[Freel07]

I had yet another walk along the Trafford Park Line yesterday to view progress. As I said last time things have slowed down in terms of big changes but there is a lot of what might be termed detailing work in progress along the route.

Starting as usual at Pomona where they are still working on the new viaduct although it wasn't easy to make out what was going on.

P1360155 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360157 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Down below the viaduct the paving and fencing work has moved on.

P1360161 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360171 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360172 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

It looked to me as though the end of the path from Wharfside was visible. At present this path is only surfaced in crushed stone but I would hope it is to be finished with slabs.

P1360163a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Reinstating the original handrailing where it was removed during construction.

P1360165 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I can't make out exactly where the canal side fence is in relation to the edge of the viaduct.

P1360171 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There are now TMS VECOM loops in place on the ramp.

P1360178 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The substation compound is now fenced off and it is clear that the concrete steps down to trackside are only for staff access as there is no public access at the top.

P1360179 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360180 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Trafford Road the access arrangements for staff seem to be clearer and also visible on the track in the distance is derailment containment between the rails. From the close up version of the photograph it looks as though the path runs between the canal side railings and the green fence under the viaduct. green fence under the viaduct

P1360184 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360184a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The footpath still awaits final paving (hopefully).

P1360186 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

A view towards Wharfside and beyond from Trafford Road.

P1050423 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050426 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There were a couple of guts grouting rail baseplates at Wharf End.

P1050431 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The parallel feeder link cables all seem to be connected to the contact wires along here now.

P1050433 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The footway along Wharf End has now been moved over to the retaining wall side presumably leaving the other side to the contractors working on the new tower blocks.

P1050435 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

This gives some new views along the track.

P1050438 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050442 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Speed signs are starting to appear and the Wharfside 'emergency' crossover has gained position indicators which is unusual for an emergency crossover.

P1050444 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050447 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Not much else has changed at Wharfside. Perhaps other than the lamp posts have been finally fix vertical.

P1360193 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking west from Wharfside.

P1360196 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360197 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Electrical switching cubicles behind the MPT compound.

P1360203 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The HERAS fencing along Trafford Wharf Road seems to be disappearing. I wonder whether they are getting ready to re-open the west bound side.

P1360206 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360210 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The crossing they were starting to lay last time is now complete and provides access to the footway behind the stop and also to the platform.

P1360213 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360218 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360219 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360225 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

A quick diversion behind Quay West.

P1360234 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360237 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Ceremonial unveiling of the No entry Except Trams signs.

P1360242 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

30 mph along Trafford wharf Road.

P1360243 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360248 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

10 mph round the curve into Warren Bruce Road.

P1360251 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360254 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

This short section of track awaiting embedding is the location of the special friction modifier equipment for the inbound curve. There is a similar section on Trafford Wharf Road for the outbound line.

P1360257 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I got lucky here whilst chatting to one of the MPT guys. He offered to get me some photographs of the equipment installed so far. There are two separate systems installed. Apparently one is a fairly normal track lubricator and the other is a fluid water based system.

P1360260 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360261 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360263 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360264 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Fingers crossed it all works as it is supposed to.

Feeder cables connected.

P1360267 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360269 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360271 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

10 mph entry into the turnback.

P1360274 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The PPI is there now for the entrance points and the final bit of concrete embedding is awaited.

P1360276 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360278 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle will follow later today along with Part 3......

 

[Freel07]

The extended shelter at Cornbrook is long overdue but by god does anyone involved with the project care about design and appearance?

It certainly is overdue yes and I have to say it doesn't look as bad as I expected. To be honest I think you could erect almost anything in the Cornbrook area and it would improve the surroundings :lol:. The whole area is appalling, especially those horrendous new brick faced apartment blocks on Chester Road.

 

[Freel07]

Trafford Park Line walk October 30th Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle. This stretch is probably the least dramatic in terms of visible changes so it may appear I have padded things out a bit.

Village Circle from Village Way. The Pod-Trak elevated platforms are still around.

P1360280 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

TMS VECOM loops are appearing, the more of these I see the more I am convinced that there will be no mesh radio along this line.

P1360283 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village stop

P1360285 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

with VECOM loops

P1360289 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360291 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Continuing west.

P1360292 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360294 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Fifth Avenue/CHEP entrance.

P1360295 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360299 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360298 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking west towards Mosley Road.

P1360301 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360305 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The feeders from Praed Road substation are connected now along with surge arrestors.

P1360306 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360309 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Praed Road substation, I'm not sure of the correct name for this sub.

P1360307 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Traction return cables still to be connected to the rails.

P1360308 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Cross track pedestrian crossing near the Exide building.

P1360310 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360311 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360312 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360314 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

10 mph across Mosley Road curves.

P1360316 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Mosley Road junction.

P1360318 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360319 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Cycle crossing signals and buttons. The only other place I have noticed these is Phoenix Way just before the stop at Barton Square.

P1360327 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

30 mph along Village Way towards Parkway Circle.

P1360322 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking back east walking along Village Way towards Parkway,

P1360330 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and now west towards Parkway.

P1360332 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360336 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Landscaping work in progress.

P1360340 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parkway stop which doesn't seem to have changed for quite a while. I suppose that is inevitable since it advanced quite early on.

P1360339 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360346 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360348 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford Centre follows soon.....

 

[Freel07]

Trafford Park Line walk 30th October Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford Centre.

Parkway Circle looking east,

P1360350 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and now looking up Parkway.

P1360353 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parallel feeder cables connected at the top of Parkway.

P1360358 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

10 mph across the carriageway at Parkway. it is strange that there seem to be large gaps in the speed signing at present.

P1360361 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

It will be 20 mph down towards Parkway Circle.

P1360366 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Then 40 mph alongside Parkway.

P1360362 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360369 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360368 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There is a staged lowering of the speed from 40 mph to 15 mph approaching the curves to Barton Dock Road.

P1360375 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360379 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Some highway works on Barton Dock Road have diverted the pedestrian crossing and provided a couple of new viewpoints.

P1360380 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The 40 mph speed sign for the inbound section alongside Parkway is just visible. I don't think I would like to use that cycle lane which just seems to peter out.

P1360383 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Barton Dock Road.

P1360385 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360386 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Fibre optic cable splicing in progress.

P1360390 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Some promotional banners near Mercury Way. Note the tape covering the stop names at Barton Square and Trafford Centre. I will reveal what is under it shortly.

P1360394 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360395 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360396 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Now the stop names.

So what originally seemed to be Event City at some point changed to a more sensible long term alternative of Barton Dock Road. It appears it may be changing again, to what I wonder?

P1360398 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

It does appear that perhaps the final stop will be called Trafford Centre after all which explains the covered info on one or two stops.

P1360399 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

By the way the tape was already flaking off and I merely exposed enough of the text to illustrate the point. I left it better covered than when I arrived.

25 mph alongside the Holiday Inn.

P1360400 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

But I can't recall seeing a sign for the section alongside Event City.

P1360404 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360409 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I did find inbound speed signage at the Phoenix Way end. 30 mph immediately after Phoenix Way rising to 40 mph so I guess something similar will apply outbound from Mercury Way.

P1360420a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050452 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The stop with no name, at Barton Square.

P1360411 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360419 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360420 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Distinctive paving.

P1360412 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

PIDS displays switched on under test.

P1360413 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360416 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360417 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360424 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360428 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Barton Dock Road crossing. It appears to be a 10 mph crossing.

P1360430 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360443 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From above, there appeared to be a site meeting in progress.

P1360431 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360433 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360436 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

15 mph alongside the car parks.

P1360440 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Approaching the terminus.

P1360446 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360447 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

10 mph through the crossovers.

P1360448 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

All the solid panelled hoardings have now gone right to the end of the site. there is also a new pedestrian crossing now nearer to the platform.

P1360450 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360451 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360471 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Connections for the point blocking circuits.

P1360452 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360453 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Point controller cabinets.

P1360454 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr
P1360459 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360461 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360463 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

They are clearing the worksite beyond the platform.

P1360464 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360465 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360472 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360473 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360475 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360477 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Substation and compound.

P1360467 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

 

[Freel07]

A trip into town on Tuesday to attend an IMechE presentation on the experiences so far with the Sheffield Rotherham Tram Train Trial provided an opportunity to try for some twilight shots at a number of locations including St Peters Square, Lower Mosley Street and Deansgate Castlefield.

Starting at SPS around 16:15 (the EXIF data on my camera is wrong regarding the time).

P1050462 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050470 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050475a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050483 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050486 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050490 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050502 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I didn't quite manage the full 4 trams shot here.

P1050504 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Lower Mosley Street around 16:30.

P1050528 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050532 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Deansgate Castlefield just before 18:00.

P1050556 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I'm not sure where this double had originated but I'd hazard a guess it was Bury or Queens Road depot.

P1050558 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050561 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050567 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050568 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Finally I walked to Victoria for a train to Ashton as I just missed a tram from St Peters Square. I noticed the SPAS beacons were flashing and thought I'd try for a photograph. It took several attempts before I got these 2 reasonable shots.

P1050576a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050583a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

 

[Freel07]

I managed to get down to Trafford Road to have a look at what was going on this morning. A bit of a problematic trip as I had intended to combine train ans tram to get to Trafford Bar and then walk over to Trafford Road bridge, however I had forgotten that Northern don't like running trains on Sundays so had to modify my plans catching a tram from Ashton to Piccadilly Gardens the a short walk to St Peters Square to make use of the good selection of services to Trafford Bar. The weather was far more damp down in Trafford than in Ashton and it only got worse.

P1050588 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There were certainly a good number of trams up at Pomona but sadly most of what I saw seemed to be content to operate between Pomona and the Eccles Line.

P1050591 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050592 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Fingers crossed this one would come down the ramp.

P1050596 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

But no off along the Eccles Line.

P1050598 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

This one 3078 returning from where ever they were turning back on the Eccles Line.

DSC_1610 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking closely at this photograph I see there are 4 mph TSRs now on both curves at Pomona.

DSC_1612 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Now where is this going I wonder?

DSC_1615 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Finally, success. Cautiously at first.

DSC_1617a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

DSC_1618a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Then speed picks up.

DSC_1620a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

DSC_1623 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Passing the substation.

DSC_1625 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Now off towards Wharfside where I assumed it would turn back.
DSC_1627 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr


A quick dash to the other side of Trafford Road hoping it might stay at Wharfside for while so I could get a decent set of photos. But no, by the time I had crossed through 4 signal controlled crossings it was on its way back,

DSC_1629 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

DSC_1630 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

DSC_1632 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050606 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050607 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and then it was gone. Crossing back over the road I found the double had completely disappeared, presumably well on its way to Cornbrook. I had been trying to guess what the movements were by using the Pomona PIDS feed and as there didn't seem to be any more Trafford Park movements in the near future and the rain was getting worse I gave it up as a bad job and headed back via Trafford Bar.

 

[aquaticko]

So glad to see Manchester The First is doing well. I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in England.

 

[Freel07]

Yesterday I took another walk along the Trafford Park Line project. Given the current stage of completion I wasn't particularly expecting to see a lot of change. I will let you judge for yourselves however as I was pleasantly surprised. As usual 3 posts starting from Pomona.

Part 1 Pomona to Village Circle.

At Pomona all the signals are once again bagged after the weekend's testing.

P1360490 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360492 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Down below on Pomona Strand paving and fencing continues.

P1360498 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360500 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360503 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360506 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

It seems the 4mph TSRs appliy to both the Eccles and Trafford Park Lines. The TSR sign on the outbound on POM02S signal doesn't have any directional arrow so must apply to both routes.

P1360508 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Trafford Road one big change is visible, nice shiny rails :lol:. It appears to me as though test trams must have been running on Monday night if the degree of shine is anything to go by.

P1360515 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking west now.

P1050610 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050611 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050612 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050615 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The views along Wharf End are much better now that the fences have been removed. Again great to see shiny rails.

P1050617 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050622 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Wharfside and its crossover.

P1050632 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a group of guys unloading the crowd control barriers ready for installation.

P1050627 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050634 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360520 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360521 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The almost deserted MPT car park.

P1360525 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Power switching cubicles behind the MPT site offices.

P1360526 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The re-opened Trafford Wharf Road by Quay West.

P1360528 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I don't think it was strictly true when they said that the final concrete pour took place a couple of weeks ago. Not the concrete pump wagon in this photograph. I later noticed a mixer delivering concrete.

P1360529 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The curves from the Wharf into IWMN stop. Still final landscaping to complete.

P1360533 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

IWMN stop, PIDS illuminated. In fact I think they were switched on at every stop.

P1360536 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360540 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360543 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360546 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

They appear to be restoring damaged sections of the Wharf side walk now.

P1360554 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050637 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050640 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Back on Trafford Wharf Road the views have been opened right up now.

P1360548 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360557 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360559 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360564 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360565 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360566 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Approaching the 'Coronation Street' curves.

P1360577 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360578 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The outbound friction modifier equipment.

P1360580 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I hope this kit is going to be a lot better protected than this eventually.

P1360586 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360589 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360585 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360593 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The inbound equipment on Warren Bruce Road.

P1360596 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360597 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The track on Warren Bruce Road is still fenced off.

P1360594 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Note the temporary 30mph speed sign.

P1360600 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Point controller cubicles for the turnback.

P1360601 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Now something I haven't seen anywhere else on this line. Two Mesh radio access points.

P1360598a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360603 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

In fact I missed the first one as I walked past. I did wonder whether I had missed others as I walked up from Pomona and I therefore took special attention as I continued my exploration but saw no more.

New PPI as yet not commissioned and speed sign at the top end of Warren Bruce Road

P1360605 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

CCTV at the top end of the turnback.

P1360606 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360609 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360611 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle will follow shortly......

 

[Freel07]

Metrolink Trafford Park Line walk Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle.

Village Circle.

Some footway surfacing works being completed.

P1360612 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360613 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a team cable pulling between Village Circle and Village Stop.

P1360614 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360616 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Another group were working on the hand rails.

P1360617 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360620 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360622 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

As with Trafford Wharf Road Village Way has reopened to two way traffic now right through to Parkway Circle.

P1360627 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The tramway is still fenced off though.

P1360629 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360633 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360635 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360634 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360631 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I think the guy in this shot was measuring the height and stagger of the contact wire.

P1360637 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360642 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Praed Road substation.

P1360643 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360645 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Approaching Mosley Road junction.

P1360647 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360652 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360656 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360655 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Although the tramway is fenced right through to Parkway Circle the reopening of the westbound carriageway has opened up new views.

P1360659 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360661 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360665 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360667 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360670 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360671 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360672 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360674 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

At Parkway stop another team working on the stop hand rails. In the first shot the time is just visible on one of the PIDS.

P1360678 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360677 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford centre will follow later today as I need to go out for a while....

 

[Freel07]

Metrolink Trafford Park Line project walk Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford Centre.

Parkway Circle.

P1360679 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parkway.

P1360680 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Still no sign of traffic signals at the point where the line crosses.

P1360681 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

A few views of that area from a different perspective. Still outside the site fencing by the way.

P1360690 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360682 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360683 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360686 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There may be no traffic signals just yet but the road traffic stop line is visible so that points to signals being provided.

P1360687 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Back to more familiar territory.

P1360691 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360694 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360698 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360700 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I did notice that there is now fencing along both parapets of the Bridgewater Canal bridge. Not sure how long its been there but I hadn't noticed it before.

P1360701 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360707 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Barton Dock Road. This stretch really hasn't changed much at all.

P1360710 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360714 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360713 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360715 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360716 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360717 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360718 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

They were replacing some of the traffic studs at Phoenix Way junction.

P1360719 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The stop with no name, Barton Dock Road?

P1360721 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360723 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360724 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360726 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360727 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From the footbridge.

P1360730 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360731 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360733 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360736 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360737 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Trafford Centre.

P1360742 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360746 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360752 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Motorised facing points track circuit connection locations.

P1360753 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360757 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360758 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I am, assuming this is where the covered walkway will be.

P1360760 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360768 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360770 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Speed signage approaching the platform,

P1360767 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and departing from it.

P1360772 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360771 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360773 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360775 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360778 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Trafford Centre substation.

P1360781 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Tidying up at the end of the line.

P1360780 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

That's all for this trip. I wonder if the next walk will include any trams?

 

[WingTips]

One of our roving photographers has been out and about recently...

A few rather mundane ones from my most recent visit last Saturday. First part of the day was spent at the Museum of Transport and then I lingered in the city centre spending much time watching buses rather than trams for a change, and videoing trams rather than photographing them.

3062 at Queens Road


3026 and 3029 approaching Deansgate - Castlefield


3101 and 3117 at Piccadilly Gardens


3076 at St Peter's Square with a platform full of football fans waiting to squeeze on the next Ashton tram


3088 at St Peter's Square with a destination I have not photographed before

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=2022323&page=41

 

[Freel07]

Yesterday whilst the weather was fine and dry I decided to take what I suspect will be my final walk along the Trafford Park line works before full scale test running commences hopefully in the New Year.

As I suspected the amount of change is now less visible although there were sill a number of work groups active along the route. As usual I will divide the photos into 3 groups and although some will seem to show no change from my last set I will include them for the sake of completeness. I will attempt to fully proof read the posts this time to avoid duplicates :lol:.

Part 1 starts at Pomona and takes us to Village Circle.

Pomona where there is little or no visible change since last month. It seemed to me that the team on the viaduct were installing kick plates to the lower edge of the viaduct railings.

P1360782 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360786 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Below the viaduct the paving under the first two spans looks complete. Behind the blue barriers it looked like a new power cable duct system was being installed. Whether this is related to Metrolink or is for the development on the Pomona Docks site I couldn't tell.

P1360791 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360792 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There is still fencing and finishing to complete under the third span.

P1360795 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Throstles Nest Bridge. Note the TSR signage approaching the junction. This must be the first extension to have a TSR before opening.

P1360801 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Steps giving staff access between the track and substation.

P1360804 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Trafford Road all that's missing are the trams. I still can't make out what the final finish will be for the walkway alongside the ship canal between the Pomona end of the viaduct and where the paved area ends. It will certainly be very narrow alongside the structure.

P1360806 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I've just noticed the sunlight reflecting on the viaduct from Exchange Quay.

P1360808 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking west from Trafford Road, again not a lot to see in terms of change although there is a small group working at Wharfside.

P1050780 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050778 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050782 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking east from Wharf End

P1050796 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and west from the same place.

P1050798 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The small group that we saw working trackside were in fact 2 groups. This guy seemed to be constructing some shuttering.

P1050802 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Whilst the other group were from Thales and were working on one of the point indicators associated with the crossover.

P1050803 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Speed limit signage approaching Wharfside.

P1050804 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and a warning sign for the low wire height along this section.

P1360814 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

At Wharfside the 'cattle pens' for the Old Trafford crowds are being installed.

P1360817 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360819 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I spotted the speed sign for the section along the wharf after Wharfside, 30 mph.

P1360820 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360824 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Grouting or sealing in progress around the steps to the platform.

P1360826 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The area beyond Wharfside has been tidied up in readiness for handing back to the landowner.

P1360831 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360832 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360833 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360835 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360847 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360853 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050808 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050812 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360863 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Quay West forming a colourful backdrop to IWMN stop.

P1360851 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360854 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360866 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Trafford Wharf Road.

P1360868 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360870 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360874 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360884 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a chap carrying electrical safety tests on the various lamp posts and signage posts.

P1360887 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360892 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The outbound 'Coronation Street lubricator installation.

P1360895 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360896 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The small white or grey dots on the gauge corner of the rail are the openings for the grease.

P1360900 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360901 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Warren Bruce Road.

P1360907 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Signs of activity on the rails, I wasn't aware that a tram had been through the previous night when I took the photos.

P1360908 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360910 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The inbound lubricators.

P1360912 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Again signs of grease application are visible.

P1360915 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Hopefully the two control units will be suitably protected eventually.

P1360914 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360919 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360920 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The temporary access/exit from the Hovis site is being reclaimed now.

P1360923 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360925 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360929 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360932 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

PPI controlling entry into the siding.

P1360934 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360936 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360941 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle to follow......

 

[Freel07]

Yesterday whilst the weather was fine and dry I decided to take what I suspect will be my final walk along the Trafford Park line works before full scale test running commences hopefully in the New Year.

As I suspected the amount of change is now less visible although there were sill a number of work groups active along the route. As usual I will divide the photos into 3 groups and although some will seem to show no change from my last set I will include them for the sake of completeness. I will attempt to fully proof read the posts this time to avoid duplicates :lol:.

Part 1 starts at Pomona and takes us to Village Circle.

Pomona where there is little or no visible change since last month. It seemed to me that the team on the viaduct were installing kick plates to the lower edge of the viaduct railings.

P1360782 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360786 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Below the viaduct the paving under the first two spans looks complete. Behind the blue barriers it looked like a new power cable duct system was being installed. Whether this is related to Metrolink or is for the development on the Pomona Docks site I couldn't tell.

P1360791 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360792 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There is still fencing and finishing to complete under the third span.

P1360795 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Throstles Nest Bridge. Note the TSR signage approaching the junction. This must be the first extension to have a TSR before opening.

P1360801 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Steps giving staff access between the track and substation.

P1360804 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

From Trafford Road all that's missing are the trams. I still can't make out what the final finish will be for the walkway alongside the ship canal between the Pomona end of the viaduct and where the paved area ends. It will certainly be very narrow alongside the structure.

P1360806 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I've just noticed the sunlight reflecting on the viaduct from Exchange Quay.

P1360808 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking west from Trafford Road, again not a lot to see in terms of change although there is a small group working at Wharfside.

P1050780 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050778 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050782 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Looking east from Wharf End

P1050796 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and west from the same place.

P1050798 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The small group that we saw working trackside were in fact 2 groups. This guy seemed to be constructing some shuttering.

P1050802 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Whilst the other group were from Thales and were working on one of the point indicators associated with the crossover.

P1050803 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Speed limit signage approaching Wharfside.

P1050804 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and a warning sign for the low wire height along this section.

P1360814 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

At Wharfside the 'cattle pens' for the Old Trafford crowds are being installed.

P1360817 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360819 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

I spotted the speed sign for the section along the wharf after Wharfside, 30 mph.

P1360820 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360824 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Grouting or sealing in progress around the steps to the platform.

P1360826 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The area beyond Wharfside has been tidied up in readiness for handing back to the landowner.

P1360831 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360832 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360833 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360835 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360847 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360853 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050808 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1050812 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360863 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Quay West forming a colourful backdrop to IWMN stop.

P1360851 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360854 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360866 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Trafford Wharf Road.

P1360868 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360870 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360874 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360884 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a chap carrying electrical safety tests on the various lamp posts and signage posts.

P1360887 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360892 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The outbound 'Coronation Street lubricator installation.

P1360895 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360896 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The small white or grey dots on the gauge corner of the rail are the openings for the grease.

P1360900 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360901 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Warren Bruce Road.

P1360907 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Signs of activity on the rails, I wasn't aware that a tram had been through the previous night when I took the photos.

P1360908 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360910 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The inbound lubricators.

P1360912 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Again signs of grease application are visible.

P1360915 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Hopefully the two control units will be suitably protected eventually.

P1360914 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360919 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360920 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The temporary access/exit from the Hovis site is being reclaimed now.

P1360923 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360925 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360929 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360932 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

PPI controlling entry into the siding.

P1360934 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360936 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360941 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle to follow......

 

[Freel07]

Metrolink Trafford Park Line walk part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle.

Village Circle from Village Way looking towards Wharfside. There is less change to show along here so fewer photos.

P1360944 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way

P1360945 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village stop.

P1360951 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360958 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way again looking towards Fifth Avenue.

P1360959 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360965 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360966 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way Fifth Avenue area. I'm not sure what had happened to leave all that broken car glass adjacent to the traffic signal pole but there was no damage apparent.

P1360969 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

On towards Mosley Road now.

P1360975 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

All the rail baseplates at the transition joints have been grouted in now.

P1360977 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360981 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360983 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Although the destination info isn't visible in this photo the bus was on the 250 to Piccadilly. This gave me the idea that they may have been running via Parkway and Village Way and that if I caught one back from the Trafford Centre I might get some shots of the track alongside Parkway. However it was not to be, they were being diverted via Westinghouse Road and Parkway Circle due to road works at the junction of Mosley Road and Westinghouse Road and it seems that this one had got lost.

P1360987 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Crossing Mosley Road will be at 10 mph.

P1360990 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360993 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

These yellow markings seem to indicate the route of a gas main. surely after all this time they aren't going to dig this up now hno:.

P1360996 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360999 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

30 mph along here after Mosley Road.

P1360997 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370006 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370003 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370008 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The approach to Parkway stop.

P1370013 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a team painting handrails here.

P1370014 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370018 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parkway Circle.

P1370020 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford centre follows......

 

[Freel07]

Metrolink Trafford Park Line walk part 2 Village Circle to Parkway Circle.

Village Circle from Village Way looking towards Wharfside. There is less change to show along here so fewer photos.

P1360944 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way

P1360945 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village stop.

P1360951 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360958 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way again looking towards Fifth Avenue.

P1360959 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360965 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360966 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Village Way Fifth Avenue area. I'm not sure what had happened to leave all that broken car glass adjacent to the traffic signal pole but there was no damage apparent.

P1360969 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

On towards Mosley Road now.

P1360975 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

All the rail baseplates at the transition joints have been grouted in now.

P1360977 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360981 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360983 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Although the destination info isn't visible in this photo the bus was on the 250 to Piccadilly. This gave me the idea that they may have been running via Parkway and Village Way and that if I caught one back from the Trafford Centre I might get some shots of the track alongside Parkway. However it was not to be, they were being diverted via Westinghouse Road and Parkway Circle due to road works at the junction of Mosley Road and Westinghouse Road and it seems that this one had got lost.

P1360987 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Crossing Mosley Road will be at 10 mph.

P1360990 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360993 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

These yellow markings seem to indicate the route of a gas main. surely after all this time they aren't going to dig this up now hno:.

P1360996 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1360999 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

30 mph along here after Mosley Road.

P1360997 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370006 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370003 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370008 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The approach to Parkway stop.

P1370013 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There was a team painting handrails here.

P1370014 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370018 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parkway Circle.

P1370020 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford centre follows......

 

[Freel07]

Metrolink Trafford Park Line walk part 3 Parkway Circle to Trafford Centre.

Parkway Circle looking back towards Village Way.

P1370022 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Parkway.

P1370025 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

We now can see that there are traffic signals where the line crosses Parkway.

P1370023 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Both tram signals are erected.

P1370031 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370030 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

There were a couple of guys working on the UTC signal controller.

P1370034 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Speed will be 10 mph across Parkway.

P1370035 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Once across the road it rises to 40 mph alongside Parkway. You may just be able to spot the sign hidden amongst the Heras fencing on the right.

P1370024 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

and again just in front of the signal company van.

P1370037a by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The light was against decent photos along Parkway I'm afraid. It's hard enough getting shots showing the wiring anyway.

P1370051 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Quite why this set of parallel feeder cable connections are so long eludes me.

P1370052 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

25mph approaching dropping to 15mph round the curves onto Barton Dock Road.

P1370054 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The inbound 40 mph sign after the curve is just visible from Barton Dock Road.

P1370056 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370061 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Also 40 mph alongside Barton Dock Road.

P1370060 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370066 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

This guy was sealing the joints in the concrete track slab.

P1370072 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370074 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Approaching the stop at Barton Square.

P1370078 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370080 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Interestingly here the system wide PA about not smoking on the system was playing loud and clear.

P1370082 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Barton Dock Road crossing.

P1370085 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

A few from above.

P1370088 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370091 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

It seems to be 15 mph alongside Barton Dock Road.

P1370096 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370101 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

The entire area in front of Selfridges is now fenced off, is this for the construction of the covered way linking the stop to the Trafford Centre I wonder.

P1370125 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370103 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370104 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370127 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370129 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Approaching the Trafford Centre stop now.

P1370108 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370110 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370113 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Excuse the sun!!

P1370114 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370118 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370130 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370131 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

Foot path surfacing work in progress.

P1370121 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370124 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370139 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

P1370141 by Steve Hyde, on Flickr

That's all for this time.

 

[WingTips]

Thanks for the great update Steve, much appreciated.

 

[WingTips]

"Manchester Metrolink: Trafford Park line expected to open in 2020

19 December 2019 at 5:30am

An announcement on the opening of a new Metrolink line in Manchester is expected later today.

The route will connect the Trafford Centre to the tram network for the first time.

Representatives from organisations involved in the extension will be seen testing the Trafford Park line later.

Construction work on an extra 5.5km of track began in late 2016.
Six new tram stops are planned: Wharfside, Imperial War Museum North, Village, Parkway, EventCity and Trafford Centre.

Metrolink opened in 1992 and currently has 93 stops reaching areas including Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bury, Eccles, Oldham, Manchester Airport and Rochdale.

It is the country's largest light railway system."

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2019-12-19/announcement-expected-on-new-metrolink-line-opening/

 

[WingTips]

Line testing now well underway on the New TPL...

Well hush mah moot, caught at it again!!

A few more down and under :-

2019-12-19 060 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 061 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 063 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 064 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

I think this one shows the M5000's capability for vertical articulation? :-

2019-12-19 066 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 067 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 068 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 069 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 070 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Well I chose the North Bank as it's easier to get under Trafford Road than negotiating all those pedestrian crossings at the top!! But by now time was getting on and anxiety rising - only half an hour to the medical appointment to have my stitches out from the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy I had last week . . . :colbert:

A few more to follow . . .

:cheers::banana:

 

[WingTips]

More from Johnny de Rivative on the TPL...

Anyway, once it had passed under Trafford Road I had to go running like Puck to catch up (holding on to my belly-button still with its stitches in where the gall bladder had passed through last week!) :-

2019-12-19 071 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Thankfully the gate was open :-

Well hush mah moot, caught at it again!!

A few more down and under :-

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2i2Ngsc]

2019-12-19 060 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 061 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 063 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 064 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

I think this one shows the M5000's capability for vertical articulation? :-

2019-12-19 066 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 067 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 068 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 069 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 070 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Well I chose the North Bank as it's easier to get under Trafford Road than negotiating all those pedestrian crossings at the top!! But by now time was getting on and anxiety rising - only half an hour to the medical appointment to have my stitches out from the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy I had last week . . . :colbert:

A few more to follow . . .

:cheers::banana:

[/url]2019-12-19 072 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

By the time I got through it was at Wharfside, where it thankfully paused for a few moments :-

2019-12-19 075 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Off again :-

2019-12-19 076 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 078 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Starting to climb the rise as the island gnomes look on :-

2019-12-19 085 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

2019-12-19 087 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Getting beyond the limits of my zoom now, and no time to faff about! :-

2019-12-19 089 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

And off she goes around the corner into the waiting arms of our esteemed and erudite colleague Mr Freel, who had no doubt hot-footed it along to IWM just as fast and just in time! The gnomes wave goodbye :-

2019-12-19 091 by John McCarthy, on Flickr

Happy days.

And by the way I just made it to the clinic in time to have my staples removed . . .

:grouphug:
:banana::banana::banana:
:cheers: