DMU Operations: London Midland Region
Manchester - Macclesfield Central
DMUs were introduced to these services on 17 June 1957, the route being through Guide Bridge, Hyde Central, Rose Hill Marple and Bollington.
The were initially operated by Gorton allocated Derby Lightweights, the allocation moving to Reddish in October 1959. By the mid-1960s Met-Camm Lightweights would also appear - both types having the Yellow Diamond coupling code.
By early 1967 Blue Square units had taken over.
The line between Rose Hill Marple and Macclesfield closed (along with the New Mills Central to Hayfield branch) on Monday 5 January 1970, the last trains running on Saturday 3 January. Services would now use the Cheadle Hume route.
First Generation DMUs on the services ended with the Longsight Class 101s in the early 2000s.
Sample Timetables
The timetable was shared with services to Hayfield, the two routes crossing at Romiley.
17th June to 15th September 1957
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
15th September 1958 to 14th June 1958
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
11th September 1961, to 17th June, 1962
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
18th June, to 9th September, 1962
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
15th June to 6th September, 1964
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
7th September, 1964 until further notice
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
18th April 1966 to 5th March 1967
This measured 4 3/4" x 6 1/2" when folded.
If you have any timetables that could be added here please get in touch.
Images
27th March 1959
A two-car (blue square) Derby Lightweight and a two-car BRC&W form the 1.18pm Macclesfield Central - Manchester London Road service approaching Prestbury on 27 March 1959. A Met-Camm DMU is heading in the opposite direction on the left. Michael Mensing.
August 1969
Macclesfield station in August 1969 and the dmu to Manchester via the ex-Macclesfield Bollington & Marple Railway route is formed of a Class 100/108 hybrid (set LT291). Pete LG99.
4th June 1993
LO247 54060 + E53208 on 2H08, the 17:26 Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield at Cheadle Hulme, 4-6-93. The set number is in tiny black letters in the usual place, but it still carries it's previous set number of 88 in the center window. Kevin Dowd.
27th January 1995
On a working to Macclesfield 101662 (54055 & 53228) leave Manchester Piccadilly on 27th January 1995. Ian Buck.
19th November 1998
A very rare picture of a sandite 101 on a passenger turn, it may well have been a one off? 960992 977897 (53203) + 977898 (53193) + 101663 54347 + 51201 are on 2H19, the 17:09 Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly at Cheadle Hulme, 19-11-98. Kevin Dowd.
8th May 2000
"Daisy" at Stockport on a service to Macclesfield, May 8, 2000. Ian Buck.
8th May 2000
At this time there was one class 101 working to Macclesfield completely under the wires. On 8th May 2000 101654 (51800 & 54408) do the honours. Ian Buck.
8th May 2000
101654 (54408 & 51800) at Macclesfield on 5th May 2000. Ian Buck.
8th May 2000
At Stockport on a Macclesfield train 101685 (53160 & 53164) on 8th May 2000. Ian Buck.
29th January 2001
101694 53268 + 51188 at Cheadle Hulme on 2H10, the 22:38 Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield, 29-1-01. Kevin Dowd.
9th February 2001
101682 (51505 + 53256) departs Stalybridge on 5H19, the FO 15:35 ECS to Macclesfield on 9/2/01. Kevin Dowd.
11th May 2001
101685 (53160 + 53164) at Macclesfield on the 17:12 to Manchester Piccadilly, Friday 11th May 2001. Paul Moxon.
29th June 2001
101685 (53164 + 53160) seen leaving Bramhall on Friday 29th June 2001 whilst working the 1711 Macclesfield to Piccadilly. Paul Moxon.