Metrolink Triple Bill

This time we make three journeys in one video. We follow the route of the ELR and L&Y from Bury into Piccadilly and discuss the Irk Valley Junction crash. We then make two truncated journeys. The first is from Altrincham on the MSAJR which was the route of the Class 304s to Manchester Oxford Road - that will bring back memories as we run alongside the Bridgewater Canal. Finally, a newer route from Manchester Airport to St Werburgh’s Road. A fascinating combination of off road and on road before finishing up on the old Cheshire Lines route from East Didsbury.

[@AnubhabKundu]

The sound of the tram's traction motors is something we dont hear usually. Its pure beautiful.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, intriguing isn’t it.

[@itisunusual6412]

Great to have a new video, thanks.

[@ianinvancouverbc]

Had the pleasure of taking the Bury Metrolink tram then the ELR in May 2018 lovely trip

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one Ian 👍

[@JamesBentley1981]

I always used to think that the trams went round in a massive circle at Piccadilly when a Bury-Picc service terminated there and it had to get to the other platform to start a Picc-Bury return journey. You’ll never know how gutted I am that this isn’t the case.

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, sorry James. I’ve learned a huge amount about the operation since they invited me to film.

[@jwhitts]

Great video, thank you. Hopefully you can get to do one for the Nottingham Express Transit tram lines, no where near as extensive as Manchester but still interesting.

[@doncoffey5820]

If they invite me Jay 🤞👍

[@neelumehta3749]

Thanks Don for the fantastic tram tour. It's been a great journey. Looking forward to seeing more such videos.

[@doncoffey5820]

More to come Neelu!

[@nomorehierros]

Thanks for the journey Don, I used to travel to Bury on this line for many years.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a nice run Andrew.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another great video! Good to see the history of when these light rail lines were heavy rail.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to hear from you Henry. Yes, it’s a bitter sweet thing but heavy rail can’t provide the frequency of light rail. It’s a super service.

[@Bigbro28]

Always great to see a new video from you, maintaining your usual high standard of production. 👍🐨🇦🇺

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Martin, much appreciated 👍

[@Annur375]

Mr. Coffey, your videos are a delight. Thank you for sharing and best to you.

[@doncoffey5820]

And all the best to you Jacob.

[@michaelritchie5303]

Yippee, a new treat for us. Thanks as usual Don. I'm going to settle in and enjoy.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cold drinks and some snacks Michael 👍🍻

[@johndavidson3842]

Very interesting and great to see another video from you, thanks for your efforts.

[@doncoffey5820]

More soon John.

[@Tiffy552]

Interesting video very enjoyable. Thankyou Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Tony 👍

[@MervynPartin]

This video had been recommended to me by Rob Rossington (as a reply to a comment of mine on another video channel). I thoroughly enjoyed both the views and the additional information about the routes. I am certainly impressed by what Metrolink has done. I shall now look forward to watching your videos of other lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mervyn. Rob drove all the trams in our films and he’s currently filming some new revisions. We’ll be covering this in a future video. He’s a great guy and very knowledgeable.

[@jimmylawson6014]

Fabulous Don, absolutely love this route from a Tyne and Wear Metro fan.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one Jimmy. Hopefully I’ll get up there one day 👍

[@joerotchell4882]

Not enough just to give a thumbs up but need to say thank you as well. As a Kent lad I love the insight into the Manchester Metro, to the point that I’m planning a days riding trip in August. Would have done it earlier but really disappointed to see that dogs have never been allowed on the system. Cheers 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

I never thought I’d find the Metrolink operation so interesting. Thanks to Darren and Rob I’ve seen a different side to it. Glad you did too.

[@ffrancrogowski6263]

These videos are really the tops, Don. It's great to go along a line that I never worked or travelled on like the Bury to Manchester service. I have seen an old video taken of that route when there was the British Rail third rail dc trains, but it all looks so different these days. The route out of Altrincham is interesting, and it's a long time since I travelled along there - with the old 304 units, just before the conversion to tram. I had one or two journeys along that line too, with the old 1930s emus, back in about '68. The other journey through Wythenshawe is an eye opener, with all the stations there is along that section and with parallel street running too. I have only ever travelled on a Metrolink tram from Victoria to Queens Road to get to the transport museum, but that was about' 94. I never was tram crazy, but this system is ace around Greater Manchester, and it's been a pleasure to watch the videos that you've presented up to now. The information that you present with these videos is enlightening and interesting. Many thanks, Don, and good health to you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you Frank. Yes, since Metrolink invited me to film with them it’s really opened my eyes about that system. Like many I was sceptical about closing the Oldham Loop but in reality, heavy rail can’t offer a 12 minute service. I’d rather see these lines resurrected than lost anyway. Next video is back to your old roots. Tunstead to Bedford via Corby. All the best Frank.

[@ChangesOneTim]

Brilliant videos again, Sir. I well remember the Bury line in the early Metrolink days when it was still largely BR's jointed track. The boltholes for the old side-contact conductor rails could still be seen in the wooden sleepers.

[@doncoffey5820]

Showing your age now. Unfortunately, I can remember it too! Take care Tim.

[@apexqc04]

Loving all your videos, and especially enjoyed the Metrolink ones more than expected. It's interesting to think that there was a brief period in history when I could get a train directly from Stockport to Altrincham and how much I missed it's passing, even though I think I only ever travelled it once. Fortunately two further girlfriends were in Crumpsall which was by then tram territory. Even though I do think the modern M5000s are smart, if dressed a little like emergency vehicles, I still much preferred the passenger experience of the old T68 model. I must be getting old.

[@doncoffey5820]

You and me both (getting old that is) 😉. You can still go Cheshire lines but yes, I’d love to have sen it from Portwood.

[@podbabatransport7515]

The speed limits on metro systems in the UK are shown on diamond shaped signs that signify, as opposed to round ones, that the speed shown is in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. The speedometers in all UK LRVs is also computed in kilometres per hour. Nonetheless, these are absolutely superb videos Don. Michael

[@richardmurray2068]

Incredible work

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Richard.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Hi don ,Great to see you back posting, Has manchester always had trams cheers bob from a very cold sydney.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’re having a heatwave Robert but probably still cold to you 👍. There have been many tram systems dating back years.

[@Melalmighty]

Another very good video Don nice to see the tram network

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mel.

[@jontaylor1652]

Great share Don, thanks. I love these tram movies, I don't think they have the same fascination as trains do but it makes a real change being out in the thick of urban areas. Some great driving going on too.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, that’s Rob driving, he knows his stuff.

[@rubyait]

Great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Thomas.

[@javierguidounicaud6621]

Thank you for this video and for the.nice and very interesting train/tram cab rides. This is the first seen in England, but I saw several eirher in France and in Germany. I could see a difference between these cab rides. It lies in the height of the stations platforms, highest in the UK. This results in additional costs inside the cities since the access doors of these trams are higher, but not in France or Germany.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Hr Nicaud. Yes, the Metrolink system uses railway height platforms in order to utilise existing heavy rail platforms but some of the newer dedicated systems there are low level doors.

[@geoffreymoore1510]

Thanks, Don, for an interesting ride. Obviously afternoon time, almost evening I am guessing. I know you guys have daylight til quite late in the Summer. You answered a question I had in mind about the conversion from heavy to Light Rail. Our old trams went off when I was 10...1961 "everything old is new again" and Light Rail is back in many places. The L1 from the city to Dulwich Hill was partly an old freight heavy line to Darling Harbour, originally a freight rail yard and now an entertainment precinct...now extending to Dulwich Hill can share my amateur videos if interested. Not being n notified of your posts I have to ferret through them to see what I have missed. Hi from Down Under.

[@doncoffey5820]

I don’t know if you have Facebook Geoffrey (I only have it for a few forums) but I’d love to see your videos. You can post them up on there. facebook.com/groups/546080639654054/?multi_permalinks=1075311683397611%2C1075282706733842%2C1075126526749460%2C1074881936773919%2C1074787070116739&notif_id=1658090554365050&notif_t=group_activity&ref=notif

[@daveheath6385]

Canada here again. Great video Don. I grew up in Sale and especially enjoyed the "Alty" line segment.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Dave, much appreciated 👍

[@michaellittlejohns7968]

Great video

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@JamesBentley1981]

The caption at @40.25 hasn’t aged well. Thanks Rishi.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, a lot of mixed feelings about that. Maybe one day 👍

[@besinnliches]

28:07 Not often you see points being pushed through these days, at least on the mainline!

[@doncoffey5820]

There’s a new instruction at TPE where we can’t. Common on trans though.

[@mubzytv]

One thing to add thats not included in this video is Woodland’s Road Tram stop that was functional until 2011, when they built Abraham Moss and Queens Road Tram stop instead. Woodlands Road Tram Stop used to be after the Bridge at Abraham Moss. I lived around the area and used to be my Tram stop until it shut for Abraham Moss

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the info. I’m limited to what I can add to the captions but glad you pointed it out.

[@martinjh999]

58:16 - Not the Old Trafford I thought it might be :) Was thinking of the Old Trafford station on the heavy line to Liverpool...

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry Martin, no that’s in the Liverpool videos.

[@nikkob1252]

All those people crossing around the 20 minute mark, like I understand that the tram would ideally stop before the crossing there, but I still ain't risking that 😅

[@doncoffey5820]

Those tram drivers really have to keep their wits about them 👍

[@rubyait]

@31. Oh, no, Don. They are razing our favorite pub. Get in there and stop them!

[@doncoffey5820]

I got some beer mats Thomas 😉. Good to hear from you 👍

[@stebear58]

Hi there you will find shameless was film in Gorton and Ashbury near Old ICL building coz pub they use my mum and dad use go for there lunch and sometime it closed coz of filming going as mum n dad worked at ICL the building as long gone now

[@doncoffey5820]

It may have been but certainly some of the outside scenes were shot at Wythenshawe.

[@joliecomerford7095]

good video

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Jolie.

[@juliecomerdord7566]

good video don goodnight

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Julie 👍

[@johncollins8071]

Hi Don, I've just got in to these tram videos. And great fun they are too. As we sit at Bury, for instance, what are those frames for in the four foot? (Sorry if you've explained this beyond what I've viewed already.)

[@doncoffey5820]

They communicate between the tram and the signalling system John. Rob tells me the system is called VECOM. There is no signaller as such so these loops set the route according to where the tram is going.

[@emeraldzebra9360]

I still wish our trams here (Manc) were the old T68's and that we still used proper block signals rather than drive on sight. It's much safer to use block signals

[@doncoffey5820]

I think the Metrolink guys agree but it rarely causes a problem 👍

[@AnubhabKundu]

Never watched a tram run this fast. Atleast in Kolkata, India, people are getting buses to replace these high capacity transport vehicles. We still have these trams but since they run on the urban roads, they do not even exceed 30 kmph....people dont want to lose road space to trams. What a shame! Trams are much better than diesel powered railcars in terms of passenger capacity and carbon footprint.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s an interesting subject isn’t it Anubhab. They run at speeds of up to 50 mph. They certainly improve on diesel traction.

[@michealmatthews9377]

purple akie gets a namecheck !

[@doncoffey5820]

I didn’t know anything about him but he came up in Wikipedia when researching the video.

[@laurenfisher3068]

I grew up with the class 504 E.M.Us and the t68s

[@doncoffey5820]

I remember them both Lauren but I didn’t have a lot to do with them at that time.

[@firstfreeone]

G'Day Don. What was the blowing, windy noise from the 33 mint e mark?

[@doncoffey5820]

It was the cab ventilation fan. Rob didn’t realise the camera would pick it up.

[@stevelambert6689]

Another brilliant video Don. A question really (youll probably know the answer to this) as the tram departed Manchester Victoria (Timeline 28:03) the signals were naturally in its favour, but the points were against it, is this normal?

[@doncoffey5820]

Well spotted Steve. Yes, it’s explained in a previous video that the points in many cases are left by the previous tram and the next just pushes through. It surprised me at first.

[@Thunderer0872]

The school kids on the crossing made me wince on the Bury tram is that normal or just kids not paying attention?

[@doncoffey5820]

I think it’s normal. They just take the trams for granted.

[@juliecomerford9325]

good morning don

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Julie 🙂

[@Matz32]

interesting network

[@doncoffey5820]

Being involved with these videos really opened my eyes regarding the Metrolink system.

[@benos4x4adventures49]

I actually thought this was a game at first

[@doncoffey5820]

No, it’s real footage 👍

[@stephenjhdearden]

are the speed limits kph or mph - you seem to caption both.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t why you think both. Metrolink runs on mph.

[@SSS92934]

Where do you get the pictures which say the stations and the lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

I had to produce them all one by one on the computer and it took a long time!

[@YetAnotherGeorgeth]

1:33:05 I dunno, still looks a bit confusing, I don’t think there’s enough signage there 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, yes I know what you mean!!!

[@johncampbell8456]

Pity the video appears to have been recorded against a late evening sky. This results in very poor picture clarity.

[@doncoffey5820]

The thing is John, they are fairly representative of how it really is. We have to drive in difficult lighting at times 👍

[@matthewsmith2787]

Line of sight or signals ?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, mostly Matthew. There are a few conventional signals around Altrincham.

[@jjyungdraco7617]

Same train like in Bonn or Cologne (Germany)

[@doncoffey5820]

Excellent, thank you. I love visiting Germany 👍

[@emeraldzebra9360]

As a rider of these regularly, these videos DO NOT show how absolutely AWFUL the ride quality on these M5000's are... I want the T68s back desperately

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s intended to show the operation, history and geography. I’ve not fathomed out how to show the ride. T68s are gone (I told Rob Rossington about your comment and he agrees with you that T68s were better). Sometimes it’s things like crash protection that dictates the design.

[@zaidsholji9447]

First

[@AnubhabKundu]

These LRVs have very poor headlights I must say.

[@doncoffey5820]

Possibly but to be fair the camera isn’t good in low light situations.

[@andrewjenvey9040]

Your name rings a bell I'm from walsall the son of Ken Jenvey steam diesel and brother to David jenvey diesel then electric any bells ringing

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m afraid not Andrew. I’m Derbyshire born and bred and have never driven trains in that locality. North of England is my patch.

[@JohnMurphy-mx7pd]

#DriverView #Briliant

[@2H80vids]

Nice way to spend a morning, thanks Don.👍😁

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍