manchester metrolink

[steam for ever]

I used the metrolink earlier in the week and was shocked at the destruction.

I think many enthusiasts used the line as it still retained many MSJ&A features.
Now a huge amount has been ripped out.
The line to Altrincham has been rationalised from its original formation in many places which could prevent expansion in the future.
if it becomes more busy they will have to use the buses, so I do agree with that.

They have made it imposible to restore four track running and the Old trafford 4 platforms are a brilliant example.
The station had 4 platforms, all original and now they have all been ripped out and replaced with 2 new small ones that cannot possibly cope at this of all stations.
Now the other two platforms are gone it will overflow and quickly.
the new trams are also smaller, wonder why now?

The next thing you know the line has been closed and turned into a bus route.

All I can say is enjoy what is left while you can, it may not be around for much longer.

[Deathbyteacup]

.................huh?

1) The MSJ&A / BR features needed replacing because they where old, unsafe, and not fit for purpous. Nobody used Metrolink for railway nostalga, probably not even enthusiasts, they use it to get from A to B. It's now much more suited to that role.

2) The line to Altrincham has been modernised and spurs added for all the authorised extentions well into the future, so expandability is very much there.

3) The new trams are now entering services to aleviate the conjestion problems.

4) There is NO reason EVER for four track running on a tram system. It's neither nesssasary or required. What they've done = money saved best spent elsewere.

5) Again, tram stops don't need four platforms, the current modern platforms are more than suited and easier for passengers.

6) The new trams are dimensionally identical to the T68s, they have less seats but MUCH MUCH more standing room - the idea is that it's better to have more places to stand if you're likely to end up standing anyway. The new trams are popular in this respect.

You really have a funny idea about how the tram system should be. It isn't a railway, and it especially isn't a preserved railway - the upgrades and enhancements are all pretty awesome and well taken by the people of Manchester so far in my view.

[steam for ever]

It seems I might be the only sad enthusiast who hates change, or am I?

Has there been any contact from the Altrincham electric group?

I was sure their aim was preserving the aspects of this line.

[Deathbyteacup]

....it's an operational tram line? Not being funny, because I am an enthusiast and I support preservation, but it should be preserved away from Metrolink operation.

Sure, take the features and move them elsewhere to a preserved line, storage, whatever, which may very well be the case, but you can't leave them there at the detrement of an operational tram system, that requires the upgrades to grow and prosper?

To have kept thing exactly as they where would have been at major detrement to the Metrolink system, not benefit to the people who use it.

[pre65]

SFE old chum.

We can't preserve everything from the past however much you might think.

If there is a way to incorporate worthy buildings from the past into new developments, even if the purpose they are used for is different, then all good and well but not otherwise.

[steam for ever]

I do realise these things but most of the removed infastructure has been destroyed by the builders and this is the point i have been trying to make.
I did ask the builders what they were going to save and they did not have an answer.
They were just mindlessly ripping ou the past.
I know not everything can be saved but nothing at all?

[Deathbyteacup]

As far as I know most of the removed infrastructure was B.R. overhead line stantions, not really worth keeping because they're everywhere anyway and nobody really notices them.

What else have they destroyed, exactly, apart from bufferstops?

[steam for ever]

several stations were destroyed to my knowledge.
It is not all bad however.
The line via didsbury was under construction and this was good news.

On study though the Chester line via Altrincham which used to use what is now the Altrincham metrolink line is becoming more and more busy and I did wonder if the line would be taken over and converted back.

This now seems impossible to do this.

There is a question I have also.
The now disuded bridge that runs along side the metrolink bridge over the ship canal just outside Central was weeded and the trackbed had been given considerable treatment.
Fences have also been removed.
Is this bridge bing brought back into use?
Is central going to see rail traffic once more?

[steam for ever]

There has been several concerns that there will be the problem of over crowding in the near future and there is a limit to the number of trams that can be run.
Will we see any three coach trams?

All platforms are long enough for two coupled together so why not rebuild some of the old trams with a centre coach.
Or centre coaches with new trams.
Many trams systems have trams with three around the world and it has been suggested before.
This may end concerns about track capacity and shortage of trams to create double ones during football matches when the tram system obviously cannot cope.

[Deathbyteacup]

and there is a limit to the number of trams that can be run

But trams run far more frequently than trains? There would be less trains.

I don't know if I've heard of a three car tram before but I don't see why not I guess. It'd make sense.