Manchester Metrolink master thread

[Rhydgaled]

No the old trams don't have the large wheel chair areas that make the M5000s DDA compliment

That's what I thought, but then I saw somebody using a wheelchair, and a wheelchair space, on an old tram. Is there only one wheelchair space on the old ones as opposed to the two on the M5000?

Standing on one on the Altrincham line ought to be much less unpleasant that on the T68, at least if they sort out the rough riding!

I think it was suggested earlier that the rough ride was caused by the T68s. If so, are there any lines which haven't had T68s on them and do these (if any) permit M5000s to run at full speed?

 

[Manchester77]

The M5000s comply with the latest DDA regulations

The maximum speed on any stretch if the network I've seen is on the ORL and is signed at 50 mph I don't know if they ever do archive this speed as I don't use the line.

 

[Starmill]

Both types of tram regularly reach maximum speed - 50mph - in service, and none can exceed this.

There are some restrictions that apply, I think mainly on the Altrincham line but not sure where else, to M5000s only which may be related to ride quality at high speed.

 

[sheff'd victoria]

Im back in Manchester again on Thursday, will be doing the East Didsbury line, take it this is the line that used to curle around to Reddish Depot where the pilot metrolink services were done in the 1980's ?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Im back in Manchester again on Thursday, will be doing the East Didsbury line, take it this is the line that used to curl around to Reddish Depot where the pilot metrolink services were done in the 1980's ?

Not so, the line you so describe that was used for the trials in preparation prior to the proceedings that led to the introduction of the Manchester Metrolink service was the part of the Fallowfield Loop Line, where it diverged from Fairfield station, which had the trials using DLT units at a temporary halt constructed on Hyde Road.

The line to East Didsbury, whilst using the former Chorlton-cum-Hardy station on the other end of the Fallowfield Loop Line, then bifurcated to take another route altogether.

 

[oddiesjack]

Not quite.

Reddish Electric Depot was on the Fallowfield Loop line that ran from Chorlton Junction ( which is roughly St Werburgh's Road) to Fairfield for Droyslden.

East Didsbury was on the old Midland Railway route from Manchester Central to St. Pancras. This continued straight on from the previously mentioned Chorlton Junction to Heaton Mersey, where the direct (new) line via Cheadle Heath and Disley Tunnel diverged from the route into Stockport Tiviot Dale.

Oops, I see that Paul has beaten me to it!

 

[dggar]

Here is part of a map of suburban rail routes in Manchester
taken from a FoxLine publishing book "Railways in and around the Manchester Suburbs" by E.M. Johnson.

The present terminus at Parrs Wood is the square outlined in blue.

 

[familyguy99]

I surprise none have mention that engineering vehicle derailed at Queens Road depot (on Bury and Oldham line) just before 5am this morning blocking exit for trams to get out of depot mean all service was delays for rush hours passengers.

 

[oddiesjack]

I surprise none have mention that engineering vehicle derailed at Queens Road depot (on Bury and Oldham line) just before 5am this morning blocking exit for trams to get out of depot mean all service was delays for rush hours passengers.

Would that be an odd diesel shunter with 2 IBCs over the front end, presumably for ballast, coupled to a wagon with a sort of pantograph on it? I saw this yesterday afternoon shunting from one shed road to another on my way to Bury.

 

[WatcherZero]

1027?

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6130/5919904854_13c8858d12_z.jpg

 

[Rhydgaled]

Both types of tram regularly reach maximum speed - 50mph - in service, and none can exceed this.

There are some restrictions that apply, I think mainly on the Altrincham line but not sure where else, to M5000s only which may be related to ride quality at high speed.

So the new ones can get up to speed in places then, thanks.

 

[sheff'd victoria]

Not so, the line you so describe that was used for the trials in preparation prior to the proceedings that led to the introduction of the Manchester Metrolink service was the part of the Fallowfield Loop Line, where it diverged from Fairfield station, which had the trials using DLT units at a temporary halt constructed on Hyde Road.

The line to East Didsbury, whilst using the former Chorlton-cum-Hardy station on the other end of the Fallowfield Loop Line, then bifurcated to take another route altogether.

Not quite.

Reddish Electric Depot was on the Fallowfield Loop line that ran from Chorlton Junction ( which is roughly St Werburgh's Road) to Fairfield for Droyslden.

East Didsbury was on the old Midland Railway route from Manchester Central to St. Pancras. This continued straight on from the previously mentioned Chorlton Junction to Heaton Mersey, where the direct (new) line via Cheadle Heath and Disley Tunnel diverged from the route into Stockport Tiviot Dale.

Oops, I see that Paul has beaten me to it!

Here is part of a map of suburban rail routes in Manchester
taken from a FoxLine publishing book "Railways in and around the Manchester Suburbs" by E.M. Johnson.

The present terminus at Parrs Wood is the square outlined in blue.

Thanks for all that info and the map

I can see now why they would want to run the tram to Stockport from East Didsbury, however was the Stockport line shut due a tunnel problem at the side of what is now the M60 ?

 

[edwin_m]

The Metrolink to Stockport as originally planned would have start out from East Didsbury on the old Midland line but would have diverted off southwards quite soon and followed a route into Stockport that was generally parallel to the old railway but crossed the Mersey several times. I think it's very unlikely to happen, not least because residents of the leafy suburbs just east of East Didsbury are not exactly going to welcome it.

 

[familyguy99]

I'm sure someone on here mention couple of weeks ago that they haven't seen double M5000 trams (new yellow trams) before well here picture that I took this afternoon at St Peter Square stop.


3007-3053 Metrolink tram waiting at St Peter Square


Double M5000 tram leaving St Peter Square

Also for anyone who don't live in Greater Manchester and haven't see inside of T68 tram before well here to go.


Inside of 1002 Metrolink tram

^^ Really why it was empty is because it was double trams and more people on front tram then this one.

 

[sheff'd victoria]

The Metrolink to Stockport as originally planned would have start out from East Didsbury on the old Midland line but would have diverted off southwards quite soon and followed a route into Stockport that was generally parallel to the old railway but crossed the Mersey several times. I think it's very unlikely to happen, not least because residents of the leafy suburbs just east of East Didsbury are not exactly going to welcome it.

East Didsbury is the Posh end I take it ?

Can't see why the tram then can not go somehow to Reddish , Hyde Road , then connect with the railway at Fairfield ?

 

[northwichcat]

East Didsbury is the Posh end I take it ?

I would say it's West Didsbury that's posher but Didsbury is posh overall.

 

[sheff'd victoria]

e-mail from TfGM about the Metrolink running to Hadfield/Glossop

"I can confirm that a number of corridors are being reviewed by TfGM and the Greater Manchester Districts for their medium- to long-term potential for Metrolink development, tram-train conversion, or other rapid transit development. As noted in a report to Greater Manchester Combined Authority on 29 June 2012, these include the Manchester – Glossop corridor. One of the factors that would need to be considered is whether these rapid-transit developments would restrict future heavy-rail opportunities. The possible use of the Glossop line by fast trains if the Woodhead Tunnel were re-opened is an example of how future heavy-rail opportunities could be restricted if the Glossop line were developed as a rapid-transit route."

 

[snowball]

There's lots of discussion of this sort of stuff in two threads on the Manchester section of Skyscrapercity:

"TRANSPORT | Metrolink Tram-Train" and

"TRANSPORT | Metrolink - Future Phases & Fantasy Extensions".

 

[radamfi]

Does the Eccles line always go through MediaCity now? I haven't seen the separate MediaCity to Piccadilly service for ages.

 

[edwin_m]

There were several Media City trams at Picc Gardens on Monday afternoon.

 

[Manchester77]

During normal service there will be a separate Media - Piccadilly service except for on Sunday when the two are combined.

During events at the Etihad the service is combined for Victoria - Velopark services to run as specials for the event

 

[radamfi]

The website says:

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pages/news.aspx?serviceID=81

26/06/2013 14:43 Today's Metrolink Services

A 12 minute service is operating between Altrincham and Piccadilly.

A 12 minute service is operating between Bury and Droylsden (via Piccadilly)

A 12 minute service is operating on the Eccles/MediaCityUK line

A 12 minute service is operating between East Didsbury and Rochdale


A 12 minute service is operating between Altrincham and Bury

suggesting a combined service on the Eccles line.

 

[Manchester77]

Remember that on the official timetables the service isn't included as I have the previous 'ORL3' timetable which doesn't include the media - Piccadily service.

Also the website doesn't specify where the Eccles/Media service terminatates which brings me on to my rant:-

Wy can't metrolink do a proper service update propery specifying all services and frequnecies. Most of the time it's half hearted with not all services properly stated. You should see it sometimes when there weekend work and you have 'a service' between X and Y
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
http://s985.photobucket.com/user/fr...DeansgateCastlefield2014_zps2ff38f1b.jpg.html

MPT are ready to go with DGCF remodeling

 

[sheff'd victoria]

I went on the tram on the East Didsbury line yesterday, again was rather impressed with all the new lines, apart from the shocking site of a number of locations on the new line that have been the victim of a graffiti attack

 

[WatcherZero]

Yeah, never had a serious graffiti problem until the line to St Werburghs opened, since then its been a running war in that area, rebellious middle class kids eh?.

 

[dggar]

Yeah, never had a serious graffiti problem until the line to St Werburghs opened, since then its been a running war in that area, rebellious middle class kids eh?.

Surely "Creative, with no proper outlet for their talent" middle class kids.

 

[Nym]

No, just little scroats that wernt braught up properly...

 

[familyguy99]

Metrolink look set to be giver go ahead to build Metrolink line to Trafford Centre

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ws/trams-trafford-centre-set-go-ahead-4730005

 

[Starmill]

Metrolink look set to be giver go ahead to build Metrolink line to Trafford Centre

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...ws/trams-trafford-centre-set-go-ahead-4730005

I can hardly think of two more beneficial schemes for Manchester Bring it on.

 

[rebmcr]

I can hardly think of two more beneficial schemes for Manchester.

The mythical A556(M) springs to mind! Also the likely-never-to-be-seen-again original M60 (Altrincham-Old Trafford).