LYRS - Locomotives

Electrification (3)

1916 Manchester - Bury

At the beginning of the 20th century suburban areas to the north of Manchester were developing rapidly, and the 1879 direct line to Bury was an obvious candidate for electrification. The chosen system was third rail but at a higher voltage than that of the Liverpool lines, namely 1200 volts dc.

The Bury line was a true commuter route with 40% of up journeys made on only seven trains between 8am and 9am. As in Liverpool the new service won back passengers from the trams as well as creating new business.

The power station, some miles away at Clifton Junction, had good access to coal and water. Because of the high voltage, the third rail was partially encased in Jarrah wood and the current

Manchester - Bury stock

With their steel frames and aluminium panelling these sets were probably the first true all metal stock built anywhere in the world. They were 67’ 7” long and 9’ 4”
wide, electrically lit and heated; they had recessed angled access doors and were painted in the standard L&Y passenger livery with large lettering and numerals.

Motor cars had two motors per truck each of 200 hp giving 2400 hp per train. 66 cars formed 12 five-car train sets seating 387 passengers; this left a stock of spare cars covering servicing etc. Sets consisted of Motor Third + Trailer Third + Motor Third + Trailer First + Motor Third. With Motor Cars weighing 54 tons and Trailer cars 29 tons the power to weight ratio was a great advantage over steam trains. American pattern buckeye couplings joined the cars together.


The body shell of a Manchester - Bury electric motor car under construction at the L&Y’s Newton Heath Carriage & Wagon works.


A 5-car set of the L&Y’s all metal Manchester - Bury stock.


Interior of a Motor Third car of the Manchester - Bury stock. The notices above the windows read: Passengers are Particularly Requested Not to put their feet on the Car Seats and Passengers Must Leave this Carriage at the Front End in the Direction in Which the Train is Travelling. The Entrance is at the Back End.