DSCF9485 Midland Metro tram set 20 in Birmingham - 19 Aug 2017

Saturday 19 August 2017 (1514) – Midland Metro tram set 20 literally at the end of the line in Stephenson Street, Birmingham having just arrived from Priestfield. Just visible beyond the tram is the loading platform for the return journey. The tram will soon move forward and switch to the track on the left side of the street and load at that platform. There are plans to extend the line to Five Ways which will involve the trams making a diagonal turn into Pinfold Street out of shot on the left of the camera.

The Metro fleet consists of 21 similar CAF Urbos 3 units (numbered 17-37) built in Spain which entered service in 2014-2015 replacing the original 16 Italian built trams (numbered 1-16) which launched service in May 1999.

On the left is the Ian Allan Book and Model Shop. I had a look around and all I can say is WOW!! It is like Aladdin’s cave and should certainly carry some kind of financial well-being warning!