Manchester trolleybus map

[Revaulx]

Ok it’s not really rail-related, but it feels like it fits this thread better than the tram one.

Try as I might, I cannot find a map of Manchester’s trolleybus system which existed from 1938 to 1966, though I think only the Ashton routes survived that long. It was a lot less extensive than the tram system which, in a complete reversal of policy, had begun to be replaced by diesel buses as early as the late 1920s. It was quite extensive nevertheless, and services to Ashton were run jointly with Ashton Corp Transport.

Anyone able to guide me in the right direction?

 

[MadMarsupial]

Eyre Heaps and Taylor wrote a book called Manchester's Trolleybuses. It includes a fold out map. Available ( not expensive ) second hand.

 

[OVS Flatbottom]

There is https://railmaponline.com/trolleybus.html, which claims to cover all UK trolleybus systems, but I can't vouch for its accuracy as regards Manchester.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Bob Rowe's book 'Ashton and Manchester's Trolleybuses' published by Super Prestige contains a full history and route maps.

Available as a PDF

Mcr Trolleybus

 

[Revaulx]

Thanks to all for your replies. I’m now an expert!

 

[341o2]

Wasn't there also the Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley & Dukinfield Tramways & Electricity Board (SHMD, which provided the wires, but no buses, using Manchester and Ashton vehicles for its services?

 

[daodao]

It was quite extensive nevertheless, and services to Ashton were run jointly with Ashton Corp Transport.

Tram route 26 from Manchester to Ashton along Ashton New Road was converted to a trolleybus route in 1938, which lasted to the end of the trolleybus network in December 1966, latterly as route 216, but was operated solely by Manchester Corporation Transport. I have a distinct childhood memory of a red trolleybus on route 216 at the Stevenson Square terminus. It was then converted to motor bus operation, but (uniquely in the UK) it has now been converted back to a tram route, although the parallel 216 bus route still runs, albeit less frequently but with closer spaced stops.

Many of the trolleybuses for both Ashton and Manchester were built locally by Crossley in Levenshulme.

Eyre Heaps and Taylor wrote a book called Manchester's Trolleybuses. It includes a fold out map. Available ( not expensive ) second hand.

I have a copy of this booklet, which includes a full overhead wiring plan. It was published in 1967 at a price of 10 shillings (50 pence in today's currency).

Wasn't there also the Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley & Dukinfield Tramways & Electricity Board (SHMD), which provided the wires, but no buses, using Manchester and Ashton vehicles for its services?

Yes. SHMD's green motor buses generally didn't operate into Manchester City Centre, except on joint routes 6 and 125 to Glossop via Stalybridge and Hyde respectively.