Metrolink M5000 Fleet Status

[ValleyLines142]

Yes most services are doubles. There’s a few single Rochdale sets, a couple of Ashton sets and all TPL and APL sets. The result of that is slightly higher fleet utilisation than a normal 6/12 min service.

3121-123 are here, but aren’t in service yet. 121 was allowed out to play for a couple of days before Christmas (to satisfy the Mayor) but hasn’t turned a wheel in service since. To be honest, even if they were in service, the effect could have been replicated by getting some of the long term stoppers back in use (3024, 3099 etc), so the new fleet isn’t big enough to make a serious impact yet.

What's happened to 3024 and 3099?

 

[507 001]

What's happened to 3024 and 3099?

Both have accident damage. 3024 has ended up as a spare parts donor (but will be put back together at some point). Not sure exactly what the plan for 99 is, at one point it was intended to fit the spare cab to it but that plan seems to have fallen by the wayside at the moment.

 

[Mothball]

Both have accident damage. 3024 has ended up as a spare parts donor (but will be put back together at some point). Not sure exactly what the plan for 99 is, at one point it was intended to fit the spare cab to it but that plan seems to have fallen by the wayside at the moment.

I've got it down as 3027 not 24 thats been OOU for well over a year now.
There was some pictures on social media around 6 months ago showing 3099 in Queens with the damaged cab mostly stripped out internally.
Following a FOI request to TFGM several months ago 3005 has also been stopped at Trafford since Feb 2020 with a mechanical part failure. Not sure if this one has returned to service or not yet

 

[507 001]

I've got it down as 3027 not 24 thats been OOU for well over a year now.
There was some pictures on social media around 6 months ago showing 3099 in Queens with the damaged cab mostly stripped out internally.
Following a FOI request to TFGM several months ago 3005 has also been stopped at Trafford since Feb 2020 with a mechanical part failure. Not sure if this one has returned to service or not yet

27 is currently sat on 6 or 7 road at Queens with 24. It’s not been out for quite as long as 24 though I think.

Yes, 3005 is the Trafford Christmas tree at the moment. Couldn’t remember which one it was.

 

[Mothball]

27 is currently sat on 6 or 7 road at Queens with 24. It’s not been out for quite as long as 24 though I think.

Yes, 3005 is the Trafford Christmas tree at the moment. Couldn’t remember which one it was.

Much appreciated!
I've sent another FOI request for an update so I can sort my notes out

 

[Techniquest]

That would explain why I've not found 3027 when I was last up north looking for it! The only currently available (notwithstanding the new arrivals) tram I need on Metrolink, at least when I do get to return to Manchester I'll know not to waste my efforts looking for it now!

 

[507 001]

3121, 122 and 123 will be entering service imminently.

 

[djpontrack]

3121, 122 and 123 will be entering service imminently.

Excellent news. Do you know if they will be on services to Manchester Airport?

 

[507 001]

Excellent news. Do you know if they will be on services to Manchester Airport?

It is entirely possible. The only place they definitely won’t turn up is Altrincham.

 

[djpontrack]

It is entirely possible. The only place they definitely won’t turn up is Altrincham.

That’s great. The only place at the moment that I see the trams is at Manchester Airport as I usually have two 30 minute waits at the station between services.

 

[markymark2000]

It is entirely possible. The only place they definitely won’t turn up is Altrincham.

Why do you say that?

 

[LOL The Irony]

It is entirely possible. The only place they definitely won’t turn up is Altrincham.

Is that due to the signaling?

 

[tramfan208]

Why do you say that?

It’s because any vehicle travelling on the Altrincham line (further than Brooklands anyway), encounters block signalling and therefore must have the Automatic Tram Stop (ATS) equipment fitted. This means 3001 - 3060 are the only members of the fleet which could conceivably turn up at Altrincham.

Having said that, we know that 3005/24/27 are long term out of service, and at least three more vehicles this week have had their ATS equipment removed. (I recall 3053 I think was one).

 

[markymark2000]

It’s because any vehicle travelling on the Altrincham line (further than Brooklands anyway), encounters block signalling and therefore must have the Automatic Tram Stop (ATS) equipment fitted. This means 3001 - 3060 are the only members of the fleet which could conceivably turn up at Altrincham.

Ahh, thank you for your help.

 

[Mothball]

It’s because any vehicle travelling on the Altrincham line (further than Brooklands anyway), encounters block signalling and therefore must have the Automatic Tram Stop (ATS) equipment fitted. This means 3001 - 3060 are the only members of the fleet which could conceivably turn up at Altrincham.

Having said that, we know that 3005/24/27 are long term out of service, and at least three more vehicles this week have had their ATS equipment removed. (I recall 3053 I think was one).

Shouldn't be long now until TMS is commissioned at Timperley, should add some flexibility during disruption allowing the non-ATS trams to run part routes.

 

[Scotrail88]

Do we have any indication when the remainder of the order will arrive and hit the streets - as lockdown eases the additional capacity with social distancing will be welcomed

 

[507 001]

Shouldn't be long now until TMS is commissioned at Timperley, should add some flexibility during disruption allowing the non-ATS trams to run part routes.

I doubt that would happen unless Timperley-Altrincham is closed for engineering works. Even during disruption sets tend to stick to the lines they’re allocated to, it’s very rare that there’s any robbing Peter to pay Paul

Do we have any indication when the remainder of the order will arrive and hit the streets - as lockdown eases the additional capacity with social distancing will be welcomed

They’ve got to be delivered first

 

[Mothball]

I doubt that would happen unless Timperley-Altrincham is closed for engineering works. Even during disruption sets tend to stick to the lines they’re allocated to, it’s very rare that there’s any robbing Peter to pay Paul

Around 2 or 3 years ago I spent a good few months commuting from and to Chorlton every day, I wouldn't have said it was regular but there was a good number of times it got switched to an Alty and a few Timperleys part way into the journey

 

[507 001]

Around 2 or 3 years ago I spent a good few months commuting from and to Chorlton every day, I wouldn't have said it was regular but there was a good number of times it got switched to an Alty and a few Timperleys part way into the journey

Well in the eight years I’ve been driving I’ve only ever had it happen once.

 

[185]

Well in the eight years I’ve been driving I’ve only ever had it happen once

Kidnap Keith .. is that you???

 

[507 001]

Kidnap Keith .. is that you???

I’m offended by that comparison!

 

[Mothball]

Well in the eight years I’ve been driving I’ve only ever had it happen once.

Cant speak from a drivers point of view but from a passengers point of view it was a bit of a nuisance, thinking back it was maybe once or twice a month in the 8 months I was over that way, luckily I've never had to travel over to that side since!

 

[WatcherZero]

As an infrequent rider I wouldn't say it was a rare occurrence as I experienced it a number of times, usually for timetable recovery purposes.

 

[Rail Ranger]

3124 is arriving this week.

 

[Mothball]

3124 is arriving this week.

Just heard from a friend who just observed it on the M62

 

[Jamesrob637]

Just heard from a friend who just observed it on the M62

Might as well turn off at Shaw/Oldham and just lift it onto the tracks there

 

[507 001]

As an infrequent rider I wouldn't say it was a rare occurrence as I experienced it a number of times, usually for timetable recovery purposes.

Well we’ll have to agree to disagree. Like I say. I’ve only ever had it happen twice in 8 years, and at least one of those times they changed their mind shortly afterwards.

There are far more reasons for it not to be done, ATS/Drivers route knowledge/issues with driver meal breaks etc. Things would have to be really up the spout for it to be considered.

 

[Mothball]

Update on long term out of service M5000s,
3027, 1 year 11 months
3099, 1 year 7 months
3005, 1 year 2 months
3024, 6 months
3015, 3 months
3008, 2 months

 

[507 001]

3121 is out and about on Eccles-Ashton services today.

 

[MDB1images]

3121, 3122 and 3123 all on Bury-Manchester services on Tue 27/04.