Metrolink started operating in 1992, using Ansaldo trams built in Italy. Its southern terminus is at Altrincham, from where it uses former BR tracks and stations to reach the edge of the city centre. For the short stretch from Altrincham to Deansgate Junction, it runs alongside the Chester-Stockport rail line, and this provides some varied traffic. Our tram journey is on board a 2 x 2-car set through to Bury, with No.1012 'Catherine Hallett' leading No.1002 'The Mary Sumner'.
Part 1 - Altrincham to Navigation Road (in/north-bound)
Bus, tram and rail connections at Altrincham
No.142015 leaves on a Northwich-Manchester service, as our tram to Bury waits to depart
No.158757 stops on a North Wales-Chester-Stockport-Manchester train
One Autumn afternoon, No.47376 'Freightliner 1995' rolls through with containers, perhaps on a circuitous route to Trafford Park
The Altrincham Metrolink platforms are on the right
No.158757 accelerates away from Altrincham
No.47376 approaches Navigation Road
Both systems reduce to single track through Navigation Road station until they reach Deansgate Junction and Timperley.
At Navigation Road, our tram briefly catches up with the Northwich-Manchester
No.158757 passes Navigation Road
No.47376 creates some interest for waiting Metrolink passengers at Navigation Road
To be continued, Dave.
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