Altrincham before the trams.
Altrincham in the southern suburbs of Manchester has been an important commuter destination for many years. After being steam operated the line was electrified in 1931 at 1500v. dc but was eventually converted to conform with the now standard 25kv ac system used elsewhere in Manchester in 1971. Then came the tram system, and the line was converted again... this time to 750v dc in 1992. Just before that these pictures give some idea of the final BR electric trains which operated the line into Manchester and onwards to Alderley Edge and Crewe. Class 304 EMUs dominated the electric side of the station. By this time they had lost one coach and were now three car sets. The terminal platforms are to the right and the through (non electric) lines to Chester on the left in this view from the island platform. The two platforms on the right are now operated by Manchester trams while the through roads are still used for the Manchester to Chester trains. This class 150/2 i