In this pictorial article we are on the Manchester Metrolink network in early December to see the full service in operation again after the completion of the trackworks in Piccadilly Gardens allowed trams to fully use the delta junction. With the UK suffering a bit of a cold snap we see some vaguely wintry scenes with heavy frost in evidence as Steve Hyde gets out and about to capture some images on the line out to Manchester Airport.
Since the start of December there has also been a change to the service from The Trafford Centre. It may not have reached its ultimate destination of Crumpsall yet but it is getting closer to Manchester City Centre with it now extended from terminating at Cornbrook to the centre platform at Deansgate-Castlefield.
Weak late autumn sunshine as 3131 is caught leaving Hardy Lane and starting the approach to the Mersey Viaduct on the way to Manchester Airport.
In a wintery scene on Mauldeth Road West 3035 has just entered the private right of way on the approach to the junction at St Werburghs Road where it will join the South Manchester Line.
At the St Werburghs Road junction 3111 has just left St Werburghs Road stop and is crossing the inbound South Manchester Line on its way to Manchester Airport.
Deansgate Castlefield is now the terminus for the Trafford Centre trams which formerly terminated at Cornbrook. Here we see 3129 arriving in the centre road at Deansgate Castlefield from The Trafford Centre as 3124 leaves for Manchester Airport.
Also at Deansgate Castlefield 3133 arrives from Manchester Airport on its way to Victoria, 3129 can still be seen alongside the centre platform face.
On Lower Mosley Street the last gap in your photographers M5000 album was finally filled as 3138 left St Peters Square on a trip to East Didsbury. (All Photographs by Steve Hyde, 9th December 2022)