We're waiting for the Oldham Loop...

[YorkshireBear]

Or you could just use this...

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/network-map-with-new-extensions.pdf

nym, that would be for too simple... (didnt know one existed ta :P )

 

[Class377/5]

Or you could just use this...

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/network-map-with-new-extensions.pdf

Try getting that to work with the services planned rather than just one colour......

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Or you could just use this...

http://www.metrolink.co.uk/pdf/future_metrolink/network-map-with-new-extensions.pdf

I had to laugh when I saw that one of the projected stations on the Port Salford line was scheduled to be called Lostock Parkway, which was what the current Lostock heavy rail station on the line outwards from Bolton was once called before being renamed. I can still imagine if joint ticketing is fully operational in the future, this example will led to some fraught situations at the time of ticket booking.

Having this added line section shown, with fully named stations,at such an early time, is somewhat akin to naming your children before your wife is in a state of pregnancy.....or is my cynicism showing again..:roll:

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Having this added line section shown, with fully named stations,at such an early time, is somewhat akin to naming your children before your wife is in a state of pregnancy.....or is my cynicism showing again..:roll:

I can't remember Lostock ever officially having the 'Parkway' suffix, though I've heard it banded about a few times.

I think that having stations names prepared gives a sense of certainty, it stops the feeling (from the public and non-insiders at least) that the plans aren't fully developed. Further, if the public can see the concrete plans, they're more likely to support it, because they'll be able to see what's in it for themselves. Plus I assume all that sort of data is needed for the plans to be even approved in the first instance.

 

[WatcherZero]

Can be confusing yes ive picked up on the Lostock issue before, theres two Ince stations for example, one in Wigan and one in Liverpool.

 

[Nym]

That would actually make it three Lostock stations by that logic

Lostock (Bolton), Lostock Gralam (Cheshire), Lostock Parkway (Lostock Circle maybe) (Trafford)..

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I can't remember Lostock ever officially having the 'Parkway' suffix, though I've heard it banded about a few times.

I feel that it was during the 1988/1989 period, when plans for the large car park to utilise some of the previously used railway land, according from what was said to me during a telephone conversation that I had with a colleague, when this and other matters on the other line to Westhoughton were being discussed.

I am indeed aware of your extensive knowledge of the railway stations of Britain and had I not been of the intention to discuss this matter with my colleague, I would have sent a PM to you on this matter.

I note that WatcherZero has since made a posting with regard to this matter.

 

[dfurn]

Just been looking at a few things on Google Maps and the layout is beginning to make a little more sense now!

Going further towards Rochdale, I realise now that the line passing under Junction 21 of the M62 is also part of it. This looks relatively untouched at the moment (not sure if it has been been so much as relaid or anything, though from the car it is difficult to see) but there are certainly no catenary supports that I can see.

Well the line north from Shaw to Milnrow was single tracked I suppose in the late 1970s. I remember it being double when I was little. Having recently (7th May in fact) driven off the M62 junction 21 following the signs which say 'Huddersfield A640' just as you go back under the M62 on the left the track is now re-doubled. So that's something concrete that's happened (or metal I suppose). Therefore it has definitely been relaid. No sign of overhead wires though.

If you're driving that way if you turn back towards Milnrow there's a pub called the John Milne. If you go into the beer garden at the back, jump over the fence there's an old bridge over the railway line which is only passable on foot (or horse I suppose). Perfectly possible to stand on it and watch whatever rolling stock might flow underneath with no danger from passing traffic (as there isn't any). Unless they have decided to knock the bridge down to make putting the overhead wires underneath easier. You don't actually need to go via the pub but it might be easier to park in the pub car park if you do.

Here's where I mean. The bridge is covered in grass by the way. Just getting the hang of this linking thing. Here's a Streetview view of it. The latter view shows in fact you can just walk over the bridge from the pub car park without having to go over any fence. Maybe it's a public footpath.

 

[WatcherZero]

Not sure but I think it only officially carried the name 'Lostock Parkway' for a couple of years after it reopened in '88 but thats what ive always known it as and the Parkway suffix has continued to be used by ORR in the national statistics and by Northern in station information screens, eg this from Bolton in 2008.

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

That would actually make it three Lostock stations by that logic

Lostock (Bolton), Lostock Gralam (Cheshire), Lostock Parkway (Lostock Circle maybe) (Trafford)..

Yeah but their both called just 'Ince' on station information screens and train passenger announcements. Annoyingly Ince Wigan is sometimes announced as 'Ince (Manchester)' (not Greater Manchester!) which is funny as the fullname of the Merseyside station is 'Ince and Elton'.

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/inc/details.html (lookup Ince!)

 

[spargazer]

Are they are having signalling problems?

 

[PR1Berske]

I can't remember Lostock ever officially having the 'Parkway' suffix, though I've heard it banded about a few times.

I think that having stations names prepared gives a sense of certainty, it stops the feeling (from the public and non-insiders at least) that the plans aren't fully developed. Further, if the public can see the concrete plans, they're more likely to support it, because they'll be able to see what's in it for themselves. Plus I assume all that sort of data is needed for the plans to be even approved in the first instance.

Some departure screens/boards show "Lostock Pkwy" or similar. I'm dreading the day when all the stations from Leyland through to Bolton are rebranded like that :roll::roll:

My "money is no object" alternative would be to move Lostock such-and-such metres south so it becomes a Junction, allowing passengers to go to/from Wigan if they choose to do so. Pipe dreams, I know, and a little off-topic

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

My "money is no object" alternative would be to move Lostock such-and-such metres south so it becomes a Junction, allowing passengers to go to/from Wigan if they choose to do so. Pipe dreams, I know, and a little off-topic

"Pipe Dreams" quite possibly, but you do indeed cite a line bifurcation situation similar that has existed for very many years at the junction station that is Earlestown, which sees traffic on both the routes adequately covered by the pathing already so existing.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Not sure but I think it only officially carried the name 'Lostock Parkway' for a couple of years after it reopened in '88 but thats what ive always known it as and the Parkway suffix has continued to be used by ORR in the national statistics and by Northern in station information screens, eg this from Bolton in 2008.

Thank you for that visual confirmation of what I too had seen in past days.

 

[WatcherZero]

My "money is no object" alternative would be to move Lostock such-and-such metres south so it becomes a Junction, allowing passengers to go to/from Wigan if they choose to do so. Pipe dreams, I know, and a little off-topic

Ive long called for the Wigan platforms to be reopened, you wouldnt even have to move the existing platforms.

 

[Nym]

Ive long called for the Wigan platforms to be reopened, you wouldnt even have to move the existing platforms.

Or even build any significant structures, just a couple of wooden platforms and a stairwell from the overbridge already in place...

 

[MidnightFlyer]

AFAIK the signalling doesn't allow all four would-be platforms to be occupied though, that was one of the things that held it back. Of course with the electrification via Chorely and other such projects things may change.

 

[PR1Berske]

Thanks all, it's not often my posts aren't laughed out of town

On subject - only a few weeks before the Oldham line opens, but alas, I'm in another country so I need lots of photos when I get back

 

[spargazer]

I have heard on the grapevine, a rumour (MPT), that Metrolink may head out to Wilmslow along the Burnage route, it is in the "study stage" so no more Pendos for local commuters! It would be a big come down from the present arrangements.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Taking over the heavy rail line? I can't see that happening, that'd scupper a WCML diversionary route and presumably mean no heavy rail station to the Airport. Mind you, there has been talk of the Castleton and Atherton routes going in the past, I guess nothing is beyond them :roll:

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Taking over the heavy rail line? I can't see that happening, that'd scupper a WCML diversionary route and presumably mean no heavy rail station to the Airport. Mind you, there has been talk of the Castleton and Atherton routes going in the past, I guess nothing is beyond them :roll:

I should imagine that ATW would also be somewhat disconcerted to find that two of the four platforms at Wilmslow had suddenly assumed a new guise to reflect a situation similar to that of Altrincham and would put an end to hopes of running any of their future services that way direct into Manchester Airport. Can you also imagine what First TPE would then have to do with regards their current service provision into Manchester Airport.

Have new amendment proposals to the hopes of the Ordsall Chord and of parts of the Northern Hub been jointly surreptitiously submitted by TfGM, TfGMC and GMCA ?..

Will the Leigh Guided Busway be somehow linked to make station forecourt connections at certain of these newly proposed "Metrolink" stations that will be replacing the existing heavy rail railway stations on the Styal Line ?...

Will I ever stop seeing "mission impossible" postings appearing upon this thread..
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I have heard on the grapevine, a rumour (MPT), that Metrolink may head out to Wilmslow along the Burnage route, it is in the "study stage" so no more Pendos for local commuters! It would be a big come down from the present arrangements.

If all this expense currently being incurred on actually building a new Manchester Metrolink route to Manchester Airport, via Wythenshawe, why is it assumed that a second such Manchester Metrolink route as you so describe will be required?

There is already another South Manchester... Manchester Metrolink route under construction to Parrs Wood, in the East Didsbury area, that is in the second stage of construction from St Werburgh's Road in Chorlton. A transfer from light rail to heavy rail could be effected there at East Didsbury railway station, similar to the light rail/heavy rail interchange that exists at Altrincham Interchange.

 

[dggar]

I have heard on the grapevine, a rumour (MPT), that Metrolink may head out to Wilmslow along the Burnage route, it is in the "study stage" so no more Pendos for local commuters! It would be a big come down from the present arrangements.

It's probably needed to cater for the flying pigs landing at the airport.

 

[Crossover]

Following on from what I said earlier, the bit between Shaw and Rochdale (well, under the M62 Junction 21) is relaid and has got poles for the overheads, but no "frame" on top, or, of course, no actual catenary.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well the line north from Shaw to Milnrow was single tracked I suppose in the late 1970s. I remember it being double when I was little. Having recently (7th May in fact) driven off the M62 junction 21 following the signs which say 'Huddersfield A640' just as you go back under the M62 on the left the track is now re-doubled. So that's something concrete that's happened (or metal I suppose). Therefore it has definitely been relaid. No sign of overhead wires though.

If you're driving that way if you turn back towards Milnrow there's a pub called the John Milne. If you go into the beer garden at the back, jump over the fence there's an old bridge over the railway line which is only passable on foot (or horse I suppose). Perfectly possible to stand on it and watch whatever rolling stock might flow underneath with no danger from passing traffic (as there isn't any). Unless they have decided to knock the bridge down to make putting the overhead wires underneath easier. You don't actually need to go via the pub but it might be easier to park in the pub car park if you do.

Here's where I mean. The bridge is covered in grass by the way. Just getting the hang of this linking thing. Here's a Streetview view of it. The latter view shows in fact you can just walk over the bridge from the pub car park without having to go over any fence. Maybe it's a public footpath.

Thanks for that - if I get a chance I will try go have a look

(If it is there and wired already it'd be even better...would quite like some photos of the catenary in its shiny state )

 

[spargazer]

this could prove to be a useful comparison
http://www.flickr.com/photos/42186853@N06/3962950079/in/photostream

(times and fares for 2009)

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Ah, 2 sub-15 minute trains for £2.90 (off-peak single) twice an hour! I wonder how Metrolink will compare... :roll:

 

[spargazer]

if you look at the main page here you will find piccies and another time table, cheers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42186853@N06/3962944119/in/photostream

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Ah, 2 sub-15 minute trains for £2.90 (off-peak single) twice an hour! I wonder how Metrolink will compare... :roll:

If you build into the cost/index analysis into the equation, which will allow for the annual inflation figure financial formulae, noting the quoted journey length of Manchester Victoria to Milnrow, you could also perform both a timing and a costing differentials for both the previous heavy-rail service that ran to:-

Manchester Victoria to Radcliffe (Bury Metrolink line)

Manchester Piccadilly to Timperley (Altrincham Metrolink line)

Are there any financial experts on the forum who can draw up comparable figures (and journey times) which will give comparisons between the previous heavy rail journey and the existing Manchester Metrolink journey, on both the examples that I cite above.

 

[Mattmatt]

Some Pictures from the Oldham Line driver training. Just by the Junction into Queens Rd Depot. There were quite a few bods about messing with the electrical boxes - presumably still working on the TMS; as one fitter was manually changing the points for the trams.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67294209@N04/7217049938/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67294209@N04/7217052858/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67294209@N04/7217056172/in/photostream/

Hope these come out properly - cant seem to post a picture onto the link, but follow these and you'll see them.

 

[WatcherZero]

Ah, 2 sub-15 minute trains for £2.90 (off-peak single) twice an hour! I wonder how Metrolink will compare... :roll:

Im hearing at the moment their averaging around 17 minutes, though as their route learning their not driving to the permitted limits.

 

[telstarbox]

*they're ! x3

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

*they're ! x3

Is this some type of coded message ?

For those of us not quite ready to help out at GCHQ, can you provide a translation, please....:roll:

 

[martin2345uk]

I believe he was correcting the three "theirs" in the precious post.