Could Merseyrail’s Class 777 Trains Run As Tram-Trains On The Manchester Metrolink?
Look at the main dimensions of the Stadler Class 777 train destined for Merseyrail and the current M5000 tram of the Manchester Metrolink. I have also added the dimensions of the Stadler Class 399 tram-train, that is running on the Sheffield Supertram network.
Class 777 train
- Width – 2.82 metres
- Height – 3.82 metres
- Floor Height – 0.96 metres
- Overall Length – 64.98 metres
- Capacity – 190 seats and 302 standing – 492 total
- Operating Speed – 75 mph
M5000
- Width – 2.65 metres
- Height – 3.67 metres
- Floor Height – 0.90 metres
- Overall Length – 28.4 metres
- Double Length – 56.8 ,metres
- Capacity – 60 or 66 seats and 146 standing – 206 or 212 total
- Operating Speed – 50 mph
Class 399 tram-train
- Width – 2.65 metres
- Height – 3.72 metres
- Floor Height – 0.425 metres
- Overall Length – 37.2 metres
- Capacity – 96 seats and 140 standing – 236 total
- Operating Speed – 62 mph
Note.
- Vehicle width and height could probably be incorporated on the same track
- The floor heights of the Class 777 train and the M5000 are surprisingly close,
- The floor height of the low-floor Class 399 tram-train is lower and wouldn’t allow step-free access from platform to tram on the Metrolink network.
- A double M5000 and a Class 777 train have similar lengths.
- A double M5000 has 86% of the capacity of a Class 777 train.
A Class 777 train looks to be able to go anywhere that a double M5000 tram can go and be able to give the same quality of passenger access.
Can double M5000 trams use the whole of the Metrolink network?
Power Supply
Around Manchester and Liverpool there are the following types of electrification.
- 25 KVAC overhead – Connecting major cities and on the West Coast Main Line.
- 750 VDC overhead – Manchester Metrolink
- 750 VDC third-rail – Merseyrail
In the future it is intended that Class 777 trains will be able to handle.
- 25 KVAC overhead
- 750 VDC third-rail
It should also be noted that Class 399 tram-trains, which are also built by Stadler can handle.
- 25 KVAC overhead
- 750 VDC overhead
I wouldn’t be surprised to find, that Stadler can produce a Class 777 train, that could handle these voltages.
- 25 KVAC overhead
- 750 VDC overhead
- 750 VDC third-rail
It’s all about the electrical systems on the train, but Stadler probably have the solutions in their boxes of tricks.
I very much feel it would possible for a version of a Class 777 train with an additional battery to do the following.
- Run as a train on the Merseyrail network. using 750 VDC third-rail.
- Run as a train between Otmskirk and Preston using a mixture of battery power and 25 KVAC overhead.
- Run as a train between Kirkby and Wigan using the battery.
- Run as a double tram on the Manchester Metrolink using 750 VDC overhead.
- Run as a tram-train to extend the Manchester Metrolink using a mixture of battery power and 25 KVAC overhead.
Class 777 trains might even be able to run on the Sheffield Supertram network. But they might be too long and would not be able to provide step-free access from platform to tram, without modification of trains and/or platforms.
Poasible Routes
Just about anywhere a Manchester Metrolink M5000 tram or a four-car electric or diesel multiple unit can run.
Thjis article on Railway Gazette is entitled Battery Trial Planned For New EMU Fleet.
This is the first sentence.
The sixth of the 52 four-car 750 V DC third rail electric multiple-units which Stadler is to supply for Merseyrail services around Liverpool is to be fitted with a 5 tonne battery to test the business case for energy storage.
A five tonne battery will soon be able to have a capacity of 500 kWh, which should be able to give the train a range of fifty miles on battery power.
This would more than cover the thirty miles without electrification between Altrincham and Chester, where the battery could be recharged.
Conclusion
I am in no doubt that Merseyrail’s Class 777 trains, could run as tram-trains on the Manchester Metrolink.
But then, Stadler don’t do ordinary and obvious!.
Why should they?
There must also be an advantage to Manchester Metrolink and Merseyrail, if they were using the same or similar vehicles for their public transport networks.
The Anonymous Widower 