been gradually withdrawn from service to be replaced by the new, yellow, Bombardier Flexity Swift M5000s http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexity Swift (like 3035, at the front of the picture). The final T68 tram operated on a special tour for transport enthusiasts from the across the country, running from Piccadilly to Eccles, Bury, and on to Altrincham on May 26 2014. This tour was operated by 1007 (the rear of the two blue trams behind the yellow one). 1007 was also the first tram to operate on passenger service in 1992. It is hoped that at least one of the T68s will be saved from the scrapyard and preserved, possibly at Heaton Park Tramway Museum although given their historical significance, one would not be out of place at the National Tramway Museum at Crich. http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/metrolink-tram-t68-final-video-7173314 Manchester Evening News, Historic day as Metrolink tram enthusiasts make final trip on the T68

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