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Manchester Metrolink

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Manchester Metrolink 01/03/2013 at 14:25 #41927
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This would be an interesting area to create.

It came to me whilst visiting the area midweek there. It would be interesting to see something like it.

Interesting workings too with up to 3 trams in the same signalled section. According to what I saw, its not uncommon for trams to be "stacked up" in that fashion.

It'd be nice to find out if TFGM would be willing to give info for this if it was possible. Plus if it did get created, it'd open up doors for other Light Rail areas

Just a passing

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Manchester Metrolink 01/03/2013 at 16:31 #41932
MJD
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And a green aspect.
Mike.
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Manchester Metrolink 01/03/2013 at 19:05 #41939
georgerb
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I like the aspect
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Manchester Metrolink 02/03/2013 at 00:12 #41961
Josie
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As more new sections open, only a fraction of the network remains on block signalling (I think - and I'm willing to be corrected - it's only the Phase 1 lines to Bury and Altrincham, possibly also Phase 2 through Salford Quays though I'm not sure). Everything else is line-of-sight with point indicators at junctions.

It's also mainly double-track plain line. There are five junctions on running lines at Trafford Bar (South Manchester line), Cornbrook (Eccles line), Irk Valley Junction (Oldham and Rochdale line) and the delta junctions at MediaCityUK and Piccadilly Gardens. There's also a single-line section through Navigation Road (signalled by Network Rail) and that's about it. There aren't even any regular short workings, everything runs end-to-end on all lines; I think this is due to change when the ORL service frequency is doubled as far as Shaw & Crompton, but that's a while off yet.

So it's got a handful of interesting features but on such a large network I think overall it would make for a fairly underwhelming sim.

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The following user said thank you: Signalhunter
Manchester Metrolink 07/03/2013 at 16:37 #42122
georgerb
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A good overview of the Metrolink.

As I see it, line of sight is only in the City.
i.e. Victoria --> Piccadilly --> Central. That triangle.

There is a "Switch on TRTS" sign as trams leave Victoria to go into the City.

There must be something in it??

George

Last edited: 07/03/2013 at 20:32 by georgerb
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Manchester Metrolink 08/03/2013 at 11:32 #42151
Josie
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No, the new lines have no block signalling either - the EML, for example, has point indicators at the turnbacks and position light-style signals (the ones made of rows of white lights, like the ones in the city centre) to indicate Stop or Proceed at places where there's conflicting road traffic. The latter are (I assume) worked automatically in sequence with the traffic lights, and that's it. Only the Phase 1 (maybe Phase 2, though I think not) lines have block signals.

I'm working from memory here as it's a long time since I waited for a tram at Victoria, but I think you might be conflating the 'change to street running mode' and 'TRTS before proceeding' signs - there certainly used to be both. But the starting signal from that platform was also taken out of use and covered over for a long time (unless it's been reinstated recently) so I don't even know whether there's still any TRTS function there.

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Manchester Metrolink 08/03/2013 at 11:51 #42153
Splodge
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I think TRTS is used mainly to letting traffic light controlled junctions know that the tram is ready so set the lights having watched drivers in the centre; preventing the lights holding road traffic needlessly.
There's the right way, the wrong way and the railway.
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The following user said thank you: georgerb
Manchester Metrolink 08/03/2013 at 13:35 #42156
georgerb
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There is a TRTS sign for drivers leaving Victoria towards the streets.

I have watched the drivers at traffic signals pushing a button on their controls four or five times and then the traffic lights seem to change in their favour.

I will look for the Street running mode...

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Manchester Metrolink 08/03/2013 at 14:14 #42164
Josie
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" said:
I think TRTS is used mainly to letting traffic light controlled junctions know that the tram is ready so set the lights having watched drivers in the centre; preventing the lights holding road traffic needlessly.
I had a hunch it might be that - at Victoria it's the crossing immediately outside the station on Corporation Street - but wasn't sure. I've never watched trams setting off from there, only ever been on them!

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