At the end of the 1950's and the start of the 1960's the trains on the Rochdale-Oldham-Manchester line were converted from steam operation to Diesel Multiple Units (DMU's). This is a picture of the first diesel train on the service, heading towards Oldham and Manchester. This type of train was withdrawn during the 1980's, the service is currently operated by a mixture of '2nd generation' DMU types, predominantly of Class 142 and Class 150. In 1980, as an economy measure, the second track was removed between Shaw and Rochdale, leaving in place only the track on which the train is standing.

 

This photograph, © N Knight and Rail Magazine.

 
 
 

This picture is a First North Western Class 142 'Pacer' unit in Mersey Rail livery, taken at Appley Bridge on a Southport to Rochdale service via Manchester and Oldham. These trains were introduced in 1986 as a cheap solution for loss making sububan lines. Essentially bus bodies mounted on long wheelbase 2 axle freight chassis, they have an appalling ride and squeal horribly when going round curves. Because of the way their bodies rock they are known as 'Nodding Donkeys'.

 

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