Intrigued by the trains that keep our country moving? Longsight Electric TMD stands before us. It is a vital hub for railway locomotive maintenance in Longsight, Manchester. This is one of the largest train depots in the United Kingdom. It impressively accommodates up to 179 carriages at once.
Longsight Electric TMD’s story began in 1842. The Manchester and Birmingham Railway built it. The original depot included workshops. It also featured a carriage shed and an engine shed. The engine shed boasted a 12-stall polygon roundhouse, about 130 feet in diameter.
In 1987, the depot housed Classes 303 and 304 EMUs. Electric locomotives of Classes 81, 85, 86, and 87 were often seen here. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Class 86 locomotives were allocated here. They operated Virgin Cross Country’s electric services.
Today, Longsight Electric TMD serves several major train operators. TransPennine Express, Northern Trains, Avanti West Coast, and CrossCountry all use it. Northern Trains stores DMUs overnight like Class 150s and Class 195s. CrossCountry also stables Class 220 or Class 221 Voyager sets here. TransPennine Express keeps its Class 397 trains at the depot overnight.
Avanti West Coast maintains a part of its Class 390 Pendolino fleet here. Up to 15 Class 390s can be stabled each night. The facility follows a maintenance schedule. Twelve sets arrive each evening for maintenance. They are released the following evening. Three additional sets are stabled for periodic exams or heavy overhauls.
Longsight Electric TMD remains a crucial part of Britain’s railway network. From its origins in 1842 to its present-day operations, it has played a vital role. It ensures the smooth running and maintenance of our trains. As we conclude our visit, remember the legacy of Longsight Electric TMD. It keeps our nation connected.