I hope they paint all Stagecoach buses like the new 'green' ones in the new green colours. Then the trams and buses would go well together.

That probably won't happen until their fleet is mostly hybrids. But I agree, they go brilliantly!

Interesting question! I wasn't observant enough to clock that bit in action . . . so no sé nada. By guesswork, I would say they were building it in order to stop people going rolloping down on to the lines . . .? It is the location of the turnout points for the Airport line on 3b.

Good guess, replacing worn out chain link, though the purpose isn't too clear.
The access road is not easily accessible being gated, six foot close boarded gates, and similar fencing to backs of the houses.

WatcherZero: In the pole planting photo, were they taking down or putting up the fence?
Interesting question Wotcha! I wasn't observant enough to clock that bit in action . . . By guesswork, I would say they were building it in order to stop people going rolloping down on to the lines. It is the location of the turnout points for the Airport line on 3b.

I just realised that I bagged post # 5000 on this thread, so I have been back and added a couple of my favourite pictures to celebrate!

Im hoping we get that much snow again this year :P but it was a once in 30 years event :(

Im hoping we get that much snow again this year :P but it was a once in 30 years event :(

There's nothing to say we can't have a 'once in 30 years' event' 2 years in a row!

Cheers Johnny - actually checked for myself yesterday afternoon, but it's nice to have photographic proof. That last image certainly brings back memories!

I've not posted a photo update since getting my new laptop over two months ago, so here's a little something to add to the mix.

Starting on the 25th, when I tried to find the Smedly Viaduct vantage point on Collyhurst Rd but ended up taking a wrong turn. I spotted one of the newer bananas at Queens Rd, minus spots (302x, couldn't make out the full number):

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2537.jpg

On the cycle back I checked up on Firswood. Shelters seem to have been there for a while now, and lighting has made an appearance.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2545.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2546.jpg

The following are from Monday (27th) afternoon. I cycled up from Chorlton to Monsall (via Droylesden - quite the workout :lol:) to see how things were going. This is looking westbound from Jocelyn St.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2548.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2549.jpg

Jocelyn St has been narrowed as works on the bridge are ongoing. Is this to do with bridge strengthening?

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2551.jpg

The eastbound view - looking tidy, with tin hats in abundance.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2552.jpg

This time I did find Collyhurst Rd. The work here continues apace:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2553.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2556.jpg

I'm not sure what the function of the track vehicle is, but nevertheless it was coming my way...

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2557.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2558.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2559.jpg

The eastbound view. Nothing really to see.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2560.jpg

Heading back to Chorlton via Trafford Bar. At 1610 I caught 3005 on an Altrincham working.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2561.jpg

Finally, Old Trafford station. 1005 prepares to leave. Alongside it, 1018 leads a doubled unit (possibly paired with 1013) bound for Bury.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2563.jpg

That's it for now. Hope they weren't too repetitive :wave:

Brilliant - don'tya just love 'em all?!

Also very interestingly, its clear that there are now four tracks on Smedley viaduct. . .

The large map displayed by ExManc is from The Manchester Tramways by Ian Yearsley & Philip Grove, which I am sure will be out of print, although I would think copies would be available in the reference library. Another way of looking at the tramways of Manchester is by using www.old-maps.co.uk . Click on to the web-site and type in Manchester,when the modern map appears pinpoint the area you want with a click and a list of old maps scrolls down on the right. Choose 1922-33 Lancashire & Furness 1:2500 with a click and the area you have chosen gradually appears. You can enlarge it to full screen size. You have to go back to the original map to find another aspect.

Spot on Bananatrama. The book was published in 1988 and is out of print but I got my copy on ebay. It's full of great photos and a section on the forthcoming "GM LRT scheme"

Ex-Manc - do you have a bigger picture of that map?

Yes I have the scan of the original sheet. Not sure how to get it to you though

Brilliant - don'tya just love 'em all?!

Also very interestingly, its clear that there are now four tracks on Smedley viaduct. . .

Indeed there are. I'd imagine that two would go to the depot, and two towards Victoria. We'll have to check again once the machinery moves on. At least they're not holding back on line capacity!

Its weird though that theirs two track down the ramp to the depot then briefly one track for the bend to connect to the main line. Perhaps they dont want bidirectional on the ramp though their will be a bidirectional track on the Gmex ramp.

By the way looking at Google images of the depot (Mid last year, no track but you can see cleared viaducts and the depot expansion underway which opened earlier this year) I wondered what they were going to do with the sizeable materials yard and access road once construction was complete.

I'm not sure what the function of the track vehicle is, but nevertheless it was coming my way...



beaver lightweight tamper. :)

Here (http://www.volkerrail.co.uk/bin/ibp.jsp?ibpDispWhat=zone&ibpPage=S5_FocusPage&ibpDispWho=S5_BeaverlightweightTa&ibpZone=S5_BeaverlightweightTa&ibpDisplay=view&)

Yeah, but in some ways you have to think of these old tram systems more like proto-bus networks rather than modern light rail. Most of the vehicles could only carry 20 or so, some of the smaller ones 10 or less.

That's certainly not true of the old Manchester 8 wheel trams, they could seat nearly 80 and carry far more in the peaks. Most double deckers could seat 45 to 50 even the smaller 4 wheelers. They were certainly more like a bus service though with frequent stops and low speeds. In fact most replacing buses used the same stops as though trams. Whilst there was political pressure to get rid most of the systems needed expensive refurbishment by the late 30s. Another driving factor was that when they were first set up most used electricity supplied by the same local authority as ran the trams and there was a sort of co-operation between departments. Power became more costly once they had to buy it in from the supply networks.

Im hoping we get that much snow again this year :P but it was a once in 30 years event :(

The coming winter was forecast several months ago to be as cold as last.
(Summer 2011 is very wet, if you are wondering.)

Smedley Viaduct pointwork - thank you for the exemplary photos - and the track beyond the St Werburghs stop.

The Smedley viaduct pointwork uses wooden sleepers. I do not know how they are preserved now creosotes are banned. The sleepers are all aligned on one track side, and so must have been laid manually - in other words the points were not prefabricated.

At St Werburghs, the track has been laid past the Airport branch, using a style of sleeper which seems incompatible with the points needed there.

Will the track need relaying for a third time? Volker Rail seem to act sensibly all the time, so presumably there is another solution.

Smedley Viaduct pointwork - thank you for the exemplary photos - and the track beyond the St Werburghs stop.

The Smedley viaduct pointwork uses wooden sleepers. I do not know how they are preserved now creosotes are banned. The sleepers are all aligned on one track side, and so must have been laid manually - in other words the points were not prefabricated.

At St Werburghs, the track has been laid past the Airport branch, using a style of sleeper which seems incompatible with the points needed there.

Will the track need relaying for a third time? Volker Rail seem to act sensibly all the time, so presumably there is another solution.

Since its not due to open for 6 years they may have decided it was more efficent not to install the points themselves for several more years, keeping the network physically isolated from the under construction segments like they have done at Trafford Bar.

Spot on Bananatrama. The book was published in 1988 and is out of print but I got my copy on ebay. It's full of great photos and a section on the forthcoming "GM LRT scheme"
Another book which compliments the Manchester book is Salford's Tramways Part Two by Edward Gray published by Foxline Publishing of Romiley, Stockport. Again great photos and an excellent map showing how the two systems connected.

Lovely photo's Nymanic :)

I read somewhere on here earlier about the changes on the M5000's horn? I've noticed it myself, and it seems that it can be held for as long as the driver wishes. I was riding 3010 on Tuesday and coming down Moseley Street, the driver held the horn on to one of Manchester's many motorists. They sound far better must admit!

I had a day of today so spent some of it on the trams. I made a couple of observations:-

1) Media city spure is quite pointless.
2) There seems to be more bananas running on the Altrincham line
3) The PIDs are not synchronised, even at the same stop they all have slightly different times some say Welcome to Metro othersays say Metrolink.
4) The Chorlton spur at Trafford Bar still dosn't look connected.

Just going to take some photographs of the Chorlton line now :).

Media:City line was paid for bY Peel, substaintially anyway, they must have deemed it important enough to have the service for them to pay several million squids for it.
I'd imagine when the control room hooks the PIDs up to some central control we'll see some standardisation. Probably all locally configured and left to tick over when switched on.

Weekend sures coming on the Alty line may well be when the last junctionsare completed along with the outbound over head power cables.

Indeed, they will periodically display their IP Address as well tending to indicate their not connected.

127.0.0.1 which is the IP address of a loopback test.

1) Media city spure is quite pointless.


If you work at Exchange Quay or Salford Quays then you would beg to differ. It will double the frequency of trams between Cornbrook and the Quays area, significantly increasing capacity.

Pitty they didn't show their real IP address, I could have had some fun with the displays :p Mind you I would also get locked up for hacking.

Just been down the Chorlton line, St Werburghs still looks very unfished with no over head cables. A sub station built near there has grafiti on it already :(.

As regards to MediaCity I didn't realise there would be different trams. If its every 6 minutes one to Eccles and one to Mediacity then it makes a lot of sense, but if they all stop at Media city and then go on to Eccles it does seem pointless given the amouint of extra time the journey requires because of that stop.

I bet the shop keepers in the Lowry shopping mall can't wait for the BBC to move in but not only that the University of Salford arts school will bring a lot trade to the earlier too. Maybe Salford Quays needs a Screem bar.

The 127.0.0.1 will be their current IP addresses.

Like most other companies they'll be on a 10.x.x.x network when working in all likelyhood as it won't be routed across the internet.

Pitty they didn't show their real IP address, I could have had some fun with the displays :p Mind you I would also get locked up for hacking.

As regards to MediaCity I didn't realise there would be different trams. If its every 6 minutes one to Eccles and one to Mediacity then it makes a lot of sense, but if they all stop at Media city and then go on to Eccles it does seem pointless given the amouint of extra time the journey requires because of that stop.



A 12 minute shuttle will run between Cornbrook and MediaCity between the hours of 7am and 8pm (or something like that)

This will be on top of the 12 minute service between Piccadilly and Eccles, however this service won't stop at MediaCity.

Between 6 -7am and 8pm-End of service - All Piccadilly to Eccles trams will stop at MediaCity.

Hope that makes sense.

With regards to the IP address on the PIDs, I saw this one at Cornbrook a few weeks back: 10.0.75.51

There you go.

Not a network designer but guess each station would have it's own subnet as well, possibly with the ticket machines also on the vLAN.

Argh as you say its a LAN. I would have thought it would be easier to carry the data across the internet rather than having to have the entire Metrolink system connected via Ethernet cables but there would be security issues too. Its been too many years since I have studied TCP/IP.

I would imagine the software on the ticket machines is just a web based front end which is connected via their intranet and they probably run on Windows XP. It would allow the machines to be updated remotely.

I'd imagine that they pay a company such as BT or AT&T to provide the links between the stations.

With regards the OS on the ticket machines I don't think it is Windows. There was a fault on the Dane Rd inbound machine when it first went in. There was a non-Microsoft boot error on the screen that required fixing. Probabaly some sort of LINUX OS to avoid the heavy cost of an overly developed OS for such a simple task. also won't need to be patched or any of the other Microsoft fun that comes with Windows.

Not that there will be 'real' links between each station, just a connection to some companies cloud which will route the data to the right place.

I'd imagine that they pay a company such as BT or AT&T to provide the links between the stations.

With regards the OS on the ticket machines I don't think it is Windows. There was a fault on the Dane Rd inbound machine when it first went in. There was a non-Microsoft boot error on the screen that required fixing. Probabaly some sort of LINUX OS to avoid the heavy cost of an overly developed OS for such a simple task. also won't need to be patched or any of the other Microsoft fun that comes with Windows.

Pretty sure I did see the Windows XP logo on one of the scrashed ticket machines. Most ATM machines run Windows too. I know it seems daft and it should be Linux but it never seems to be.

Im not sure if the ticket machines are Lan or Internet, was speaking to one guy from the German Supplier who said he was updating the firewall.

They will more than likely be Embedded XP, the same as most cash machines and self service checkouts are.

I think the reasons for the closure was a bit more complicated than that. Such an extensive tram network required a lot of maintance and we didn't have the same technology back then as we do now.

After WII Britian was short of smackeroonies and with the motorbus improving all the time the easiest thing was to just replace with with buses which could run any where without expensive tracks or overhead cables to keep repairing.

I do believe though many cities (especialy up north) have suffered to be truly European class as a result though.

The closure of the Manchester Corporation Tramway system was a deliberate act of policy, and commenced in the 1930s. Prior to then, the system was expanding, with new routes being opened and planned extensions ( the Princess Parkway reserved track was to be continued through to the developing suburb of Wythenshawe). A new centre entrance tram had been designed. Unfortunately, Henry Mattinson, the progressive and far sighted manager, died quite unexpectedly in (I think) 1929. Enter the villain of the piece, R. Stuart Pilcher. He replaced the 53 route with low-deck buses in 1930, and then abandoned the Altrincham route. Rochdale Road followed in 1932.

Manchester was perhaps the first major city to choose an abandonment policy. All trams would have gone by 1941 at the latest, but the war postponed the implementation of this policy.

Pilcher was a motor bus freak. The council transport committee forced trolleybuses on the agenda, which he did not really want.

Train Guard

The 127.0.0.1 will be their current IP addresses.

Like most other companies they'll be on a 10.x.x.x network when working in all likelyhood as it won't be routed across the internet.

I'm sure I've seen the ones at Cornbrook showing a '10.' IP a few weeks back. The thing is, I think they were both showing the same one. :ohno:

I'd imagine that they pay a company such as BT or AT&T to provide the links between the stations.

With regards the OS on the ticket machines I don't think it is Windows. There was a fault on the Dane Rd inbound machine when it first went in. There was a non-Microsoft boot error on the screen that required fixing. Probabaly some sort of LINUX OS to avoid the heavy cost of an overly developed OS for such a simple task. also won't need to be patched or any of the other Microsoft fun that comes with Windows.

Metrolink has its own fibre optic backbone right across the system for data, CCTV and Voice comms in addition to the radio system. The TVMs, PIDs, PA, Help Points, power control data and at present tram positions are all carried over it.

I'm sure I've seen the ones at Cornbrook showing a '10.' IP a few weeks back. The thing is, I think they were both showing the same one. :ohno:

I' d guess they all have a default address which will be cxhanged on set up. From experience of these type of kit outside I'd expect they are powered up to help stop dampness cusing problems when they are finally commissioned. The small amount of heat created by the power supplies will help limit the moisture in them.

The closure of the Manchester Corporation Tramway system was a deliberate act of policy....


TrainGuard, I've copied your post onto this other thread http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=64609317&postcount=7which has recently just started up to cover old/former transit systems :-)

Recently discussed on here about how the new Green Stagecoach Hybrids go well with the M5000s.

Just posted this on the main Metrolink forum:
http://i54.tinypic.com/3028md5.jpg

A portacabin has been put at the mediacity junction to allow staff to stand inside, it is a tiny one man thing.
The overhead support has been replaced and the service will resume I think next week. I hear Peel and Salford are pissed at the way the line was opened and that no training had been carried out before the line opened. I expect they are pressuring the GMPTE to penalise Stagecoach as they paid for it to be open and paid for a period of training for drivers. Not sure how that works in the deals they have but I assume they will have some penality clause.

A few construction updates. nothing major though...

Ashton line.

I am writing to inform you that on the afternoon of Wednesday 13th October, a paving machine will be delivered to the worksite from Stoke Street to Bebbington Street.

Paving work will commence within the worksite on Thursday 14th October from 08:00 until approximately 20:00. The paver will be removed from site on Friday evening after 20:00

Full pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

on Monday 4th October the current track laying on Ashton New Road opposite Greater Manchester Police Headquarters will switch to the opposite side, the carriageway will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by traffic lights.

There will be a temporary parking ban for 6-8 weeks on both sides of Ashton New Road near our work site.

Im hoping we get that much snow again this year :P but it was a once in 30 years event :(

Weather forecast for next winter has been modified on Accuweather, to 'more or less normal winter for Great Britain', with centre of cold now forecast over Eastern Europe.

No photos of trams in deep snow this coming year.

I've just come across this photo of the then new Queens Rd depot taken in April 1992 with the BR tracks on Smedley viaduct still intact

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/QueensRdDepot.jpg

Thats a cracking find Exmanc!

3013 and 3015 both right by junction to inbound Alty line as I passed earlier.

Have they been out testing the TOS?

Will TOS be operating tomorrow for the Media:City line re-opening.

Edit - just been back passed the depot again and they've moved. No longer near the junction.

3013 and 3015 both right by junction to inbound Alty line as I passed earlier.

Have they been out testing the TOS?

Will TOS be operating tomorrow for the Media:City line re-opening.

Edit - just been back passed the depot again and they've moved. No longer near the junction.

No TOS will not be used tomorrow. It's being controlled from the ground again. They have firmed up the procedure previously used.

3013 and 3015 both right by junction to inbound Alty line as I passed earlier.

Have they been out testing the TOS?

Will TOS be operating tomorrow for the Media:City line re-opening.

Edit - just been back passed the depot again and they've moved. No longer near the junction.

I'd guess tat's where they were left after the weekly run to Timperley and back on Friday.

I've just come across this photo of the then new Queens Rd depot taken in April 1992 with the BR tracks on Smedley viaduct still intact

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/QueensRdDepot.jpg


Half of the stuff they have removed in this photo they have put back in, now that's cost effective!

Went past Queens Road yesterday, and it was just a sea of T-68s: 1008, 1018, 1021 and 1023 were the only ones stored outdoors (3002, 2001 and 2002 must've been inside the depot). On the way back there were two bananas there - possibly 13 and 15?!

Eccles line going via MiseryCity again today, added a full 12 minutes to the journey this morning, trams crossing all points like they were moving through a minefield. No body got on of off at Mediash!ty, but then again nobody knew they could.

Wonder if they every build the Trafford Centre link, will Peel pressure them to divert all trams down there too? lol

Eccles line going via MiseryCity again today, added a full 12 minutes to the journey this morning, trams crossing all points like they were moving through a minefield. No body got on of off at Mediash!ty, but then again nobody knew they could.

Wonder if they every build the Trafford Centre link, will Peel pressure them to divert all trams down there too? lol

Is it not possible to walk between the two stations either side of the spur to save on time?

I used to walk from Market St to Mosley Street (between trams to and from Piccadilly) to go towards Alty.

Is it not possible to walk between the two stations either side of the spur to save on time?

I used to walk from Market St to Mosley Street (between trams to and from Piccadilly) to go towards Alty.

I used to do this when I lived in Prestwich and worked in Trafford. This will stop when they demolish Mosley Street though.

But no this would not work at MC :ohno: because you would just end up waiting for the same tram you had just alighted. The trams are diverting into a single track spur which is about 200m long, my tram (City Bound) was waiting at broadway for the one exiting the spur but headed in the opposite direction (Eccles bound).

To see this operation in action just begs belief, pure propoganda in action :nuts:

I used to do this when I lived in Prestwich and worked in Trafford. This will stop when they demolish Mosley Street though.

But no this would not work at MC :ohno: because you would just end up waiting for the same tram you had just alighted. The trams are diverting into a single track spur which is about 200m long, my tram (City Bound) was waiting at broadway for the one exiting the spur but headed in the opposite direction (Eccles bound).

To see this operation in action just begs belief, pure propoganda in action :nuts:

Thanks Ferrocarrril !

Popped down to the mediacity spur today to see how it was running. (was going to take my camera with me but forgot :( )Seemed to be more efficient than the other week, and the turnaround times at MC were rather quick.
Oh and to stop drivers doing the same as the other week.. they have a groundsman with a moveable STOP signpost thingy. He plonks that in the middle of the track so the drivers wont advance onto those points again!
To be honest its a shame they dont just wait for the signalling to be working properly :/

Popped down to the mediacity spur today to see how it was running. (was going to take my camera with me but forgot :( )Seemed to be more efficient than the other week, and the turnaround times at MC were rather quick.
Oh and to stop drivers doing the same as the other week.. they have a groundsman with a moveable STOP signpost thingy. He plonks that in the middle of the track so the drivers wont advance onto those points again!
To be honest its a shame they dont just wait for the signalling to be working properly :/


oh dear!

MEN headline on Wednesday 6/10/2010;

Groundsman hit by tram whilst trying to put stop sign in its path, trams suspended on MediaCity Spur again


Didn't they used to have flagsmen who walked ahead of cars to warn pedestrians? seems strangly similar :nuts:

I suspect there is still no cornbrook shuttle?

Groundsman hit by tram whilst trying to put stop sign in its path, trams suspended on MediaCity Spur again
Yeah I can see that in the MEN, but with some exaggeration to put metrolink down more.... like saying the tram was speeding or something!!


I suspect there is still no cornbrook shuttle?
Nope, I can only hope they are waiting for the full signalling before they try throwing more trams down the spur.

On the way back I was working out how many trams go down that bi-directional bit before the platforms... at the moment 20TPH. (5Manc-MC, 5MC-Eccles, 5Eccles-MC, 5MC-Manc) Sounds a lot already to be honest :/

Went through MC for the the first time today travelling to Ladywell.

Two things...

1) The tram was rammed both ways.
2) Are they operating more than a 12min service on that line today? It did seem to be more regular than usual but I could well be wrong.
3) (I know but just remembered) Surprised how busy MC stop was, people using it for Lowry. Turn around time seemed reasonable as I was not rushing anywhere.

Theyve added a couple extra into the service pattern to ensure the times remain below 12 minutes.

Been wanting to ask this for a while but who is/are exactly this "Peel" that keeps cropping up...?

Problems with the Media City spur:

1. Too many extra staff needed at present (I counted 3 extra) - Surely this can't make economic sense?

2. Too many stations on Eccles line. Harbour City, Broadway, and Media City are all right next to each other - It is quicker to walk between these stations than get a tram.

3. Slow. very slow. Media City holds up the journey to Eccles. Combine this with the way it stops at all three of Broadway, MC, and Harbour City and it frustrates people.

4. Slightly comical driver switching end. The stop in Media City itself takes forever whilst the driver (and accompanying Metrolink crash avoidance expert) amble down the tram to the other end.

The whole concept is a bit crap really. It remains much quicker for anyone with working legs to get off at Salford Quays and walk to the Lowry / Media City.

The spur should have been a loop going through the back of Media City, back along some of Broadway, and joining the existing track at the Langworthy Road junction, abandoning the existing Broadway stop altogether. There would then be none of this reversing, changing ends rubbish.

You could even re-open the area where the Broadway stop is for cars and create much improved road access to the Lowry (at the moment it does my head in to drive down Broadway and be able to see home only to know I've got 5 minutes driving up and down and up and down).

Peel is a multibillion pound development company, own Liverpool Docks, The Manchester Ship Canal, Trafford Centre, Media City and a few other smaller developments (Like Salford Reds Ground).

I forsee the platforms for Harbour city being moved further away the next time the stations due for refurb, they are no longer needed by pedestrians to be so close to Lowry/IWMN.

Driver changes ends on the times ive been through in about 30 seconds, dwell times a minute to two minutes so its not delaying that. The concept is still that Media City would only be a through station offpeak when the frequency goes down to every 15 minutes, meanwhile the Shuttles operate so daytime passengers arent delayed.

Been wanting to ask this for a while but who is/are exactly this "Peel" that keeps cropping up...?

'The Peel Group', inheritors of the North West's mercantile history.

They own Manchester Docks, Liverpool Docks, Trafford Park, and lots of other stuff.

http://www.peel.co.uk/

I agree with goldielocks, Broadway Metrolink should be closed and shut down. MediaCity:UK, Langworthy AND Harbour City are all within easy walking distance. The Salford Quays area takes forever to get through and it drives me crazy.

Same with Mosley Street. I don't mean to make MS upset here, but it's a useless southbound station, which is in easy walking distance of Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street. It simply slows down the time it takes to get through that part of the city.

Mosley Street has two very important functions:-

1) It means you have a choice of trams from Bury or Picciddily to Altrincham where otherwise you would need to walk down to ST Peters Square

2) It acts as a cround control station. The London Underground has lots of stations within a few hundered yards in the central bit, the idea is so that too many people are not crammed into one station.

I've often seen at least 100 people waiting for a tram at Mosley Street in rush hour, if that station was closed where would those 100 people go?

Maybe after the 2CC the station will be of less important for now I think its vital.

Mosley Street has two very important functions:-

1) It means you have a choice of trams from Bury or Picciddily to Altrincham where otherwise you would need to walk down to ST Peters Square

2) It acts as a cround control station. The London Underground has lots of stations within a few hundered yards in the central bit, the idea is so that too many people are not crammed into one station.

I've often seen at least 100 people waiting for a tram at Mosley Street in rush hour, if that station was closed where would those 100 people go?

Maybe after the 2CC the station will be of less important for now I think its vital.

Agree!

Well its irrelevant, Mosley is closing from roughly sometime around Feb-march next year.

Been wanting to ask this for a while but who is/are exactly this "Peel" that keeps cropping up...?
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I gather that it is "Peel Holdings". They own The Trafford Centre and have something to do with MediaCityUK. Hence I can understand why GMPTE would approach them for funding to such places.

Everyone needs funding with their shopping for :banana:'s

Well its irrelevant, Mosley is closing from roughly sometime around Feb-march next year.

Great :(.

Although by then hopefully I will be catching the Chorlton trams not the Altrincham ones so the choice of trams issue won't matter anyway.

I don't actually mind walking, to me the biggest issue of any journey is the journey time. Mosley Street currently saves me at least 5 minutes because I have a choice of trams every 6 miutes it would be every 12 from Picciddily Chavdens.

What is their logic for closing this station?

Also when the Chorlton line opens C2C construction wont have even started, I am not sure if they have thought about how much busier the stations might get.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I gather that it is "Peel Holdings". They own The Trafford Centre and have something to do with MediaCityUK. Hence I can understand why GMPTE would approach them for funding to such places.

Everyone needs funding with their shopping for :banana:'s

They own the entire land MediaCity has been built on, its their also their complex. They then lease the offices and buildings to Salford University and the BBC.

They own the Ship Canal and the Scouserpool docks too.

No, of course no one has thought about how busy the stations will be.

No, of course no one has thought about how busy the stations will be.

No need to be sarcastic :).

But the Metrolink has got a bit of a history for short sightedness. It just dosn't make any sense when they are increasing the amount of traffic to close down a station. If there is a delay for even five minutes the platforms already get very very busy.

Main reasons for closing Mosley:

With more trams per hour trams might get backed up across the Piccadilly delta causing tram jam (similar to whats currently happening at Mecia City due to manual working).

Its only oneway and right next to Pic Gardens while St Peters and Market Street are both only 5 minutes walk away.

They would have to spend a couple of hundred thousand making it full length door height blocking even more of the pavement and the shops access.

I've only just noticed, when you buy a ticket to a city centre stop the ticket now just says "City Centre" rather than the name of the actual stop, much better idea! :)

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I gather that it is "Peel Holdings". They own The Trafford Centre and have something to do with MediaCityUK. Hence I can understand why GMPTE would approach them for funding to such places.

Everyone needs funding with their shopping for :banana:'s

I think you'll find that it was the mediacity developer that approached GMPTE rather than the other way round. They site has been developed by North West Regional Development Agency and Salford City Council and the branch and 4 trams fully funded by them. As a number of people have already said no doubt they will have a contracted opening date with GMPTE hence the perceived rush to open.
It's a shane that it is inconveniencing so many Eccles Line passengers. Surely there must be enough on this forum to put some pressure on GMPTE to look at another solution in the short term such as running the MC tram through to Victoria, there must be enough spare M5000s fitted with the old signalling kit to do that. Admittedly it would need some extra drivers but again a bit of overtime in the short term to avoid p***ing off so many people.

I've only just noticed, when you buy a ticket to a city centre stop the ticket now just says "City Centre" rather than the name of the actual stop, much better idea! :)

It gets better than that. I ended up having to get a single from town as I was making my way back from Scunthorpe on the train. I got a £2.20 single to Old Trafford, I selected Old Trafford but the destination said Stretford (the furthest I could go for 2.20).

I think its said city centre instead of say Market Street for the past week or so. Its brilliant because sometimes when I get a Metrolink into town I am never sure where to get on off so I always used to put either Victoria or Picciddily to get me the option.

Been wanting to ask this for a while but who is/are exactly this "Peel" that keeps cropping up...?

You're kidding right?

If not then it refers to the Peel Group/formerly Peel Holdings Limited (http://www.peel.co.uk/), owners of the Mersey Ports, Manchester Ship Canal Company, Trafford Park, the Trafford Centre and various other property, infrastructure and logistics concerns.

Unless you're their solicitors, in which case we've been talking about a completely different Peel.

EDIT: Didn't see all the replies, so ignore the above.

Joydivision - It is envisaged when Phase 3 is up and running that there'll be a tram through Picc Gardens to the south once every two minutes or so. I presume that they expect people to board the first tram and change. I wonder whether post 2CC Altrincham trams will even use the Market Street route to reach Bury?

I've only just noticed, when you buy a ticket to a city centre stop the ticket now just says "City Centre" rather than the name of the actual stop, much better idea! :)

It's probably because there isn't enough space to fit 'Deansgate-Castlefield' on :lol:

A few snaps from around GM today :-

Ashton New Road :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8160.jpg

Oldham Mumps - demolition towards Derker :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8181.jpg

Spookily, the 'dome' in this next picture seems identical to the 'phantom' one that appears fictitiously in virtually all of L S Lowry's industrial scenes. He made it up, but now, long after his death it is really there! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8184.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8180.jpg

The future colours of Greater Manchester? :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8154.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_7723.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8157.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/100_8156.jpg

I wonder what their doing with all that stone? Bricks worthless apart from being broken up and used as filler but that stones gotta have some recyclable value after its been cleaned.
Actually on second look they appear to have cheated and used it just for the finish, the stones being far thinner than they appear.

Just wondering... I know they are removing Mosley St and moving Woodlands Rd to Abraham Moss, but are they going to remove (or move) any stops on the Harbour City bit of the Eccles line??

Just wondering... I know they are removing Mosley St and moving Woodlands Rd to Abraham Moss, but are they going to remove (or move) any stops on the Harbour City bit of the Eccles line??
No. But something seriously needs to be done with the Broadway-Anchorage Quay section as it's painfully slow, especially when the MediaCity stop is included.

A suitable option would be to scrap broadway and harbour city; mediacity is close to them both anyway and anchorage is still within walking distance.

Problem is their both heavily used, once the shuttles running at least of them would have to stay anyway, pref Broadway for Media City/Quays from Eccles direction. They could then move Harbour Citys platforms further away or merge with Anchorage.

Anchor City? :lol:

once the shuttles running at least of them would have to stay anyway, pref Broadway for Media City/Quays from Eccles direction. They could then move Harbour Citys platforms further away or merge with Anchorage.

Yeah, that is what I was thinking although I don't have any idea on how much any of the stops is used.

They are all fairly busy offpeak, I think part of the reason for the narrow spacing originally was that as these were quays it made getting around lengthier, you couldnt walk as the crow flies so to speak so the normal passenger radius was reduced by geography.

Finished nights for a while now, so I will have a jolly round for some good shots tomorrow. Cracking work by JDR as per usual and others!

In the mean time, another compare and contrast.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae259/Nymanic/Metrolink%20-%20December%202009%20onwards/IMG_2556.jpg

Thankyou Nymanic... 2010

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5054306880_4ca6ce8099_b.jpg

1985

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ingythewingy/5054306880/in/photostream/

If anyone is interested in the railway in its previous incarnation ingythewingy's photo stream should keep you entertained for some time.

I still cant see how that viaduct was 4 track, 3 track easily but the corner on the inside of a 4 track must have been damn sharp.

I still cant see how that viaduct was 4 track, 3 track easily but the corner on the inside of a 4 track must have been damn sharp.

Here's how

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/Smedley1.jpg

They are all fairly busy offpeak, I think part of the reason for the narrow spacing originally was that as these were quays it made getting around lengthier, you couldnt walk as the crow flies so to speak so the normal passenger radius was reduced by geography.

I envisage Harbour City being much less busy now Media City is open. It only serves the one office building opposite it, and I'm sure the folks who work there could walk 2 minutes to Anchorage. The same could be said for Broadway. Once you can walk through the back of Media City, it will be quicker for people working on Broadway to get off at the Media City stop.

As to the Broadway stop, I would shift it further up Langworthy Road and eliminate the stop around the corner on Eccles New Road. 5 stops become 3.

It's like this now:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3226/trams1.jpg

And it should be like this. Max walk to a stop on this layout is a very manageable 400m:

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2421/trams2.jpg

I envisage Harbour City being much less busy now Media City is open. It only serves the one office building opposite it, and I'm sure the folks who work there could walk 2 minutes to Anchorage. The same could be said for Broadway. Once you can walk through the back of Media City, it will be quicker for people working on Broadway to get off at the Media City stop.

As to the Broadway stop, I would shift it further up Langworthy Road and eliminate the stop around the corner on Eccles New Road. 5 stops become 3.

It's like this now:

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3226/trams1.jpg

And it should be like this. Max walk to a stop on this layout is a very manageable 400m:

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/2421/trams2.jpg

I agree with that.

I can't see them doing it though. But something does need to be done.

I walked down to Harbour City this morning and I passed a tram at Langworthy Road station. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to get from there to Harbour City (walking). The tram shuttled on by me as it came out of Langworthy Road and disappeared into the distance. By the time I got to the corner before Harbour City but after Broadway, it was only just coming out of Media City. That's almost 15 minutes between Langworthy and Media City- ridiculous.

I walked down to Harbour City this morning and I passed a tram at Langworthy Road station. It takes me about 10-15 minutes to get from there to Harbour City (walking). The tram shuttled on by me as it came out of Langworthy Road and disappeared into the distance. By the time I got to the corner before Harbour City but after Broadway, it was only just coming out of Media City. That's almost 15 minutes between Langworthy and Media City- ridiculous.

We need to find a way of canvassing a wider opinion and making representations to GMPTE to highlight the inconvenience being caused to the majority of Eccles Line passengers just to meet what at present is a minority contractual need. Unless enough people complain to them nothing will happen.
Anyone any ideas?

Anyone any ideas?

Spray "NO TO MEDIACITY SPUR, UNTIL CORNBROOK TURNBACK READY" across the side of a M5000

I agree with that.

I can't see them doing it though. But something does need to be done.

The time to make such a change would have been when the new ticket machines / branding went in. It didn't happen then, so yes I suppose it will never happen.

The people most affected by this are those coming in from Eccles. Not sure how much of a voice they have or how much their opinion is valued by Metrolink.

I agree with that.

I can't see them doing it though. But something does need to be done.

I can see where you're coming from but I don't agree entirely. There is too long a space between Weaste and the one you propose on Langworthy Road so inconveniences evrybody who uses Langworthy. Where would it fit anyway?
2. Broadway is fine.
3. Closing Harbour City fine as long as Anchorage closes too and the stops are moved to the junction, but with the shuttle is supposed to be the only service going into mediacity then it's a heck of a longer walk from the combined stop.

I still say Pomona should be mothballed like Cornbrook was untill there is further development in that area.

I can see where you're coming from but I don't agree entirely. There is too long a space between Weaste and the one you propose on Langworthy Road so inconveniences evrybody who uses Langworthy. Where would it fit anyway?
2. Broadway is fine.
3. Closing Harbour City fine as long as Anchorage closes too and the stops are moved to the junction, but with the shuttle is supposed to be the only service going into mediacity then it's a heck of a longer walk from the combined stop.

I still say Pomona should be mothballed like Cornbrook was untill there is further development in that area.

Yes Langworthy is one of the busiest stops on the line (alongside Eccles and Exchange Quay I would say). The majority of people using langworthy appear to live north of the M602 and would be put off if they moved the stop down into the industrial estate wasteland between Eccles New Road and the Quays. Although I think we are all being put off by the MC diversion anyway.

Eighteen months ago I would have agreed with those who want the stops on the Quays moved.

Now, recovering from a terrible spell of joint disease, I can barely walk 400 metres. 200 metres is my limit. There will be five to ten per cent of potential passengers with limited exercise tolerance.

Unlike, I suspect, most people contributing to this thread, I was alive in the 1950s.

There was a lot of industrial pollution in Manchester, with regular, thick yellow winter fogs. I mention that in passing for those yearning for a past age of steam. It was not a pleasant era.

The Smedley viaduct photo from that time shows the 4 tracks in place: Watcher quite rightly states there appears to be only room for 3.

I do wonder if the difference is the track shoulder. Nowadays, light and heavy rail provides a verge where workers can stand in safety when rail vehicles pass.

In the 1950s, very little room was left for the between the track and the viaduct parapet.

I wonder if any trains actually went in on the inside, the way its set up theirs points on both sides so a train may never have run truly inside of the turn.

Back to stops you couldnt move Harbour City as its needed by the directs to serve that area, Pomona you do see people using, its not a ghost stop despite old perceptions.

I wonder if any trains actually went in on the inside, the way its set up theirs points on both sides so a train may never have run truly inside of the turn.


I'm pretty confident there were four functioning tracks. Look at the signals in the background, they read, in two of the four cases, to give alternative routes for passenger trains - full length signal arms, not shunt or subsidiary signals. Indeed the signals suggest to me that the train is running on the 'slow' line, as the higher arms apply to the LH road, as we look at it.

And there was no such concept as a 'bi-directional road' on main lines in those days.

Of course Metrolink isnt the only tramway in Manchester being extended, these shots from the Heaton Park Tramway homepage.

August
http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext01.jpg

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext02.jpg

5th September

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext03.jpg

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext04.jpg

21st September

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext05.jpg

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext06.jpg

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext07.jpg

2nd October

http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext08.jpg

Http://www.heatonparktramway.btik.com//img/large/ext09.jpg

Hi

I found this on GMPTE website about Altrincham line being closed this weekend.

Engineering work on the Altrincham Metrolink line

Services on the Altrincham Metrolink line will be suspended for part of this weekend and all of next Sunday (17 October) to allow engineering work to take place.
No trams will run on the Altrincham line from 10pm on Saturday 9 October until the start of service on Monday 11 October and all day on Sunday 17 October.

This will allow track connections from the Altrincham line to the new South Manchester line to Chorlton to be carried out, as part of the expansion of the Metrolink network.
During the work, a replacement bus service will run from Altrincham to Piccadilly, calling at all stops to Deansgate-Castlefield and then non-stop to Piccadilly railway station.
Passengers will need valid Metrolink tickets, available from vending machines at stops, to use the replacement bus service.

Services on the Eccles and Bury lines will not be affected.

I wonder if any trains actually went in on the inside, the way its set up theirs points on both sides so a train may never have run truly inside of the turn.

Don't quite get your logic there - if no trains ran on that track, why go to the expense of putting the points in in first place? :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Have you been on the :cheers: ? :wink2:

Trains (generally) run on the left, so the track nearest the LH wall was the 'Up Slow', for trains heading into Victoria station. The RH set of points (furthest from the camera) are 'trailing', used by trains coming out of Victoria.

There's a track plan at the back of this accident report: (http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Smedley1959.pdf)

Loving the Heaton Park update! :D Glad to see they're making progress.

Don't quite get your logic there - if no trains ran on that track, why go to the expense of putting the points in in first place? :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Have you been on the :cheers: ? :wink2:

Trains (generally) run on the left, so the track nearest the LH wall was the 'Up Slow', for trains heading into Victoria station. The RH set of points (furthest from the camera) are 'trailing', used by trains coming out of Victoria.

There's a track plan at the back of this accident report: (http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/MoT_Smedley1959.pdf)

Which when added to the photo does seem to agree with the crossover layout, slows and fasts crossing over the down. The diagram the curve is less severe than it appears on the ground but with change to loading this may well be why they were lifted. Speed restriction here was 15mph as well according to the report.

Still its amusing to see that 50 years ago children playing on the line and throwing stones (and even sabotaging the points!) was the problem it is today and the recommended action was to have a talk in schools about the dangers of railways. Kind of evidences in the wrong that children in those days were better behaved and not hooligans!

Which when added to the photo does seem to agree with the crossover layout, slows and fasts crossing over the down. The diagram the curve is less severe than it appears on the ground but with change to loading this may well be why they were lifted. Speed restriction here was 15mph as well according to the report.

Still its amusing to see that 50 years ago children playing on the line and throwing stones (and even sabotaging the points!) was the problem it is today and the recommended action was to have a talk in schools about the dangers of railways. Kind of evidences in the wrong that children in those days were better behaved and not hooligans!

It was probably the Gibb brothers :banana:

On a side note I was on 1005 this evening from Brooklands to Stretford and noticed the ride was very rough. I was thrown about like the good old days before the refurb anybody know why?

Here's another one of Smedley Viaduct

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/Smedley2.jpg

It was probably the Gibb brothers :banana:


No they lived in Chorlton and set fire to the hoarding by the station

Would someone possibly be able to draw a very basic plan of what the tracks are like at the moment under Piccadilly station? I mean the bit where the tram disappears to and then reappears to alty/eccles... and also how they will connect up to the new droylsden line..? I've always wondered why it looks like the tram is taking a very sharp corner as it comes into the platform...!
Thank you! :-)

Oops double post!!

Would someone possibly be able to draw a very basic plan of what the tracks are like at the moment under Piccadilly station?

This help you martin?
picc undercroft.jpg (http://kriis.host56.com/picc%20undercroft.jpg)

This help you martin?
picc undercroft.jpg (http://kriis.host56.com/picc%20undercroft.jpg)

At present, is there enough track to turn back a double tram?

This help you martin?
picc undercroft.jpg (http://kriis.host56.com/picc%20undercroft.jpg)

Brilliant!! Thank you very much. I didn't realise the layout was so simple! What's the second platform? Is that where the drivers change ends?

What the green line doesnt show is the crossover moved outside the undercroft and a central siding.

Brilliant!! Thank you very much. I didn't realise the layout was so simple! What's the second platform? Is that where the drivers change ends?

Yes there is space for 2 trams in both sidings although the left hand siding is slightly longer than the right hand one. They normally use the right hand one as its operation is fully automatic.
The platform between the sidings is for drivers use and is similar to the halts at Queens Road.

The layout for the East Manchester Line has a central siding and connects straight onto the two Undercroft sidings, it will be interesting to see what happens to the scissors crossover under the arches when the new layout is commissioned.

What the green line doesnt show is the crossover moved outside the undercroft and a central siding.

I didnt know anything about the new layout outside. Any idea why they need a new crossover?

Brilliant!! Thank you very much. I didn't realise the layout was so simple! What's the second platform? Is that where the drivers change ends?

Just found a pic of flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_jon_m/4557670890/

Presumably their moving it out of the undercroft for better sightlines, especielly as there will be far fewer if any turning services and instead most will be through services along the former sidings.

Just found a pic of flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_jon_m/4557670890/

And over on youtube is this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o47gzGMtX64&p=AA67D66DA268AB67&playnext=1&index=43), the view from the cab of a tram departing from the turnback siding and running into Piccadilly Station (and beyond). This shows very well the change from the original brick tunnel (part of the undercroft complex used for goods storage and transhipment when the station was first built) into the concrete-lined tunnels under the later part of the 'BR' station which is on cast iron 'stilts'.

Presumably their moving it out of the undercroft for better sightlines, especielly as there will be far fewer if any turning services and instead most will be through services along the former sidings.

It won't actually be a crossover as such. Its like the turnback siding at Timperley. They will be able to stable trams between the 2 running lines. As already said the current 2 sidings will become the outbound and inbound running lines.
The rather poor quality scan below shows the layout.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/neg179a.jpg
Other than the need to minimise closures there is no need to retain the existing crossovers once the new layout is in use so it will be interesting to see whether it stays or not. Once trams are running through to Droylsden it won't be easy to use the old crossovers.

T-68s running on the eccles line today - it does seem strange seeing them trundleing along eccles new road again!

Hi

Something I be thinking about is on the Oldham & Rochdale line will the have T68 going up they line or will the be all M5000.

Also will trams look like this in Six Years time

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Metrolink_New_Livery_on_Both_Trams.jpg

As far as its possible to work out from the current service patterns you would imagine something like this

Bury - Altrincham/Ashton - T68s and M5000s.
Rochdale - East Didsbury/Airport - M5000s
Piccadilly - Eccles T68 and M5000

Theres no reason how ever once all the trams are modified that they cant go anywhere on the network and this may well be the case. Keeps things simple anyway

Hi

Something I be thinking about is on the Oldham & Rochdale line will the have T68 going up they line or will the be all M5000.

Also will trams look like this in Six Years time

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Metrolink_New_Livery_on_Both_Trams.jpg

All the different models of tram will be able to run on any of the lines. The t68's are due to be refurbished and painted in the yellow and silver colours as the illustration shows from next year. However, someone mentioned that GMPTE where looking into replacing them early with more m5000's.

Hi

I found this on Metrolink website

Start of works at Rochdale railway station October 2010

We are currently building the new Metrolink line from Manchester to Oldham and Rochdale. This new Metrolink line is expected to open from Manchester to Central Park by spring 2011, to Oldham Mumps by autumn 2011 and to Rochdale railway station by spring 2012. We have also recently announced that we will be building new Metrolink extensions through Oldham and Rochdale town centres.

Starting on 25th October 2010 work will begin at Rochdale railway station to lay the new track along High Level Road and Maclure Road. This will include a new stop being built on Maclure Road, opposite the fire station. Our works in this area will be ongoing until mid 2011.

We will be visiting local businesses to discuss detailed plans for this work and how they may affect you. Key elements of our work in this area include:

� High Level Road will be closing permanently on 25th October .
� Parking will be suspended along Station Road, Maclure Road and outside Rochdale railway station.
� Maclure Road (from the fire station to the railway station) will be closing to traffic until early/mid 2011.
� Diversion signs will be in place for traffic.
� Until December, Station Road will remain open to traffic.
� The existing taxi drop off area will be temporarily moved further along station Road.
� Diversions to bus services will be indicated on bus stops.

Throughout construction we will keep you informed about our progress and any issues that may affect or interest you. We apologise for any inconvenience caused throughout our work and thank you for your patience while we build your new Metrolink line.

Not a great night for Metrolink tonight, trams to Alty were meant to stop at 10pm, so at 9.20pm I'm there at St Peter's square with many other people, an Eccles tram comes and goes and then the announcement says "No more trams to Altrincham" so all the people are like "WTF! It's not even half past nine!" The staff at the train station at this point decided to tell people that the should have got the Eccles tram (that just left) and got off at D-C and get the replacement bus... (would have been quicker to walk).

People were already quite pissed off that the trams stopped 40 minutes before publicized, but anyway we got the next Eccles tram, got off at D-C, found the bus stop and the bus came.

Unfortunately they'd put on a poor driver who didn't seem to know the area! Kept shouting to ask if anyone knew Great Stone Street (or something), people shouted various directions but eventually realised he'd gone too far (by this time he was almost at Stretford).

On hearing that he'd gone way past this street he wanted, he stopped and did a U turn, to shouts of "What the f*** are you doing" and "Stretford's just up the f***ing road" etc etc. Poor guy!! Anyway he eventually made it to Stretford and I got off, but the whole time the whole bus was complaining! Not a fun journey!

Not a great night for Metrolink tonight, trams to Alty were meant to stop at 10pm, so at 9.20pm I'm there at St Peter's square with many other people, an Eccles tram comes and goes and then the announcement says "No more trams to Altrincham" so all the people are like "WTF! It's not even half past nine!" The staff at the train station at this point decided to tell people that the should have got the Eccles tram (that just left) and got off at D-C and get the replacement bus... (would have been quicker to walk).

People were already quite pissed off that the trams stopped 40 minutes before publicized, but anyway we got the next Eccles tram, got off at D-C, found the bus stop and the bus came.

Unfortunately they'd put on a poor driver who didn't seem to know the area! Kept shouting to ask if anyone knew Great Stone Street (or something), people shouted various directions but eventually realised he'd gone too far (by this time he was almost at Stretford).

On hearing that he'd gone way past this street he wanted, he stopped and did a U turn, to shouts of "What the f*** are you doing" and "Stretford's just up the f***ing road" etc etc. Poor guy!! Anyway he eventually made it to Stretford and I got off, but the whole time the whole bus was complaining! Not a fun journey!#



Careful what you say on here fella. There's some here that think that telling the truth about bad and wrong information being given by GMPTE is unacceptable even if your journey is delayed !!!!!:ohno:

#



Careful what you say on here fella. There's some here that think that telling the truth about bad and wrong information being given by GMPTE is acceptable even if your journey is delayed !!!!!:ohno:

But where was the bad and wrong information? Wasn't the word that trams to Alty would stop at 10pm, and the last tram to Alty would leave at 9.00pm?

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/servicedisruptions/index.asp?id=276

The sign and announcement at Stretford earlier on was definitely 10pm, not 9pm :-)

EDIT: this is what the website said before, from post on previous page

Hi

I found this on GMPTE website about Altrincham line being closed this weekend.

Engineering work on the Altrincham Metrolink line

Services on the Altrincham Metrolink line will be suspended for part of this weekend and all of next Sunday (17 October) to allow engineering work to take place.
No trams will run on the Altrincham line from 10pm on Saturday 9 October until the start of service on Monday 11 October and all day on Sunday 17 October.

This will allow track connections from the Altrincham line to the new South Manchester line to Chorlton to be carried out, as part of the expansion of the Metrolink network.
During the work, a replacement bus service will run from Altrincham to Piccadilly, calling at all stops to Deansgate-Castlefield and then non-stop to Piccadilly railway station.
Passengers will need valid Metrolink tickets, available from vending machines at stops, to use the replacement bus service.

Services on the Eccles and Bury lines will not be affected.

But where was the bad and wrong information? Wasn't the word that trams to Alty would stop at 10pm, and the last tram to Alty would leave at 9.00pm?

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/servicedisruptions/index.asp?id=276

Definitely quite clear that trams on the Alty Line would stop at 9pm. Folks should read the info carefully before complaining.
Which bus company was running the replacements? The drivers should be briefed properly. Not sure whether thats Metrolink or the bus company. I take it Great Stone St should be Greatstone Road just south of OldTrafford stop.

See edited post above - they have changed the website (recently) and the sign outside Stretty still says stopping at 10pm not 9pm :-)

The sign and announcement at Stretford earlier on was definitely 10pm, not 9pm :-)

EDIT: this is what the website said before, from post on previous page

If thats true Metrolink Control got it wrong again! They are really useless. I note that GMITA meeting minutes say that running info will be better once TOS is up and running, thats only true for passengers if Control put the right info out. I'm not holding my breath.

See edited post above - they have changed the website (recently) and the sign outside Stretty still says stopping at 10pm not 9pm :-)

Just checked that, GMPTE say 10pm and Metrolink say 9pm. Left hand doesn't know what the right hand's doing!

If there was a proper printed timetable, then the time of the last trams from each station could all be given on one poster. Then there's no mistakes. But that would be too easy as being vague as possible gives a window for them to be more "flexible" in last times etc

How about this? London Transport proper information and wording type of info.


On SATURDAY 9 OCT THERE'S NO TRAMS RUNNING TO OR FROM ALTRINCHAM AFTER APPROX 2100 HRS .

THE LAST TRAMS WILL LEAVE AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES TOWARDS ALTRINCHAM;

PICCADILLY 2000 HRS
PICCADILLY GARDENS 2002 HRS
MOSLEY STREET 2003 HRS
ST PETER'S SQUARE 2005 HRS

ETC ETC

THE LAST TRAMS TOWARDS THE CITY CENTRE ARE AT;

ALTRINCHAM 2035 HRS
NAVIGATION ROAD 2037 HRS


ETC ETC

AFTER THESE TIMES YOU CAN CATCH THE REPLACEMENT BUSES FROM NEARBY BUS STOPS WHICH HAVE YELLOW BUS STOP SIGNS ATTACHED TO THEM. DIRECTIONS ARE MARKED AT EACH STOP.
YOUR JOURNEY WILL TAKE LONGER SO MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE EXTRA TIME TO GET TO YOUR DESTINATION.

DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKET AT THE TRAM STOP FROM THE MACHINES, AS YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO BUY ONE ON THE BUS!

THIS WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IS SO WE CAN CONNECT THE NEW TRAM LINE FOR CHORLTON NEAR TO TRAFFORD BAR. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE.

That would be perfect!! They should employ you! ;-)

Is there anyone on this forum who thinks metrolink is desperately unreliable and future expansions are only going to make things worse...

Is there anyone on this forum who thinks metrolink is desperately unreliable and future expansions are only going to make things worse...

yes....me

Its as reliable as any frequent metro system is, e.g. Current status of Underground from its website:

Bakerloo Good service
Central Good service
Circle Good service
District Part closure, Minor delays
H'smith & City Good service
Jubilee Good service
Metropolitan Good service
Northern Good service
Piccadilly Part closure
Victoria Part closure
Waterloo & City Planned closure
DLR Good service
Overground Planned closure

I certainly think the Metrolink is less reliable than it could be, in an ideal world.

The 2CC will be a help, but without it the cross-city section will be a desperate bottleneck when the extensions are in place, and it won't take much to cause chaos. I suspect a 3CC will be needed in time.

Of course, when describing Metrolink as 'unreliable' it depends what one is comparing it to. Are bus services 'reliable'? I am inclined to think not. Is a run-down and underfunded heavy rail service 'reliable'? Probably not.

Is there anyone on this forum who thinks metrolink is desperately unreliable and future expansions are only going to make things worse...

I don't think its particualy unreliable, but i tend only to use the altrincham line at off peak times so maybe i'm wrong!
Its failures only make the news because they affect so many people which kind of proves how important metrolink is. If the old trams are refurbished to the standard they say they will be (or replaced) then we will see a massive reduction in vehicle failures which i think is the no 1 cause of delays.

Another major delay causer is accidents with other road vehicles. These seem to be not metrolinks fault 99.9% of the time so im not sure what can be done about this.

However, a more recent failure - such as the media city derailment are clearly due to bad management, that kind of thing needs to be sorted out quick time. As for the wires falling down twice in timperly, the fact that it happend twice in the same area seems to suggest that there is a problem with the design/ build quality with the overhead line in this area, not something you can blame metrolink for directly.

I will agree that metrolinks passenger communication effort is shocking. Not updating the website, vauge and incorrect information on the website, supposedly awfull customer service dept. A PA system that seems to have a limit on the length of the messages that can be played and customer information screens that where instaled at the random mix of stations over a year ago and are still switched off and covered up in some places (stretford).

Is there anyone on this forum who thinks metrolink is desperately unreliable and future expansions are only going to make things worse...

In many ways it's a lack of attention that lets it down. The appalling Passenger Information when things go wrong and the poor record of updating website information (last night was a classic where the 2 sites, GMPTE and Metrolink, gave different information.
Management of incidents could be improved with a small number of mobile controllers out and about the system to take charge when needed. They used to have them at first but Serco abandoned the idea.
Unfortunately despite what we keep being told about the passenger information system being better once the TOS is running I doubt it will be because at the times when it will really be needed when things go wrong it will still be reliant on human intervention and this is what lets the system down.
Given the mileages run the trams are no worse than many trains of similar vintage (Pacers for example) and generally infrastrucure failures aren't too frequent.

Spent 10 minutes this morning at Media City waiting for a tram, only to see one go direct round the bend from Broadway to Harbour City.

Signs to indicate that Media City was not being stopped at on Sundays would have been useful. :bash:

Anyone know why Media City is not being stopped at on a Sunday? I'd have thought a fair few people would want to go to the Lowry theatre / mall..

Their only serving it during daytime and saturdays, kinda the reverse of the times it will be served by Eccles bounds when the Cornbrook shuttle starts.

Spent 10 minutes this morning at Media City waiting for a tram, only to see one go direct round the bend from Broadway to Harbour City.

Signs to indicate that Media City was not being stopped at on Sundays would have been useful. :bash:

Anyone know why Media City is not being stopped at on a Sunday? I'd have thought a fair few people would want to go to the Lowry theatre / mall..

Or even a PA set to announce every 5 or 6 minutes. Another example of poor passenger information.

Spent 10 minutes this morning at Media City waiting for a tram, only to see one go direct round the bend from Broadway to Harbour City.

Signs to indicate that Media City was not being stopped at on Sundays would have been useful. :bash:

Anyone know why Media City is not being stopped at on a Sunday? I'd have thought a fair few people would want to go to the Lowry theatre / mall..

The whole MediaCityUK business has been very badly publicised. It seems as if they are trying to fade it in with the Eccles service without people quite noticing.

Probably about 85% of passengers are still struggling to work out what it's all about.

I overheard a passenger on a tram earlier telling somebody that direct services are going to run to Eccles instead of Alty - obviously untrue but would that even be possible? :lol:

A complete and utter shambles as usual. The other evening it took me an hour to get to Eccles from Chorlton and then another our back. I parked up at Stretford missed the first tram (usual thing it turns up as I get to the ticket machine) so had to wait 10 minutes for the next one (despite it supposed to be a 6 minute service) then got to Cornbrook at 5:20. I arrived at Eccles at 5:55.

The mediacity stop added 5 minutes to an already patheticaly slow service.

My biggest gripe is not even the slowness but the lack of informaton. Waiting 15 minutes at Cornbrook with no signs of an Eccles tram, no announcments, the customer service didn't answer.

I think things will improve once the PIDs are installed.

In future when I go to Eccles via the tram I think I will walk up to Panoma from Chorlton and catch the tram from there. I don't really fancy parking near there. I suppose I could drive to Eccles but its not a journey I really want to do in rush hour traffic.

No complaints about the Altrincham line other than usual miss information but its been reliable lately so thats not been a problem.

Seems somethings gone wrong with the Metrolink Extension works over the weekend as I've found the following on Metrolink Website this morning:

11/10/2010 - Altrincham,Bury and Eccles line

Metrolink Services. Engineering work that has over-run

There will be no trams running on the Altrincham line on Monday 11 October. This is due to the planned engineering work over the week end for the expansion of the Metrolink network has over-run.

A replacement bus service will run from Altrincham to Deansgate-Castlefield then non-stop to Piccadilly station. Also the 263 bus is accepting Metrolink tickets and passes.

Passengers should buy their tickets from Metrolink ticket vending machines as normal, before boarding the bus.


A 12 minute tram service is operating on the Bury and Eccles line.

Accepting there is no service to Altrincham this morning, why is the Bury line only operating a 12 minute service?

On Saturday night, Stagecoach deckers inbound from Altrincham had destinations as :
"Piccadilly Bus Station" then a second scrolling line as " via Corporation St via Shudehill"

more mis-information!

Despite the earlier message saying no trams on Monday (which I read as all day?)

the Metrolink website now has:

07.38 hrs Altrincham,Bury and Eccles line
After the weekend engineering work over running. the Altrincham service has resumed. However there will be some delays


A 12 minute tram service is operating on the Bury and Eccles line.

Wonder what frequency on Altrincham line and if Bury gets its 6 min service back!

keep watching!

I am not going to risk it after what happened the other day. I shall be getting the bus into town. It will be stressful and slow but at least I know it will turn up!

From the Metrolink website:

12.10 hrs Altrincham,Bury and Eccles line
Metrolink Services

A 6 minute service is operating on the Bury and Altrincham lines.

A 12 minute tram service is operating on the Eccles line.

So back to normal - whatever that means!

I've given up with the website - normally just head to the tram stop and hope for the best.

I didn't notice any Altrincham trams when I sat on the dop deck of the 86 for about 5 minutes waiting for it to pull out of Picciddily.

Well, it seems Metrolink has been getting some bad press on here of late, so why don't I try to cheer us all up.

Those of us in Manchester will be aware that we've had a lovely weekend, so I took the opportunity to snap at various points along the former Oldham to Rochdale alignment.

There is evidence of bridge works at this stage, but no rail construction as yet. That said, the landscape looked rather striking, and I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.

We begin on Huddersfield Road in Newhey, at the site of the former station. A lot of vegetation clearance has been undertaken, and the platform has been removed to accommodate the dualling of the track.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3364.jpg

The old cotton warehouse:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3369.jpg

From the same point looking north towards Rochdale:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3370.jpg

Next, we're on Two Bridges Road:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3374.jpg

Looking north:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3371.jpg

and south:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3372.jpg

It really was a stunning day that afforded many beautiful views of the surrounding hills and moorland:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3373.jpg

Just before the northern Milnrow Road bridge, there is a foot crossing that leads to what looked like an abandoned mill.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3375.jpg

Signs that contractors will soon be starting eighteen solid months of work on this stretch:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3377.jpg

To the north:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3382.jpg

and back south again:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3379.jpg

You can see Milnrow Road bridge in the distance:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3378.jpg

Travelling further south we reach Linney Lane. Contractors are currently undertaking some bridge work here.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3383.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3387.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3389.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3388.jpg

A lovely view north from Linney Lane:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3384.jpg

And look, some old concrete sleepers!
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3386.jpg

Here is the site of the former footbridge at Shaw & Crompton heavy rail station and road crossing on Beal Lane:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3390.jpg

Looking north, the station has been completely obliterated!
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3394.jpg

and a glance the other way:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3392.jpg

It looks so different now to how it is on Google Street View. Compare and contrast!

The fabulous old mill next to the railway line:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3393.jpg

And here's the nerve centre of it all!
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3395.jpg

This is at Woodstock Business Park, just off Higginshaw Lane.


Travelling south still, we reach Yates Lane. This is where Derker rail station once was. Bridge works are ongoing at present.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3397.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3396.jpg

Looking back towards Shaw Road:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3400.jpg

Turning to the left slightly, the former fitness and logistics buildings have gone and this looks like it will become a massive site compound:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3401.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3398.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3399.jpg

In case you weren't aware:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3402.jpg

Now we look towards Oldham Mumps from the top of Brook Street:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3403.jpg

...and in a bit closer:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3404.jpg

Access to the compound on Brook Street:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3405.jpg

This is all that remains of the Mumps viaduct between Brook Street and Bell Street:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3406.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3407.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3408.jpg

It was at this point I got chatting to a really nice gentleman who was also taking photographs, albeit on a far superior device. He documents changes to buildings and infrastructure over many years, mainly as a personal hobby. I thought he might be one of our fellow contributors, but alas no. However, I told him about this place and how to find us, so welcome if you have!

Mumps viaduct:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3410.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3411.jpg

Similar to Johnny's photos, you can seen that vegetation clearance has taken place and the next stage of demolition and removal of the southern viaduct will take place at a later date.

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3412.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3413.jpg

Looking back down to the Mumps viaduct from Brook Street, this will soon be a forgotton sight.
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3417.jpg

The view of the viaduct from the east. Soon this view will open up to reveal the town centre and a Metrolink crossing:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3418.jpg

Sleepers await distribution further south as the line heads towards central Manchester. They are currently housed in the Mumps compound:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/Metrolink%20Oldham%20Rochdale%20October%202010/DSCN3419.jpg

Beyond this, the footpath is closed so I was able to proceed no further.

Although serene at the moment, these locations are set to become a hive of activity for the next eighteen months to two years. It will be interesting to compare these photos to up to date photos in a years time.

Hope you enjoyed the picture show! :banana:'s are coming!

Excellent Work Rob793 :cheers:

Very good, a lot of locations not photographed before.

Great snaps rob!

Can't believe how rural metrolink is going to run in.

So, can anyone report on what work was done over the weekend, i presume the connection to the chorlton bound track and the overhead lines?

Can't believe how rural metrolink is going to run in.

Will be a similar rural setting midpoint on the Airport line where it runs through the floodplain.

Well, it seems Metrolink has been getting some bad press on here of late, so why don't I try to cheer us all up.

Those of us in Manchester will be aware that we've had a lovely weekend, so I took the opportunity to snap at various points along the former Oldham to Rochdale alignment.

There is evidence of bridge works at this stage, but no rail construction as yet. That said, the landscape looked rather striking, and I hope you enjoy looking at these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.



Although serene at the moment, these locations are set to become a hive of activity for the next eighteen months to two years. It will be interesting to compare these photos to up to date photos in a years time.

Hope you enjoyed the picture show! :banana:'s are coming!

What a superb collection Rob thanks.

It might be an idea when replying to posts with lots of images in it to cut out the image code in the quote section otherwise the thread gets very difficult to navigate.

I was thinking seeing those pics that the extension will make touring Greater Manchester a lot easier. Driving and buses are no pleasure, catching lots of different clapped out local trains is no pleasure, but using the Metrolink with one single ticket at a quiet time of day can be very pleasurable assuming its working.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/DSC00748.jpg

Pleased to report that it fits with loads of room to spare! So thats Victoria tested and done.

Also the seats are pretty comfy inside the new trams, and that trams smell nice and new hahaha.

I always enjoy looking back at old posts such as this one. It does show how much progress has been made in such little time.
For instance, on this photo the M5000s were going through their first stages of testing, and since then twenty-three have been delivered, twelve have entered service, and two are already out of service (including the one in the photo).

...which reminds me - isn't 3001 due back soon?

I thought it was going to be in Vienna for 4 months, has it been that long since it was sent away?

Will be a similar rural setting midpoint on the Airport line where it runs through the floodplain.

But only for about half a mile and a similar distance along the edge of the golf course, with a distant view of the M60 on its embankment.

Half the Oldham distance but still a similar small distance.

Half the Oldham distance but still a similar small distance.

Yes, to listen to the objectors you'd expect at least tens of acres of the Mersey Valley to be wiped out, in fact it's a couple of acres that will be affected but still be available for wild life.

Great post Rob - many of your photos look like a lovely linear park.

The calm before the storm... :)

[QUOTE=Joydivison82;65173363]It might be an idea when replying to posts with lots of images in it to cut out the image code in the quote section otherwise the thread gets very difficult to navigate.

Good point, I have removed the content now.

So, can anyone report on what work was done over the weekend, i presume the connection to the chorlton bound track and the overhead lines?

From what I saw...

PLenty of blokes working at Dane Road, presumably on the electrical fault.

Also loads on the tracks actually in the station. Not sure what that was all about.

At the depot there were two cherry picker type vehicles, one on inbound connection, one on outbound.

They were linking up the overhead power supplies to the Chorlton line.
Seemed to have replaced a lot of the old lines as well.

The new stuff looks like new copper looks, i.e. orangey/reddy/shiny. The older cabling is much duller. It doesn't take long for the dulling effect to happen.

From what I saw...

PLenty of blokes working at Dane Road, presumably on the electrical fault.

Also loads on the tracks actually in the station. Not sure what that was all about.

At the depot there were two cherry picker type vehicles, one on inbound connection, one on outbound.

They were linking up the overhead power supplies to the Chorlton line.
Seemed to have replaced a lot of the old lines as well.

The new stuff looks like new copper looks, i.e. orangey/reddy/shiny. The older cabling is much duller. It doesn't take long for the dulling effect to happen.

I noticed earlier last week that there was a small building compound set up with a few portakabins under the motorway bridge near to Dane Road station. I wasn't sure whether it was Metrolink related or not though.

I noticed earlier last week that there was a small building compound set up with a few portakabins under the motorway bridge near to Dane Road station. I wasn't sure whether it was Metrolink related or not though.

For a few years a tramp lived down under there. Seems that the track renewal works got rid of him.

They do store an awful lot of heavy equipement down under the motorway, if you ever walk from Sale towards the water park under the M60 alongside the tracks you often see huge amounts of copper along with all other expensive odds and sods down there.

Given the amount of workers in the area on Sunday morning whatever they were doing was quite substanstial.

Didn't end up going into town yesterday so not sure if the electrical fault has been rectified, will report on it later when I get to town as the trams will hopefully now accelerate straight out of Dane Road.

For a few years a tramp lived down under there. Seems that the track renewal works got rid of him.

They do store an awful lot of heavy equipement down under the motorway, if you ever walk from Sale towards the water park under the M60 alongside the tracks you often see huge amounts of copper along with all other expensive odds and sods down there.

Given the amount of workers in the area on Sunday morning whatever they were doing was quite substanstial.

Didn't end up going into town yesterday so not sure if the electrical fault has been rectified, will report on it later when I get to town as the trams will hopefully now accelerate straight out of Dane Road.

I was on a double tram this morning and it crawled out of Dane Road.

I also noticed on the replacement bus signs, they had been amended to include 31st October as well.

Can't believe how rural metrolink is going to run in.

Funny how rural Newhey and Milnrow look really, considering there isn't really a gap on greenbelt between them and central Manchester.

To think the trains only stopped running along there only a year ago.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1345398_oldham_town_centre_closed_off_due_to_gas_leak

Could this be anything to do with the Metrolink works?

Oops looks like it was

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11526086

I thought it was going to be in Vienna for 4 months, has it been that long since it was sent away?

Ah right thought it was four weeks, and no it's been around a month since 3001's departure

Thanks for those spectacular pictures Rob.:banana: It's amazing how you get a much more panoramic view once you can see forward (or backward!) down the line. Railways only allow you to have a side view, which is much more limited dynamically, so I can't wait to ride a tram through all those different environments on the Metrolink network!.

METROLINK LIGHT RAIL VEHICLE’S MID-LIFE REFURBISHMENT PRESENTATION

The Committee received a presentation from Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink Director on the detailed proposals for the mid-life refurbishment of Metrolink vehicles.

The primary objectives of the refurbishment of Metrolink were to ensure the vehicles reach their design life; improve reliability; and provide consistent livery across the fleet.

Officers confirmed that the costs of acquiring a whole new fleet compared to the proposed refurbishment programme were considerable and that a programme of refurbishment work was in production.

The Chair of the Committee reminded the meeting that a ‘Cycle on Trams Working Party’ had been established to facilitate consultation with the cycle fraternity and develop proposals for a way forward to be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee at a later date. Refurbishment options include dedicated space for cycle storage by replacing seats in each carriage.
Members drew attention to the public acceptance of the layout, the low seating density and increased standing capacity on the M5000 vehicles. Officers explained that the option to repeat the layout on the T68 had been explored, however, there were number of physical restriction to the vehicle which created limitations.

The meeting was assured that a further report would be submitted to the Committee in advance of letting the Metrolink refurbishment contract.

http://www.gmita.gov.uk/downloads/file/3200/item_06b_capital_projects-17_september_2010

So it looks like there are going ahead with the Refurb as opposed to replacing the T68's, as was rumoured on here.

http://www.gmita.gov.uk/downloads/file/3200/item_06b_capital_projects-17_september_2010

So it looks like there are going ahead with the Refurb as opposed to replacing the T68's, as was rumoured on here.

Fleet replacement was never going to be a feasible option. The cost of another 32 M5000s would be too much. The T68s would have little if any resale value as they are unique. I understood the refurb was to give them another 15 years or so.

They recieved the report, wasnt a decision to proceed or not.

I'd quite like to bring something up; its only a while now until Metrolink starts properly expanding, so we only have a few months or so to enjoy the 'good old metrolink' as we've known it for over ten years now.

By the end of next year the network will already be considerably larger, and this forum will be much busier too.

In a way, it is an end of an era, but it's also the start of something massive for the fantastic city which most on here are proud to call home :)

speech/rant over :P

I'd quite like to bring something up; its only a while now until Metrolink starts properly expanding, so we only have a few months or so to enjoy the 'good old metrolink' as we've known it for over ten years now.

By the end of next year the network will already be considerably larger, and this forum will be much busier too.

In a way, it is an end of an era, but it's also the start of something massive for the fantastic city which most on here are proud to call home :)

That brought me close to tears. :lol:

speech/rant over :P

Which speech/rant? How dare you... that's my job....:lol::lol:

Which speech/rant? How dare you... that's my job....:lol::lol:

I actually didn't intend it to be a speech, just turned out that way :lol:

Chorlton junction finally connected up to the alty line!! :-D

Chorlton junction finally connected up to the alty line!! :-D

Really! It wasn't at about 12.30'when I went past. I noticED that they've put in a crossover just after old Trafford.

Wasnt that always there for when they used to queue post match services?

Wasnt that always there for when they used to queue post match services?

I mean between old Trafford and Trafford bar. Just before the alrincham bound platform. Not sure if the old ground frame is still there stretford side. Didn't notice!

I mean between old Trafford and Trafford bar. Just before the alrincham bound platform. Not sure if the old ground frame is still there stretford side. Didn't notice!

The one between Old Trafford and Trafford Bar was installed during the 2009 blockade. It will give trams coming from Altrincham direct access into the new depot.

The one between Old Trafford and Stretford is still there.

The connections to the Chorlton line haven't been 100% finished yet, but they don't need much more work doing.

For a few years a tramp lived down under there. Seems that the track renewal works got rid of him.

Taken in January 2006:
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/DSCN0115altered.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/DSCN0114.jpg

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/DSCN0102.jpg

The one between Old Trafford and Trafford Bar was installed during the 2009 blockade. It will give trams coming from Altrincham direct access into the new depot.

The one between Old Trafford and Stretford is still there.

The connections to the Chorlton line haven't been 100% finished yet, but they don't need much more work doing.

Cool. Never noticed it before. I'm usually looking at the depot at that point rather than the trackwork! The chorlton connection just looked to be shy of a couple of rails now.

@Rob - I love that motion pic of the T68 :D



I think metrolink has a few old signs to replace still.... another one I saw today that I thought would have been changed pretty quick :-

http://kriis.host56.com/metpost.jpg

I've just come across this photo of the then new Queens Rd depot taken in April 1992 with the BR tracks on Smedley viaduct still intact

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/QueensRdDepot.jpg

Nice find ExManc! I never realised at the time, that the BR line from Victoria had continued into Metrolink days. Do we know when it finally closed? I had a rummage round and the above pic was on the first day of operation 6.4.92, and 1008 on the bridge, had earlier carried the very first fare-paying passengers (Light Rail Systems #1, David Holt/Platform 5).

I also came across these others in the Metrolink Commemorative Volume, (1992 John Senior & Eric Ogden/Transport Publishing Co).

This one shows the through route from the North side of Victoria, nowadays completely overgrown until it reaches the point more recently taken over by the Metrolink depot (the turquoise shed top right, whose roads now seem to be growing further back towards Victoria all the time!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0001-19.jpg

And this shows all four of the alignments at Smedley, the two through lines overflying each other, and the chords on either side (one disused, nowadays to become the Oldham line, and the other truncated to form the depot to Bury line) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0002-15.jpg

Now there's me coming over all nostalgic for the end of an era as well! :grouphug:

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0002-15.jpg

Now there's me coming over all nostalgic for the end of an era as well! :grouphug:

I'm enjoying the half-tram in that picture :lol:

@JdR - I spot 2 halves of a T68 in that bottom pic! Would that be when they were first being constructed in 1991?

hahahaha Great minds Futurelink

Well the book is 1992 to commemorate the opening, so I guess the photo could have been just before that when they were taking delivery . . .? They certainly came from Italy by road & ferry in two halves and got stuck in a snowdrift in the Alps.

hahahaha Great minds Futurelink

It is a strange find - i wasn't completely interested in the metrolink back in the early days so i have no idea what this could be... :nuts:

EDIT: Just read johnny's post - looks like that was probably the case.

Brilliant historic pics johnny! It's not even twenty years ago but it feels like a different age.

Incidentally, slightly off topic, much earlier in this thread you mentioned about the private railway along the north bank of the ship canal. May I recommend a book by Don Thorpe, entitled "The Railways of the Manchester Ship Canal", 1984, Oxford Publishing Company ISBN 0860932885. I happened upon this by chance in a bookshop in Brampton Bryan last month.

Little did I know that the bridge I can see across the fields from my bedroom at Warburton once carried a railway!

To get back on topic, here's another one I've found in the archives from during the heatwave in July 06. Offers nothing special but I had a trawl through my old pics to find a picture of the M60 tramp above!
http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/rob793/DSCN0966.jpg

No prizes for guessing where it was taken.

Could the Red Bank viaduct be brought back into tram use if western Metrolink routes to Atherton, Leigh or Wigan ever transpire? For example, if Metro used platforms on the opposite side of Victoria that they do now, this could be another depot return route. Certainly, there is capacity on viaducts west of the MEN Arena. Is a through route still accessible through the void or has this space been used structurally for the arena?

Im sure a few other have heard about Coronation Street crashing a tram in December...
http://i1.cdnds.net/10/41/550w_soaps_corrie_tram_crash_setup.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/11/article-0-0B91C84A000005DC-419_634x363.jpg

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

The one between Old Trafford and Trafford Bar was installed during the 2009 blockade. It will give trams coming from Altrincham direct access into the new depot.

The one between Old Trafford and Stretford is still there.


still there, but no longer worked by ground frame, it was motorised and signalled during the renewal works a few years ago. The Bury line ones at Crumpsall & Whitefield were done too.

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

Apparantly its in two halfs with the different halfs crashed into different parts of the set.

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

All can be solved with CGI.

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

I suppose this will only be used as a template; the episode is said to be very effects-heavy so they'll probably edit it to make it look realistic.

Well the book is 1992 to commemorate the opening, so I guess the photo could have been just before that when they were taking delivery . . .? They certainly came from Italy by road & ferry in two halves and got stuck in a snowdrift in the Alps.

Here's the photo

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/MetrolinkItaly.jpg

with regards to the part of the oldham loop line that used to run from the left side of victoria then through the metrolink site, i think local lad said a while ago it shut in 1998...

...as for the tracks along the canal bank, some of it was still in use as recently as the late 70s and early 80s. i remember a lot of it being stacked up next to the (then still in use) pump tower at irlam in the mid 1980s.

[QUOTE=Johnny de Rivative;65294347]Nice find ExManc! I never realised at the time, that the BR line from Victoria had continued into Metrolink days. Do we know when it finally closed? I had a rummage round and the above pic was on the first day of operation 6.4.92, and 1008 on the bridge, had earlier carried the very first fare-paying passengers (Light Rail Systems #1, David Holt/Platform 5).

Smedley viaduct spur closed with effect from 7th February 1966, Smedley viaduct signal box closed on 29th September 1974 and the tracks to Thorpes Bridge junction were taken out of use on 14th September 1998

Im sure a few other have heard about Coronation Street crashing a tram in December...
http://i1.cdnds.net/10/41/550w_soaps_corrie_tram_crash_setup.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/11/article-0-0B91C84A000005DC-419_634x363.jpg

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

Does that mean there will be delays on the Weatherfield Quays line of 12, 24, 36 minutes due to an earlier incident? Hope they update the website.

Another, slight different shot of the tram:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aoltv.co.uk/media/2010/10/corriecrash438.jpg

It's looking more and more like a 1000 series tram painted in the new colour scheme.

Another, slight different shot of the tram:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.aoltv.co.uk/media/2010/10/corriecrash438.jpg

It's looking more and more like a 1000 series tram painted in the new colour scheme.

Now looking at that shot... how the hell would the tram end up in that position if it had crashed off the viaduct??


To be honest though... I will actually watch that episode of Corry' just to see what happens. I haven't watched it in over 6 years!

To be honest though... I will actually watch that episode of Corry' just to see what happens. I haven't watched it in over 6 years!

Exactly the same opinion here. Although I do feel that for a few days afterwards i'll be a little weary whilst on trams.

Im sure a few other have heard about Coronation Street crashing a tram in December...
http://i1.cdnds.net/10/41/550w_soaps_corrie_tram_crash_setup.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/10/11/article-0-0B91C84A000005DC-419_634x363.jpg

I didn't expect Metrolink to waste off one of their new M5000s, but its a pretty bad mockup to be honest. They've missed out the middle section as well!

Looking at the position of the tram in the cabin i thought the metrolink travelled on the viaduct in the opening credits the other way, so it could be impossible for the tram to land up in the cabin unless it was going down the tracks the wrong way, so if was to crash that side of the viaduct it would have gone straight into the Devs shop

Its not bloody real another bludder in my opinion on corrie by ITV

What your saying it should have been on the left imaginary track not the right imaginary track?

Looking at the position of the tram in the cabin i thought the metrolink travelled on the viaduct in the opening credits the other way, so it could be impossible for the tram to land up in the cabin unless it was going down the tracks the wrong way, so if was to crash that side of the viaduct it would have gone straight into the Devs shop

Its not bloody real another bludder in my opinion on corrie by ITV

Quite. I wonder how many million viewers will write in about this 'blunder'.

Get real! :lol:

ZnKnoC8DTb4

Someones attempt at what it could have looked like? suffers a tad from wrong model trams with articulation where they dont have it however.

Bill Webster will be quids in with all the building work that'll be needed after that.

I'm hoping to see an appearance from this guy in the episode :lol: -

http://i55.tinypic.com/29xjhvm.jpg

I was taking a ride into town earlier and upon arrival at MediaCity I realised it had now all been fully opened up!

The main area, or 'Piazza', which will be filled with people in about a year's time:
http://i52.tinypic.com/jp9dgm.jpg

A look at the stop from a different angle:
http://i56.tinypic.com/o8e44i.jpg

The first proper look at the garden area:
http://i53.tinypic.com/24gt26h.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/2m6pnpy.jpg

They have made this area look beautiful:
http://i56.tinypic.com/sy2jv5.jpg

A tall Metrolink logo has been installed, not sure how long it's been there for:
http://i54.tinypic.com/33tgo61.jpg

A quick snap of a tram at the station:
http://i55.tinypic.com/aym62p.jpg

Also, just like to mention that the lifts at Cornbrook and Pomona now have yellow surrounds. Would've hopped off and took a photo but I was in a bit of a rush :ohno:

Hope my pictures were interesting enough for you! :)

Looking at the position of the tram in the cabin i thought the metrolink travelled on the viaduct in the opening credits the other way, so it could be impossible for the tram to land up in the cabin unless it was going down the tracks the wrong way, so if was to crash that side of the viaduct it would have gone straight into the Devs shop
I don't know why I'm joining in with this discussion :ohno:, but... if you look in the first pic there is a piece of tram embedded in the corner shop, so they have probably got it to split for greater effect - hit more buildings, kill more people? What's the story on how it gets to fall off the viaduct?

Haven't watched Corrie for years but I'll probably keep an eye out for these episodes!

Here's the photo

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad200/Vernon151/MetrolinkItaly.jpg

I love that photo. Here's a few more from the period, while we're in a nostalgic mood! :grouphug: (c/- LRTA, Platform 5, LTP etc as mentioned) :-

Paving the way :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0001-21.jpg

Market Street before the island platform :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0006-2.jpg

London Road passing Store Street towards the Undercroft :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0004-7.jpg

When gardens was gardens :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0003-8.jpg

And didn't Liz look the biz in turquoise ? :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0002-16.jpg

After Lower Mosley Street coach station, but before the Bridgwater Hall :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0007-2.jpg

How it was in the beginning . . .

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/IMG_0008-1.jpg

Hope my pictures were interesting enough for you! :)

They certainly were Future, thanks for sharing.

JDR, just a small point, I was very confused by the London Road pic above. Does it need mirroring about a vertical centreline? That's the only way I can make it work in my head. Thanks for posting them though, fascinating stuff.

They certainly were Future, thanks for sharing.

JDR, just a small point, I was very confused by the London Road pic above. Does it need mirroring about a vertical centreline? That's the only way I can make it work in my head. Thanks for posting them though, fascinating stuff.

Yes, that picture is flipped, the shops should be to the left and the sheds should be pointing to the right. Belting photos though.

thanks for those pics JdR... I was only 3 when the system was being built and is interesting to see how different it looks nearly 18 years on.

I've got a whole video of the first day a tram was dragged through town by the diesel thingy. I was working that day in Piccadilly. You should have seen the looks on the passengers faces who were waiting at the bus stops. Must have a look and see if it still works in a video player

Seems to have been fixed at midday, still shouldnt have been left up for first couple of hours of service.

JDR, just a small point, I was very confused by the London Road pic above. Does it need mirroring about a vertical centreline? That's the only way I can make it work in my head. Thanks for posting them though, fascinating stuff.

Yes, you're right! They must have reversed the negative in the original publication, which has other printing errors also. With a very keen eye, you can see that the BR 'double chevrons' logo & station name above the tram, are also reversed, implying right-hand running! No idea how to correct it though! :nuts::nuts::nuts:

I suppose you could say were in a relative quiet period regarding Metro construction works, but I just browsed over to the GMPTE site. Some good news, well unless you have to drive near to the railway station in Rochdale lol...

Starting on 25th October 2010 work will begin at Rochdale railway station to lay the new track along High Level Road and Maclure Road. This will include a new stop being built on Maclure Road, opposite the fire station. Our works in this area will be ongoing until mid 2011.

:banana:


High Level Road will be closing permanently on 25th October .
Parking will be suspended along Station Road, Maclure Road and outside Rochdale railway station.
Maclure Road (from the fire station to the railway station) will be closing to traffic until early/mid 2011.
Diversion signs will be in place for traffic.
Until December, Station Road will remain open to traffic.
The existing taxi drop off area will be temporarily moved further along station Road.
Diversions to bus services will be indicated on bus stops

That's the trouble with that old fashioned film thingy we used to load in to our cameras, could be looked at from either side. How did we ever cope with taking 24 or 36 pictures and not having a clue if any of them had turned out 'til a week later??? Anyway, a quick flip in photoshop and all's well...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5090656059_2b638041b3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlf18/5090656059/)
IMG_0004-7a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlf18/5090656059/) by carlf18 (http://www.flickr.com/people/carlf18/), on Flickr

That's the trouble with that old fashioned film thingy we used to load in to our cameras, could be looked at from either side. How did we ever cope with taking 24 or 36 pictures and not having a clue if any of them had turned out 'til a week later??? Anyway, a quick flip in photoshop and all's well...

Ah, that's better, looks like Manchester again:cheers:

Fantastic bit of (recent) nostalgia!

In other news, signs (currently covered up by bin bags) have gone up along the Ashton Canal, advising the towpath will be closed while the Lock 3 Bridge is enhanced in order to allow access to the New Islington (formerly Pollard St?) stop.

Planning App/Design & Access Statement here: http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/selecteddoc.aspx?093607-dsx-0001.pdf

Does anybody know what works are going on/near Bowker Vale Station only I noticed that MPThales have set up a compound at Bowker Vale Station, I'm guessing it could be something to do with the works for the new station at Abram Moss but could be wrong, if anyone can help it would be apreciated

Does anybody know what works are going on/near Bowker Vale Station only I noticed that MPThales have set up a compound at Bowker Vale Station, I'm guessing it could be something to do with the works for the new station at Abram Moss but could be wrong, if anyone can help it would be apreciated

Isn't there a new sub-station being built?

Market Street before the island platform
Amazing how quickly we forget things. I recall buses sharing that bit of Market St with trams but not that there was a stop directly outside the old Lewis's store!

I don't know why I'm joining in with this discussion :ohno:, but... if you look in the first pic there is a piece of tram embedded in the corner shop, so they have probably got it to split for greater effect - hit more buildings, kill more people? What's the story on how it gets to fall off the viaduct?

Haven't watched Corrie for years but I'll probably keep an eye out for these episodes!

If I could be a complete saddo for a min... :lol:

There is a new bar opening in the viaduct, the story will be that there is some sort of explosion (gas?) that damages the track overhead and occurs just before a tram passes. The track damage is, ahem, enough to launch the tram off the viaduct.

Who said Corrie was unrealistic?? :nuts: As someone else has pointed out, it is difficult to understand the exact scenario that would allow the tram to come off in the manner subsequently shown, but I guess they must acheive it some how with the CGI!!

BTW, fab photos of the early Metrolink years!

If I could be a complete saddo for a min... :lol:

There is a new bar opening in the viaduct, the story will be that there is some sort of explosion (gas?) that damages the track overhead and occurs just before a tram passes. The track damage is, ahem, enough to launch the tram off the viaduct.

Who said Corrie was unrealistic?? :nuts: As someone else has pointed out, it is difficult to understand the exact scenario that would allow the tram to come off in the manner subsequently shown, but I guess they must acheive it some how with the CGI!!

BTW, fab photos of the early Metrolink years!

As long as Tina, Carla and Sian don't get killed off, then I'm happy.

Work starts on north Manchester Metrolink stop

Site clearance work for the new Metrolink stop at Abraham Moss in north Manchester starts today (18 October). The new stop will serve a major regeneration area...

To read the rest of this article you need to be a Transport Briefing subscriber
http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/news/story?id=7174

So what's the latest on chorlton? If it's supposed to be opening by Christmas, then surely testing will begin in the next 2 to 3 weeks?

So what's the latest on chorlton? If it's supposed to be opening by Christmas, then surely testing will begin in the next 2 to 3 weeks?

I don't think it will be open by Christmas. I think it was just wishful thinking back in early summer when the construction progress was flying.

Hope I'm wrong though.

I don't think it will be open by Christmas. I think it was just wishful thinking back in early summer when the construction progress was flying.

Hope I'm wrong though.

I hope it doesn't open....... they've made a mess of absolutely everything they've done in the last 2 years, rushing to get things done in too short time, not testing enough or even testing at all etc. Spring opening is fine by me. That's when they said and there's no excuses this time if it goes wrong as there has been plenty of time to get it done properly for once..:lol:

They certainly were Future, thanks for sharing.

JDR, just a small point, I was very confused by the London Road pic above. Does it need mirroring about a vertical centreline? That's the only way I can make it work in my head. Thanks for posting them though, fascinating stuff.

Yes, that picture is flipped, the shops should be to the left and the sheds should be pointing to the right. Belting photos though.

The British Rail logo is also the wrong way round. :D

High Fi has now sorted it out for us! ^^ #5233 above.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5090656059_2b638041b3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlf18/5090656059/)
IMG_0004-7a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlf18/5090656059/) by carlf18 (http://www.flickr.com/people/carlf18/), on Flickr

It is also the old frontage to Piccadilly BR, before the whole station was re-vamped, and in fact at the very beginning the area was a bit of a dump, before they tidied up the landscape like this for a few years. The outline of former streets which had lost their buildings could still be seen. Now this whole scene has gone, and it would no longer be possible to take a shot from this position. The new footbridge now emerges from the higher level, and runs alongside the tramway off to the left of the picture, and skyscrapers have been built over the spot where the camera was in this shot.

That's a good photograph and makes me for a moment bemoan the loss of the space, but in reality I never truly liked the space.

It didn't go anywhere and the vista was far from inviting. It needed a grand stair case up to Piccadilly- even some direct access would have been beneficial, The buildings around the gardens were and are often ugly/unloved and seem to turn their backs to the station, offering no active frontage to animate the space. It seemed to me like a space that had been accidentily left empty and a garden had been put there in lieu of a building- no bad thing as a temporary measure.

Piccadilly Place is a success IMO and offers a more serious, business-like, impressive and dare I say practical entrance to the city and retains a pedestrian plaza, if not the greenary.

So what's the latest on chorlton? If it's supposed to be opening by Christmas, then surely testing will begin in the next 2 to 3 weeks?

Now the lines are connected to the system there is no reason I can see why testing shouldn't have already started.
The only surmountable delay I can see is that (as of a week or so ago) the power does not yet extend as far as the St Werburg cross over.

I hope it doesn't open....... they've made a mess of absolutely everything they've done in the last 2 years, rushing to get things done in too short time, not testing enough or even testing at all etc. Spring opening is fine by me. That's when they said and there's no excuses this time if it goes wrong as there has been plenty of time to get it done properly for once..:lol:

Bit extreme- everything wrong in the last two years a mess! I see no evidence of that.
Perhaps the wise course would be to open with a restricted service, don't start until 9.30 so the majority of passengers are not time sensitive.

I hope it doesn't open....... they've made a mess of absolutely everything they've done in the last 2 years, rushing to get things done in too short time, not testing enough or even testing at all etc. Spring opening is fine by me. That's when they said and there's no excuses this time if it goes wrong as there has been plenty of time to get it done properly for once..:lol:

Are you refering to the "teething problems" at MediaCity:UK ?