I'm guessing one of the first obvious thing we will see is the rusty rails on the Cornbrook turn back will be less rusty as they start running trams over that new junction.

I'm guessing one of the first obvious thing we will see is the rusty rails on the Cornbrook turn back will be less rusty as they start running trams over that new junction.

More likely a whole load of railway style signals bagged up and tram signals alight! The original idea had been to bring Cornbrook into use without the siding first and then bring the rest in by stages.

3040 might be clocking it's miles up?

No it's testing for TMS not mileage accumulation, its just the detail of the tests I don't know.

I'm thinking that they may test the turn back over night, when we don't see the new signals switched on.

http://goo.gl/9nOxg

This is becoming a little repetitive now, silly trolls.

I'm thinking that they may test the turn back over night, when we don't see the new signals switched on.

Yes I see what you mean. I guess we all hope they won't opt to use the turnback for its intended purpose anyway!!

Yes I see what you mean. I guess we all hope they won't opt to use the turnback for its intended purpose anyway!!

I agree.

The 6 minute service between Piccadilly and Salford now is very busy already at peak times!

JRB Great photos there of the Stadium Stop.Can anyone tell me why they can not open up the footpath that runs down the length of the tracks from The Stadium down to Holt Town?I would love a mooch down there to get a good look at the progress.

With regards to the Signage at the City Stop I beleive that the Sign for 'Trams to Ashton' makes sense as this is the eventual destination/Termination of this exstension,and as such you would advertise the fact when directing passengers onto a platform.Much as you would expect to see 'Trams to Didsbury'at Firswood even though the next stop would be Chorlton or St Werbsters.I think what I am trying to say is I still reckon that the EML will open up to Velopark some time within the next few months and eventually up to Villemomble..

No need to panic! The sign will be covered up with 'trams to droylesden' just like all the other signs across the network have their final destinations covered up.Don't apply for a job as a sign writer! :nuts:

^^BAN BAN BAN BAN NUKE BAN

Seaonedbest..do we need to avoid this?

First generation tramlines again visible outside the co-op on Barlow Moor Rd due to the works! Love it :-)

Coming out of town the other evening, at St Peters Square there was a St Werburghs tram at the stop,with an Altrincham tram hard up behind it, and hard behind that, but not yet at the stop,another St Werburghs tram. Three trams with hardly a fag paper seperating them and they were all :banana:

Can't be easy for pedestrians wanting to cross the road lol. In fact in the future, maybe the police can use :banana:'s for kettling rioters :-)

Can't be easy for pedestrians wanting to cross the road lol. In fact in the future, maybe the police can use :banana:'s for kettling rioters :-)

It would be daft, but if anybody where to try it they wouldn't succeed, not enough room.
Mind you, they're not all locked up, another evening waiting at St Peters Square a bloke rode his bike between the lines through the stop, with one tram in and another approaching!

How does LOS work in Fog or other instances where visibility is reduced? How would TMS deal with it?

( Just been reading about the Eccles 1941 train crash in Wikipedia :( )

A couple of pics from West Didsbury this afternoon

The Burton Road stop looking back towards Chorlton
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1365.jpg

Burton Road
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1367.jpg

From Burton Road looking out towards East Didsbury
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1366.jpg

The Withington stop:
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1369.jpg

Looking towards Chorlton
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1372.jpg

Same pic as above but zoomed right in and you can see a tram - would this be the end of the Chorlton line? I took the picture from the Princess Parkway
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1371.jpg

And looking the other way back towards West Didsbury
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1373.jpg

The Lapwing Lane stop looking towards East Didsbury
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1374.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1375.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1376.jpg

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1377.jpg

How does LOS work in Fog or other instances where visibility is reduced? How would TMS deal with it?

( Just been reading about the Eccles 1941 train crash in Wikipedia :( )

It wouldn't. The whole idea of this system is let the drivers drive and only when they cross paths with other traffic or junctions does the TMS instruct the driver.

It wouldn't. The whole idea of this system is let the drivers drive and only when they cross paths with other traffic or junctions does the TMS instruct the driver.

LOS (line of sight) in fog works just they way it should on the roads; the drivers slow down so that they can stop if they have to.

With the images above, yes that would be the Chorlton Line, the St. Webleys rd turnaround.

Does anyone know when the going to start to lay tracks through the Withington stop, because I think it looks ready.

Just been looking through the official website and saw a (to me anyway) new look plans for the Airport line. I know they aren't 100% correct but according to this plan it's a one platform 4 tram length stop with a parallel track that's not connected to a platform. Why is this second track there? I know for the original loop they would have needed two tracks but why keep a track but remove the platform?

Just been looking through the official website and saw a (to me anyway) new look plans for the Airport line. I know they aren't 100% correct but according to this plan it's a one platform 4 tram length stop with a parallel track that's not connected to a platform. Why is this second track there? I know for the original loop they would have needed two tracks but why keep a track but remove the platform?

It does look strange but I think the final layout is subject to discussions about the possible additional Network Rail platform and interchange design. The second line would be useful to accommodate a failed tram.

It does look strange but I think the final layout is subject to discussions about the possible additional Network Rail platform and interchange design. The second line would be useful to accommodate a failed tram.

Could it be a case of a shared platform then?

Just been looking through the official website and saw a (to me anyway) new look plans for the Airport line. I know they aren't 100% correct but according to this plan it's a one platform 4 tram length stop with a parallel track that's not connected to a platform. Why is this second track there? I know for the original loop they would have needed two tracks but why keep a track but remove the platform?

Maybe it's for overnight tram storage if there is a blockage on the line, so 'Shuttle' services could run.

Maybe it's for overnight tram storage if there is a blockage on the line, so 'Shuttle' services could run.

It is a bit weird as there is no crossover out of the "second" terminal track. To head towards Wythenshawe from that track would take two driver-cab changes :/
Even the platform length is very over-sized. How long is the Altrincham interchange stop platform? Notice i avoided the use of station :lol: Although I would expect Altrincham to be longer than usual as it is the old train platform.

It is a bit weird as there is no crossover out of the "second" terminal track. To head towards Wythenshawe from that track would take two driver-cab changes :/
Even the platform length is very over-sized. How long is the Altrincham interchange stop platform? Notice i avoided the use of station :lol: Although I would expect Altrincham to be longer than usual as it is the old train platform.

Altrincham is long enough for at least 4 trams or 2 double units. The signalling is currently designed for 2 sets, thats a max of 2 doubles. Bury is the same.

Treat the plans on the web site with caution, they are only indicative. The way the Airport one is drawn there could be another crossover hidden under the bridge! I'm sure someone on here must have seen the latest detailed plans. Looking at the Ashton terminus plan there are no crossovers shown there at all, yet there will be 2 installed to give entry and exit from both platforms.

Having looked at that sketch again I have realised that the extra rail platform I mentioned isn't shown. Its actually the existing 3rd platform I saw. However there is the footnote that it is only preliminary and subject to change.

Same as Bury I think, you can get 4 on each platform.

I can confirm that zero.

I have seen two doubles on a regular basis at Bury.

You probably could get six,but that ,would never happen.

I can confirm that zero.

I have seen two doubles on a regular basis at Bury.

You probably could get six,but that ,would never happen.

Saw five once! Had it written in one of my old books.

Well, it's a bit quiet on this forum today, perhaps everyone's at the Gay Pride Carnival, which happened to pass by this afternoon when I was on the platform of Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Central/Deansgate%20-%20Castle/101_4960.jpg

Happy days! :banana:

Meaning?????

Why is it a waste? The stuff still has to painted regardless of where it is so what difference does it make? Maybe slightly cheaper buying all the same colour in bulk but I doubt if there's much difference, if any.

Quite right. Regular painting helps not only keep the place tidy, but cuts down on the damage done by dog piss. It's a serious issue - people have died when lampposts weakend by this pet by-product, or any other kind of piss, have fallen without warning. When you buy paint by the truck load, it's no cheaper by the two-truck load. Anything bought by a council costs more than the equivalent product bought by Joe Public in B & Q or Wickes, partly because of strict tendering rules designed to maximise competition, and partly because the suppliers know they are on a winner, and can minimise competition.


Personally I find this design concept quite delightful - let's not stifle imagination and style, Disco, with dull financial statistics and inter-municipal squabbles - this is why Bristol and Edinburgh* (and possibly Liverpool) haven't got tramways, and why the Nottingham extensions nearly slipped between the two opposing stools of the City and County . . .

(* As I very type this, it's just on TV news that Edinburgh can't have the money unless it goes through to the city centre - hopefully common sense will prevail.)

:banana:

Sage words indeed, JDR. Our local council look like they couldn't run a bath successfully, which is why they're trying to get the funding for kerb-guided busways instead of light rail, to follow Cambridgeshire's "success". It's not going down well. While I'm not saying a lick of paint would guarantee a tramway instead, I can see the point about civic pride, and how colour co-ordination is one visible sign of that. Mind you, our lot would spend 5 years and £6 million deciding on a colour, then £7 million changing it after the next election. The nearest they've managed is the wheely bins, which are black (or green).

Edinburgh's tram problems, imho, stem from the fact that when it was started, the then opposition didn't want it. Now, part-way through, they are the ruling party. They can hardly show great enthusiasm, and also can't miss a chance to poke fun at the other side. Bristol could end up this way, too.

Anything bought by a council costs more than the equivalent product bought by Joe Public in B & Q or Wickes, partly because of strict tendering rules designed to maximise competition, and partly because the suppliers know they are on a winner, and can minimise competition.

Eh? Do you mean less?!

Buying in bulk makes things cheaper. Lots of companies will do hefty discounts for local authorities due to their large volume of orders. Local authorities don't pay VAT on purchases either.

Eh? Do you mean less?!

Buying in bulk makes things cheaper. Lots of companies will do hefty discounts for local authorities due to their large volume of orders. Local authorities don't pay VAT on purchases either.

No he's right, More. Local authorities can't just nip down to the wholesaler and get a shed load of paint at discount price they have to put it out to tender and invite people to bid for business. Sometimes this works out more expensive than it needs to be if there is a lack of bidders. It happens loads in the NHS as well.

It is a bit weird as there is no crossover out of the "second" terminal track. To head towards Wythenshawe from that track would take two driver-cab changes :/
Even the platform length is very over-sized. How long is the Altrincham interchange stop platform? Notice i avoided the use of station :lol: Although I would expect Altrincham to be longer than usual as it is the old train platform.

If you go on google maps you'll see a double unit and a single unit inside the station. You'd easily get another double in and you'd get another 5 units in on the other platform.

No he's right, More. Local authorities can't just nip down to the wholesaler and get a shed load of paint at discount price they have to put it out to tender and invite people to bid for business. Sometimes this works out more expensive than it needs to be if there is a lack of bidders. It happens loads in the NHS as well.

Sounds barmy, and may well be, but now we are part of Europe, we have certain rules to live by, in addition to the many imposed by national government, but often (wrongly) blamed on the EU.

To make sure there are no cosy agreements between councils and contractors (as if!) nearly everything has to be put to tender. Not only that, any contract worth more than (I think) €200,000 has to be advertised in the Official Journal of the EU, to give any company in any member state a chance to tender. Then, everything, regardless of price, has to tested against health and safety, product quality, value for money, environmental, and even discrimination standards. This is why it is often easier for a government department or council to have one big tendered contract for supply of goods than to do everything a piece at a time.

And why, if we run out of washing-up liquid in my (government) office tea room, I can't nip down Tescos and buy one, get one free, but have to order a bottle with a price tag three times as much. Officially, at least. What goes for Fairy liquid also goes for a factory full of paint.:wallbash:

Well, it's a bit quiet on this forum today, perhaps everyone's at the Gay Pride Carnival, which happened to pass by this afternoon when I was on the platform of Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Central/Deansgate%20-%20Castle/101_4960.jpg

Happy days! :banana:

Meaning?????

Hello?????

Come to think of it, a few months back the Pope accused gay people of compromising the whole biosphere, but in actual fact it's amazing how quickly nature recovers from virtually any incursion, even the building of a tramway!! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5151.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5147.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5149.jpg

So if we don't get some trams down here before long, the whole scene could soon be buried under a primordial forest!! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5146.jpg

:banana:

Got some interesting pics from the end of the Didsbury line. Kinsgway/Didsbury Road/Tesco's. I'll upload them tomorrow.

You tease! Looking forward to those.

The EML looks amazing behind Piccadilly, hope we do see some action there soon...

Great photos back there too Slow Burn of West Didsbury. I also think withington station looks track-ready, hopefully it won't be too long!

Hello?????
Is it me you're looking for?
http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5149.jpg


Are those sandbags on the right in anticipation of tonight's tropical (well, as tropical as Manchester gets) storm?

Their sitting on the feet of the temporary fencing to keep it weighed down.

Sounds barmy, and may well be, but now we are part of Europe, we have certain rules to live by, in addition to the many imposed by national government, but often (wrongly) blamed on the EU.

To make sure there are no cosy agreements between councils and contractors (as if!) nearly everything has to be put to tender. Not only that, any contract worth more than (I think) €200,000 has to be advertised in the Official Journal of the EU, to give any company in any member state a chance to tender. Then, everything, regardless of price, has to tested against health and safety, product quality, value for money, environmental, and even discrimination standards. This is why it is often easier for a government department or council to have one big tendered contract for supply of goods than to do everything a piece at a time.

And why, if we run out of washing-up liquid in my (government) office tea room, I can't nip down Tescos and buy one, get one free, but have to order a bottle with a price tag three times as much. Officially, at least. What goes for Fairy liquid also goes for a factory full of paint.:wallbash:

It's about £156k the OJEU threshold. Most authorities will have other rules for contracts with a value below the threshold, e.g. getting three quotes. The chances are that the council will tap into some sort of OGC framework agreement for the supply of paint.

Looking towards Chorlton but zoomed right in and you can see a tram - would this be the end of the Chorlton line? I took the picture from the Princess Parkway
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn252/Cityplanner/100_1371.jpg


It certainly is. The line is perfectly straight from PP to St W's, possibly the longest straight on the network? Waiting at St W's last week I thought I could see the Withington platforms in the distance.

Timperley to Sale is a very long way and perfectly straight as well on the Alty line.

Stood on Sale station you can see Brooklands clear enough to tell if everyone managed to board the tram or if it was too busy to get everyone onboard.

Hello?????

Come to think of it, a few months back the Pope accused gay people of compromising the whole biosphere, but in actual fact it's amazing how quickly nature recovers from virtually any incursion, even the building of a tramway!! :-

:banana:

I wonder about him too, there's never a girl at his side. But hey, joke over now, and excellent pics again, as always.

6 List No. 9 Midland Railway Line PDF 155.19 KB

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1537/planning_and_highways_committee

It certainly is. The line is perfectly straight from PP to St W's, possibly the longest straight on the network? Waiting at St W's last week I thought I could see the Withington platforms in the distance.

In the heavy rail days you could see from St W's Road bridge trains approaching round the curve beyond Princess Rd.

I wonder about him too, there's never a girl at his side. But hey, joke over now, and excellent pics again, as always.

No never girls!! :ohno:

http://i51.************/2akacy.jpg

Sorry, off the subject but I couldn´t resist it. Photo from Rome Termini main concourse.

Kiddie fiddlers.

Quite a few suited/Hi vis bods mooching around the Victoria Metrolink platforms this morning. Also some work was going just outside the station but I couldnt see what. Theres also one of those road/rail JCBS there aswell.

I poked my head over the bridge at Collyhurst aswell. All the trackwork is finished on the viaduct and looks exactly as before! There were no signs of any tramway signals yet.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/New%20Islington/101_5151.jpg



Wow that looks such a transformation Johnny!

And greetings all from San Francisco where the there are FIVE modes (plus trad buses)
* The classic Cable Cars of course
* BART (high speed MRT)
* Muni (street/underground LRT)
* Heritage American trolleys (mainly PCCs)
* Electric buses run from overhead power (what we would call trolleybuses)

Also been in Portland Oregon which Metrolink fans would love, there they have a street running (quite heavy looking) system - and a lighter "streetcar" which looks more like the Banana's. Really fascinating system - when the big bang is done it will be an equivalent size to Portland (though they are also expanding so might not catch up) but service density in the downtown area makes our debate over the 2CC seem mealy mouthed. Plus all use in the city centre is free to encourage cross downtown travel.

Will post a few pix when possible.

Manchester still looking good though :-)

Cheers Mark, Velopark and Central Park have been ready for ages - all they need now is some bloody trams, trams, trams!!!

But, wait a minute - I THINK I HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER TO THE TMS PROBLEM, and here it is - (the Isle of Man will soon have one to spare, so grab it quick!!!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/zmiscellany/mercuryarc_0001.jpg

pic c/- Today's Railways 10.11 Platform 5

These things are wondrous to behold when a tram is drawing current, with blue and purple/white lightning flashing around inside across the whole ball . . . surely one of those would sort the TMS job out in five minutes ??? :nuts:

Cheers Mark, Velopark and Central Park have been ready for ages - all they need now is some bloody trams, trams, trams!!!

But, wait a minute - I THINK I HAVE FOUND THE ANSWER TO THE TMS PROBLEM, and here it is - (the Isle of Man will soon have one to spare, so grab it quick!!!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/zmiscellany/mercuryarc_0001.jpg

These things are wondrous to behold when a tram is drawing current, with blue and purple/white lightning flashing around inside across the whole ball . . . surely one of those would be bound to sort the TMS job out in five minutes ??? :nuts:

Lovely image, there were similar sets at Victoria and Radcliffe for the Bury Line in BR days. If I remember rightly they went in the early 80s when the new substation went in alongside the school at Radcliffe.

Hate to put a downer, and I can't say I am surprised, but "Mr YGA" had decided to add his mark all over the yellow arches at SWB.

I haven't been down the stairs or in the lift but I imagine he has gone to work there too, he seems unable to leave any stationary object in Chorlton alone.

I would care but his tag is rubbish, there is zero artistic merit in scribbling three massive letters all over something.

I suspect this will be the first of many, for some reason this corner of Chorlton is subject to a load of graffiti, most of which from YGA and others. Still it all looked nice for a month or so....

6 List No. 9 Midland Railway Line PDF 155.19 KB

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/1537/planning_and_highways_committee

massive blooper in this :lol:

page 1 third paragraph from bottom - apparently there's to be "kiss and ride" parking at East Didsbury....

actually I stand corrected, thus is a known term for 'drop off" (shakes head)

Hate to put a downer, and I can't say I am surprised, but "Mr YGA" had decided to add his mark all over the yellow arches at SWB.

I haven't been down the stairs or in the lift but I imagine he has gone to work there too, he seems unable to leave any stationary object in Chorlton alone.

I would care but his tag is rubbish, there is zero artistic merit in scribbling three massive letters all over something.

I suspect this will be the first of many, for some reason this corner of Chorlton is subject to a load of graffiti, most of which from YGA and others. Still it all looked nice for a month or so....

Tagging the arches! It won't last long, no longer than the next rainfall :lol:

Ah well, while we wait progress quietly marches on elsewhere! On the Oldham line, as ro2 has shown, we now seem to have running wires from Dean Lane right through as far as Featherstall Road South :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5240.jpg

The track itself has now emerged on the other side of the bridge at Werneth (many thanks to a gentleman from Pontefract on a similar photographic errand here, who lent me his little pair of steps for this shot - sorry that Salford Reds lost on their last day at the Willows!). It will be a hell of a tight turn up to the left when Phase 3b comes along, I wonder if they will put the points in now :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5244.jpg

Continuing Eastwards, there is track through the tunnels, but no wires as yet. This is the bit of open space between the Southern (detached) bits of Union Street West and Crossbank Street - can't wait for a cab view of these tunnels with flashes of daylight in between :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5250.jpg

However, as we emerge for the second time, hey presto, shining copper wires have appeared to-day! This shot is looking back West from Clegg Street :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5327.jpg

What a difference a day makes :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5320.jpg

This was 48 hours ago :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5254.jpg

And the same spot 45 years ago, when it was Oldham Central Station :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/oldclegg_0001.jpg

Facing the other way :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/oldclegg_0002.jpg

Now it looks like this - from Clegg Street above the old stations. In the background is the wrought-iron footbridge at Rhodes Bank (now over Mumps Temporary), which has also very recently gained heavier solid cladding on both sides :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5330.jpg

Looking back West, the copper wires now grace the site of the old stations :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5299.jpg

As they used to be, from the same direction :-

(9a?) http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/oldclegg_0004.jpg

pics c/- Jeffrey Wells 'The Oldham Loop' Foxline ISBN 1 870119 68 1

Back to to-day, with the first wires to penetrate Oldham since the trams (and trolleybuses actually) finished :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5322.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5323.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5321.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5318.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5309.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5314.jpg

Arriving at Mumps Temporary :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5296.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5302.jpg

Surely all that copper will be used again, probably on the Airport line or 2CC :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5295.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5304.jpg

So there we have it - the middle section of Oldham-Rochdale Phase 3a is catching up fast with the first bit to Central Park, which has been ready for a few months. The only tiny gap in the track is now at the old Werneth Station, and wires seem to be present everywhere apart from the finback bridge at Thorpes Road, and through the tunnels.

Well, it's not gonna make it for Autumn 2011, we just have to hope it opens before Phase 3b in 2014, otherwise it won't be needed at all!!

:banana:

massive blooper in this :lol:

page 1 third paragraph from bottom - apparently there's to be "kiss and ride" parking at East Didsbury....

actually I stand corrected, thus is a known term for 'drop off" (shakes head)

The drop off points on the Altrincham interchange plans were labelled as Kiss and Ride :)

Also one at Edge Lane, Droylsden....

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/east-manchester-line/edge-lane.pdf

I wonder if anyone knows:
i have noticed that there are several different types of OHLE pole along each route...http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/101_5304.jpg
Can anyone give a reason to the different types?


It's just that I am making a model tramway at the moment(with live OHLE).... and was looking at different designs within Metrolink

I was going to say speed of vehicle under the wires might have an impact on what type of OLE is used but I can see two different types on the far line right next to each other so no idea!

Great shots again JDR. Its certainly looking like the Central Park service may never materialise and they could just open it all the way to Oldham in one go? I suppose that passengers numbers to just Central Park would of been rather low anyway.

I found a couple more photos to compliment yours taken by 'Gadgethead' again on Flickr

Rails installed across Beal Lane again.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6080196978_7f5b1ab1d0_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6079661797_40314bb708_b.jpg

End of the line from Oldham for now... (still)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6136064622_58ee3d1045_b.jpg

Shaw Station

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6135521967_fc17038701_b.jpg

Thankyou user Gadgethead. http://www.flickr.com/photos/5972/sets/72157623807157312/with/6135514861/

The drop off points on the Altrincham interchange plans were labelled as Kiss and Ride :)

Wasn't this some joke that Virgin Trains started at Warrington Bank Quay, but some stations are taking seriously now.

Wasn't this some joke that Virgin Trains started at Warrington Bank Quay, but some stations are taking seriously now.

It's an older term that used to be unofficial that has spread out in part because of Bank Quay.

They were calling the drop off points on the Toronto subway kiss and rides in the 80s. Anyways I noticed before Victoria now has its mesh network receivers and theres also a new signal post behind the current signal

Wasn't this some joke that Virgin Trains started at Warrington Bank Quay, but some stations are taking seriously now.

The 3 drop off bays at Atrincham are actually labelled [kiss][and][ride] on the road surface!!!

Also been in Portland Oregon which Metrolink fans would love, there they have a street running (quite heavy looking) system - and a lighter "streetcar" which looks more like the Banana's.

The Pacific coast is quite fascinating - Seattle also has two light rail systems, a monorail, heritage trams, trolleybuses, and a big tunnel under downtown along which runs light rail and buses combined! Not to forget the ferries across the Sound.

Rails installed across Beal Lane again.


So here is a road crossing using conventional rail, with close-spaced wooden sleepers. Beal Lane sized roadways in East Manchester are traversed by grooved rail set in a concrete base. Beal Lane finally will probably look identical in treatment to a heavy rail road crossing. Is there a reason for the difference?

The concrete track base at Werneth will have to be extended to have any utility. I presume the base will be laid in stages with intervening expansion joints. Will it extend upwards to the Industrial Park, when these bases are usually horizontal , rather than graded?

ConcreteBob probably has no knowledge of this particular structure, but he may have an opinion.

VolkerRail seem to be highly competent contractors, so I expect there is a logical reason for these decisions. I wonder if Beal Lane is being returned to a similar state as in NR days, or, perhaps, if it is a cheaper arrangement not to revert to grooved rail there.

VolkerRail seem to be highly competent contractors, so I expect there is a logical reason for these decisions. I wonder if Beal Lane is being returned to a similar state as in NR days, or, perhaps, if it is a cheaper arrangement not to revert to grooved rail there.



I know absolutely nothing about railway engineering, but, could the fact that the level crossing is on a concrete culvert over the River Beal have anything to do with it?

Hate to put a downer, and I can't say I am surprised, but "Mr YGA" had decided to add his mark all over the yellow arches at SWB.

I haven't been down the stairs or in the lift but I imagine he has gone to work there too, he seems unable to leave any stationary object in Chorlton alone.

I would care but his tag is rubbish, there is zero artistic merit in scribbling three massive letters all over something.

I suspect this will be the first of many, for some reason this corner of Chorlton is subject to a load of graffiti, most of which from YGA and others. Still it all looked nice for a month or so....

I'd quite happily shoot such cretins at point-blank range through the skull.
Not that it would have any noticeable effect.

Lovely image, there were similar sets at Victoria and Radcliffe for the Bury Line in BR days. If I remember rightly they went in the early 80s when the new substation went in alongside the school at Radcliffe.

I wonder if that's the one that was installed in MOSI in the 80s? I was in there the other week and whilst it still had the mercury pool in it, it wasn't arcing like I remember it doing when I was a kid.

I wonder if anyone knows:
i have noticed that there are several different types of OHLE pole along each route...
Can anyone give a reason to the different types?

Firstly, there are two groups - one for catenary wires on the high-speed sections, and one with direct insulator connections for street-running.
For both types there are several designs depending on whether single wire (poles on the outside of the tracks) or twin (single poles in between tracks) are desired. Those are then further broken down into depending on whether the wire is creating lateral and horizontal tension or compression on the pole. For example, if the wire is pulling down and away from the pole (the track bends aways or down a gradient from the pole), then the arm can be stayed with wires. If the track is curving towards the pole or upwards from it, then the arm needs to be supported with a rigid brace.

Firstly, there are two groups - one for catenary wires on the high-speed sections, and one with direct insulator connections for street-running.
For both types there are several designs depending on whether single wire (poles on the outside of the tracks) or twin (single poles in between tracks) are desired. Those are then further broken down into depending on whether the wire is creating lateral and horizontal tension or compression on the pole. For example, if the wire is pulling down and away from the pole (the track bends aways or down a gradient from the pole), then the arm can be stayed with wires. If the track is curving towards the pole or upwards from it, then the arm needs to be supported with a rigid brace.

Ahh thanks bertyboy, after reading that post again I looked through the pics of the poles I have and it all makes sense now :)

massive blooper in this :lol:

page 1 third paragraph from bottom - apparently there's to be "kiss and ride" parking at East Didsbury....

actually I stand corrected, thus is a known term for 'drop off" (shakes head)

Apologise not! It set my imagination racing. In these parts, we have girls who ask you to pay and display, so why not kiss and ride?

Hi

Good pictures of Oldham Mumps Johnny and at Shaw Tony :cheers:, will it make sense to have Oldham line running to Mumps then having to Central Park and then the could have Oldham line running by beginning of April :).

I found this on TFGM.

South Manchester Metrolink, Overnight Working

We will shortly be carrying out some overnight works along the line from Trafford Bar to St Werburghs Road stop.

The work will take place between the hours of 8pm to 5am starting Monday 25th September 2011 to Friday 7th October 2011. These works will take place Monday to Sunday.

Between Wednesday 28th September to Tuesday 4th October the hours of working will also include 5am to 8pm.

As part of these works our contractor, MPT will be completing minor snagging and general works on the track and stops.

The works will require the use of plant vehicles to gain access to the Overhead Line Equipment. These vehicles will gain access to the Metrolink track via the Hough End compound or Trafford Bar Depot. There will be no access gained from pedestrian areas. When plant is not in use it will be switched off. However, this work will inevitably cause some noise and we apologise in advance for any disturbance this work may cause.

Please note that construction sites can be dangerous places, sites are fenced in for the protection of the public. For your own safety, please do not try to access the site. There will be no need for anyone to enter your property or business during the works.


Huddersfield Road temporary closure Sunday 18th Sept

Work is underway to build your new Metrolink extension to Oldham and Rochdale.

We recently announced Sunday working on 18th and 25th September in order to install a new substation structure. On Sunday 18th September we will need to temporarily close Huddersfield Road to all vehicular traffic near the site of the new substation in order that the materials for this work can be delivered to the site. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times around the works.

This temporary closure of the highway will be in place from 9am in preparation for arrival of the mobile crane and we expect all works to be completed by 3pm. A signed traffic diversion route will be in place during this essential closure that has been agreed in advance with the local highways authority Rochdale MBC.

Shaw Station

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6135521967_fc17038701_b.jpg


What was the reason for relocating Shaw Station to the other side of the level crossing to the side of the mill?

What was the reason for relocating Shaw Station to the other side of the level crossing to the side of the mill?

Isn't there going to be a siding to store tram's/turn them back?

Ah well, while we wait progress quietly marches on elsewhere! On the Oldham line, as ro2 has shown, we now seem to have running wires from Dean Lane right through as far as Featherstall Road North :-


So there we have it - the middle section of Oldham-Rochdale Phase 3a is catching up fast with the first bit to Central Park, which has been ready for a few months. The only tiny gap in the track is now at the old Werneth Station, and wires seem to be present everywhere apart from the finback bridge at Thorpes Road, and through the tunnels.

Well, it's not gonna make it for Autumn 2011, we just have to hope it opens before Phase 3b in 2014, otherwise it won't be needed at all!!

:banana:

JDR, These are awesome pictures, and show you have to move with the times.

What was the reason for relocating Shaw Station to the other side of the level crossing to the side of the mill?

Hi

The reason why trams stop on other side is for trams that terminating don't use the road which make sense.

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/oldham-rochdale-line/shaw-and-crompton.pdf

Hate to put a downer, and I can't say I am surprised, but "Mr YGA" had decided to add his mark all over the yellow arches at SWB.

I haven't been down the stairs or in the lift but I imagine he has gone to work there too, he seems unable to leave any stationary object in Chorlton alone.

I would care but his tag is rubbish, there is zero artistic merit in scribbling three massive letters all over something.

I suspect this will be the first of many, for some reason this corner of Chorlton is subject to a load of graffiti, most of which from YGA and others. Still it all looked nice for a month or so....

What you have now done is given credence to his vandalism by mentioning on
on here, which of course is exactly what he wants..ignore it!

Few small notes from the minutes of the meetings last week.

* RATP are to give a presentation on their plans for the future at the next meeting (2 months time).
* Member asked whether match day shuttles could operate to Etihad before the line opened, TFGM promised to investigate the possibility.
* Member asked if the name places on the canopy of Victoria station could be retained during the renovation (front canopy?), response was they would be and new destinations would be added.

JDR, These are awesome pictures, and show you have to move with the times.

Cheers, Matey :cheers:

Another little development - overnight some massive span wires have appeared across the main road junction at Edge Lane :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/Edge%20Lane/101_5345.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/Edge%20Lane/101_5342.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/Edge%20Lane/101_5339.jpg

& Thanks for those bits of info, Watcher, I would love to go to the RATP presentation.

:banana:

* RATP are to give a presentation on their plans for the future at the next meeting (2 months time).



What does RATP stand for?

Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens or in English the Paris Transport Authority.

* Member asked if the name places on the canopy of Victoria station could be retained during the renovation (front canopy?), response was they would be and new destinations would be added.

Horwich Parkway? Wavertree Technology Park? Liverpool South Parkway? :D

Best,
Slip

P.S: Cheers for the meeting update!

P.P.S: Just noticed how many new stations have suffixes including the word "park". How quaint :)

Horwich Parkway? Wavertree Technology Park? Liverpool South Parkway? :D

P.P.S: Just noticed how many new stations have suffixes including the word "park". How quaint :)

:lol::lol: And how many of them are actually next to a park? :lol::lol:

It's like Piccadilly Gardens. There's not a plant in sight.:lol::lol:

But there is a huge fake metal tree!

Hate to put a downer, and I can't say I am surprised, but "Mr YGA" had decided to add his mark all over the yellow arches at SWB.

I haven't been down the stairs or in the lift but I imagine he has gone to work there too, he seems unable to leave any stationary object in Chorlton alone.

I would care but his tag is rubbish, there is zero artistic merit in scribbling three massive letters all over something.

I suspect this will be the first of many, for some reason this corner of Chorlton is subject to a load of graffiti, most of which from YGA and others. Still it all looked nice for a month or so....

I was down at St Werburghs Road this lunch time and as I suspected there is no sign of any tags on the arches, good stuff this anti vandal paint ain't it :lol:

There was a fresh tag on the balustrade justinside the arch but I don't think that will last any longer.
Surprisingly, walking through the archway under St Werburghs Road, all that brick work is totally untouched.

Just a few photos of work at MAN:

I presume you mean MIA, MAN is Manchester Piccadilly, unless you mean Airport TLA. (but isn't that EGCC anyway) but your photo shows the station, (MIA)

Just shows the pitfalls with acronyms, (not sure what the metrolink acronym is for the airport stop but piccadilly is PICC)

But MAN is the internationally known TLA for Manchester Airport (as LHR is for Heathrow)

Manchester International Airport (formerly Manchester Ringway Airport)
International Air Transport Association (IATA) designation: MAN
International Civil Aviaiton Organisation (ICAO) designation: EGCC

Normally, the ICAO designation is used as it also includes the country code, whereas the IATA does not.

I know that the airport beacon used to flash M A N in morse-code - not sure if it still does this. Anyone know?

I think it should be MIA like National Rail have it. It's an abbreviation already used and known.

Airport Codes have been around far longer than codes for train stations.

MAN is the internationally recognised code for Manchester airport. MIA can't be used as it is the code for Miami International Airport.

Sorry, I don't know much about rail station codes, just the IATA airport ones. Anyway, it should have been obvious where the photos were taken!

This is a little off topic, but this is the first time I have seen posts raising questions I can answer. As this is not likely to happen again, I make no apology, although I will try to include Metrolink somewhere. There are a number of different lists of acronyms here, not all mutually inclusive, with some duplication. If the original intention was the avoidance of confusion, then it has probably failed.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) controls airport names with 4-letter codes. It was set up under the auspices of the UN in 1945, to set standards for international air transport. This resulted in the Chicago Convention. Manchester is indeed EGCC. E signifies Northern Europe, G is for Great Britain, and the last two letters belong to Manchester alone. Every airfield bigger than a farm strip in UK has a code – Barton is EGCB. The codes are also used virtually, for Flight Information Regions and other purposes, and one UK code relates to an airport 8000 miles away – EGYP, Mount Pleasant in the Falklands.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) controls the 3-letter codes. Like ICAO, it kicked off formally in 1945, although again like ICAO, it had roots in earlier bodies going back to around 1910. The codes for both were set up in 1945. IATA is a trade organisation, and represents the airlines rather than the soveriegn states. MAN is indeed Manchester airport. Confusingly perhaps, IATA also has codes for railways stations used in Rail-Fly ticketing, and Manchester Airpot railway station is also MAN in this use, although it is MIA in Network Rail, where MAN means Piccadily. BRS is used for both Bristol airport and Temple Meads in this context, although BRS means Berrylands to Network Rail.

Why two standards? Dunno, unless pilots, being clever, can cope with 4 letters, whereas baggage handlers can only be trusted with 3.

There is no longer a flashing light beacon, or if there is, it isn't shown on the chart. Times change, but I know most aerodrome towers still keep a flare pistol and a coloured flash-lamp in case of radio failure. The radio beacon is a Non Directional Beacon, or NDB to a pilot. Not every airport has a beacon, not every beacon is at an airport. The Manchester NDB sounds the letters MCH in morse – not MAN. If you have a radio receiver that can be tuned to 428 Khz, and are close enough – 25 miles or so – you can hear it. The identifiers are not related to any other codes except by coincidence. Filton, EGTG, has an IATA code FZO and a NDB transmitting OF.

http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j365/Boyamijealous/PA28dashboard.jpg


In flight, if the Automatic Direction Finder (marked “1” in the picture) is set via the tuner (2) to this frequency, the yellow needle points at it. Once the pilot has identified the morse signal, he can turn the volume down. If the pilot sets the movable ring around the ADF so his heading is at the top, the needle indicates what heading to fly to reach the beacon. It's not a precision guide – if a thunderstorm is nearby, it will point to that, but it is an aid, and will be found on most aircraft up to B747 size. I have flown with Radio 5 in my ears, yellow needle pointing faithfully to the transmitter, and my first instructor used to navigate commercially around the Caribbean using the AM reggae radio stations.

Manchester International Airport became Manchester Airport again for much the same reason Marathon became Snickers – marketing. It seems to be a rite of passage for the little regional airfield to add “International” to its name, to loud guffaws, when it first persuades an economy carrier to do bucket and spade runs to Benidorm, then drop it when passenger number pass a million a year. Bristol did the same.

So airport 3-letter names date from 1945, but I don't know when railways stations followed suit. And sorry - there is no JDR. Nearest is JDP, which is Paris Heliport.

Now to relieve the aching minds with some trivia. MIA also means, of course, Missing in Action, not good to hear in aviation. IATA in French is ATAI. Any abbreviation can be made French by reversing it – so UN becomes NU, NATO is OTAN, and EC is CE. The European Space Research Agency (ESRA) is the only exception to this rule.And Jobcentres use 3-letter codes – Chorlton is COT.

Simples.

thanks for the overview of the naming standards and their inconsistencies ;-)

But there is a huge fake metal tree!

Where?

Where?

I think its in between the Bury-Picc and Picc-Bury tracks.

I think its in between the Bury-Picc and Picc-Bury tracks.

Its behind the lone section of concrete wall. It is a memorial to the civilians of Manchester who died in WW2.

http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/statues/remembertree3.jpg

More info (http://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/statues/remembertree.html)

Deleted - future just beat me to it.....! ^^

Filton, EGTG, has an IATA code FZO and a NDB transmitting OF.

For now.... :(

http://www.savefiltonairfield.org

BTW, trying to work out if I recognise that PA-28, seeing as it's got Filton approach on Com1.
And wherever it went last, it came in via Brecon! :D

For now.... :(

http://www.savefiltonairfield.org

BTW, trying to work out if I recognise that PA-28, seeing as it's got Filton approach on Com1.
And wherever it went last, it came in via Brecon! :D

Far from elementary, my dear Bertyboy, and very well spotted! So can you see how to say for sure that it was a weekend?

I think its in between the Bury-Picc and Picc-Bury tracks.

It's fair to say I've never seen it before. :ohno:

Horwich Parkway? Wavertree Technology Park? Liverpool South Parkway? :D

Best,
Slip

P.S: Cheers for the meeting update!

P.P.S: Just noticed how many new stations have suffixes including the word "park". How quaint :)

Parkway these days means railhead (ie drive here, park and catch a train to somewhere)

:lol::lol: And how many of them are actually next to a park? :lol::lol:

It's like Piccadilly Gardens. There's not a plant in sight.:lol::lol:

It is a shame because the term 'parkway' has become misconstrued. Originally a 'parkway' was a newbuild motor road, with segregated bicycle paths and walking routes alongside, with large amounts of green shubbery and planting.

BR coined the term for new stations that provide plenty of low-cost (originally free) car parking, to get motorists to 'railhead'. Quite a few opened in the SW of England to allow closure of lightly used branches into town centres, giving economies of scale. However, most just continued their *whole* journey by car, instead!

Sale Water Parkway, anyone?

As promised.

Better very late then never.

Kingsway/Didsbury Road.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9413/napoli001.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/4350/napoli002.jpg

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8102/napoli003.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/6112/napoli004.jpg

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5770/napoli005.jpg

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/3904/napoli006.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/63/napoli007.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3590/napoli008.jpg

I was down at St Werburghs Road this lunch time and as I suspected there is no sign of any tags on the arches, good stuff this anti vandal paint ain't it :lol:

There was a fresh tag on the balustrade justinside the arch but I don't think that will last any longer.
Surprisingly, walking through the archway under St Werburghs Road, all that brick work is totally untouched.

Glad to hear that the anti-vandal measures actually work!:)

And great pics above - hard to see the finished product in there, but it's coming!

Taken Tuesday. Weather was shocking.

We have a canopy. :)

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/3366/dsc00535x.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5180/dsc00536mk.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3162/dsc00537nk.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4869/dsc00538aa.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4713/dsc00539ky.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8914/dsc00540l.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4577/dsc00541rxf.jpg

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4701/dsc00542av.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/4463/dsc00543rs.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/1114/dsc00544xh.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2756/dsc00545c.jpg

Taken Tuesday. Weather was shocking.

We have a canopy. :)



Impressive! But it needs a tram.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5180/dsc00536mk.jpg

For years I thought it was called Ashton Under Lyme. I'm finding it really difficult to re-programme my brain to the truth! :nuts:

No, Newcastle is "under Lyme" (as well as being "upon Tyne") but Ashton is "under Lyne"

For now.... :(

http://www.savefiltonairfield.org

BTW, trying to work out if I recognise that PA-28, seeing as it's got Filton approach on Com1.
And wherever it went last, it came in via Brecon! :D
hmmm... similar situation to Woodford, though plans there seem to be be trying to retain the runway at the very least...

There is an advert opposite Tesco in Whalley Range that says
“Metrolink, the smoothest thing to come out of Chorlton since the Bee Gee’s”.

Made me giggle with its yellow disco ball!

09/09/2011 - Baguley Railway bridge Southmoor Road
Work is underway to build the Metrolink extension to Manchester Airport. The line will extend from the South Manchester Line at Chorlton and run on 14.5km (9 miles) of new track via Northern Moor, Baguley, and Wythenshawe to Manchester Airport.

The route will pass along Southmoor Road, where it will be segregated from the main road and located in the grass verge. As part of Metrolink works, there is a requirement for our contractor MPT Consortium to construct a bridge over the railway line that currently passes beneath Southmoor Road.

The preparation works for the bridge construction include the installation of a temporary Zebra Crossing on the north and south side of the existing bridge. This is to create a pedestrian diversion route to take residents safetly over Southmoor Road during the early bridge construction works. A construction fence line is expected to be erected week commencing Monday 12 September. Access gates will be created when they are required and drop kerbs will be provided at each access point.

It is expected that two access point will be created. The first is being installed off Royal Oak Road with access to this point from Southmoor Road. Traffic signs will be erected to prevent heavy construction traffic driving into the main residential estate. The second access point to the site will be located directly off Southmoor Road to the south of the railway line. The specific arrangements for this access will be agreed with the Highway Authority.

A small temporary compound will be created on Royal Oak Road as part of these works. This will benefit from 24hour Security.

During October, the main bridge works will commence, and will be ongoing for approx 9 months. It is not envisaged that these works will require traffic management measures, however, should this change we will inform residents.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused, please bear with us while we build your new Metrolink line.

Managing construction work

Please note that construction sites are dangerous places, sites are fenced in for the protection of the public. For you own safety, please do not try to access the site.

There will be no need for anyone to enter your property or business without prior arrangement. In the unlikely event that we do need access to your property we will request this in advance and our representatives will carry appropriate identification. If you are in any doubt, do not allow access to your property and please call our helpline numbers (0161 244 1555 or 0845 604 2724) to confirm the identity of any person claiming to be a TfGM, Metrolink or MPact Consortium representative.

How to find out more

We will continue to provide more information as work progresses. In the meantime, if you have any queries regarding this work or the Metrolink extensions in general, please contact us on 0161 244 1555 (office hours)or email future.metrolink@tfgm.com.

We can arrange for a member of the team to visit you either at work or at home if requested.

To report urgent issues or incidents relating to this work, please call 0845 6042724. This number will be staffed 24 hours a day.

Work is starting to speed up on the Airport line now. Hoping they start to lay tracks on Hollyhedge road soon, since it one way to and I got a letter saying it maybe extended for 'Construction Purposes'

Parkway these days means railhead (ie drive here, park and catch a train to somewhere)

Thanks for that, I was wondering around Middlewood retail park for ages looking for the swings

:D

Best,
Slip

Work is starting to speed up on the Airport line now. Hoping they start to lay tracks on Hollyhedge road soon, since it one way to and I got a letter saying it maybe extended for 'Construction Purposes'

Aye, and hopefully they will start on the Mersey Valley viaduct soon too!!

..

Went past there today. They've built a new school across the road from tesco and where those old football pitches/old school buildings were, is where the contractors for Metrolink seem to have set up shop. They still seem to be sorting out the utilities around where the route will go.

^^

Lol, that was only posted 3 posts above yours! :nuts:

Not wishing to duplicate Johnny's recent Oldham pictures here but I had a walk around the Oldham works yesterday afternoon.

Here are a few photos.

At Manchester Street Roundabout the concrete retaining wall on the approach from Middleton Road is appearing now.

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000184a.jpg

Tracklaying between Featherstall Road and Central Tunnel. Surprised to see that the joints are being welded even though the track will have a relatively short life. A newly welded joint can be seen in the second shot. I would imagine that's for reduction in maintenance.

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000206a.jpg

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000215a.jpg

As Johnny showed the wires are up between Central Tunnel and the temporary Mumps stop. In the second shot the first OLE support in the tunnel can be seen. There was quite a bit of activity in this section with 2 OLE teams in action, the third shot shows a team installing droppers.

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000225a.jpg

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000226a.jpg

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000230a.jpg

A final shot of the Mumps stop from the southern end of the footbridge that used to cross the entire railway in this area.

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000243a.jpg

hmmm... similar situation to Woodford, though plans there seem to be be trying to retain the runway at the very least...

I heard from a BAE employee that they're selling the land at Broughton too.
I wouldn't be feeling too confident if I was an Airbus UK employee right now!

Not wishing to duplicate Johnny's recent Oldham pictures here but I had a walk around the Oldham works yesterday afternoon.

Here are a few photos.

Tracklaying between Featherstall Road and Central Tunnel. Surprised to see that the joints are being welded even though the track will have a relatively short life. A newly welded joint can be seen in the second shot. I would imagine that's for reduction in maintenance.


I'd have thought that welded joints were cheaper to install than fish plates and that they caused less wear and tear on the tram wheelsets!!

[QUOTE=Johnny de Rivative;83076848] "(Makes me think what a massive area this Metrolink project actually covers, & all happening at the same time!)

Looking back along the alignment, the high-rise flats of Rochdale start to fade into the distance. Something of great interest to me, I do believe that the next four views will never have been seen by previous users of the Oldham Loop, as heavy rail does not tend to allow ‘driver’s-cab’ type vision to passengers. When the trams come, however, we will all be able to enjoy the many 360 degree panoramas that abound on this particular line!!"

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/Kingsway/101_4632.jpg

The first generation DMU's, ie class 101 etc., did allow this sort of view.

Do you know something, Bog - you're absolutely right! I came across this again recently in my Foxline 'Oldham Loop' book by Jeffrey Wells :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/cabview_0001.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Oldham/Mumps%20Temporary/cabview_0002.jpg

I well remember that brief window of cab windows on other lines - very soon we will be able to enjoy it all over again in more and more locations, including the Rochdale 'Seven Sisters!

Freel - don't worry about duplication - the more the merrier!! Our Villemomble Square at Droylsden is starting to look a bit nicer again - they have promised us trees, planters, seats and the Clock Tower back again before Xmas :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_5406.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/101_5405.jpg

Martin - Velopark still hasn't got any nameboards, and nor is the canal bridge open yet, although it is clearly finished. Annoying, as it will be an important link between Ashton New Road and the canalside, as well as the velodromes. It looks like people are already starting to use it, however, by pushing the temporary fencing to one side! :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/Velopark/101_5288.jpg

They should also open up the 'City Link' footpath for football supporters, as it runs lineside between Holt Town and Man City (and the one through to Longacre Street while they're at it!) Think I'll drop 'em an e-mail. . .

:banana:

I'd have thought that welded joints were cheaper to install than fish plates and that they caused less wear and tear on the tram wheelsets!!

I'm not sure about relative first costs but yes wear and tear and maintenance will be much reduced. Perhaps someone could comment on the installation costs.

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Droylsden/Velopark/101_5288.jpg
^^ That's an interesting crossing. What exactly happens when you press the buttons on the yellow boxes? Does one just wait until old age consumes you? And why are the buttons at thigh-level? Are there lots of dwarves in Eastlands?

[QUOTE=bogblaster;83086278]

Freel - don't worry about duplication - the more the merrier!! Our Villemomble Square at Droylsden is starting to look a bit nicer again - they have promised us trees, planters, seats and the Clock Tower back again before Xmas :-
:banana:

Like those pictures JDR. I'm really surprised at just how quickly Villemomble square has progressed. I was around there a week ago and the only way to describe it was "a bomb site!"

Their becoming quite common, (possibly DDA related?) the green man is on the panel with the button. Their supposed to be waist height so you can use them from a wheelchair though these look a tiny bit lower.

The theory is you have to be looking in the direction of the traffic to see if the green man is on - so you can see if traffic is actually stopping before stepping out and 'blindly' following what the red and green men instruct you to do.

Their becoming quite common, (possibly DDA related?) the green man is on the panel with the button. Their supposed to be waist height so you can use them from a wheelchair though these look a tiny bit lower.

Taken from above, possibly the top deck of a double deck bus.

Taken from above, possibly the top deck of a double deck bus.

Aye, presume it's the perception of the camera. They will be at the right height once stood next to them!

The theory is you have to be looking in the direction of the traffic to see if the green man is on - so you can see if traffic is actually stopping before stepping out and 'blindly' following what the red and green men instruct you to do.

In practise sometimes you have to step backwards from the road to see them as their so low and if theres other people at the crossing you cant see them as the views easily blocked.

Hi there - a question for all.

Does anybody have an idea where exactly the Kingsway Metrolink station is going to be built?......

....Yes I know it will be between Milnrow and Newbold, but where exactly will it be along that stretch? Metrolink.co.uk have yet to publish a map and/or any details so far as I know. I'm curious to know what access there will be and how it will affect the neighbouring residents at Firgrove.

Its exactly in the middle, 800m from Milnrow and 800m from Newbold.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CDoQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.transportforgreatermanchestercommittee.gov.uk%2Fdownload%2F3362%2Fitem_10-metrolink_stops_in_rochdale&rct=j&q=rochdale%20kingsway%20metrolink%20stop%20catchment&ei=dPN0TvrIA9Kz8QOR_q3fDQ&usg=AFQjCNFtl7KBZbECGqS4KkzrTmzhHFNBfQ

Probably foot access from Firsgrove while road access will be from the new business park.

Hi there - a question for all.

Does anybody have an idea where exactly the Kingsway Metrolink station is going to be built?......

....Yes I know it will be between Milnrow and Newbold, but where exactly will it be along that stretch? Metrolink.co.uk have yet to publish a map and/or any details so far as I know. I'm curious to know what access there will be and how it will affect the neighbouring residents at Firgrove.

From the Rochdale Council Planning site it looks as though it will be east of both Broadway and the Rochdale Canal backing onto Leyfield Road. There is a site plan at http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/swiftlg/MediaTemp/42912-61098.pdf

The Planning Application is 11/D54645 and can be found on the council website here. http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=11/D54645&theTabNo=1&backURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%20%3E%20%3Ca%20href='wphappsearchres.displayResultsURL?ResultID=510535%26StartIndex=21%26SortOrder=APNID:asc%26DispResultsAs=wphappsresweek1%26BackURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E'%3ESearch%20Results%3C/a%3E

Not wishing to duplicate Johnny's recent Oldham pictures here but I had a walk around the Oldham works yesterday afternoon.



Excellent pictures of details! Thanks.

Can someone explain how the wiring works? What do the cables that the pantograph doesn't touch do?

Excellent pictures of details! Thanks.

Can someone explain how the wiring works? What do the cables that the pantograph doesn't touch do?

They help to support the contact wire and helps to make the whole setup more robust.

Hi there - a question for all.

Does anybody have an idea where exactly the Kingsway Metrolink station is going to be built?......

....Yes I know it will be between Milnrow and Newbold, but where exactly will it be along that stretch? Metrolink.co.uk have yet to publish a map and/or any details so far as I know. I'm curious to know what access there will be and how it will affect the neighbouring residents at Firgrove.

Hi metro - looking at the plans, I'm pretty sure now it's here. Between the red/white poles, you can just see the rooves and a gable end on Turbary Walk :-

From the canalside, the Southbound alignment runs left to right away from the camera. It looks like KBP tramstop will be by the vertical red/white poles :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/Kingsway/101_4596.jpg

Another shot looking back the opposite way, taken from Turbary Walk, which I think will be the access point to the estate :-

Climbing up towards the embankment near Turbary Walk and The Cray, it seems this will be the site of the tram station. Although much of the business park has not yet come into being, this stop will also be of great benefit to the houses in the area, just out of shot to the right :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/Kingsway/101_4621.jpg

Here's the whole series of about 20 photos of the area between Newbold and Milnrow, I posted a few weeks back :-

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=866944&page=637#12740

Cheers :cheers::banana:

Have to say, it looks like they are getting this line right, and not like the Bury/Alt lines where they strung up wires and slapped grey paint indiscrimnately over anything and everything then paid the price from the day it opened.

Excellent pictures of details! Thanks.

Can someone explain how the wiring works? What do the cables that the pantograph doesn't touch do?

A single wire held under tension between two insulator clamps will always sag in the middle, so that if you look down a straight stretch of this style of OHLE, the wire looks like scallop edging. This means there are shallow `kinks' at the clamps, which is fine for running a pantograph over at lower speeds, but causes excessive wear and contact problems at high speed.
To get round this, a catenary system has one wire which is tensioned between poles, and then the contact wire is suspended from this by drop wires of varying length - like a suspension bridge - which means that it is always level with the track. The contact wire is still tensioned and also held down by sprung arms so that the pantograph doesn't create too much of a wave down it. The higher the line speed, the higher the required tension.

Righty oh: The Eccles OHLE is suspended between the lampposts. There is a single wire across the road supporting twin wires above each track.

I've seen on the Ashton line along the New Road that there are 2 wires across the road and they are supporting a single wire above each track. There seems to be a wire supporting another wire underneath which will then support the wire above the track. Any idea why that would be as there is surely less weight to carry on each track?

Righty oh: The Eccles OHLE is suspended between the lampposts. There is a single wire across the road supporting twin wires above each track.

I've seen on the Ashton line along the New Road that there are 2 wires across the road and they are supporting a single wire above each track. There seems to be a wire supporting another wire underneath which will then support the wire above the track. Any idea why that would be as there is surely less weight to carry on each track?

Looking at the OLE on Merrill Street it looks as thought the weight is taken by the top cross span and the lower one is used to register the lateral position of the contact wire.
There is certainly a lot more weight up there on Eccles New Road though.

bertboy. The catenary which supports the contact wire on the railway type system is tensioned by the same weights or gas tensioner as the contact wire. As well as supporting the contact wire it provides an extra electrical conductor obviating (or reducing) the need for a parallel feeder. You will see heavier droppers every so often which electrically connect the contact and catenary wires.The registration arms aren't sprung and just hold the wire in its correct lateral position relative to the track.

All this talk makes the catenary sound like a big engineering project on its own... It seems to need quite a few equations relating to track speed, corner radii, incline and distance between support poles!

A single wire held under tension between two insulator clamps will always sag in the middle, so that if you look down a straight stretch of this style of OHLE, the wire looks like scallop edging. This means there are shallow `kinks' at the clamps, which is fine for running a pantograph over at lower speeds, but causes excessive wear and contact problems at high speed.
To get round this, a catenary system has one wire which is tensioned between poles, and then the contact wire is suspended from this by drop wires of varying length - like a suspension bridge - which means that it is always level with the track. The contact wire is still tensioned and also held down by sprung arms so that the pantograph doesn't create too much of a wave down it. The higher the line speed, the higher the required tension.

Bertyboy, many thanks. I always wondered, and thought it would be something like that, but I never got close to the details. :cheers:

All this talk makes the catenary sound like a big engineering project on its own... It seems to need quite a few equations relating to track speed, corner radii, incline and distance between support poles!

Kriis, I have begun to realise what a lot of engineering has indeed gone into this! Who would ever have thought there would be a practical application for maths?

All this talk makes the catenary sound like a big engineering project on its own... It seems to need quite a few equations relating to track speed, corner radii, incline and distance between support poles!

You are right there. There is a whole load of mechanical engineering behind the design of the OLE system along with a good bit of civil engineering design relating to the foundations. There is a lot of weight up there in the air and it's all under great tension. If a wire breaks and comes down it will often try to coil up again as though it was on the drum still. The whole lot has to be designed to allow for expansion and contraction as the ambient temperature changes. The original Altrincham Line system was fixed and would sag in hot weather. Most systems now use weights or other forms of auto tensioners to keep the system at a constant tension.

I read in Rail magazine today that 3040 was the Last M5000 to be delivered, is there not meant to be 62?

I read in Rail magazine today that 3040 was the Last M5000 to be delivered, is there not meant to be 62?

3041 hasn't arrived yet. As far as I know they are still being delivered every few weeks.

p.s. how was your day up at HP today?? I was going to pop up again today but I got busy on my models :lol:

I read in Rail magazine today that 3040 was the Last M5000 to be delivered, is there not meant to be 62?

I saw that. It's surely a typo and should have said "The latEST tram to be delivered is 3040?

I read in Rail magazine today that 3040 was the Last M5000 to be delivered, is there not meant to be 62?

I am sure that means the last of the Phase 3A orders. The batches were 8 for capacity enhancement on Phase 1, 4 or MediaCityUK and 28 for Phase 3A making 40. The rest were for the Phase 3B works including the final 4 requested of DfT. As these 22 were ordered later there may be a gap in deliveries.

I saw 3041 making its way to Queens Road on Saturday - article must have referred to Phase 3A deliveries as Freel says!

I read in Rail magazine today that 3040 was the Last M5000 to be delivered, is there not meant to be 62?

It's Rail's normal high quality stories. Last months they taught me that Farringdon Crossrail station at £375m is more expensive that Canary Wharf Crossrail at £500m. Seems my maths is a lot worse than I thought!

I'm sure TfGM told me that 3062 was due in autumn 2012 when I asked.

I am sure that means the last of the Phase 3A orders. The batches were 8 for capacity enhancement on Phase 1, 4 or MediaCityUK and 28 for Phase 3A making 40. The rest were for the Phase 3B works including the final 4 requested of DfT. As these 22 were ordered later there may be a gap in deliveries.

I rhink this was the breakdown....

Phase 1 enhancement - 8 (Still waiting for the actual enhancement to service though...)
MediaCityUK - 4
Chorlton Droylsden/Oldham & Rochdale - 28
Ashton/Didsbury - 8
Airport / Rochdale/Oldham Town Centres - 14

Phase 1 enhancement - 8 (Still waiting for the actual enhancement to service though...)

Which trams are out of service?? There are 16(I think) M5000's out there with the old signalling equipment.
4 for the MC service, 4 for St Werburgh's so the other 8 should be on the other services. (although there is normally one or two in QR depot)

Im sure (as has been mentioned already) that there are more than 4 M5000s on the South Manchester Line. Some times at Vic you will have 3 together at once, unless its just some serious bunching!! There are more doubles out again now, staying together for the whole day. Infact a double terminated at Vic at 13:30 today and headed off.

Why dont they fit all the M5000s with the old signalling equipment, since theres more of them and get on with refurbing and repainting the T68s.

Im sure (as has been mentioned already) that there are more than 4 M5000s on the South Manchester Line. Some times at Vic you will have 3 together at once, unless its just some serious bunching!! There are more doubles out again now, staying together for the whole day. Infact a double terminated at Vic at 13:30 today and headed off.

Ah, maybe they use 5 for SML if they are changing ends at the depot crossover. I only counted 4 on Sunday, and they seem to use the Victoria siding when there is the reduced service on the Bury line.


Why dont they fit all the M5000s with the old signalling equipment, since theres more of them and get on with refurbing and repainting the T68s.

Cost... the old signalling equipment and labour to fit it wont be cheap - especially for the relatively low time it will be used. Hopefully it will only be a few more months now. I think the latest date for TMS is Nov/Dec for city centre and Jan for Central Park. (don't quote me on those dates though)

Horwich Parkway? Wavertree Technology Park? Liverpool South Parkway? :D

Best,
Slip

P.S: Cheers for the meeting update!

P.P.S: Just noticed how many new stations have suffixes including the word "park". How quaint :)

Some more non-Parklife:
Didcot Parkway
Wycombe Air Park
Park Ji Sung

Which trams are out of service?? There are 16(I think) M5000's out there with the old signalling equipment.
4 for the MC service, 4 for St Werburgh's so the other 8 should be on the other services. (although there is normally one or two in QR depot)

The plan, as I understood it, was to have every Bury-Altrincham tram to run as a double at peak time. That certainly isn't the case at the moment.

Why dont they fit all the M5000s with the old signalling equipment, since theres more of them and get on with refurbing and repainting the T68s.

Apparently the equipment has to specially made and costs thousands of pounds per tram to fit.

Presumably Thales are paying for any extra trams that need it since it is their fault that the TMS is delayed?

I wonder... if TMS was working right now, you think they would throw all the M5000s into service and take the T68s out until they are refitted (or as many as they could afford to)??

3041 hasn't arrived yet. As far as I know they are still being delivered every few weeks.

p.s. how was your day up at HP today?? I was going to pop up again today but I got busy on my models :lol:


3041 was delivered on saturday:banana:

There has to be more than 4 on the SML. It takes a good 6-10 minutes to make the turn round from Victoria to Queens Road. I reckon there are 6 trams on the Chorlton line at any given moment.

I don't think the spare trams we now have compared to two years ago do enhance the service, however they ensure that trams don't need to be dropped due to shortages.

2016 was on the Chorlton line yesterday :) I assume 2017 still has not been converted to use the old signalling equipment (OSE!).

There has to be more than 4 on the SML. It takes a good 6-10 minutes to make the turn round from Victoria to Queens Road. I reckon there are 6 trams on the Chorlton line at any given moment.

I don't think the spare trams we now have compared to two years ago do enhance the service, however they ensure that trams don't need to be dropped due to shortages.

2016 was on the Chorlton line yesterday :) I assume 2017 still has not been converted to use the old signalling equipment (OSE!).

ahem...

Do we know if 3017 is getting the old signalling? I don't reckon it is.

I have no idea, but my guess is the longer converting the existing lines take, then there will be no choice but to convert 2017.

I have no idea, but my guess is the longer converting the existing lines take, then there will be no choice but to convert 2017.

:lol: sorry

I doubt 3017 will get converted though. It seems that the new lines won't be opened until TMS is working on the associated sections, so when they do open, they have all of 3017-30XX to use on those. (whichever number we are up to by December)

Ah, maybe they use 5 for SML if they are changing ends at the depot crossover. I only counted 4 on Sunday, and they seem to use the Victoria siding when there is the reduced service on the Bury line.

Cost... the old signalling equipment and labour to fit it wont be cheap - especially for the relatively low time it will be used. Hopefully it will only be a few more months now. I think the latest date for TMS is Nov/Dec for city centre and Jan for Central Park. (don't quote me on those dates though)

They use 5 trams for the Chorlton service with the 12min frequency and I'm assuming 4 for the 15min service. When I was last up I say around taking shot long enough at one pint to see the same tram do a whole circuit.

Where has the Jan date come from for Central Park? The Nov/Dec was stated for the Central Park section last time I saw a report.

I noticed this afternoon as I drove home that a stretch of the Ashton bound line approaching Ashton Moss stop is now laid out awaiting welding. As we thought it is flatbottom rail on twin bloc sleepers laid on the concrete slab. They were also unloading grooved rail where the line will cross Lord Sheldon Way near IKEA.

Where has the Jan date come from for Central Park? The Nov/Dec was stated for the Central Park section last time I saw a report.

Ah I think I saw Nov/Dec for City Centre and Jan for Central Park... not sure though. I did say don't quote me on it haha. I do have a bad memory!

Apparently the equipment has to specially made and costs thousands of pounds per tram to fit.

Presumably Thales are paying for any extra trams that need it since it is their fault that the TMS is delayed?

Can they not transfer the equipment from the T68's into the M5000's temporarily.

Can they not transfer the equipment from the T68's into the M5000's temporarily.

It can be transferred but it represents quite a lot of work so why do it until the refurb programme is settled.

I note that the Future Metrolink pages are still quoting 'Winter 2011' for Central Park. I suppose that could easily extend to Jan/Feb 2011 if Chorlton is anything to go by.

Having checked the papers for the TfGM Committee Meeting for 24th June the Central Park section was quoted as scheduled to open November/ December with Cornbrook to Victoria TMS being ready by November.

Having checked the papers for the TfGM Committee Meeting for 24th June the Central Park section was quoted as scheduled to open November/ December with Cornbrook to Victoria TMS being ready by November.

Oki, I'l try and remember that! :bash:

Can they not transfer the equipment from the T68's into the M5000's temporarily.

You would have the same number of trams that you started off with! There is no benefit to doing this unless the t68 is out of service long term.

The fact they are hiring a lot of drivers now suggests that they are planning on opening Central Park sooner or later, the Chorlton delays where just because of the TOS, but I assume this won't be a problem for the Central Park line.

The fact they are hiring a lot of drivers now suggests that they are planning on opening Central Park sooner or later

No shit.

Overheard a guy talking on a tram a few days ago, who seemed to believe that the M5000s ran exclusively on the Eccles line. In fact, he referred to them as 'Eccles Trams', and seemed to believe the Bury line (his local line) was only served by "those horrid grey ones".

No comment. :bash:

I always find it hard to keep quiet in those circumstances! The other week I was on a werbys tram waiting at the signal to get under the Trafford Bar diveunder, and some gimp was chatting to his mate going "it's a joke, they always stop here, i don't know why, there's no signal here or anything" :-/

Overheard a guy talking on a tram a few days ago, who seemed to believe that the M5000s ran exclusively on the Eccles line. In fact, he referred to them as 'Eccles Trams', and seemed to believe the Bury line (his local line) was only served by "those horrid grey ones".

No comment. :bash:

He clearly doesn't get out!

He clearly doesn't get out!

Surprised then, that he isn't on here then.

Aren't people tempted to throw in a line that is completely fabricated, that you know they wouldn't twig is false. Somethin you know they will happily recant To their pals.

You know like say the trams are made from hardened balsa or they are powered by pure alcohol or even all the drivers are ex soviet red army tractor drivers from Belarus.

Here are the 'latest date' points in the 'official' opening estimations Kriis, according to tfgm website :-

Central Park - 21.3.12 (i.e. > end of 'Winter 2011' )
Oldham Mumps Temporary – ‘Spring 12’ ends > 21.6.12
Droylsden - ‘Summer 12’ > 21.9.12
Rochdale Railway Station – ‘Summer 12’ > 21.9.12
East Didsbury – ‘Summer 13’ > 21.9.13
Ashton – ‘Winter 13-14’ > 20.3.14
Oldham & Rochdale Town Centres - season unspecified 2014
Airport – ‘Summer 16’ > 21.9.16

Anyway the other day I was wandering around Rochdale and I have formed the opinion that the local Council have probably made a mistake in agreeing to the cancellation of Drake Street tramstop. The shops and businesses along there, especially in the middle, will now have three years of deleterious construction work (trade-wise), the like of which Droylsden is now thankfully in its last few months. However, where Droylsden will end up with a very prominent 'station', (even a temporary terminus) at its centre, nearly all of Drake Street will find itself without any readily visible access point to the trams, which will nevertheless be sashaying past all of its shop doorways.

I accept that where the original thinking was for the trams to be almost 'a friend on every corner', the mood is now for more attenuated stop patterns to improve journey times and save money. However, I feel that the unique topography of Drake Street, comprising a steep hill and a sharp bend, does present a case for a touch of extra provision. It's true that neither of the two planned stops are very far away in terms of measured metres. But when standing say, somewhere near Wet Rake they both seem and feel to be in "another place", away from the shopping artery itself - one being well round a corner at the top of a hill, and the other well round another corner at the bottom.

I think there's a danger here that the trade-stimulating potential of the tramway could be lost, with the alignment ending up as mainly a fixed link between the two interchanges. My fear is that the in-between bit might just become a series of window views - more a case of 'look at all those shops we just missed', rather than 'let's get off here'! So I hope that the Chamber of Trade or other locals will campaign for the restoration of Drake Street stop, or at least for passive provision should there be a future economic upturn (i.e. not losing Kingsway!).

Anyway, end of to-day's essay, let's have a look at how the Rochdale Railway Station Tram Stop is progressing, beginning to look quite good, no? It's actually a little way down Maclure Road :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5434.jpg

Some nice new paving opposite :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5430.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5421.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5417.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5419.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5420.jpg

Starting the ascent up High Level Road :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5427.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5425.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5424.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5422.jpg

Through the wall into railway territory :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5436.jpg

I think the signal box has now disappeared, leaving room for the whole of the single-track alignment beyond the rails, from the wall on the left, to the new fly-over ramp on the right :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5413.jpg

Don't walk, walk now!

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Rochdale/RRS/101_5411.jpg

:banana:

The week Chorlton opened a lot of people where commenting on how brand new the trams where, I wouldn't mind but it was 3001!

all the drivers are ex soviet red army tractor drivers from Belarus.So that's what happened to the UK North bus drivers...! :cheers:

A year and a day away from the Droylsden stop opening for business Johnny? Hopefully that's a very pessimistic date and we'll see something long before then. As you say, most of the hard work is now done and it would almost feel like it was worth all the inconvenience if it was to open ahead of schedule.

A year and a day away from the Droylsden stop opening for business Johnny? Hopefully that's a very pessimistic date and we'll see something long before then. As you say, most of the hard work is now done and it would almost feel like it was worth all the inconvenience if it was to open ahead of schedule.

Not pessimistic at all.

MediaCity was scheduled to open Summer 2010 and open on the last day of summer around September time. And it was a bit of a farce to be honest with the service running as Eccles via MediaCity to begin with.

St Werburghs Road to Central Park was meant to open Spring 2011 - Which The Chorlton line just missed by a couple of weeks. But Central Park is still not ready.

It wouldn't suprise me at all if Droylsden didn't open til when Johnny stated.

I remember the Chorlton line looked done and dusted a longtime before it actually opened.

Not pessimistic at all.

MediaCity was scheduled to open Summer 2010 and open on the last day of summer around September time. And it was a bit of a farce to be honest with the service running as Eccles via MediaCity to begin with.

St Werburghs Road to Central Park was meant to open Spring 2011 - Which The Chorlton line just missed by a couple of weeks. But Central Park is still not ready.

It wouldn't suprise me at all if Droylsden didn't open til when Johnny stated.

I remember the Chorlton line looked done and dusted a longtime before it actually opened.

But those dates were set back by the TMS issues. Assuming that those problems are all fixed now (MC and Eccles line don't seem to have any problems and they have been testing the OT depot junctions). Then they just need to get the relevant sections switched over. As Tony_H1 has reported, they seem to be doing work around Victoria relating to signalling, so hopefully they will have lines opening soon!

But those dates were set back by the TMS issues. Assuming that those problems are all fixed now (MC and Eccles line don't seem to have any problems and they have been testing the OT depot junctions). Then they just need to get the relevant sections switched over. As Tony_H1 has reported, they seem to be doing work around Victoria relating to signalling, so hopefully they will have lines opening soon!

But as per one of the reports. Each section requires it's own bespoke TMS solution.

The junctions on the Bury Line/Central Park, Queens Road Depot / Cornbrook turnback are all different and will require different bits of work doing.

It's not just as simple as switching it over to TMS as the TMS has to work alongside the current system until the whole network is changed.

I do hope that they get TMS sorted soon so we can start using more of the newer trams which will free up some of the T68's for doubles between Alti-Bury

But as per one of the reports. Each section requires it's own bespoke TMS solution.

The junctions on the Bury Line/Central Park, Queens Road Depot / Cornbrook turnback are all different and will require different bits of work doing.

It's not just as simple as switching it over to TMS as the TMS has to work alongside the current system until the whole network is changed.

I do hope that they get TMS sorted soon so we can start using more of the newer trams which will free up some of the T68's for doubles between Alti-Bury

But the TMS problems are between it and the old system. The sections to Droylesden, Oldham & Rochdale, Manchester Airport and East Didsbury will just be extensions to lines that are already open (Central Park, St Werburgh's Road & Velopark) and so shouldn't have the same integration issues that the opening of these inital sections have had.

East Didsbury platforms are currently being craned into place.

But the TMS problems are between it and the old system. The sections to Droylesden, Oldham & Rochdale, Manchester Airport and East Didsbury will just be extensions to lines that are already open (Central Park, St Werburgh's Road & Velopark) and so shouldn't have the same integration issues that the opening of these inital sections have had.

But The Oldham and Rochdale line is connected to the Bury line which isn't on TMS at the minute.

But The Oldham and Rochdale line is connected to the Bury line which isn't on TMS at the minute.

But will be an extension of the Central Park line which should be open by the time it opens to Oldham & Rochdale.

And it need to be working and reliable between Trafford Bar, Pomona, Cornbrook and after Deansgate stops.

But will be an extension of the Central Park line which should be open by the time it opens to Oldham & Rochdale.

Yes, but that was my point.

Central Park Should have been open by now. But it isn't.

Also, I remember seeing this...

The extensions to Oldham and Rochdale are being delivered in three
phases: Oldham Rochdale Line 1 (ORL1) to Central Park; Oldham
Rochdale Line 2 (ORL2) to the Oldham Mumps temporary stop; and
Oldham Rochdale Line 3 (ORL 3) to Rochdale Railway Station.

2.5 The majority of the physical infrastructure works for ORL1 are complete,
however, significant work is still required before the new Tram
Management System can be implemented and before testing and
commissioning work and driver training can be undertaken

Hopefully the next Capital Projects Committee will shed some more light on it.

I was thinking... I'm surprised there isn't any improved methods of laying tram lines within street running sections. With the amount of track that is getting laid within city centres across Europe I would of thought that some company hasn't made some sort of machinery method that builds track quicker - saving the people of Droylsden, Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton the pain of months on end of road diversions. I know nothing could be done about the utilities diversions but imagine a road machine that could feed track out and fix it down quickly. Maybe I'm in dreamland but then lots of other inventors have been told that and still eventually made money...
It is a shame I don't know much about the engineering behind rail construction, otherwise I would be getting down to it!! :lol:

Kingsway/Didsbury Road.

Taken this afternoon.

Platforms. :banana:

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/1334/todayis009.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8465/todayis010.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9379/todayis011.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4710/todayis012.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3100/todayis013.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2466/todayis014.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7019/todayis015.jpg

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8722/todayis016.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3853/todayis017.jpg

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4764/todayis018.jpg

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/1838/todayis019.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/4415/todayis020.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2240/todayis008.jpg

Panoramic Shot of the whole site.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5706/todayis021.jpg

Cool photos JRB!

So that leaves Burton Rd, W. Didsbury and Didsbury Village as the Didsbury Line stations still without platforms, unless anyone knows anything different...?

Cool photos JRB!

So that leaves Burton Rd, W. Didsbury and Didsbury Village as the Didsbury Line stations still without platforms, unless anyone knows anything different...?

I'm quite surprised the platforms have gone down at E. Didsbury. Seems somewhat premature.

Having said that, they've been down at Withington for a while.

I might take a look at West Didsbury tomorrow & report back. Hopefully the weather will be better.

p.s. thanks for some great updates recently guys :)

Cool photos JRB!

So that leaves Burton Rd, W. Didsbury and Didsbury Village as the Didsbury Line stations still without platforms, unless anyone knows anything different...?

I keep meaning to post pictures of the site afterall, i do live right next to it. Doh!

From what I remember its coming along quite nicely, platforms are starting to take shape actually.

I keep meaning to post pictures of the site afterall, i do live right next to it. Doh!

From what I remember its coming along quite nicely, platforms are starting to take shape actually.

Which site matey?

West Didsbury sorry.

“Tram victory granddad lines up for award”
. . . says Yakub Qureshi in today’s MEN. The victory apparently being the new station at Baguley, quote “which will serve trams and heavy rail, is now due to be built as part of the Manchester Airport Metrolink extension and will open in 2016” (my emphasis).

Wow! Have I missed something, or is it more wires crossed??

If it’s true, then well done Eugene Ring of Wythenshawe Railway Action Group! (If not, it bloody well should be . . .)

Anyway, elsewhere on the Airport line, here’s a couple of shots of the old track revealed on Barlow Moor Road near the tramstop – well spotted martin! There must be miles of this stuff still buried under the streets of Mcr & other towns. Plenty of scrap value, and it’s also useful to the people at Heaton Park heritage tramway, although for them it needs to be in fairly good nick and in longish lengths :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Wythenshawe/Barlow%20Moor%20Road/101_5478.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Wythenshawe/Barlow%20Moor%20Road/101_5479.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Wythenshawe/Barlow%20Moor%20Road/101_5480.jpg

Prestwich station has also had its re-furb – a lot of the ones on the Bury line seem to be paint jobs over the repaired brickwork or plaster. The best that can be done I guess, short of a complete demolition and re-build – but it certainly looks a lot brighter, and more substantial than the likely alternative of just an inadequate bus shelter as elsewhere. (Especially in exposed places such as Cornbrook & Deansgate-Castlefield). (I think that’s why I’ve just inadvertently used the word ‘station’ rather than ‘stop’ in relation to Prestwich!) :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5487.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5488.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5491.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5483.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5484.jpg

Some Befores and Afters :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_0080.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_0078.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5486.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_0079.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5485.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_0081.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5489.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5492.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/Burry/Prestwich/101_5490.jpg

Very nice. :banana:

That bridge under Parrs Wood Lane doesn't look big enough for trams. Are there plans to dig it out now or will they leave it until the route to Stockport gets the go-ahead?

Hi Tommy.

It's part of the original Stockport route which is unfunded at present - the most recent plans showed it as being dug out by 'cut & cover' for Metrolink to be placed in a tunnel and the linear park replaced on top. Not much sign of this line being extended beyond East Dids at present, however, although there is a lot of talk about various routes into Stockport, something will probably happen before too much longer.

Here are my pix of the route :-

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=866944&page=118#2360

If this Baguley Railway Station is true it's certainly interesting. I did a little searching and it's mentioned in a number of places but nothing solid yet. It you don't know the area if built, it will be on the Altrincham-Stockport line on Southmoor Road.

Great photos again JDR. The orange army had again descended on Victoria Metrolink platform this morning, so a little more progress on wiring up the new TMS hopefully!

Does anyone know if there are anymore weekend line closures planned anytime soon?

The MEN has got its wires (or its tracks?) crossed. There was of course always going to be a Metrolink stop at Baguley. Eugene Ring has been campaigning very effectively for a Baguley heavy rail station where the Airport Metrolink line crosses over the Altrincham-Stockport line at Southmoor Road. He initially got some very mixed messages from GMITA/GMPTE but the plan for a heavy rail station at Baguley has now made it into the Local Transport Plan 3 for Greater Manchester. Whether it will ever get built though remains to be seen.

I think it will because it'll transform the transport network in the South. People from Altrincham, Stockport etc will be able to take rail transport to the airport (without having to go into Picc first). I presume it'll be a full, integrated interchange?

I think it will because it'll transform the transport network in the South. People from Altrincham, Stockport etc will be able to take rail transport to the airport (without having to go into Picc first). I presume it'll be a full, integrated interchange?

I guess to make an interchange, they would have to move the Metrolink Baguley stop north a few hundred metres towards the heavy rail line, maybe even on top of the bridge structure they will need to build.

I guess to make an interchange, they would have to move the Metrolink Baguley stop north a few hundred metres towards the heavy rail line, maybe even on top of the bridge structure they will need to build.

Not necessarily. Dublin is building a lovely new railway system (can't for the life of me remember it was going to be called) but the interchange between tram and train there is similar. You just need a segregated path really with plenty of signs, if you get me? I'll try to find some images of the Dublin version.

But would it be possible to change the plans for Baguley met stop?

I know the fairly new tram system in Dublin is called LUAS, if that's what your referring to?

I think so, but I think the flythrough I was watching was to do with Metro West?

Got another letter through the mail today, always exciting!

It says that, from 26.09.11 until Spring/Summer 2012, the Chorlton Platt Gorge Footpath will be temporarily realigned to allow the construction of the new structure over the Gorge (I love that they use that name for what is basically a ditch!)

So hopefully construction will start soon!!

Exciting times :banana::banana::banana:

Eugene Ring has been campaigning very effectively for a Baguley heavy rail station where the Airport Metrolink line crosses over the Altrincham-Stockport line at Southmoor Road. He initially got some very mixed messages from GMITA/GMPTE but the plan for a heavy rail station at Baguley has now made it into the Local Transport Plan 3 for Greater Manchester. Whether it will ever get built though remains to be seen.
As posted in the Non-Metrolink thread, from LTP3:
there are a range of locations where the potential has been highlighted for additional stations on the network, either by the local planning authority, developers or local community groups. In particular, through the LTP3 consultation process, stakeholders in Leigh and Baguley have indicated their wish to develop local rail station facilities

Sounds like he can have his station if he finds someone to pay for it.

A stakeholder could be anyone, the local council, local companies in the industrial park, local residents, network rail and anyone else with an interest. I think it's going to be public investment from Network Rail or the like who would have to put the funding in for it to go head but it does seem like a very good idea. It's just a shame the likely amount of trains stopping there would be very limited.

Looking at those Prestwich shots really demonstrates the positive effect of the new livery. I used to like the old one, reminded me of Paris (funny now it is run by RATP...) but the yellow looks much brighter and warm.

I think so, but I think the flythrough I was watching was to do with Metro West?

LUCAS is their currently up and running tram system but the Metro West is their hoped for future Metro line that's still in the planning stages and they don't really have the money for.

It's called the LUAS. It's Irish for 'speed'. There are also 'DART' (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) and 'Commuter' Iarnród Éireann services.

Had a ride past the future Ashton Moss station site. Very pleasing to report that the first rails (on concrete sleepers) are now in place on the Ashton bound side stretching back as far as the garden centre access road.

Tony, you been selling images to the magazines? Earning anything much from it?

No Watcher it twas not me. I guess it must be another person called Tony. Which Magazine is it?

“Tram victory granddad lines up for award”

Anyway, elsewhere on the Airport line, here’s a couple of shots of the old track revealed on Barlow Moor Road near the tramstop – well spotted martin! There must be miles of this stuff still buried under the streets of Mcr & other towns. Plenty of scrap value, and it’s also useful to the people at Heaton Park heritage tramway, although for them it needs to be in fairly good nick and in longish lengths :-


Blackpool uncovered similar away from the seafront tram route (and have you seen the pics from the launch of their new trams?), and I remember the same in Oldham long ago during roadworks at Bottom o' th' Moor

Prestwich station has also had its re-furb – a lot of the ones on the Bury line seem to be paint jobs over the repaired brickwork or plaster. The best that can be done I guess, short of a complete demolition and re-build – but it certainly looks a lot brighter, and more substantial than the likely alternative of just an inadequate bus shelter as elsewhere. (Especially in exposed places such as Cornbrook & Deansgate-Castlefield). (I think that’s why I’ve just inadvertently used the word ‘station’ rather than ‘stop’ in relation to Prestwich!) :-

I understand why - it certainly looks more "station" than "stop", imho. Nice pics again - more than just a lick of paint?

Reply to an email I sent:

At present we do not have artist impressions of both crossings for Mersey Valley and the M60 bridge structure. We do have detailed designs but they are not approved for public domain yet. When they are we will be holding events to give an opportunity for residents to view them and sending them out to residents who front on the Metrolink Airport Line. Works to begin Mersey valley viaduct have already begun.
*
If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nice one marni! Can't wait to see those plans, hope I can finally make it to one of these events!!

I notice the Prestwich refurb has signs that say "trams to Manchester" Instead of Metrolink to, about time they clicked to what most people call it (except in Sale/Altrincham oddly)

Went to city`s ground yesterday and had taken some shots of the metrolink stop and its coming on good;
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture148-1.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture149-1.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture150-1.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture151-1.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture152-1.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g433/jonesy3001/Metrolink/Picture153-1.jpg

^^

Only one platform? I thought one-way-bound stations on Metrolink were a thing of the past after Market Street/High Street stops were combined and Mosley Street station is about to close?

Theres a platform on either side of the bridge.

It's 2 staggered platforms!

Ah right, good! I was worried for a minute. Thanks for the info!

Great photos dp. That yellow arch is massive!
Judging by those photos, does it look likely that the white shelter is going to, essentially, become part of the Manchester-bound platform, like the section at OT which is only open during matchdays?

Both sides have the white shelters and i have a feeling the trams will be regular compared to the train station at the swamp that is only open on match days.

Both sides have the white shelters and i have a feeling the trams will be regular compared to the train station at the swamp that is only open on match days.

True, but you get a lot more bodies on a twin 323 set than on a single M5000 :)

Best,
Slip

Great photos dp. That yellow arch is massive!
Judging by those photos, does it look likely that the white shelter is going to, essentially, become part of the Manchester-bound platform, like the section at OT which is only open during matchdays?

I think this is reference to the cattle-market crowd control at OT Metrolink stop, which is only used for major events.

At the Etihad the shelter is at the top of the steps, not at platform level, so yes, it would probably only be used on match days.

It's 2 staggered platforms!

Good idea to break the crowd up a bit.

True, but you get a lot more bodies on a twin 323 set than on a single M5000 :)

Best,
Slip


Unless they do the double up the M5000s, but i cant see metrolink trying that out or unless they use the t68s on matchdays.

Unless they do the double up the M5000s, but i cant see metrolink trying that out or unless they use the t68s on matchdays.

With the recent news of replacing them... they will probably use the old t68s for the football supporters. I doubt they would want to see the mess that football fans cause on their new trams when the old ones are going to be scrapped!

BTW how do you mean "but i cant see metrolink trying that out"?? The M5000's double up as easy as the t68s (well once Mosley St has been scrapped!)

Saying that, if part of the EML opens before Mosley St closes, they could run double M5000's Bury-Velopark/Droylsden, just not to Alty. Means that the current method of running the Bury-Pic-Alt would be scrapped and it would break into two services operationally. - If you understand that

Unless they do the double up the M5000s, but i cant see metrolink trying that out or unless they use the t68s on matchdays.

2 x M5000 = 400 pax
2x 323 = c1000 pax

:)

Best,
Slip

I`ve only seen the T68s doubled-up on the alty-bury line, but would love to see the M5000s doubled up.

I`ve only seen the T68s doubled-up on the alty-bury line, but would love to see the M5000s doubled up.

BTW how do you mean "but i cant see metrolink trying that out"?? The M5000's double up as easy as the t68s] (well once Mosley St has been scrapped!)

Have they done doubled up M5000s in service, only seen them on here before they opened the SML.

2 x M5000 = 400 pax
2x 323 = c1000 pax

:)

Best,
Slip

Ahh I was thinking we were on about the city stadium. Didn't realise "the swamp" referred to Old Trafford :/ Guess it means that dpjones is a city fan though...

Ahh I was thinking we were on about the city stadium. Didn't realise "the swamp" referred to Old Trafford :/ Guess it means that dpjones is a city fan though...

Oh yes, city 'til i die.

Oh yes, city 'til i die.

Haha, you won't get any stick off me... complete dis-interest in football :/

A new advert replacing the old Future Metrolink Network ad at Piccadilly Station.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4853/manchester23rdseptembery.jpg

Ahh I was thinking we were on about the city stadium. Didn't realise "the swamp" referred to Old Trafford :/ Guess it means that dpjones is a city fan though...

Only done it by train once. Easy.

With the recent news of replacing them... they will probably use the old t68s for the football supporters. I doubt they would want to see the mess that football fans cause on their new trams when the old ones are going to be scrapped!


What's this about the T68s being scrapped? I haven't seen any news about that.
Plenty of speculation a while ago but no firm news and nothing in any of the TfGM Minutes. Please enlighten us.

Go check out the regular Metrolink thread :)

Post removed.

Go check out the regular Metrolink thread :)

Yes just seen the other thread thanks I should have checked that before posting!

Have they done doubled up M5000s in service, only seen them on here before they opened the SML.

I'm sure there was one occasion where somebody on here reported a double M5000 at Market Street.

I'm sure there was one occasion where somebody on here reported a double M5000 at Market Street.

I've no doubt that M5000s have run in coupled pairs out of service but given that the rear unit wouldn't be compatible with Mosley Street I doubt that they would have been used in revenue service yet.

I once saw one going through Shude Hill not in service, but wasn't quick enough to snap it. I did catch some when testing through Chorlton, however, with and without dots :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_2586.jpg

Coupling and uncoupling :-

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_3130.jpg

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx61/Johnny_de_Rivative/101_2589.jpg

:banana:

Ive seen a coupled pair where ones rescued the other on the Eccles line and taken it to Media City temporarily. Never seen a triple or quad but have seen a quad T68.

I once saw a t68 dragging a m5000 near picc undercroft (when the bananas were new) though i assume that it had failed, as you have to isolate the brakes on the tram being towed

Hi

I what past Velopark stop on Friday and nothing different they there haven't got sign up let, also on Oldham line at old werneth station I don't know if this is new but I notice that the got overhead poles in and it look like is in tunnel too so it look like not that long until the start putting wires in.

Just a quick update on some small bits of progress at the 5 Didsbury Line stations under construction :)

Withington - not much change here though it's the first time I've seen that little hut at the end of the platform!

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1503.jpg

What's going to be in this largeish space here?

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1504.jpg

Trackbed round to Burton Road...

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1505.jpg

... which has now been dug out and retaining walls are taking shape

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1506.jpg

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1508.jpg

Trackbed round to West Didsbury, all remains of the old station obliterated :ohno: nice little retaining walls though :)

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1509.jpg

West Didsbury hasn't changed too much apart from the little building on the left

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1511.jpg

The entrance to Didsbury Tunnel also has a little retaining wall too

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1512.jpg

Still love this view :banana:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1513.jpg

Finally something of a platform is now visible at Didsbury Village! :banana:

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1514.jpg

Only northbound though, nothing southbound as yet

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1515.jpg

And as has been seen, East Didsbury is taking shape nicely

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1516.jpg

http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab93/martin2345uk/Didsbury%20line%2025092011/IMG_1517.jpg

Does anyone know how the trams will turn back here? Where will the crossover be?

Well that's all for now! Over and out :banana:

Took a walk from Ashton to The Snipe this morning, I would have gone further but the weather got the better of me!

The track slab is appearing now opposite IKEA along Wellington Road and rails are installed near the Cavendish Street junction.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000254a.jpg

Rail appeared last week at the bottom of Lord Sheldon Way opposite Sainsburys where the trams will cross the westbound carriageway.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000262a.jpg

The is the Richmond Street junction where the road closed last week to allow tracklaying to start.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000266a.jpg

Ashton West Stop is taking shape. The Equipment Room was installed last week. In its location high up on the embankment it certainly stands out.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000270a.jpg
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000271a.jpg

The track across the roundabout at the Leisure Park has been paved now.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000279a.jpg

It looks as though the reservation across the M60 bridge has been stripped ready to receive the track form.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000285a.jpg

Ashton Moss Stop now has its Equipment Room and track has been laid this week on the outbound line.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000293a.jpg

Rail is in place where the line leaves the roadside reservation to cross into the central reservation at Alexandria Way.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000294a.jpg

Ashton Moss Stop with the base for the island platform and track on the outbound line.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000297a.jpg

The trackform with twinblock sleepers laid on the concrete slab with the adjustment devices through the sleepers to allow the track to be set to the correct vertical alignment before it is encased in concrete. Part way along this section there is a fair bit of cant to be applied on the curving alignment.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000300a.jpg

Looking east from Moss Way toward Ashton Moss Stop showing how the track climbs away from Moss Way towards the stop.
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae333/freel07/Metrolink/P1000307a.jpg

Just a quick update on some small bits of progress at the 5 Didsbury Line stations under construction :)

Withington - not much change here though it's the first time I've seen that little hut at the end of the platform!

What's going to be in this largeish space here?


And as has been seen, East Didsbury is taking shape nicely

Does anyone know how the trams will turn back here? Where will the crossover be?

Well that's all for now! Over and out :banana:


Nice set of picture Martin.

The TDs don't show what the land at Withington is to used for. Perhaps car parking?

Similarly they don't show any crossover at East Didsbury. Given that they hope to extend beyond here perhaps it will be a trailing crossover beyond the platform like St Werburghs Road.

Great set of updates there martin! Can't wait to get down to track level and have a look through that tunnel!!

They don't show a crossover on the published diagrams - It doesn't look like there will be an over-run or headshunt as at St W's, so I guess it must be somewhere between there and Dids Village. The line between these two stops was originally going to be single track, but when more land came available they re-jigged it as double, in order to facifillitate the extension to Stockport! So we wait and we wait to see if it ever happens . . .

The little boxes are the Stop Equipment Rooms which all stops have. Freel once explained what was in them - I vaguely remember CCTV, point irons, possibly starting handles, perhaps the odd spare thyristor or capacitor, puncture repair kits, grease, frying pans, bacon and egg breakfasts? etc!! (Sorry, that's the limit of my technical knowledge!). But I think it's everything a tram driver needs in the event of things going pear shaped in 101 different ways.

:banana:

Edit - great pix also Freel!

The Equipment Rooms seen by Martin and me today on the East Didsbury and Ashton Lines house all the tramstop telecommunications equipment along with the electrical distribution and a certain amount of signalling kit local to the stop. Unfortunately no bacon butties or kettle Johnny! On Phase 1 & 2 access is restricted for safety reasons because of the electrical equipment in the rooms so I would guess the Phase 3 ones will be the same.

The one they have put in this week at Ashton West is in a very conspicuous position on top of the embankment in the middle of the road and this seems to make it look massive. Generally they seem to be camouflaged to fit into the environment but this one clad in imitation brick is totally out of context. The Ashton Moss room doesn't look as bad as it isn't so elevated.