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Elliott Brown Transport
11 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Some of the pavement sculpture circles at the original Midland Metro tram stops

These pavement sculpture circles can be found at the tram stops between Wolverhampton St George's and Birmingham Snow Hill (but not on the newly opened extension tram stops). Here is some examples I've found so far.

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Some of the pavement sculpture circles at the original Midland Metro tram stops





These pavement sculpture circles can be found at the tram stops between Wolverhampton St George's and Birmingham Snow Hill (but not on the newly opened extension tram stops). Here is some examples I've found so far.


St Paul's Tram Stop

This resembles jewellery, one of two tram stops in the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="St Paul's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Pauls%20TS%20(Jan%202013)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Hawthorns Tram Stop

This resembles The Baggies aka West Bromwich Albion FC, who play nearby at The Hawthorns Stadium.

dndimg alt="The Hawthorns Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Hawthorns%20TS%2009032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Bromwich Central Tram Stop

This one resembles three springs.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West%20Bromwich%20CTS%2009032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop

This looks like lots of feet together in a wheel.

dndimg alt="Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lodge%20Rd%20WBTHTS%20(May%202017)%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dartmouth Street Tram Stop

This one resembles the Dartmouth Street Bridge in West Bromwich with the tram line going through it.

dndimg alt="Dartmouth Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dartmouth%20St%20TS%2009032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop

This resembles cannons and cannonballs in a circle.

dndimg alt="Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudley%20St%20Guns%20Vil%20(Jan%202023)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bilston Central Tram Stop

This one resembles the sun at the centre.

dndimg alt="Bilston Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bilston%20Central%20TS%2009032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Crescent Tram Stop

This one resembles the moon as a crescent forms during the month.

dndimg alt="The Crescent Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Crescent%20TS%2009032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Royal Tram Stop

This one resembles a butterfly.

dndimg alt="The Royal Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Royal%20Tram%20Stop%20(May%202017)%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
07 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Trains at Walsall Station over the years

Walsall Station has three platforms. The Walsall to Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street was the first one to be electrified. The line to Rugeley Trent Valley saw electrification completed by 2019. So had diesel trains before then. London Midland until 2017, then West Midlands Railway (with London Northwestern Railway trains) since then.

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Trains at Walsall Station over the years





Walsall Station has three platforms. The Walsall to Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street was the first one to be electrified. The line to Rugeley Trent Valley saw electrification completed by 2019. So had diesel trains before then. London Midland until 2017, then West Midlands Railway (with London Northwestern Railway trains) since then.


Birmingham New Street to Rugeley Trent Valley line

In the years before Walsall to Rugeley Trent Valley was electrified, London Midland used the Class 170 DMU's from Birmingham New Street. Mostly going via Perry Barr or sometimes via Soho and Handsworth. Trains from Birmingham stopped at platform 1, while trains from Rugeley arrived at platform 2.

London Midland 170517 seen in 2014 at Walsall Station platform 1.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%20(Apr%202014)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland 170508 seen in 2014 at Walsall Station platform 2.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%20(Apr%202014)%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The line was electrified between 2017 and 2019, and by the time it opened, the line was run by new franchise operator West Midlands Railway. These Class 350 EMU's would also be used by London Northwestern Railway on the lines between Birmingham New Street and London Euston or to Liverpool Lime Street. Under West Midlands Railway the trains from Rugeley Trent Valley would go beyond Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International.

London Northwestern Railway 350 266 seen in 2021 at Walsall Station platform 2.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20350%20Walsall%20Station%20(Jun%202021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Northwestern Railway 350 259 seen in 2023 at Walsall Station platform 1.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%2015042023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Northwestern Railway 350 240 seen in 2023 at Walsall Station platform 2.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%2015042023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Northwestern Railway 350409 seen in 2024 at Walsall Station platform 1.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNWR%20350%20Walsall%20Station%2003032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Northwestern Railway 350122 seen in 2024 at Walsall Station platform 1.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNWR%20350%20Walsall%20Station%2003032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Northwestern Railway 350409 seen in 2024 at Walsall Station platform 2.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNWR%20350%20Walsall%20Station%2003032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street to Walsall line

Trains on this line always usually go via Aston, Witton and Perry Barr, and terminate at platform 3. Until 2019, it was the only platform to be electrified. Under London Midland, they used the Class 323 EMU's on the line to and from Wolverhampton via Birmingham New Street.

 London Midland 323202 seen in 2016 at Walsall Station platform 3.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%20(Dec%202016)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland 323201 seen in 2016 at Walsall Station platform 3.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%20(Dec%202016)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After West Midlands Railway took over in late 2017, they replaced the Class 323's on the line with the Class 350 EMU's.

London Northwestern Railway 350 106 seen in 2018 at Walsall Station platform 3.

dndimg alt="Walsall Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Walsall%20Station%20(Mar%202018)%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From 2024 West Midlands Railway have started to introduce the new Class 730's on the line, but on my last visit to Walsall on a Sunday, they weren't running, so ended up going on the Class 350's instead (on the Birmingham New Street to Rugeley Trent Valley line). Although did travel to Smethwick Galton Bridge earlier, and caught a Class 350 to Birmingham New Street, and switched lines.

London Northwestern Railway 350 238 seen in 2024 at Smethwick Galton Bridge Station (low level) platform 4.

dndimg alt="Smethwick Galton Bridge Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smethwick%20GBS%2003032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho EMU Depot

The only place to see the Class 730's not in service in the West Midlands is at the Soho EMU depot near the Soho Loop. You can also see them from the train. Some have come into service on the Wolverhampton to Walsall via Birmingham New Street line (but I'm not sure on what days). And they are due to enter service on the Cross City Line from April 2024.

West Midlands Railway 730 006 seen at Soho EMU Depot during 2023.

dndimg alt="Class 730" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20EMU%20Depot%2031082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Train view of West Midlands Class 730's during 2023 from the train.

dndimg alt="Class 730" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20EMU%20Depot%2028082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway Class 323's and Class 730's seen at Soho EMU Depot from the train in 2024.

dndimg alt="Class 730" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20EMUD%20323%20730%2003032024.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
18 Feb 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A look around the new look University Station

The new University Station buildings were opened on Sunday 28th January 2024, and I went to have a look around two weeks later on Sunday 11th February 2024. I got a train one way up from Longbridge, then checked out the buildings inside, the went over the bridge to the campus, and walked around to Vincent Drive and Pritchatts Road. It looks good and fresh. The old building is exit only.

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A look around the new look University Station





The new University Station buildings were opened on Sunday 28th January 2024, and I went to have a look around two weeks later on Sunday 11th February 2024. I got a train one way up from Longbridge, then checked out the buildings inside, the went over the bridge to the campus, and walked around to Vincent Drive and Pritchatts Road. It looks good and fresh. The old building is exit only.


University Station, the new buildings at the West Gate of the University of Birmingham and at Vincent Drive was fully opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. With the ASLEF train driver strikes the following weekend (3rd and 4th February 2024), thought it was best to wait until the next weekend (10th and 11th February 2024) to come back and check out the buildings.

 

I got the 12:43 train from Longbridge to University, and to my suprise it was West Midlands Railway 323221 in the classic Regional Railways livery. I got to University shortly before 1pm on Sunday 11th February 2024.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The waiting room on platform 1, there is also a new waiting room on platform 2. Probably useful for passengers going with Cross Country on the line between Cardiff Central and Nottingham via Birmingham New Street (if not the Cross City Line, as trains are frequent during the week).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look at the main concourse from platform level, toilets are to the right. Soon there will be an NHS facility to the left.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tickets and information near the stairs, way out to the Medical School.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Up the steps from platform 1 concourse, there is seats to sit on near the lift.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View out of the window on the new bridge above the tracks, platform 1 on the right, platform 2 on the left. Towards the 1978 building, now exit only.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Steps down to the platform 2 concourse. Also a lift.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exiting the station over the new footbridge to the University of Birmingham campus, with a view to Old Joe, it crosses the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is also an entrance to University Station from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal towpath. I used to have to leave the canal via the steps to Westgate to get to the 1978 entrance.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

To the right is a ramp for disabled passengers (wheelchairs etc) to use, or 45 steps down to the University campus.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looking back at University Station from the new footbridge.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is some unfinished areas near the footbridge, including in this view towards the canal and new station building.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This grassed area is currently all fenced off, awaiting completion, other than that the steps, ramp and bridge above are open.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Following the Westgate path towards the 1978 building, as we see the 2024 building alongside the canal. This was part of the site of Metchley Roman Fort.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now heading to the new University Station building from the new path from Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

It is well landscaped with lampposts and a grass lawn.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The station building is close to Vincent Drive. Bollards should prevent vehicles going beyond and parking where they shouldn't do.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of the many new University Station signs at the station.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The University Station sign from Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look at the station from the bridges on Pritchatts Road, heading to the North Gate of the University of Birmingham, as West Midlands Railway 323218 arrived at platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

We hope you enjoyed our tour of the new University Station. Experience it yourself by buying your tickets at West Midlands Railway. We recommend using their app, which has a QR code ticket (once tickets purchased). But you can still buy tickets at the station of your choice (ticket machines or ticket office) such as Birmingham New Street. There is ticket gates at the station, on the platform level. Trains on the Cross City Line go between Redditch or Bromsgrove to Lichfield Trent Valley.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024

The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.

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University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024





The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.


It was supposed to open in July 2022, but is now going to fully open on Sunday 28th January 2024. 

Photo progress gallery below from May 2022 to January 2024.

* Note that all these photos were taken before the new buildings were opened to the public.

 

May 2022

Worcester & Birmingham Canal view near the University of Birmingham, the new buildings under scaffolding.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First look at the extended platforms from platform 1 at University.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager passed non stop towards Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/XC%20220%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323209 calls at University, platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323209%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 170501 passes on a service to Worcester Foregate Street (this train is now at sister company East Midlands Railway).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20170501%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323208 calls at University, platform 1 (this train has since moved to Northern Trains).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323208%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2022

From the X21 bus top deck, before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games began. Clearly it wouldn't be ready for summer 2022.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A day later, a comparison with the 1978 building (right, still open) and 2024 building (left).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2022062022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2022

Views of University Station from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Some scaffolding had come down at the time.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

October 2022

Approaching from New Fosse Way and the Westgate entrance.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look during 2022 at the platforms, clearly the buildings wouldn't open by the end of the year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Voyager Class 220 passing at speed towards the south west.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323217 stops at University, to take me to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

February 2023

First University update of 2023, as usual the walk up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal from the Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This time I walked to the far end of platform 1, buildings appeared to be complete, but would not open for at least another year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This was the day, when I managed to get West Midlands Railway 323221 in the Regional Railways Centro livery!

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Later that month, some views from the X21 bus as it went up Pritchatts Road and Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2023

A walk along Prichatts Road and Vincent Drive for more views of the station.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

July 2023

A look at the new access footbridge from the University of Birmingham, near the Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This will be one of the new station entrances from Westgate and New Fosse Way.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2023

Approaching University Station again from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views from the X21 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, views from the X22 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

January 2024

With the news that the ORR had given permission for the new University Station buildings to open on Sunday 28th January 2024, I had one last visit to the station before it opened to the public.

The usual views from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal on the walk from Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looks pretty much the same from platform 1, the boards with train times were on. Some labels needed peeling off.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager in the direction of Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323241 seen arriving at platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

My West Midlands Railway Class 323 train arrived, to take me one way to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service

On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.

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Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service





On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.


I was in Dudley, during January 2024, for an update of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, and was walking out of Dudley Town Centre, when I spotted this old tram at Very Light Rail.

The former Midland Metro tram 16, a T-69 which was in service from Wolverhampton St George's to Birmingham Snow Hill from 1999 to 2015, was moved from Long Marston to Dudley, for testing on the Very Light Rail tracks.

It still has The Metro, and original red, blue and yellow livery on it, as well as a Wolverhampton College advert dating to 2014. It arrived in Dudley in November 2023.

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The most recent tram to come into service was West Midlands Metro tram 52 in January 2024. The last of the Urbos 100 order. Currently there is multiple bus routes from Birmingham to Dudley including the 74, 87, 126 and X8. But by the end of 2024, the tram extension from Wednesbury to Dudley Town Centre might open.

Seen here leaving Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road, via the Five Ways underpass towards Broad Street and Five Ways Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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