The only problem a Metro-Link tram has is wheel profile, orginally the tyres were turned to a profile which was slightly different from a heavy rail one, but could still run on the original BR tracks on the Altrincham and Bury lines and the new city centre and Eccles routes.
Since the track was relayed they have been turned to a tram profile which is ok on plain rail track but can have problems on check rails and pointwork on the heavy rail system. |
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Years ago I believe that there were some places where heavy rail wagons were allowed to traverse street tram lines by running on their flanges due to the lower profile track. |
So if this is true in theory a national network train use the metrolink line.
I know there is some very tight curves but nothing a class 142 pacer unit can't handle. This would be great as a special seeing one of these in the city streets. One ambition of mine is to see C13 and 14 4-4-0T's working the line once more on specials. It could be done as there is the same gauge and height restrictions for this type. |
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Yes they were.
Don't worry, I've got a plan up my sleeve as well as a spanner, a copy of new scientist and a pack of kleenex tissues! I was thinking that a pacer could run on a sunday when there are less trams. Like the name I have to say. As far as the C13 and 14's are concerned, there is a great chance for a new build here. I wonder what metrolink would say? No probably. |
If no-one else noticed, there's a 4 page article on this very subject in the current edition of the Railway Magazine.
Cheers. 62440 |
Ah well I will purchase this as soon as poss then thanks!
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Mainline trains have taken a ride on Metrolink in recent years.
Metrolink hired 3 Class 08 shunters and a Class 60 locomotive from EWS in order to help with the relay of track on the Bury and Altrincham lines. The ex-BR sections of Metrolink where and still are built and maintained to Network Rail standards, to the point that I believe staff even carry up to date Network Rail literature to assist them with this. I did have a photo of a Class 60 on Metrolink metals but can't find it at the moment. This proves it did occur, however; http://www.ews-railway.co.uk/cmsnews...45D244AF8CE%7D But as EWS states there, there are problems with clearences brining main line locomotives onto the Metrolink network, certainly in the city centre where the OHL is far too low for a mainline loco to fit under (I believe EWS had to bring their locos in via the connection at the ELR). So there is no chance of fitting a Pacer into the city centre because the wires are too low. I also don't see a Pacer making it up the gradient towards Shudehill on tram tracks without derailing to be honest. Non starter. |
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In the very early years of Metrolink, they held a depot open day, and one of the exhibits was Gothenburg, which got to the depot under it's own power. It was apparently chosen as it was the only steam engine on the line which would fit under the over head wires. |
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