MANCHESTER ON A WINTRY WEEKEND MARCH 2013

I went up to Manchester on Sunday to see an exhibition at the Lowry and then stayed overnight to be able to ride the new tram line extensions on Monday.  The weather was alternately bright and sunny or a blizzard, and the wind chill was unbelievable.  On Sunday morning there was no service to Oldham or Rochdale due to 'trouble' - official Metrolink explanation - and buses were running instead.  The service by tram recommended in the afternoon and I still don't know what the 'trouble' was.

A few sets of the original trams were out on Monday, but have to say they are now looking very dated and shabby.

Arriving at Droylsden terminus - nice to see some road running

Sunday - Media City stop - tram having reversed to go to Eccles

Between blizzards

St Peter's Square

About to enter the double track after leaving Rochdale

Single track working towards Rochdale

On our from Rochdale across the end of Piccadilly Gardens, the points needed changing in the middle of a blizzard! Driver not too thrilled.