Sheffield Supertram 2
independent
transport videos welcome
you to this second programme featuring the Sheffield Supertram system. This time we major on the recently introduced
‘Tram-Train’ route that runs from the Cathedral stop in Sheffield city centre
to Rotherham Parkgate. On this route the
Tram-Trains run along the existing tramway lines to the Tinsley – Meadowhall
South stop and then join the National Rail line for their journey to Rotherham
Parkgate, calling at Rotherham Central railway station. A fleet of seven German built Vossloh AG
‘Citylink’ articulated sets are used. Known
as TOPS Class 399, these Tram-Trains are painted in the Supertram blue livery
and are numbered 399 201 to 399 207.
Units 399 201 – 399 204 are only able to run on the Network Rail line,
whereas 399 205 – 399 207 can be used anywhere on the tram system. We see 399 207 operating a blue route service
during our filming.
To ensure you see the
full picture of the Sheffield tramway operation in September 2019 we begin our
filming during a weekday morning rush in the city centre. Locations featured are High Street, Castle
Square, Fitzalan Square/Ponds Forge, Cathedral and Park Square. At Park Square, the triangular junction just
off
the tramway bridge, we see non-stop action as
the trams and Tram-Trains enter and leave the city. At Cathedral we board Tram-Train 399 203 and
get the driver’s eye view as we film the entire route to Rotherham
Parkgate. Stop announcements are heard
along the route and the actions of the driver are seen as the tram leaves the
tramway system to join the National Rail line at Tinsley – a new section of
track called the Tinsley Chord allows the tram line to connect to the rail
tracks on the National Rail network. At
Rotherham Parkway we get a grandstand view from a railway footbridge of the
Tram-Trains running along the same lines as the heavy rail passenger
trains. Our return to the city centre is
filmed from the passenger’s point of view.
Our cameras stop off and film at Rotherham Central, Tinsley-Meadowhall
South, Nunnery Square, and Woodbourn Road before arriving at Cathedral. During
the day of our filming we rode on all of the Tram-Trains scheduled for service
on the route to Rotherham.
Whilst
filming our previous programme of the Sheffield Supertram system in July 2018,
the blue route was curtailed at Birley Lane due to a rail replacement
programme. Now completed we have the
opportunity to film the line from Halfway to Birley Lane. Filming begins at the terminus at Halfway where
we take a ride on Duewag/Siemens AB88T tram, number 103 for a journey to Birley
Lane. We also ride on trams 119 and 108
as we alight and film at Crystal Peaks and Birley Moor Road before arriving at
Birley Lane. We hope that you enjoy this programme of the Sheffield Supertram
system featuring both trams and Tram-Trains in service.