T68s at Old Trafford Depot

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 11 Feb 2015

This photograph shows two of the blue white and grey trams which were part of the original Metrolink 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. All of the first generation Metrolink T68 trams have been withdrawn from service; the final T68 tram operated on a special tour for transport enthusiasts from the across the country, running from Piccadilly to Eccles, Bury, and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 (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). Most of the T68 trams have since been scrapped. Four remain in open storage; one (1003) is at the Queen’s Road depot and the other three are at the Old Trafford depot. 1023 and 1020 can be seen here with T68A tram number 2001 hidden behind them. A fifth tram, 1007, is to be preserved by the Heaton Park Tramway. 1023 has been fitted with an ice-breaker pantograph and has been used for this task during the winter period. It was named MIKE MABEY to mark the departure of Metrolink's Head of Operations. The Lancashire Fusilier nameplates and crests which used to be carried by 1020 have been removed from the vehicle to be fitted to Bombardier 3020.

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