Sheffield’s second generation tramway system (the first closed in October 1960) commenced operation in March 1994.
Since 1997 it has been operated by ‘Stagecoach’ as the ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’.
In October 2018 an extension to Rotherham Parkgate was opened running over ‘Network Rail’ tracks.
This required new rolling stock engineered to a higher standard than the existing fleet to operate on the extension but also to be used on the existing network.
Vossloh of Valencia in Spain have supplied 7 ‘CityLink Tram Trains’ which are listed under the British Railway system as Class 399. Numbered 399201-399207.
The map shows the existing system with the extension to Rotherham seen diverging just beyond Meadowhall South/Tinsley station.
This line starts at the ‘Cathedral’ stop in Sheffield City Centre.
‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ Network Map at November 1st. 2018
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /1
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
This image by Peter M. Rose and reproduced with his permission.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /2
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Leaving Meadowhall South/Tinsley station for Rotherham Parkgate with Siemens-Duewag Tram No. 113 about to leave for the City centre and then onto Middlewood passing close by Sheffield Wedneday FC’s ground at Hillsborough in the process.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 201. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train)
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Pictured leaving Meadowhall South/Tinsley station.
The new extension diverges to the right where the silver fence ends before diving under the Tinsley viaduct of the M1 Motorway.
‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ power supply at Rotherham Parkgate
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The end of the line with the complex wiring required to get the 750 volts dc. to the overhead power cables.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /3
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The drivers driving position showing the excellent view that he or she has.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /4
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The 3 car double articulated Tram Train is light and airy being well provided with handrails and hanging straps.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /5
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Seating is adequate with a mixture of fixed and tip ups in the low floor areas.
A bit hard perhaps for my ageing bones.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /6
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /7
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The low floor sections line up with the platform edges.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /8
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
It’s a bit surreal to stand on the articulated ‘turntable’ and see the coaches move around you.
Class 399 ‘Stagecoach SUPERTRAM’ No. 206. Vossloh CityLink (Tram Train) /9
on Dennis Basford’s railsroadsrunways.blogspot.co.uk’
The articulated cars are connected by these flexible connections that move with the train.
It’s a bit like watching someone play a giant piano accordion but without the music.
Fascinating to watch.
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