Most seats full on the chorlton bound tram home just now.

Would we say the SML has around the same capacity as the Eccles line at the moment?

^^

The Eccles line gets really busy for City Centre to Salford Quays journeys, but then after the MediaCity area it dies down and, although all seats are full, there aren't many people standing.

That's from my experience of using it once or twice a week.

Would we say the SML has around the same capacity as the Eccles line at the moment?

My gut feel is that SML is still in it's build-up phase and will become a fair amount busier over the next few weeks and then more so by the end of the holiday season. I'd guess all the seats taken plus a fair few standing up by chorlton will be the norm.

It'll take about 5 years for the SML to have a mature ridershipe level.

It certainly took about that long for the Eccles line.

The 6pm tram was about 2/3 full, I like it less busy, there were people struggling to get on the alty one

Agreed!

Mind you, I wouldn't want to use that stop on match/event days. The drop from the concourse to the Metrolink platforms is horrendous. Maybe I'm being pessimistic, I don't know, but what if the fans start trouble in that area?

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_2928.jpg

A previous pic by JDR shows what he describes as a marshalling area which would be used for crowd control after the match.

Further pictures here http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=79888676&postcount=9990

^^^^

Looks very carefully designed to me. Of course there will be crowd control and supervision. You think this is bad, you should see the North Greenwich tube when the O2 kicks out an area full of concert goers. :)

The blueprints had stadium ticket gates all along under that cover.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1426374_metrolink-passengers-facing-delays-on-bury-line-after-tram-breaks-down

Another T68 as broken down, time to get shot of them me thinks.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1426374_metrolink-passengers-facing-delays-on-bury-line-after-tram-breaks-down

Another T68 as broken down, time to get shot of them me thinks.

1990's junk :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Ouch, poor T68's!

I know they're bad an' all, but I seriously think I prefer them to the M5000's. The new ones are just too ... new. Too shiny and too unworn. I like the T68's for how old they are. Makes Metrolink seem like a really old, well-worn network, which it is. The T68's run exceptionally well on the old railway lines and you may not realise it when you're actually riding a tram, but the T68's are much faster too.

When we have sports at my school we sometimes go down to the field in Buckley Wells, and you can see the trams whizzing by. The T68's fly by whereas the M5000's trundle along. Big difference.

I also prefer the sound on T68's. Think I've posted this before but ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP2nXL4UTGg

The M5000's make no noise at all :ohno:

How much would it cost to rebody and repaint them?

Lol yes give me a noisy breaky down tram over a shiny quiet one any day ;-)

I do like the T68s but I just hope they don't fail ever more frequently!

How much would it cost to rebody and repaint them?

They need most of the electrical and mechanical systems replacing as well.

moved

The only thing good about the T68's is if a car drives into one it does nothing to them.

The M5000's on the other hand....

There was another failed tram at deansgate-castlefield at 8.40pm
I was on the one behind it, see the proper Metrolink thread http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=584932&page=493

(this one is meant to be for discussions of the extensions currently under construction :-) )

I honestly prefer the T68's to the M5000 they are a much better ride and a ton more comfy. The M5000 sway all over the track. I know they don't have less seats than T68's but honestly there are never any seats to sit on.

I honestly prefer the T68's to the M5000 they are a much better ride and a ton more comfy. The M5000 sway all over the track. I know they don't have less seats than T68's but honestly there are never any seats to sit on.

I thought they did have fewer seats?

I thought they did have fewer seats?

That's what i was trying to say, I know there are less seats in the M5000 but you never can get a seat on them anyway. Whereas you can on T68's.

That's what i was trying to say, I know there are less seats in the M5000 but you never can get a seat on them anyway. Whereas you can on T68's.

That doesn't really make sense... :lol:

Lol and you said "I know they don't have less seats than T68s"! You can see our confusion! :)

What about some of the old DLR vehicles, if they were getting rid of some in the future? Any reason why they couldn't run on Metrolink? Again, I know they'd be second hand, but it might work?

What about some of the old DLR vehicles, if they were getting rid of some in the future? Any reason why they couldn't run on Metrolink? Again, I know they'd be second hand, but it might work?

DLR is driverless, so wouldn't really work

What about some of the old DLR vehicles, if they were getting rid of some in the future? Any reason why they couldn't run on Metrolink? Again, I know they'd be second hand, but it might work?

Why do we want London's leftovers?

Yes but they can and have been converted to run manually in Germany :). Think its Stuttgart and untill recently were still carrying the old DLR livery but it would make more sense to have one uniform fleet.

But the last stock Bombardier built for them a couple of years ago was basically technically the Flexity Swift design with a different bodyshell and minus cab.

What about some of the old DLR vehicles, if they were getting rid of some in the future? Any reason why they couldn't run on Metrolink? Again, I know they'd be second hand, but it might work?

Very doubtful. DLR has had new stock for train lengthening rather than stock replacement. The original units that had to go due to the fact they couldn't work underground are already in Germany and have been for about 10+ years.

Yes but they can and have been converted to run manually in Germany :). Think its Stuttgart and untill recently were still carrying the old DLR livery but it would make more sense to have one uniform fleet.

They are in Essen Tony and I was on them about 4 weeks ago. They work underground and above ground, but only on the UBahn, not the tramway which is metre guage anyway.

A pantograph has been fitted and a driver's cab at each end. I doubt they could be used in Manchester (not that they are getting rid anyway) as the cabs are not tapered so would hit poles etc and that big wall at Victoria. In Essen they just sectioned off the front. I only saw one in DLR livery and it was what was 01 so I've been on it at Debdale Park when they trialled it, London and in Essen. Still don't like 'em though. Think they are ugly.

Not only are the DLR Trains ugly, but look how ugly their network map is... Eurggghh... http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/dlr-route-map.pdf

Probably the most un-aesthetically pleasing map i've ever set eyes on!

Ouch, poor T68's!

I know they're bad an' all, but I seriously think I prefer them to the M5000's. The new ones are just too ... new. Too shiny and too unworn. I like the T68's for how old they are. Makes Metrolink seem like a really old, well-worn network, which it is. The T68's run exceptionally well on the old railway lines and you may not realise it when you're actually riding a tram, but the T68's are much faster too.

When we have sports at my school we sometimes go down to the field in Buckley Wells, and you can see the trams whizzing by. The T68's fly by whereas the M5000's trundle along. Big difference.

I also prefer the sound on T68's. Think I've posted this before but ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP2nXL4UTGg

The M5000's make no noise at all :ohno:
I don't belieeeeve it!
There I was in 1992 clapping my eyes on a T68 for the first time at Crumpsall station excited as a little kid. The last thing in my mind was nostalgia!
Time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like a banana...:banana:

Not only are the DLR Trains ugly, but look how ugly their network map is... Eurggghh... http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/dlr-route-map.pdf

Probably the most un-aesthetically pleasing map i've ever set eyes on!

I like the map. It's keeps things geographically correct generally and still the map flows well within the Beck rules generally.

quick question is it now expected that Mosley Street will stay open to the end of the year - awaiting TMS to be rolled out further? At the moment, from my own experience only, it doesn't seem to be creating any delays to the current level of service with SML now open.

I like the map. It's keeps things geographically correct generally and still the map flows well within the Beck rules generally.


Me too. In fact it's the best-looking map of the DLR I've ever seen!

quick question is it now expected that Mosley Street will stay open to the end of the year - awaiting TMS to be rolled out further? At the moment, from my own experience only, it doesn't seem to be creating any delays to the current level of service with SML now open.

You must have been lucky not to have any delays - Mosley Street to Cornbrook is now very busy and it is taking much longer to get through than before the MediaCity and South Manchester trams started. Doing away with Mosley Street might help to get the flow a little better.

Hard on the heels of the South Manchester Line: another tram line opens!!

The Hitman and spur: Music mogul Pete Waterman opens historic tram extension in Heaton Park

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1426375_the-hitman-and-spur-music-mogul-pete-waterman-opens-historic-tram-extension-in-heaton-park

Manchester's newest tram extension has been unveiled – in Heaton Park. Members of the Manchester Transport Museum Society have spent months building an extra 360ft of track to the line they run in the park. It means visitors can now ride the rails from the tram museum at Middleton Road all the way to the café by the lake.

quick question is it now expected that Mosley Street will stay open to the end of the year - awaiting TMS to be rolled out further? At the moment, from my own experience only, it doesn't seem to be creating any delays to the current level of service with SML now open.

Well if it's working now then it should stay open perhaps?

Well if it's working now then it should stay open perhaps?

But by closing it you can increase capacity by doubling up the m5000's.

Close it pronto

But by closing it you can increase capacity by doubling up the m5000's.

Close it pronto

When the new signalling is up and running. At the moment though, is it not stopping any bunching southbound making at least a few mins gap between them?

When the new signalling is up and running. At the moment though, is it not stopping any bunching southbound making at least a few mins gap between them?

But there was not any suggestion that it would be closed before the TMS is working.

The government are still to give final approval for its closure.

Prob keeping Mosley Street stop open as leverage to get support for the 2CC! :lol:

But there was not any suggestion that it would be closed before the TMS is working.

The government are still to give final approval for its closure.

thats fair enough!

Well now that the South Manchester line has gone to jesus as far as this thread is concerned, here's a quick shufty around to have a look at progress elsewhere.

The apparent impasse with TMS seems to have knocked the Central Park branch back to the end of the year, although it has looked completely ready for some time. Moreover, in domino fashion this seems to have retarded progress on the next section to Oldham as well. Not much change here therefore :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3618.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3619.jpg

Ashton New Road, however, now has all its tram track, but still awaits overhead :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3645.jpg

This is Clayton Hall tramstop, at the foot of the above section of Ashton New Road. In a vision redolent of that of Moses when he parted the waters of the Red Sea, so the parting of the trees here has revealed the promised land of Piccadilly Gardens on the horizon! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3646.jpg

Holt Town now has new bus stops, and I must admit the design has grown on me - it stands out a lot better from a distance :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3318.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3649.jpg

With apparently little more to do on Central Park, it seems that effort is now being concentrated on the section from Picc to Velopark, which looks ready for imminent testing. It will be carried out at night due to the road crossing at Holt Town (the only other two road crossings at Sheffield Street and Carruthers Street are currently closed to road vehicles anyway). Perhaps they could start later this week, say Weds-Thurs overnight after the end of service, in the hope of getting it open by the football season? Helpfully, Man City's first home match against Swansea has been put back two days to Monday evening 15.8.11, but I think it would be just a bit too optimistic to try and make it for that one!! :nuts: :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3648.jpg

Over on what was Phase 3b, more track has appeared, this time at Audenshaw tram stop in the middle of the gyratory :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3718.jpg

And Kingsway Business Park has been approved as a definite stop on the Rochdale 3a line - they will have to move fast for it to open at the same time as the rest of that section, (currently still listed for Spring 12), but I guess that is also probably becoming a bit optimistic!? :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3700.jpg

:banana:

12/07/2011 - Consultation on Metrolink at Oldham Mumps

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is this week launching a consultation on modifications to existing statutory powers to operate Metrolink in the Oldham Mumps area.

TfGM, in partnership with Oldham Council, developed the proposals for Metrolink in the Oldham Mumps area after confirmation of funding for the town centre Metrolink line last year.

Following a consultation on the proposals, planning permission was secured earlier this year and construction is now underway in the area.

The next step in the process is to secure the legal powers to operate trams over a short, modified section of the Metrolink track at Oldham Mumps.

Prior to submitting an application to the Department for Transport for the Transport and Works Act Order, TfGM is asking for people to give their views on the plans for new powers.

Philip Purdy, TfGM's Metrolink Director, explained: 'The new proposals include changes to the route between the temporary stop at Oldham Mumps and Wallshaw Place, with that line now running at ground level through a new junction in the Mumps area.

'There has also been a slight adjustment in the alignment of the Metrolink line coming down from the town centre, where the line will meet the new tram interchange and Park and Ride at Oldham Mumps.

'Before we submit an application for a new Transport and Works Act Order, which will update the statutory powers to reflect the modified sections of track at Oldham Mumps junction and over a small part of the town centre route, we are inviting people to give us their views.'

An exhibition of the proposals will be held at Oldham Library where members of the Metrolink team will be available to discuss the proposals and answer queries on Saturday 30 July, from 10am to 5.30pm, and Wednesday 14 September, from 3pm to 7pm.

Transport for Greater Manchester would like to hear your views on the proposals by 3 October 2011, when the public consultation closes.

If you would like to take part in the consultation you should complete and return the response form in the consultation brochure, which is available from Oldham Civic Centre (One Stop Shop), Oldham Central Bus Station (Travelshop), Oldham Library and the Link Centre (Adult Care Centre) and online at www.tfgm.com/haveyoursay. You can also email future.metrolink@tfgm.com with your comments.

More information on the proposals are available at www.tfgm.com. Alternatively you can call the Metrolink team on 0161 244 1555, email future.metrolink@tfgm.com or write to TfGM Oldham Mumps proposals, FREEPOST RRHE-RKUU-KSJY, Manchester M1 3BG.

^^

^^

You've got to love how they say details of the proposals are on www.tfgm.com, but give no indication of where. It's not very obvious!

Re Kingsway, Ashton Moss opened in 6 months flat so I have no doubt that they can complete it relativley quickly. The main time delay will surely be planning permmision consultation.

Metrolink Phase 3A

2.3 The Metrolink Phase 3A consists of new lines to Oldham/Rochdale, Chorlton and Droylsden and the construction of a second depot at Trafford Park.
2.4 Work on the Trafford Depot is predominantly complete and the operator, Stagecoach, is now in occupancy. The South Manchester Line became operational in July 2011. The Oldham line is expected to be fully operational by March 2012, with the line to Rochdale being operational during the summer of 2012. Network Rail is on schedule to commission the Rochdale Re-signalling work by September 2011 and work has commenced on the new Metrolink stop at Rochdale rail station.
2.5 The contractor, MPT, continues to progress work on all sections of the East Manchester Line.
2.6 Total forecast expenditure on Metrolink Phase 3A is in line with the budget of £575 million.

Metrolink SEP/SIP

2.7 The SEP & SIP programmes include a number of projects on the Metrolink network to enhance the overall quality of service for passengers. In 2011/12 this includes stop improvements on the Bury line; completion of a new tram stop at Abraham Moss and a programme of works to upgrade the existing fleet of trams.
2.8 The new stop at Abraham Moss was completed in April and is now in service.
Bowker Vale Substation construction work is complete and is currently undergoing rectification of snagging issues. The substation will be brought into service in autumn 2011 and will improve the reliability of the power supplied to trams in the area.
2.10 Bury line stop upgrades work commenced in June 2011 as planned and is forecast to be complete by the end of December 2011. The programme of work includes new signage; repairs of canopies; improved CCTV and lighting; and additional cycle facilities.

Smart Ticketing

2.28 In December 2009 TfGM bid for DfT funding of £2.2 million to continue the development of a Smart Ticketing scheme. This funding has now been received in full. As previously reported, this funding is part of the funding for the development of a Smart Ticketing scheme for roll-out initially on the Metrolink network, and subject to funding, for subsequent development for the bus and rail networks.
2.29 The costs and repayment of the prudential borrowings associated with this scheme will be repaid from the additional farebox net revenues that the scheme is expected to deliver, based on the experience following the implementation of similar schemes in other locations.
2.30 The Invitation To Negotiate for the development and installation of the Smart Ticketing Scheme for Metrolink was sent to three bidders on 1 June 2011.
2.31 Stakeholder and Contract Negotiation Workshops are scheduled to take place from July to September 2011.
2.32 A bid was submitted to the DfT Local Sustainable Transport Fund in June 2011 to fund the development and roll out of future phases of the Smart Ticketing scheme across the bus and rail network.
2.33 The outcome of the bid is expected to be announced by DfT in December 2011.

Metrolink Tram Refurbishment

2.41 In May 2009, The ITA Development and Operations Committee approved a mid-life refurbishment programme of work on the 32 Metrolink Phase 1 and 2 trams.
2.42 An element of the funding (£1,400,000) for the refurbishment was included in the 2010/11 Minor Works Programme.
2.43 The first phase of the tram structural investigation was completed in May 2011.
2.44 Following the results of the investigation the project is currently being developed to determine the most cost effective way to proceed with the refurbishment.

^^ Nothing we don't know already.

While I do love the Chorlton line as it is my local one and I have a weird thing about disused railway lines...

THIS is what I call a tramway :)


http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3645.jpg

Am I right in thinking the OLE will be strung from the lampposts? Or will it have its own supports?

New supports will go in.

Chances are the existing ones won't be strong enough.

Fair enough, makes sense I guess!

I've just noticed the Werbys PIDs say "Welcome to Saint Werburgh's Road", looks unusual to see the word saint spelled out in the name!

Martin - That section of track worries me. The brittle M5000's are gonna be involved in a few RTA's along that stretch me thinks. :ohno:

^^ Nothing we don't know already.

I seem to remember that the Central Park section was expected to open in nov/dec with the Oldham section two/three months later. Seems with the SML opening sipping into July, Central Park isn't going to open until dec at the earliest now. Possibly even jan!

Least it not as bad as the DLR extension which is now 12 months late from the original announced opening date, they are currently ripping up platforms at Canning Town and I got word yesterday that next month they are looking for people to test from within the industry. Yes Metrolink's TMS has been terrible but compared to the DLR line which was an pre existing line (parts of the track have been kept), all 'old stations' were rebuilt in the late 1990's and four new stations it's damming. What's worse is the newest bit is ready to go! (section between International and regional stations).

Metrolink's big embarrassment is how often your trams fail.

New supports will go in.

Chances are the existing ones won't be strong enough.

I don't think they will be dedicated masts though - they'll be beefed-up streetlights & tensioned cable alla Merril Street.

Martin - That section of track worries me. The brittle M5000's are gonna be involved in a few RTA's along that stretch me thinks. :ohno:

If someone turns out of a side street and hits a bright yellow banana, they *really* shouldn't be on the roads!! :lol:
If anything, this road is a lot clearer for car drivers than the city-centre street-running sections.

Cheers Martin. Fully agree, but what I love more than anything about a tramway is that it is equally at home in a whole series of environments which are totally different from each other! For example, heading from town to Velopark you will start in a city pedestrianised area, then in an 'underground' station threaded through the eye of a needle, seconds later slicing between Victorian satanic mills, then dipping and rising under a road, next in the midst of c21 skyscraper apartments, down a post-war street, then for a mile along by a grassy and wooded river bank with no road in sight, up a hill into a state-of-the-art sports and football complex, making a right turn whilst underground again, on the forecourt of a Manchester Megastore, another brief glimpse of the canal, off-road behind some yards and garages, then on to the traditional street tramway that you mentioned - and just to finish up in style, you end the journey by sweeping up and around the roller-coaster curves of a central reservation in a dual carriageway, even slicing through a roundabout!! And Joydiv's mates wonder why I'm an anorak and want to take us away from all this?? :nuts: :nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts: :cheers:

Anyway, it seems that all the lamps are being replaced along the East Side line - according to the plans some will be just lamps (but taller), some poles will be just OHLE, and some will be both combined. There doesn't seem to be any indication of wires being strung from buildings, which was common on the first tramways and still is on the continent, to save on the number of poles.

Apologies - not sure why you think the M5000 are unsuitable for street running? - it seems to me to be their natural home with a speed limit of 30 mph. The t68s seem more comfortable at higher speeds in a railway environment. However, I guess there may be further modifications yet, there are so many issues to sort out at the minute!

In the meantime, here's an update on the state of play at Rochdale Railway Station Tram Stop - or is it Rochdale Railway Station Tram Station, or Rochdale Train Station Tram Station, or . . . (I guess we better call the calling-off off - Let's call the whole thing off!!) :nuts::nuts:

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3716.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3715.jpg

Ascending High Level Road beside the station, you can tell where the line will merge double to single away from the camera :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3713.jpg

The single line will then break in to the railway environment through the sheeted section of the wall, to continue away forward in the narrow presently cluttered space alongside :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3703.jpg

The signal box is in the way and will have to be demolished - according to apologies' document re-signalling is scheduled for Autumn 11. Then it will rise up and swing right over the railway on the new fantastic viaduct (rapidly disappearing behind the leafy trees!) The line will not re-double until it has descended the viaduct into Newbold on the other side) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3701.jpg

Looking back along the platform by the 'breakthrough' point :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3702.jpg

A new view greets passengers emerging at Rochdale :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3708.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3714.jpg

It's a constantly changing panorama, with a few more transformations to go yet!

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3706.jpg

:banana:

.

Apologies - not sure why you think the M5000 are unsuitable for street running? - it seems to me to be their natural home with a speed limit of 30 mph. The t68s seem more comfortable at higher speeds in a railway environment. However, I guess there may be further modifications yet, there are so many issues to sort out at the minute!


I didn't say they were unsuitable for street running. Just that they aren't as resilient as the T-68's when it comes to a car driving into the side of them.

I can see a lot of them ending up back in Austria for bodywork repairs.

Really excellent shots once again JDR. I was wondering how Rochdale was coming along...

I just have a couple of shots to add myself

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/IMG_20110712_162344.jpg

Yes that would be my thumb but I saw a fine sight poking out above the hoardings on Pollard Street

Merrill Street tramway/vehicle traffic combo.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/IMG_20110712_162834.jpg

The Notice on signal post (if my memory is correct) that Loading and waiting restrictions came into force on the 4th of August. So I guess thats when the road will re open :banana:

Martin - That section of track worries me. The brittle M5000's are gonna be involved in a few RTA's along that stretch me thinks. :ohno:

Why should it be any worse than Eccles New Road where they have operated for over 18 months with only 1 RTA as far as I can recall?

Why should it be any worse than Eccles New Road where they have operated for over 18 months with only 1 RTA as far as I can recall?

yes, it's at the traffic lights where incidents usually occur. There are plenty of bent railings as proof! And also where a binwagon did its best to bump off 2001 into the scrapyard. But then it happens in town all the time, and again at traffic lights.

The bit on the Eccles line where many incidents are narrowly missed is after Stott Lane (at Ladywell) inbound where the 2 lanes merge into one and cars try to overtake even though there is a chicane in the middle of the road(usually with missing bollard). Especially as on this section the trams are doing or accelerating to about 30mph! It's a joy sometimes on the new ones to sit at the back and watch...:lol: car drivers eh?:nuts::lol:

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/101_3706.jpg

:banana:

As stated before, JdR is the undisputed King of images on here (and his court of many other followers is large and professional too:banana:) but even though I have seen his equipment; I WANT THAT CAMERA!!!!

How friggin amazing are those colours and contrasts!!!

It may be "cheap and cheerful" (and you may be hiding your skills under a photographic bushel) but your camera brings this thread to life Johnny!
:cheers: again

yes, it's at the traffic lights where incidents usually occur. There are plenty of bent railings as proof! And also where a binwagon did its best to bump off 2001 into the scrapyard. But then it happens in town all the time, and again at traffic lights.

The bit on the Eccles line where many incidents are narrowly missed is after Stott Lane (at Ladywell) inbound where the 2 lanes merge into one and cars try to overtake even though there is a chicane in the middle of the road(usually with missing bollard). Especially as on this section the trams are doing or accelerating to about 30mph! It's a joy sometimes on the new ones to sit at the back and watch...:lol: car drivers eh?:nuts::lol:

South Langworthy Road is worse. A curved road with many smaller roads attatched (and no traffic lights!) can be very scary for tram drivers.
Isn't it where 3001 collided last year?

South Langworthy Road is worse. A curved road with many smaller roads attatched (and no traffic lights!) can be very scary for tram drivers.
Isn't it where 3001 collided last year?

I believe that was down to the tram driver rather than the road vehicle.

Stop it, Mark, you are making me come over all unnecessary! It's only a bog-standard little digital snapper, Kodak C743, but in recent months I have been tarting things up with the editing software that comes with it. Photography purists would perhaps regard that as cheating, but I guess on here clarity of information is what matters rather than arty-fartiness!? Cheers anyway Mark :cheers::cheers: (PS I am also keen to encourage others to get out there snapping - the more the merrier, it's a a nice hobby, fresh air & exercise, and it's a big area to cover!!)

Tony, I absolutely love that one of the new sign on Pollard Street - it's a gem of ridiculouness!! I must have it for a little project I am doing of external shots of all the new tramstops that have that new yellow flag. I believe they are back-lit at night, but I am not allowed out after dark. (Otherwise I might go out tonight after midnight to see if they are testing through Ancoats!)

All the new stops have those diamond logo flags, and most of the Altrincham line at present, but there are hardly any on the Eccles (except at Broadway and MC).

I must say also I like the shape of those lamp standards on Pollard Street - the absence of anything else has made me notice them! The sign will be visible from the Ring Road at Great Ancoats Street, and should attract people from a fair distance . . .

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/IMG_20110712_162344.jpg

I think someone was asking about the bases for OHLE poles on the street running sections. This is what they are like - the guy told me they sit in a bomb-proof concrete block 2.5 metres square by 1.5 metres deep :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3724.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3725.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3723.jpg

Not so very pretty pictures to-day, so here's a nicer one of a typical Metrolink tourist destination :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/101_3206.jpg

:banana:

Fantastic pics always, thanks Johnny.

I think you'd be hard pushed to find many threads showing such a huge construction project, over such a massive area!! Don't think even the DLR extension or Crossrail comes close?

I am meeting a pal in Mcr later & am going to be using the SML for the 1st time. A £2.80 St Werby's return - bus is almost that, just one way!

Anyways - I AM SO FRICKIN EXCITED (more than seeing my pal tbh!!)

:)

Do all the yellow flags light up at night? Some of them just look like stickers on bits of metal. The only one's I've seen lit are MC and DC.

Timperley's and Old Trafford's do (took a while for Timperley's to get connected up, when originally installed it didn't light up).

All taken yesterday. 21 pictures in total.

Going down....

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/2325/picture441w.jpg

Going up. :lol:

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/3466/picture443n.jpg

Holt Town stop.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/631/picture444g.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/6963/picture446.jpg

Tracks/lines leading to and from COMS.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/3852/picture449m.jpg

COMS

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/6519/picture454.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9872/picture445q.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1681/picture447.jpg

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1871/picture448.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7372/picture450l.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/9776/picture453.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3316/picture455e.jpg

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3732/picture456o.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6571/picture458m.jpg

Hobbling back to town. :lol: Stopped. What's going on?

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/6055/picture469y.jpg

Smile. Thanks chaps. Basically the machine(?) was rolling along the rails grinding the concrete down so the trams could run more smoothly along the rails.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/4328/picture470v.jpg

As you can see the concrete next to the rails is much smoother than it used to be. Note the slight gradient in the concrete where the machine has made it smoother

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9554/picture471e.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9277/picture472.jpg

Nice skyline/tramline shot heading to town.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4739/picture473.jpg

New Islington tram stop

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2188/picture474.jpg

Otherside of Great Ancoats Street heading towards Piccadilly train station.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9708/picture476.jpg

Phew! :cheers:

Hi

Good picture to everyone who took them :cheers:.

Can anyone understand what is mean.

OLDHAM’S town centre redevelopment plans could be jeopardised by delays to high-speed broadband, a councillor has claimed.

The ‘’4G’’ connection is coming alongside Metrolink: cables are being laid in ducts alongside the tracks.

But Councillor Dave Hibbert says a two-year gap between the two phases of the long-awaited tram extension will leave much of the town centre without the promised internet boost.

The line following the old Oldham loop railway will open next spring with a temporary stop at Mumps.

But the final alignment through the town centre, via Union Street, is not due until the Spring of 2014.

Councillor Hibbert told a meeting of the Transport for Greater Manchester committee: “We are hearing that the trunking on the first phase will only go as far as Werneth and there will be no trunking for the broadband cables between Werneth and Mumps for two years.

“The town-centre area Metrolink is going through is very important for redevelopment and 4G broadband is a key criterion.”

TfGM Metrolink director Phil Purdy promised to investigate.

Meanwhile, consultation which started yesterday for Transport and Works Act (TWA) consent for the line to cross Oldham Mumps roundabout at ground level may be unnecessary and could even delay the opening of the line to Derker, Shaw, and Rochdale, warned Councillor Richard Knowles.

The iconic Mumps Bridge, which carried trains on the Oldham loop, was demolished last August after it was decided trams should cross the roundabout at ground level.

But TfGM has been told it needs special planning permission for transport projects. But Councillor Knowles, Professor of Transport Geography at Salford University, challenged the idea.

“My understanding is that the legal powers would only be needed if it was to move horizontally.

“Taking a viaduct down and putting the track on the ground is not altering the alignment and I am not sure we need them.”

He warned that the application could delay the opening of the line to Rochdale, where TfGM has agreed to run only a single line across the weak Wellington Bridge over the River Roche rather than strengthen or replace it.

The committee has also agreed to axe plans for a stop in the retail area of Drake Street, Rochdale, and build one instead on the Kingsway business park. http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/58576/broadband-delay

Did is mean line to Shaw & Rochdale will be delay again.

Timperley's and Old Trafford's do (took a while for Timperley's to get connected up, when originally installed it didn't light up).

Timperley's flag lights up randomly. Not seen it lit for a few weeks now!

Hi

Good picture to everyone who took them :cheers:.

Can anyone understand what is mean.



Did is mean line to Shaw & Rochdale will be delay again.

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/50256_283630430671_2998990_n.jpg

Terrific pictures of the East Side, jrb!! :cheers: After seeing Tony's pic of the new diamond sign on Pollard Street, I decided to take a shufty down that very route myself today.

It was a quiet sunny afternoon in Ancoats . . . but somehow . . . there was an expectant air of latent expectancy in the air . . . I couldn't quite put my finger on what it might be . . . ?

Anyway, here's a few pics of some bits that didn't overlap with yours, jrb.
I am fond of this particular view of the approach to Man City that Rob showed me :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3737.jpg

Martin, Manchester City Council evidently do provide lighting for off-road pathways, so gerron to 'em!! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3738.jpg

Those little tin men pop up everywhere nowadays! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3739.jpg

Couldn't resist a few more studies of Tony's Diamond on Pollard Street! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3749.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3752.jpg

Hi! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3754.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3757.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3758.jpg

Then like jrb I noticed that there is now a clear way from New Islington across the top of Carruthers Street . . .

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3748.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3747.jpg

And that Merrill Street itself is now completely de-cluttered . . .

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3744.jpg

And then . . . :omg: . . .

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3743.jpg

Can you read the notice ? Can it be Bananas in the night ?? What date is it to-day ??? :eek2::banana::eek2: . . . . . . :eek2::banana::eek2:

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1426603_passengers-facing-delays-after-metrolink-tram-breaks-down-in-city-centre

Sooner they get that second crossing in the better, i wonder what it was this time?

Can you read the notice? Can it be Bananas in the night ?? :eek2::banana::eek2::banana::eek2::banana::eek2:[/QUOTE]

They cleaning out the tracks and that sign goes up, it could be possible and it`ll be banana`s galore at eastlands when the footie season starts.
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana2:

Can you read the notice? Can it be Bananas in the night ?? :eek2::banana::eek2::banana::eek2::banana::eek2:

Good work everyone with the new images.

Sign Reads

Road Closed
From 13th July
For Approx 3 Weeks
Between 22.00-06.00

Anyone gonna risk it tonight and do a night shift to see if any bananas are running on the East Manchester line tonight?

Yep!

Saw them cleaning the tracks yesterday. Car drivers haveing wait. Getting pissed off. Not being a Metrolink expert I didn't click on. :cheers:

dp, could you please remove the images from your quote? It becomes a little irritating to have to scroll through them all again, especially when you have a crappy connection :ohno:

Could any met drivers enlighten us about the possibility of testing in the east tonight? I certainly hope it's true! :banana:

Well, I would like to but without a car I think behind Picc Station is a bit of a dodgy place to hang about late at night!!

Welcome, dpjonesy - hope you like this forum. :cheers:

Thanks and sorted that last message i posted.

well it looks to me as if only the City Stop is not finished upto Asda - everything else is read to go

Thought I would have a wander round Monsall today, an area I'm unfamiliar with, to see whow things are progressing.

Started on Monsall Rd at the side of the old Wilson's Brewery, then followed the line to Jocelyn St.

A couple of views of Monsall Stop.
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00518.jpg
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00520.jpg

View of the Tunnel (name?) from Queens Rd
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00522.jpg

The other end
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00523.jpg

Collyhurst Rd looking along the viaduct towards Queens Rd Depot.
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00524.jpg
http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00525.jpg

Very little activity and little seems to have changed from previous posts.

Do all the yellow flags light up at night? Some of them just look like stickers on bits of metal. The only one's I've seen lit are MC and DC.

Broadway doesn`t either

well it looks to me as if only the City Stop is not finished upto Asda - everything else is read to go

Apart from Piccadilly arrival platform. Anyone know the start date for the change around and installation of escalator, ticket machines and new signage?

Airport Line letter posted to locals this weerk:

Hardy Lane / Water Park Area

Ground levelling / initial works September - December 2011

Pilling for Structures late September to December 2011 from Hardy Lane Farm to Water Park

Further work into 2012 and beyond.

I believe that was down to the tram driver rather than the road vehicle.

Is this the one?

http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00412.jpg

I always wondered how that collision occurred.

Is this the one?



I always wondered how that collision occurred.

Anymore pics of it?

Does anyone know how I can display my previous picture in the correct orientation?

It displays correctly on my PC and Photobucket album

Anymore pics of it?

Only this

http://i315.photobucket.com/albums/ll468/squarepeg_02/DSC00413.jpg

Superb pics jrb! When JDR and I were at the City of Manchester Stadium it was difficult to photograph the crowd control canopies. The conditions were just right for you.

Lynyrd, welcome and thanks for your pictorial contributions!

And so the tension and excitement builds again with the impending gauge testing on the East Manchester line. I will endeavor to get some snaps. Where's Nymanic, he's good with his camera in the dead of night. :lol:

Martin, Manchester City Council evidently do provide lighting for off-road pathways, so gerron to 'em!!

haha funnily enough they replied to my speculative email today asking for my full address and phone number so they can log the issue with the appropriate department! Don't hold out a lot of hope but if you don't ask you don't get eh? :-)

Well it's definitely going to happen tonight on the East Side - I came back on the eleventy twelvety bus, and one half of Ashton New Road had just been closed off & a diversion and contraflow set up at Holt Town.

Only sorry I can't hang about down there at my age, but it could easily be all night of a job! First they will have to wait for the normal service to end - the plastic barriers were still across at Piccadilly, then I guess any movement will be tentative and gingerish at first, so we could be well into la Madrugada before anything happens!

:yawn: :sleepy: :soon: :banana:

(be nice to see it though . . . )

Apologies for probably the poorest quality photo ever to grace this thread, but here is 3034 between Sheffield Street and Longacre Street:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/268923_2189300898064_1413351744_32502168_1539794_n.jpg?dl=1

They removed the blocks between the Undercroft and Sheffield Street circa 0130. It then proceeded at a slow speed (around 2-5mph), with a pause prior to the underpass descent.

Another keen person was having a look at Longacre Street, taking photos with a BlackBerry, and then watched her (3034) enter the underpass. Asked me if I worked for the PTE.

Prior to Holt Town, where the tramway diverges from the street, the tram signals appeared to be working whilst the general traffic lights were switched off.

Excellent stuff :) Thanks for staying up!

Well it's definitely going to happen tonight on the East Side - I came back on the eleventy twelvety bus, and one half of Ashton New Road had just been closed off & a diversion and contraflow set up at Holt Town.

Only sorry I can't hang about down there at my age, but it could easily be all night of a job! First they will have to wait for the normal service to end - the plastic barriers were still across at Piccadilly, then I guess any movement will be tentative and gingerish at first, so we could be well into la Madrugada before anything happens!

:yawn: :sleepy: :soon: :banana:

(be nice to see it though . . . )

You will have plenty of opportunity, 3034 is down there for the next few days! :wink2:

Excellent stuff :) Thanks for staying up!

Yes indeed: services above and beyond the call etc... :banana:

Nice one link road! The first photograph of a tram onthe east manchester line!

:banana:

Very atmospheric photo! And a momentous occasion too. Here's to lots more in the next few days!!

Is this the one?

I always wondered how that collision occurred.

Yes that's the one. I understand that the tram driver misjudged the clearance to the lorry which was parked at the time, all be it rather badly.

Apologies for probably the poorest quality photo ever to grace this thread, but here is 3034 between Sheffield Street and Longacre Street:

They removed the blocks between the Undercroft and Sheffield Street circa 0130. It then proceeded at a slow speed (around 2-5mph), with a pause prior to the underpass descent.

Another keen person was having a look at Longacre Street, taking photos with a BlackBerry, and then watched her (3034) enter the underpass. Asked me if I worked for the PTE.

Prior to Holt Town, where the tramway diverges from the street, the tram signals appeared to be working whilst the general traffic lights were switched off.


Great to see the first tram there thanks.

Tsk, and there was me, took a wonder out at 11pm to Sheffield Street and saw a load of stuff all over the tracks (Cherry picker, barriers etc) and thought, oh, they'll not be testing tonight, they'll have to move all that stuff. How wrong was I? Great to see someone stayed up to check and see though!

How long ago did they do this first testing down the Chorlton Line? Was it about four months ago? That would put the opening about November which would fit well with the TMS working dates.

Soon the East Manchester Line will over take the Oldham branch for progress at this rate! I'm sure will see more photos on here but well done for getting the first shot.

Wonder how much mileage the 303x are going to get before being in service as generally they were used in testing the Chorlton line (along with 3017 & 3026). Does seem they prefer to use the low 30's trams for testing reasons.

Wasn't the first powered tram on the Chorlton line in January? Even so there's nothing to say they couldn't get things moving faster on the EML if they wanted to :)

Fantastic, Link Road! A collectors item that one, and top marks for dedication & perseverance!

Cap, when you say "3034 is down there for the next few days!" down where, any particular place?

Martin, it's one month from the start of the football season, and whilst that would be ambitious, my feeling (backed up by one or two people 'in the know') is that it may not be all that far behind.

There isn't really a comparison with the St Werburgh's line, as Mr Purdy says, all the interfaces are unique and require bespoke solutions. But the East Manchester line, being an 'end-on' connection, doesn't require turnouts or junctions with the existing system, and now they have made the 'breakthrough' from Piccadilly as in Future's photo, it could well be a case of 'hang on to your hats'!!

Having got carried away with all that, I'm not sure what the TMS implications are for the headshunt at Sheffield Street and whether any more vehicles will need to be retro fitted to the old signalling. Perhaps the more technically-minded comrades could give this a thought?

A famous day, in any event - we had 7/7 for St Werburgh, now the quatorze juillet revolution!!

:eek2::banana::eek2: - - - - - :eek2::banana::eek2:

Wasn't the first powered tram on the Chorlton line in January? Even so there's nothing to say they couldn't get things moving faster on the EML if they wanted to :)

I'm guessing they aren't going to switch the whole city center in one go, maybe as far as Victoria meaning the line to Piccadilly will be completed allowing the East Manchester Line to open ahead of the line to Central Park. After all they have stated that the interface with Queen's Road depot will be the difficult part so this way they could do the switch over this way and allow more trams to be used with newer 3016 upwards on the Eccles and MediaCityUK lines (if the siding north of Victoria is done all the South Manchester Line could use new trams too). It's more of a quick fix but it allows money to come in as well as reducing the risk into small bite size pieces.

Fantastic, Link Road! A collectors item that one, and top marks for dedication & perseverance!

Cap, when you say "3034 is down there for the next few days!" down where, any particular place?

Martin, it's one month from the start of the football season, and whilst that would be ambitious, my feeling (backed up by one or two people 'in the know') is that it may notr be all that far behind.

There isn't really a comparison with the St Werburgh's line, as Mr Purdy says, all the interfaces are unique and require bespoke solutions. But the East Manchester line, being an 'end-on' connection, doesn't require turnouts or junctions with the existing system, and now they have made the 'breakthrough' from Piccadilly as in Future's photo, it could well be a case of 'hang on to your hats'!!

Having got carried away with all that, I'm not sure what the TMS implications are for the headshunt at Sheffield Street and whether any more vehicles will need to be retro fitted to the old signalling. Perhaps the more technically-minded comrades could give this a thought?

A famous day, in any event - we had 7/7 for St Werburgh, now the quatorze juillet revolution!!

:eek2::banana::eek2: - - - - - :eek2::banana::eek2:

How many of the newer trams have been retrofitted with the old signalling? We've seen 3013-3015 are up and it wasn't mentioned that four trams were going to be retrofitted. This could mean they need an additional two units with the Velopark extension (going over figures given on here) but if 3016 has been done and they haven't used it yet then maybe we are closer to having the trams ready than we thought. 3018 was at Queen's Road last week, maybe they were out fitting the unit?

Just remind me what parts of the older network is under TMS?

Just remind me what parts of the older network is under TMS? - You've got me there, Mack, one mention of a thyristor or a capacitor and I'm outta here! Hopefully one of the more erudite boffins can help!

How many of the newer trams have been retrofitted with the old signalling? We've seen 3013-3015 are up and it wasn't mentioned that four trams were going to be retrofitted. This could mean they need an additional two units with the Velopark extension (going over figures given on here) but if 3016 has been done and they haven't used it yet then maybe we are closer to having the trams ready than we thought. 3018 was at Queen's Road last week, maybe they were out fitting the unit?

Just remind me what parts of the older network is under TMS?

Eccles to Pomona (inc MediaCity)
St. Werburghs to Firswood

^^^ Under TMS...I think.

I think 3013 was done when 3001, 3002 and possibly 3007 were out of action.

3009 is out of action currently.

So we have 3001-3015 all retrofitted with ATS so far.

Just remind me what parts of the older network is under TMS? - You've got me there, Mack, one mention of a thyristor or a capacitor and I'm outta here! Hopefully one of the more erudite boffins can help!

There has been so many updates recently I'm not even sure where we are! I know 'west' of Pomona is all TMS now but isn't Cornbrook supposed to be under it? Just thinking the Cornbrook turn back being operational will save a tram or two won't it?

Eccles to Pomona (inc MediaCity)
St. Werburghs to Firswood

I think 3013 was done when 3001, 3002 and possibly 3007 were out of action.

3009 is out of action currently.

So we have 3001-3015 all retrofitted with ATS so far.

Ah so none of the phase 1 is under TMS then!

I don't think the Cornbrook turnbacks are in use as yet?

I don't think the Cornbrook turnbacks are in use as yet?

You're right. The last document I read said they hoped to have it under TMS control by November 2011.

I don't think the Cornbrook turnbacks are in use as yet?

No it's not. Thinking that once that opens you save a tram from going from Cornbrook to Piccadilly and back again. That's got to be enough of a time saving to save at least one tram on the diagrams.



You're right. The last document I read said they hoped to have it under TMS control by November 2011.

Ouch, that's a fair old while. Sounds like then they will do the whole city center in one big push then. Would they then spend time introducing a new interface at Piccadilly or are they going to wait until TMS is fully working across the city center instead.

I'm guessing they won't after all the trouble with linking TMS do a special interface for the East Manchester Line after all and it's going to open mid November along with Central Park. (My bet any way)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5936192587_d00fd7cc8d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5936192587/)
Piccadilly TMS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5936192587/) by Sparkyscrum (http://www.flickr.com/people/mackenzieblu/), on Flickr

Is this for TMS loops?

Nice pic link,how far are they going with the testing?

There has been so many updates recently I'm not even sure where we are! I know 'west' of Pomona is all TMS now but isn't Cornbrook supposed to be under it? Just thinking the Cornbrook turn back being operational will save a tram or two won't it?

Eccles to Pomona and St Werburgh's Road up to but excluding Trafford Bar Junction are TMS controlled at the moment.

No it's not. Thinking that once that opens you save a tram from going from Cornbrook to Piccadilly and back again. That's got to be enough of a time saving to save at least one tram on the diagrams.



Ouch, that's a fair old while. Sounds like then they will do the whole city center in one big push then. Would they then spend time introducing a new interface at Piccadilly or are they going to wait until TMS is fully working across the city center instead.

I'm guessing they won't after all the trouble with linking TMS do a special interface for the East Manchester Line after all and it's going to open mid November along with Central Park. (My bet any way)

Is this for TMS loops?

It looks more like it's for access to the welded rail joints visible there. TMS loops are around 5 metres long.

Well done link ! there`s a dedicated forummer ...much appreciated.

How long do we think they will run at night before switching to daytime and allowing road traffic into the mix? Is three weeks a worst-case scenario?

Thanks all! I wish I'd had my proper camera on me, instead of phone with a very low battery.

I reckon they must have tested up to at least Sportcity/COMS, as the crossings at Milliners Wharf, Merrill Street and Holt Town were all manned with guards, and a LandRover Defender was patrolling the area/route in advance of trams arriving.

I suspect there's gonna be a few photographers out on the EM line tonight! :)

How long do we think they will run at night before switching to daytime and allowing road traffic into the mix? Is three weeks a worst-case scenario?

This is basic testing. Only reason this is being done at night compared to the Chorlton's daytime testing is the fact it entails road closures. Once they know the system works then they can stop. Driver training on this will be much more complex than the Chorlton's but I wouldn't expect that to be nearly to the end of the year.

Ah, you're not one of these people cautiously optimistic about an earlier opening for the first section then? :)

Eccles to Pomona and St Werburgh's Road up to but excluding Trafford Bar Junction are TMS controlled at the moment.

Hi freel, If the TMS is working on the Eccles line, then should the pids not be working too?

Yatapingpong! :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Is that something I see coming round the corner when she comes . . .?

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3765.jpg

Let's have a closer look :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3766.jpg

OMG they left one behind & forgot to put it away!! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3767.jpg

It's 3034 at New Islington! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3768.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3771.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3777.jpg

Behind the sign is the pathway to the future :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3779.jpg

making a nice approach to the stop :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3776.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3772.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3786.jpg

Bye-bye banana (for now!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3787.jpg

A few more tweaks and it will be Bob's your Uncle and Fannianana's your Aunt!! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3784.jpg

:eek2::banana::eek2: - - - - - :eek2::banana::eek2:

Martin, I'm one of these people cautiously optimistic about an earlier opening for the first section!

Notice the signs at Picc are going to need changing. At present the signs say 'All destinations' clearly that'll be 'All destinations other than Velodrome' soon.

nice coincidence that exacly 7 days after official opening of the SML, the EML gets its first tram on the track

Ah, you're not one of these people cautiously optimistic about an earlier opening for the first section then? :)

Just like the SML I'm not overly optimistic over the EML as the TMS implementation has been nothing short of a disaster. I reckon we'll see extensions to Velopark open late November with Central Park following in mid December. That's based on the fact that ORL1 needs the depot connection working right where as EML will be working fine once TMS is live in the city center.

Yatapingpong! :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Is that something I see coming round the corner when she comes . . .?

Let's have a closer look :-

OMG they left one behind & forgot to put it away!! :-

It's 3034 at New Islington

wow, they actually left the tram out and about? I suppose as New Islington is in a sealed off section it's safe enough to leave the unit there. Seems like they are really intending to do proper testing this week then. This is good news. Wonder if they will use a different tram for testing each section?

Just like the SML I'm not overly optimistic over the EML as the TMS implementation has been nothing short of a disaster. I reckon we'll see extensions to Velopark open late November with Central Park following in mid December. That's based on the fact that ORL1 needs the depot connection working right where as EML will be working fine once TMS is live in the city center.

^^ I agree with this! There could even be more setbacks to Central Park and the implementation of TMS at Cornbrook etc...

Hopefully not, but we all know it hasn't run smoothly in the past.

I don't see why there should be too much of a delay with TMS for the EML. The problems with TMS abnd the SML and MediaCity spur have been problems with the junctions, of whcih there isn't one with the EML, it's just a continuation of the existing lines. I don't see why the city centre would need converting to TMS either, surly it would just run as normal and switch to TMS at Piccadilly in the same way they switch to TMS at Old Trafford for the SML (unless I've missed something, which is always likley).

Don't the supppliers run the TMS software on a model to get it right before MPT actually build the system? I can understand minor tweaking in the field, but the only issues with the live system should be snagging any hardware faults.

Don't the supppliers run the TMS software on a model to get it right before MPT actually build the system? I can understand minor tweaking in the field, but the only issues with the live system should be snagging any hardware faults.

Thats the problem, it has to interface with a computer system built 20 years ago and it keeps crashing it.

Hi

Good picture of that tram near Piccadilly early this morning link and also good picture of that tram at New Islington johnny. I think that line to Eastland will be up and running by mid of September and for line to Central Park I think it might open first week of January. Also I they might be doing testing on the line to Central Park is month or is it going be Aug when that happens.

Hi

Good picture of that tram near Piccadilly early this morning link and also good picture of that tram at New Islington johnny. I think that line to Eastland will be up and running by mid of September and for line to Central Park I think it might open first week of January. Also I they might be doing testing on the line to Central Park is month or is it going be Aug when that happens.

Not a cat in hells chance. More likely Central Park by end of November and Sports City( Etihad Campus) into the New Year.

I don't see why there should be too much of a delay with TMS for the EML. The problems with TMS abnd the SML and MediaCity spur have been problems with the junctions, of whcih there isn't one with the EML, it's just a continuation of the existing lines. I don't see why the city centre would need converting to TMS either, surly it would just run as normal and switch to TMS at Piccadilly in the same way they switch to TMS at Old Trafford for the SML (unless I've missed something, which is always likley).

But if TMS is failing to be able to be able control the junction for MediaCityUK or the Chorlton junction then I have little faith it's going to be able to control the delta junction. The Chorlton junction is a simple junction but TMS has failed on that account. Harsh words but so far the system just hasn't worked at ordered. And it seems that lessons haven't been learnt from MediaCityUK from the comments made out about the Chorlton line.

But then again maybe part of the problem is TfGM has zero faith, hence why the last minute old signalling system being in place for the Chorlton junction. The rest of the year is going to be a guessing game until the new sections open. At least once ORL1 opens, ORL2 will be closely behind and it should be affected too badly than it already has (for driver training). Same with the EML, once the first part is open it will be a simple case of extending the system and training the drivers.

The city centre is already under line of sight management. The issue is closing the gaps between Cornbrook and Deansgate and Victoria and Queens Road.

But then again maybe part of the problem is TfGM has zero faith, hence why the last minute old signalling system being in place for the Chorlton junction. The rest of the year is going to be a guessing game until the new sections open. At least once ORL1 opens, ORL2 will be closely behind and it should be affected too badly than it already has (for driver training). Same with the EML, once the first part is open it will be a simple case of extending the system and training the drivers.

They are still quoting March/April for opening to Oldham Mumps, with ORL2 opening about three months later. I had to visit Shaw and Milnrow earlier today and have to say I think opening to Rochdale, even ignoring TMS, is going to be much later than suggested.

Whilst out and about I called in at various accessible sites in Shaw, Milnrow and Rochdale. The trackbed is not yet completed in most areas along this stretch and, at one point at least, it appears that drainage work is still ongoing.

Yes that's the one. I understand that the tram driver misjudged the clearance to the lorry which was parked at the time, all be it rather badly.
I recall that seemingly very little damage had been sustained by either the truck or the tram, in fact about 30 minutes later the truck passed me heading up South Langworthy Road towards Eccles New Road.

It was only when reading this forum that I discovered the tram had to be returned to the manufacturer for repairs.

But if TMS is failing to be able to be able control the junction for MediaCityUK or the Chorlton junction then I have little faith it's going to be able to control the delta junction. The Chorlton junction is a simple junction but TMS has failed on that account. Harsh words but so far the system just hasn't worked at ordered. And it seems that lessons haven't been learnt from MediaCityUK from the comments made out about the Chorlton line.

But then again maybe part of the problem is TfGM has zero faith, hence why the last minute old signalling system being in place for the Chorlton junction. The rest of the year is going to be a guessing game until the new sections open. At least once ORL1 opens, ORL2 will be closely behind and it should be affected too badly than it already has (for driver training). Same with the EML, once the first part is open it will be a simple case of extending the system and training the drivers.

Not sure what you mean about comments made about the Chorlton Line. I thought it had been OK since it opened. I also thought that MCUK had settled down now. The issue isn't just reliability. Once the system has been deemed to work there is then a process for documenting the safety justification to go through. This is what was previously done by HMRI but now the Operator/Promoter has to manage this and it isn't a quick process. That's one of the reasons for the temporary system at Trafford Bar. Getting the first block signalling to TMS conversion through the process is taking time. In order to open SML a more traditional solution was requested some months ago. Despite what has been said on here it wasn't a last minute job.

It was being held as a backup plan, the engineers were pissed because they had gone with the backup plan when the TMS problems were 'fixed'.

It was being held as a backup plan, the engineers were pissed because they had gone with the backup plan when the TMS problems were 'fixed'.

The problems may have been fixed but it had left no time for the safety verification process hence the signalled solution which had been on the cards for a number of months.

The city centre is already under line of sight management. The issue is closing the gaps between Cornbrook and Deansgate and Victoria and Queens Road.

But does the current computer system have some control over the current set up?


They are still quoting March/April for opening to Oldham Mumps, with ORL2 opening about three months later. I had to visit Shaw and Milnrow earlier today and have to say I think opening to Rochdale, even ignoring TMS, is going to be much later than suggested.

Whilst out and about I called in at various accessible sites in Shaw, Milnrow and Rochdale. The trackbed is not yet completed in most areas along this stretch and, at one point at least, it appears that drainage work is still ongoing.

But wasn't it the case on the SML that progress was rapid once they started?



Not sure what you mean about comments made about the Chorlton Line. I thought it had been OK since it opened. I also thought that MCUK had settled down now. The issue isn't just reliability. Once the system has been deemed to work there is then a process for documenting the safety justification to go through. This is what was previously done by HMRI but now the Operator/Promoter has to manage this and it isn't a quick process. That's one of the reasons for the temporary system at Trafford Bar. Getting the first block signalling to TMS conversion through the process is taking time. In order to open SML a more traditional solution was requested some months ago. Despite what has been said on here it wasn't a last minute job.

I don't mean the new bit I mean the interface with the Altrincham Line. Yes so far TMS has worked brilliantly on the new built, it's when you try and get it working with the old system do you get the problems. The operator has always had to put a case forward it was just before the HMRI signed it off as acceptable. I didn't mean that the current fix at Trafford Bar was last couple of weeks fix, more last minute plant but them to have it there as they didn't believe thatTMS could make it work. The fix would still have taken weeks to plan for.

But does the current computer system have some control over the current set up?



But wasn't it the case on the SML that progress was rapid once they started?

Yes, but on a very much shorter section!

Just drove back via Ashton again. A few observations on the outermost sections. Sorry no photos! I was driving.

The square at Droylsden town centre seems to have been dug up even more so they can fit in that last section from the bridge into the station proper

Re-bar is now in place on part of the long straight past the Lord Sheldon Arms.

The S bend that is being created to take the lines on to the central reservation at Ashton Moss also has most of its re-bar in place and you can make out the lovely curves now!

The previously isolated section in the roundabout at KFC is being joined on each side by what I guess will be the transition sections from tramway rail to ballasted track as they only stretch about 20 metres on each side. Quite a few rails sat on the grass waiting to be put in place :cheers:

@Tony_H1 - I saw all of that on Lord Sheldon way my self this evening - traffic jams galore at around 7pm

Also to add to Tony's comments on the Ashton section as I was coming home tonight it looks like the poles for the overhead lines are getting ready to be put into place.
I noticed that a section of the bases on Ashton New Road at Clayton around near Aldi have been re exposed and had the tarmac that was placed over them removed and cleaned out.

I was tempted to go hang around New Islington for a bit after work tonight... but I remembered I'm working 12hours tomorrow so I'l leave it to tomorrow or Sunday night for that.

Yay. Me and my volunteer are crossing t'hills for a day out in Manchester in a couple of weeks. He's really into trams and trains, so I'm pretending the trip is for his benefit. :lol:

That's not particularly interesting, but I couldn't let the thread go 12 hours without any posts. :nuts:

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_3771.jpg



Outstandingly good to see Captain Rivative!

Is 3034 still sat at New Islington? It's surprising the forum has gone all quiet or haven't we worn out after Chorlton?

Is 3034 still sat at New Islington? It's surprising the forum has gone all quiet or haven't we worn out after Chorlton?
Was a tram there at lunchtime.

Assume it was 3034, but I was passing on Great Ancoats Street, so not close enough for identification.

Was a tram there at lunchtime.

Assume it was 3034, but I was passing on Great Ancoats Street, so not close enough for identification.

Ah good. I just hope it's kept there tonight. What do you guys reckon about them keeping the tram out there for the weekend?

Double post

Great pictures JdR! I'm quite surprised that we don't have SSC forumers lined up there at 10pm on the dot. We're probably all just a bit knackered from the SML at the moment :lol:

Talking of the SML, for what very little it is worth, I plan to make my first visit by rail to Chorlton since November 1982.

I shall wear some form of :banana: - related apparel.

Hi all, not sure this is the right thing to do, but just letting Metrolink enthusiasts know that track is meant to be laid on (parts of) the Oldham and Rochdale line in the next two weeks - particularly at Shaw and Crompton station as they're closing roads so that it can be installed. Just thought I'd let you know so that you good folks can document and photograph the historic changes.

Sorry if you all already knew this was happening!

Hello metropolitics! I'm sure its the right thing to do - the more info of whats happening the better! Thanks!

Ah good. I just hope it's kept there tonight. What do you guys reckon about them keeping the tram out there for the weekend?

It is due to be there over the weekend, then next week a T68 should appear down there to do more gauging.

It is due to be there over the weekend, then next week a T68 should appear down there to do more gauging.

Thanks very much. I'm heading over to Manchester again this weekend so a chance to get a decent shot will be great news. Thanks,

The Rochdale Bridge report

http://www.transportforgreatermanchestercommittee.gov.uk/download/4089/item_08_metrolink_alignment_rochdale_town_centre

Not sure what you mean about comments made about the Chorlton Line. I thought it had been OK since it opened. I also thought that MCUK had settled down now. The issue isn't just reliability. Once the system has been deemed to work there is then a process for documenting the safety justification to go through. This is what was previously done by HMRI but now the Operator/Promoter has to manage this and it isn't a quick process. That's one of the reasons for the temporary system at Trafford Bar. Getting the first block signalling to TMS conversion through the process is taking time. In order to open SML a more traditional solution was requested some months ago. Despite what has been said on here it wasn't a last minute job.

Ice got the SML from SWR to SPQ every day, at rush hour since last thurs and had not a single problem.

Was a tram there at lunchtime.

Assume it was 3034, but I was passing on Great Ancoats Street, so not close enough for identification.

yep it was 3034 :banana:

Did the unit come through the back of Piccadilly to New Islington under it's own power or was it dragged? Just wondering as maybe wrong, but think I saw the interior lights on on the photo, unless it was a reflection.

Does anyone know how far it got? All the way to Velopark, or just to New Islington?

I don't know if this has been spotted before:

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/transport/public_transport/s/1426168_multi-million-pound-chorlton-metrolink-line-opens-thanks-to-1-deal-30-years-ago#comments

Did the unit come through the back of Piccadilly to New Islington under it's own power or was it dragged? Just wondering as maybe wrong, but think I saw the interior lights on on the photo, unless it was a reflection.

Does anyone know how far it got? All the way to Velopark, or just to New Islington?

It's possible that it went as far as Velopark as it had changed tracks when I saw it today sat in the inbound platform

Hi all, not sure this is the right thing to do, but just letting Metrolink enthusiasts know that track is meant to be laid on (parts of) the Oldham and Rochdale line in the next two weeks - particularly at Shaw and Crompton station as they're closing roads so that it can be installed. Just thought I'd let you know so that you good folks can document and photograph the historic changes.

Sorry if you all already knew this was happening!

There has been track in the run up to Shaw station for a few weeks now, beyond Shaw it looks miles behind tbh.

Does anyone know what the new tram that was delivered to day was, saw it from the X43 on the M60 J18. Not close enough to get pic though. Looked as if it may have continued to Old Trafford Depot though.

Does anyone know what the new tram that was delivered to day was, saw it from the X43 on the M60 J18. Not close enough to get pic though. Looked as if it may have continued to Old Trafford Depot though.

3037

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=81559040&postcount=10022

We all know now the Rochdale Oldham line will be delayed. it would be good though if they got to work rapidly on the bit between Oldham and Shaw to get it into service earlier than through to Rochdale. It only needs the track up to the station and the bay platform to be completed and not over the crossing. That way they could introduce say a 12 minute service with each 2nd tram continuing through from Oldham. It would bring in revenue earlier and possibly save on all the replacement buses as they would only need to run between Rochdale and Shaw?

3037

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=81559040&postcount=10022

Thanks

We all know now the Rochdale Oldham line will be delayed. it would be good though if they got to work rapidly on the bit between Oldham and Shaw to get it into service earlier than through to Rochdale. It only needs the track up to the station and the bay platform to be completed and not over the crossing. That way they could introduce say a 12 minute service with each 2nd tram continuing through from Oldham. It would bring in revenue earlier and possibly save on all the replacement buses as they would only need to run between Rochdale and Shaw?

There aren't any dedicated replacement buses as such the Oldham Loop. Passengers were simply re-directed to existing services. Some routes have enhanced services but I think in the main they are all commercial services run by First Manchester or other local operators. Not like when the track renewals were ongoing and there were dedicated services running.

Thanks for all the updates - seems there's been a lot happening while I've been away in Scotland (for three weeks).

I had a ride on the new line yesterday - took a lot of photos but no point in posting them here as they're not much different than what's already been seen.

Regarding the OHL poles - I took this the other day at the corner of Davenport Street and Manchester Road, Droylsden (corner of the school playing field, opposite the Buxton pub). I'm curious as to why there are two pole supports in such close proximity (one of them in a side street). Any ideas?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/loweskid/_DSC8583.jpg

Have to tension the wire round a corner?

^^ Not sure, but maybe it because that's a staggered junction with a crossing either side, and to maintain the required separation for the catenary support they have to string the support cables diagonally from those two poles to poles on the outside of the two crossing points on the other side?
Maybe...

Have to tension the wire round a corner?

It's on a straight stretch of the line on Manchester Road.

Edit: Unless they are planning a turn-back just after the Edge lane stop, which *would* require diagonal tensioning from a point at about Davenport Street!

^^ Not sure, but maybe it because that's a staggered junction with a crossing either side, and to maintain the required separation for the catenary support they have to string the support cables diagonally from those two poles to poles on the outside of the two crossing points on the other side?
Maybe...

Yes, it's probably something like that. Anyway, we'll only have to wait a few months to find out for certain..:)

I can hardly wait for the tram to start running from Droylsden - took nearly forty minutes to Piccadilly from Edge Lane, Droylsden on the bus the other day. And the moaners in the Advertiser say no one wants the Metrolink - wait till it's up and running and I bet they'll be quitting the bus in droves...!

Unless they are planning a turn-back just after the Edge lane stop, which *would* require diagonal tensioning from a point at about Davenport Street!
Doubt it - it's only two stops from the turn-back at Droylsden centre.

Today I walked as close as I could to the EML as far as Velopark. Here's the highlights

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5943686481_94cd4924f2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5943686481/)
3034 at New Islington (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5943686481/) by Sparkyscrum (http://www.flickr.com/people/mackenzieblu/), on Flickr

Shortly after this I got an irrate guard who wanted me to tell them I was taking pictures but didn't understand that taking photos on public land was fine. He looked very confused but I was polite.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5943776155_e80e4131d9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5943776155/)
Holt Town (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5943776155/) by Sparkyscrum (http://www.flickr.com/people/mackenzieblu/), on Flickr

PID's are on at Holt Town. All the other stops were properly bounded so I couldn't see.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5944342444_ecd9e45fc5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5944342444/)
Looking from New Viaduct Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackenzieblu/5944342444/) by Sparkyscrum (http://www.flickr.com/people/mackenzieblu/), on Flickr

Once the line opens this is going to be a great place to take shots as they wizz by the canal.

Sadly after that it got very very wet! There are a load more on my Flickr but nothing that unique from stuff already posted, just updated.

I wonder if that PID says when the next tram is due? Could give away a lot about the opening of the line!

I wonder if that PID says when the next tram is due? Could give away a lot about the opening of the line!

We wish!

But it may state the test tram which is no fun :lol:

:banana:

We all know now the Rochdale Oldham line will be delayed. it would be good though if they got to work rapidly on the bit between Oldham and Shaw to get it into service earlier than through to Rochdale. It only needs the track up to the station and the bay platform to be completed and not over the crossing. That way they could introduce say a 12 minute service with each 2nd tram continuing through from Oldham. It would bring in revenue earlier and possibly save on all the replacement buses as they would only need to run between Rochdale and Shaw?

I reckon 95% plus of the people using the replacement buses get off by the time the bus has left Shaw.

I suspect the Mumps island work is holding everything back as much as anything.

Does anybody know why it has taken so long to get the Oldham line open? Are they replacing all the tracks etc?

They should of left the oldham loop it as it was, put up the OHL and refurbed the stations and bridges as the years went by like they are doing with the alty and bury lines.

They should of left the oldham loop it as it was, put up the OHL and refurbed the stations and bridges as the years went by like they are doing with the alty and bury lines.

Surely that would have been much more expensive? Especially since most of the work they are doing is repair work that should have been done years ago.

They should of left the oldham loop it as it was, put up the OHL and refurbed the stations and bridges as the years went by like they are doing with the alty and bury lines.

But one of the success was going into the city center. By using the old route only you either abandoned running through Oldham town or you shut the line down while you added in the town center link.

I would be very annoyed if I lived in the area though, to loose a quick trains service for several years while it is converted. At least when the Bury and Altrincham lines were converted it was only 6-7 months or so of no service.

Today I walked as close as I could to the EML as far as Velopark. Here's the highlights

[Shortly after this I got an irrate guard who wanted me to tell them I was taking pictures but didn't understand that taking photos on public land was fine. He looked very confused but I was polite.



Looks like I wasn't the only person to have a mooch-round yesterday and I'm sorry you were hassled by a guard at New Islington: I took the coward's way out and snapped from my car there without getting-out.

I've uploaded a pile of images from yesterday and last month to Flickr here: Link (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/sets/72157627214145918/) and a couple of worthwhile ones are reproduced below:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5945711633_6503a6dc6f_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945711633/)
DSC02226 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945711633/) by nferguso_wyvern (http://www.flickr.com/people/26690797@N02/), on Flickr

Both these being of the Ancoats underpass.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5946267442_362c94a7a1_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5946267442/)
DSC02225 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5946267442/) by nferguso_wyvern (http://www.flickr.com/people/26690797@N02/), on Flickr

I also drove down the course of the EML and was staggered by the works taking place. There are a few images on Flickr but this one sums it up (thanks to Mrs. Fergy for snapping from the passenger seat to cries of "get that one" No, THAT one!"):

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5945708381_c565195036_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945708381/)
DSC02200 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945708381/) by nferguso_wyvern (http://www.flickr.com/people/26690797@N02/), on Flickr
The morning commute down there must be hell on earth.

Just on the subject of construction, does anybody know that this was attached to the barricade fencing in Ancoats? I think it's some form of anti-trespass alarm, so just beware!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5945710065_647796bff4_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945710065/)
DSC02224 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5945710065/) by nferguso_wyvern (http://www.flickr.com/people/26690797@N02/), on Flickr
I was quite surprised by the sight of one or two commercially-minded ladies in that area.

Finally, a picture of East Didsbury where the site of the terminus is slowly taking shape:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5946269866_d4acfaab5e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5946269866/)
DSC02244 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/5946269866/) by nferguso_wyvern (http://www.flickr.com/people/26690797@N02/), on Flickr

Hope these are of interest.

Neil

If they would have left it and added the town centre route, they could have left before they got to werneth, go thru the town, go under the bridge and up brook street(mumps) and rejoined the line at derker.

Hope these are of interest.

Neil

To me, photos of the EML are ALWAYS of interest (same goes for your photos Mack!). It's a proper tramway! I mean the Oldham line is cool, but it doesn't grab me in the same way, probably because most of it was still in use as a railway line not that long ago (of course the O and R town centre parts are different!)

I'm just sad I wont really have any need to use the EML as I don't have any friends over that way, or any other need to go there, but I reckon I will end up riding it a fair bit just for the hell of it! I also drove along Ashton New Road the other day and have to admit I got a little thrill from the great long stretches of proper tram track!

Did that road suffer from traffic problems before the work started? I mean, once the trams are running will they end up snarled up in jams on a regular basis?

I'm just sad I wont really have any need to use the EML as I don't have any friends over that way, or any other need to go there, but I reckon I will end up riding it a fair bit just for the hell of it! I also drove along Ashton New Road the other day and have to admit I got a little thrill from the great long stretches of proper tram track!

You could always go to Ikea! lol Get a wardrobe on the tram!

If they would have left it and added the town centre route, they could have left before they got to werneth, go thru the town, go under the bridge and up brook street(mumps) and rejoined the line at derker.

With the condition of the track and formation as it was and the need to redouble the line beyond Shaw simply erecting overhead wasn't an option. That lesson was learnt on the Bury Line 20 years ago. The Werneth to Mumps direct line was only done because at the time the money for the street section wasn't available.

Did that road suffer from traffic problems before the work started? I mean, once the trams are running will they end up snarled up in jams on a regular basis?

Ashton New Road (A662) used to be quieter than Ashton Old Road (A635). I'd say both are about the same now, despite the A635 being the 'Primary' (or recommended) route.

Bus competition used to be fierce, with a variety of operators, including Stagecoach, MagicBus, Dennis's, Maynes, etc., vying for trade. As such, fares on the 216 route are often cheaper than a comparative distance on the 219, even though the rivals no longer exist.

Traffic noticably increase after opening of the M60 and the Ashton Northern Bypass Phase 1. Buses get stuck in traffic, as there is no priority on the A662, so people switched to cars, which starts a spiral of decline.

Slower buses > More switch to the car > Even slower buses > Even more switch to the car

With the condition of the track and formation as it was and the need to redouble the line beyond Shaw simply erecting overhead wasn't an option. That lesson was learnt on the Bury Line 20 years ago. The Werneth to Mumps direct line was only done because at the time the money for the street section wasn't available.

alright i didnt know that :bash:

To me, photos of the EML are ALWAYS of interest (same goes for your photos Mack!).

<snip>

I also drove along Ashton New Road the other day and have to admit I got a little thrill from the great long stretches of proper tram track!

Did that road suffer from traffic problems before the work started? I mean, once the trams are running will they end up snarled up in jams on a regular basis?

I've added a load of extra images to my Metrolink set on Flikr just for you!

I have to say that I found the roadworks there a bit "work it out for yourself". I'm a pretty experienced driver but still felt rather uncomfortable weaving my way through some parts and was half-expecting to hear the blare of a horn as I went the wrong way. I'm sure once it has settled-down it will become routine.

Yes, agree with your point regarding a proper tramway. The sight of a tram gliding its way through the traffic will be quite something to see. Regarding snarling-up, I wonder if they will adopt the approach taken on the south side of Sheffield where they use traffic lights to give a tram a flying start away from each station in the middle of the road, thus leaving the traffic to follow.

Neil

I went to college many years ago on the Old Road, and buses were about every three minutes then, its every ten minutes now (219). I do find the 216 bus to be quick compared to south Manchester services though.

Looks like I wasn't the only person to have a mooch-round yesterday and I'm sorry you were hassled by a guard at New Islington: I took the coward's way out and snapped from my car there without getting-out.

I also drove down the course of the EML and was staggered the works taking place. There are a few images on Flickr but this one sums it up (thanks to Mrs. Fergy for snapping from the passenger seat to cries of "get that one" No, THAT one!"):

Finally, a picture of East Didsbury where the site of the terminus is slowly taking shape:

Hope these are of interest.

Neil

Considering how soaked I got yesterday it sounds like a better idea! I ended up stuck outside near the stadium when the worse of yesterday's weather kicked in. I wanted to go further on the EML but I ended up getting the 53 and seeing Monsall and walking down to Central Park. Made me realise these stops aren't that close as they look. New photos are always of interest, especially places that I've never been. Am I right in thinking most of the Didsbury line is in a cutting then?



To me, photos of the EML are ALWAYS of interest (same goes for your photos Mack!). It's a proper tramway! I mean the Oldham line is cool, but it doesn't grab me in the same way, probably because most of it was still in use as a railway line not that long ago (of course the O and R town centre parts are different!)

I'm just sad I wont really have any need to use the EML as I don't have any friends over that way, or any other need to go there, but I reckon I will end up riding it a fair bit just for the hell of it! I also drove along Ashton New Road the other day and have to admit I got a little thrill from the great long stretches of proper tram track!

Did that road suffer from traffic problems before the work started? I mean, once the trams are running will they end up snarled up in jams on a regular basis?



One of the reason I love this forum is everyone adding some amazing photos. For us that aren't that close it's a great way to keep up to speed with developments on the network which really seemed to have stepped up a gear since the testing started on the SML.

You could always go to Ikea! lol Get a wardrobe on the tram!

I did that in Croydon, but watch out for the windows. I nearly did some serious damage with a load of wood (but the Overground train did get damaged).

Am I right in thinking most of the Didsbury line is in a cutting then?


All of the didsbury line is in a cutting more or less, bar a little bit around Withington :)

Speaking of Withington, I braved the dampness to grab a quick couple of snaps as I think it's now one of the first "3B" stations to get platform sections, albeit only on the Didsbury-bound side..?

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/IMG_1280.jpg

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/IMG_1283.jpg

Stairs too :-)

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/IMG_1281.jpg

Shame no one will be catching any trams from here for about 2 years! :-(

Speaking of Withington, I braved the dampness to grab a quick couple of snaps as I think it's now one of the first "3B" stations to get platform sections, albeit only on the Didsbury-bound side..?

Stairs too :-)

Shame no one will be catching any trams from here for about 2 years! :-(

Wow, it's amazing to see that they are getting things sorted now. By the time this opens the network will be a very different one with destinations all over Manchester.

Speaking of Withington, I braved the dampness to grab a quick couple of snaps as I think it's now one of the first "3B" stations to get platform sections, albeit only on the Didsbury-bound side..?

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/IMG_1280.jpg



Ay caramba! I went to the wrong part of town yesterday!

[QUOTE=martin2345uk;81623826]Speaking of Withington, I braved the dampness to grab a quick couple of snaps as I think it's now one of the first "3B" stations to get platform sections, albeit only on the Didsbury-bound side..?



Do you mean "stops"? there are no stations on the network. I am very disappointed in you Maritn,:ohno::ohno:

LOL don't start this again! The Metrolink signs even say "Station stop ahead" so they clearly care not for such distinctions! :-p

LOL don't start this again! The Metrolink signs even say "Station stop ahead" so they clearly care not for such distinctions! :-p

LOL refer to EVERYTHING Metrolink...never a mention of Station..its a Stop! why this obsession with stations?

No obsession, I simply prefer the word station and will continue to use it :-p

[QUOTE=martin2345uk;81632960]No obsession, I simply prefer the word station and will continue to use it :-p[/QUO

WHY?

I just like the sound of the word, tis all :)

I just like the sound of the word, tis all :)

ok

WHY?

Does it even matter?

I've looked up 'stations' in a thesaurus. I like 'strata' as an alternative. Etihad Sports City Tram Stratum has such a lovely ring to it don't you think? :nuts:

Stratum! What a word. "This is a St Werburgh's Road service, the next stratum will be Chorlton."

New trains have to be docked in the right position to open their doors so you could say docks if you wanted. Truth is it's both a stop and a station.

No obsession, I simply prefer the word station and will continue to use it :-p

Station = Stop = Station = Station Stop.

That's all anyone need to know! :)

Exactly, if Metrolink use both terms then I don't see an issue :-)

Moving on... I am surprised we dont have more crazy forumers hanging about at night for more images of the EML testing? Any updates on that from anyone?

What a bizzare argument over Station and Stop. Technically, they mean the same thing. Station is latin for standing still. Stop is old English for coming to a halt or that act of coming to a halt.

I suppose technically trains and trams come to a stop at a station - but, really they're now used in modern English interchangeably. Because stops are more associated with buses running on roads, I tend to say "stop" if the tram or bus is stopping on a roadway, and station if a tram or bus is stopping on a dedicated right of way.

There is no right or wrong, really.

Exactly, if Metrolink use both terms then I don't see an issue :-)

Moving on... I am surprised we dont have more crazy forumers hanging about at night for more images of the EML testing? Any updates on that from anyone?

I was sure there would be video or two by now! Are the SSC forumer all worn out by the SML?

I'm just sad I wont really have any need to use the EML as I don't have any friends over that way...

You're always welcome for a cuppa round our house.

Ay caramba! I went to the wrong part of town yesterday!

Aye, but thanks for the pictures Neil.

I dropped my lad off in town this morning and wandered back home to Droylsden following the whole of the East Manchester route (by car). From what I could gather nothing at all has changed since the last update. Stationary tram still at New Islington and all the fences back in place across the access roads. Totally understandable, you can't do anything in weather like this!

You're always welcome for a cuppa round our house.


How kind. Are you lucky enough to live close by then? :)

I don't feel lucky at the moment with all the disruption but it will definitely be worth while in the end when we have a fantastic tram system. I live near the old Droylsden train station. Is Tetley's OK or would something stronger be more favourable? :cheers: I'll get you a pint in the Cotton Tree when we open for business as your enthusiasm really cheers me up!

To me, photos of the EML are ALWAYS of interest (same goes for your photos Mack!). It's a proper tramway! I mean the Oldham line is cool, but it doesn't grab me in the same way, probably because most of it was still in use as a railway line not that long ago (of course the O and R town centre parts are different!)

I'm just sad I wont really have any need to use the EML as I don't have any friends over that way, or any other need to go there, but I reckon I will end up riding it a fair bit just for the hell of it! I also drove along Ashton New Road the other day and have to admit I got a little thrill from the great long stretches of proper tram track!

Did that road suffer from traffic problems before the work started? I mean, once the trams are running will they end up snarled up in jams on a regular basis?

Lots of things to see and do, Martin!

Eastlands Stadium
Clayton Hall
St. Cross Church (Butterworth's only example in N. Of England)
Fairfield Moravian Village

And in Ashton-under Lyne :-

Superb market.
Museum of the Manchester Regiment
Setanti heritage display
St. Michael and All Angels (unique medieval stained glass)
Art Gallery
Portland Canal Basin (museum and boat trips)

Train Guard

Lots of things to see and do, Martin!

Eastlands Stadium
Clayton Hall
St. Cross Church (Butterworth's only example in N. Of England)
Fairfield Moravian Village

And in Ashton-under Lyne :-

Superb market.
Museum of the Manchester Regiment
Setanti heritage display
St. Michael and All Angels (unique medieval stained glass)
Art Gallery
Portland Canal Basin (museum and boat trips)

Train Guard

As an Ashtonian myself I agree totally. Loads to do and see between Manchester and Ashton. Just a shame there aren't too many good real ale pubs along the route. Ashton has a few and of course a short train ride form the future terminus will take you to the famous Stalybridge Station Buffet.:cheers:

Lol thanks guys! You should write a book, "The Myriad Delights of the A662 Corridor".

Lol thanks guys! You should write a book, "The Myriad Delights of the A662 Corridor".

Actually, I've just finished a first draft of a guide book to Metrolink, largely aimed at the general reader. It describes what can be seen from the tram window, and the places and attractions that may be visited from the stations. Hopefully out early next year!

Train Guard

Lots of things to see and do, Martin!

Eastlands Stadium
Clayton Hall
St. Cross Church (Butterworth's only example in N. Of England)
Fairfield Moravian Village

And in Ashton-under Lyne :-

Superb market.
Museum of the Manchester Regiment
Setanti heritage display
St. Michael and All Angels (unique medieval stained glass)
Art Gallery
Portland Canal Basin (museum and boat trips)

Train Guard


Not forgetting:

Getting a sofa home from Ikea on the tram. Who'l be first to try?

Andrew

Not forgetting:

Getting a sofa home from Ikea on the tram. Who'l be first to try?

Andrew

at least you`ll get a seat if you do,:rofl:

Actually, I've just finished a first draft of a guide book to Metrolink, largely aimed at the general reader. It describes what can be seen from the tram window, and the places and attractions that may be visited from the stations. Hopefully out early next year!

Train Guard



I'll buy that, please keep me/us updated :)

Moving on... I am surprised we dont have more crazy forumers hanging about at night for more images of the EML testing? Any updates on that from anyone?

I have a night shift coming up. I might be tempted to pop out and see if anything occurring.

MAHOOOOSIVE pile up at DC. 3 consecutive Eccles trams and 2 Altys stacked up. Any info?

Not forgetting:

Getting a sofa home from Ikea on the tram. Who'l be first to try?

Andrew

Does it have to be folded up and put in box? Oh wait, its from Ikea it already is :D

sorry...

MAHOOOOSIVE pile up at DC. 3 consecutive Eccles trams and 2 Altys stacked up. Any info?

there was a pile up outside Victoria station at about 2.45 too :-
T68 in the Bury bound platform;
M5000 sat at the red light by the old disused platform;
T68 sat immediately behind that;
and then another T68 on the slope down from Shudehill.

I was wondering what the hell was going on! Thats 18mins worth of trams between Victoria and Shudehill.

MAHOOOOSIVE pile up at DC. 3 consecutive Eccles trams and 2 Altys stacked up. Any info?

Have no idea, but I was coming home about that time and we were 3rd in line at Gmex ramp. It took 18 mins before we actually got through Cornbrook.
Now the one in front was a St. W. Rd tram and we were held at every signal from there to Cornbrook . It must have taken at least 3 minutes after that tram had left Cornbrook before we got the green light.

I don't understand this though, as it's on a different line immedialtely after leaving Cornbrook, does the Eccles tram really need to wait till it's nearly at Trafford Bar before the signal changes, as surely the signal at Cornbrook knows the Eccles tram is waiting and should clear as soon as the Alty or SWR tram leaves as there is no chance of a collision.

Maybe we do?

I do have friends up that way, so for me the East Manchester line is going to be very useful :).

The holds up btw are only what people on here predicted will happen.

Hi

I notice this in Oldham Chronicle nothing special but I through it worth putting on here.

Metrolink to cause more traffic chaos
DRIVERS will have to prepare for a huge shake-up in Oldham town- centre parking as the Metrolink rolls in.

Oldham Council’s highways department is proposing an abundance of changes, mainly around Union Street, where the new trams will eventually run through.

The council admit parking spaces will be lost and “inevitable disruption” will be caused as the Metrolink is being constructed, but the impact will be “mitigated”.

Just under 30 Traffic Regulation Orders (TRos) removing parking places and waiting restrictions have been proposed.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We acknowledge there will, overall, still be some loss of this provision and we’re already working to provide compensatory spaces on adjacent side streets.

“In the longer-term, we’re also undertaking a comprehensive review of all our parking provision across the town centre for the Metrolink era.”

A town-centre section of the Metrolink will take passengers along Union Street from spring 2014.

A temporary line from Manchester Victoria to Oldham Mumps, which bypasses the town centre, is set to open by March, 2012.

The changes on Union Street are also in preparation for the installation of the Oldham Central stop, outside Sainsbury’s on Union Street.

A date has not be finalised for the closure of the section, which will be exclusively accessed by pedestrians and trams.

Cllr Stretton added: “Installing a new tram line is a massive engineering project and we knew it would inevitably mean an unavoidable series of closures to parts of Union Street.

“The TROs are there to gradually introduce the long-term changes that are required to Union Street’s future layout.

“Where possible, for example, we strive to have only partial (one-way) road closures rather than a total shutdown of a particular street, and to also reschedule works where it can possibly ease disruption and congestion.”

Officers from Oldham Council and Transport for Greater Manchester revealed an extensive consultation with town centre businesses is currently taking place.

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on the traffic regulation orders during the consultation process, which runs until August 3.

You can see the proposals online at www.tfgm.com/metrolink/oldhamTRO/

Sorry if this have already be posting be I notice this on tfgm website

http://www.tfgm.com/Oldham-Mumps/index.cfm

One last thing


Bosses refute delays claim

METROLINK bosses are “confident” delays are not going to happen for the opening of the line to Derker, Shaw and Rochdale.

Councillor Richard Knowles warned Transport for Greater Manchester committee members that an application for Transport and Works Act consent for the line to cross Oldham Mumps roundabout could push the opening date back.

In response to the story the Chronicle published last Wednesday over the consultation, Transport for Greater Manchester state they need to “update legal powers” at the section of the line.

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokeswoman said: “We are confident we have sufficient time to secure the updated powers before the part of the line on to Derker, Shaw and Rochdale opens.”

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/58749/cut-in-union-street-parking

Warning - Carmageddon is coming to Oldham.

3015 just (~00:45) went through Victoria "Not In Service" towards Shudehill. Wonder if it is heading down to Velopark??? :banana:

I can confirm that tram 1001 is currently making it's way from Piccadilly towards New Islington.

Exciting! Can anybody get some photos? It'd be great to see a T68 down there :)

I have pictures, but my phone (on which I took them on) is not playing ball...

Hopefully on Wednesday I will have some spare time to have a good look at the East Manc line, with my camera. Not really seen it yet, but now the Chorlton line is open and not much is happening on the Dids/Airport line yet all the excitement is now on East Manchester.

Still for me personally I can't get as excited about it because it won't benefit my life as much because I don't live there, that said I do think I will be using the East Manc line.

I know they're not great quality, but, here's 1001 on the EML:
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july20.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july21.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july22.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july23.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july24.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july25.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july26.jpg
http://www.ashfish.net/metrolink/july27.jpg

Brilliant ash!! There's something about all the dark murky photos of the live testing on this line that makes it seem so mysterious! Keep em coming :D

I know they're not great quality, but, here's 1001 on the EML:


Nice one Ashley thanks for braving rain and local natives!

Brilliant photos ashley! It mustn't be long until we see some ghosting down there :D

I did a little wonder down to Holt town before 1001 came along, and noticed that the road were all closed as before, but they seem to be using temporary LOS signalling. i.e. there's a signal strapped to the signal poles which are working, but the actual signals themselves are not yet working (I did get a photo of the one at Holt Town, I'll upload later).

Also they seemed to be digging a hole in the middle of the sidings at Sheffield Street earlier yesterday, I'm assuming for electrics (it's right next to what I asume is the foundations for a signal pole which hasn't been errected as yet and look about manhole sized).

Am also wondering what trams they will be using when Velpopark opens. The bulk may be T68s if the rumour is that it's the Bury line going through. Unless they seperate all the workings and have 2 distinct services operational-wise then and all the 3XXX are put on Bury/Velopark services then it's going to be mainly T68s possibly?

I thought it was going to be Bury AND Altrincham services running through to Velopark (and ultimately Ashton)?

I thought it was going to be Bury AND Altrincham services running through to Velopark (and ultimately Ashton)?

They haven't officially said anything and seem to be still keeping quiet. But one of the maps they put up in the last week showed a message at the side saying Bury to Ashton, so either a mistake or a clue?

It may be that it is only every 12 minutes when it opens till the traffic builds up. Again we don't know that but it's only 4 stops and about a mile and a half at the most so a six minute service at this stage may be overkill, especially with all the delays on the Cornbrook section, it's unlikely that they could maintain any kind of reliable service.

Also, unless the timetables are changed again and completely recast then if the Bury line is extended first, it can't be the Alt line going through as the trams don't run into or out of Piccadilly at 6 minute intervals.

We'll all just need to wait and see. Not long now though.

But the way it currently works is the trams from Bury then go onto Altrincham once they reach Piccadilly and vise versa, so the time tables are going to need changing anyway, even if it is just to extend the Bury line. The simplist thing I would have throught was just to extend the running of the curent lines, even if that means a bit of over capacity. I suppose the other option is to turn back alternate trams from both Bury and Altrincham in the turnback at Sheffield Street (seeing as Eccles trams are going to be doing this anyway).

They haven't officially said anything and seem to be still keeping quiet. But one of the maps they put up in the last week showed a message at the side saying Bury to Ashton, so either a mistake or a clue?

It may be that it is only every 12 minutes when it opens till the traffic builds up. Again we don't know that but it's only 4 stops and about a mile and a half at the most so a six minute service at this stage may be overkill, especially with all the delays on the Cornbrook section, it's unlikely that they could maintain any kind of reliable service.

Also, unless the timetables are changed again and completely recast then if the Bury line is extended first, it can't be the Alt line going through as the trams don't run into or out of Piccadilly at 6 minute intervals.

We'll all just need to wait and see. Not long now though.

But the way it currently works is the trams from Bury then go onto Altrincham once they reach Piccadilly and vise versa, so the time tables are going to need changing anyway, even if it is just to extend the Bury line. The simplist thing I would have throught was just to extend the running of the curent lines, even if that means a bit of over capacity. I suppose the other option is to turn back alternate trams from both Bury and Altrincham in the turnback at Sheffield Street (seeing as Eccles trams are going to be doing this anyway).

I thought about this. When the recast the Altrincham Line did they also re-do the Bury Line times as well? If not maybe they are going to recast the Bury line next as the next step?

Is there not a possiblity that they will just run a Piccadilly - VeloPark service for the time being?

It'll be Bury to Velodrome, nothing else makes much sense.

Is there not a possiblity that they will just run a Piccadilly - VeloPark service for the time being?Piccadilly isn't really set up for reversals in that direction. Would have to be at the platform, blocking it for other services.