19 September 2022
So we come to the end of the line (No pun intended). We're extremely excited to be bringing you the final update for the Hope Valley Extension ahead of release. It's taken a while but we're sure everyone will agree it's been worth the wait! This selection of images offers an in depth look at two of the final areas from the route - Longsight Traction Maintenance Depot and Manchester Piccadilly Station.
Manchester Piccadilly is the principal railway station situated in the heart of Manchester's City Centre. It opened originally as Store Street in 1842 but was then renamed a few years later to London Road. Eventually in 1960 the station was re-named to its current name, Manchester Piccadilly. This station boasts 14 platforms and a grand glass station canopy towering over 12 of these and the two other platforms, 13 and 14 and the through lines where services continue to destinations such as Liverpool,Scotland the Lake District to the North and Manchester Airport, London and towards Sheffield and beyond to the South and East.
Longsight Depot was erected in 1842 by the Manchester and Birmingham Railway. This facility consisted of workshops and sheds for carriages and locos. Also located here was a 12-road roundhouse which today sadly does not exist. Various train operators can be seen working out of this depot such as Northern, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country and Trans Pennine Express. This depot is a hive of activity all times.
We do hope you like these final images and to all of you who go on to purchase this extensive part of the Midland Main Line we wish you all many hours of enjoyment!
