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Altrincham Electric Railway Preservation Society |
BR blue livery unit with full yellow end panel running into Altrincham platform 1 in 1968 Photo – J D Darby |
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Recent Updates MSJ&AR Information from 1971 added Coaches Restoration 2020 pictures added Excursions pages, 2019 illustrated report added Lectures page updated MSJ&AR diagram updated MSJ&AR Metrolink diagrams updated MSJ&AR significant dates page updated |
The Society, also known as AERPS, was formed in 1970 to save some of the MSJ&AR 1931 Altrincham Electric multiple units. It is a focus for local railway interest.
AERPS presents, monthly from October to April, a series of lectures on railway and related topics. Open to both members and visitors, they are held at the Altrincham Methodist Church Hall.
From time to time visits to places of railway interest are arranged; details are on the Excursions page.
Members receive the Society’s journal Live Wires, free admission to the Winter Lecture Series and the opportunity to take part in all AERPS activities. Further information on the Membership page.
Members who have renewed are being sent Live Wires 132 with their membership card attached.
The March 2018 issue 127 web version, can be downloaded as a sample copy; its file size is 3.1 MB.
The MSJ&AR 1931 electric multiple units were replaced by the 1959 designed (AM4, later known as class 304) 25kV AC units in May 1971. The AC units had been introduced from 1960 onwards with the main line electrification scheme.
AERPS video
Saving Electric Trains to Manchester on YouTube tells The story of the saving of two historic electric train carriages from the Manchester South Junction & Altrincham Railway. (10 minutes approx)
A few months after their withdrawal, two centre trailer coaches were purchased by the AERPS for preservation. They were moved to the Yorkshire Dales Railway (now Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway) at Embsay near Skipton. In 1983 the coaches were transferred to the Midland Railway Centre (now Midland Railway-Butterley) at Butterley in Derbyshire. See the Coaches page for more information.
The partially restored coach is undergoing further work. The other coach MSJ&AR No. 121 [BR M29670M], showing almost all of its timber frame, can be seen in the large Matthew Kirtley Museum building at Midland Railway-Butterley.
THE MANCHESTER SOUTH JUNCTION AND ALTRINCHAM RAILWAY By Frank Dixon
This book previously available through Oakwood Press covers the history of the line up to and including the introduction of the Metrolink trams. It remains available, costs £9.95 and has 176 pages, including several appendices, track plans and many photographs. You can buy it now from Stenlake Publishing or telephone their sales number 01290 551122. Essential reading and most valuable reference for all those interested in the MSJ&AR.
The Society, which is a focus for local railway interest, has taken steps to preserve artefacts and records. These include books, photographs, drawings, signs and signals which it is hoped will one day form the nucleus of a museum display. Some members also take an interest in the history of the line and this has included writing books and photographing the line.
Listed building status was obtained for Brooklands and Deansgate stations. They join a third, Oxford Road, which has the distinction of being the first post WWII building to be awarded such recognition.
During 1999 the Society took a leading role in the MSJ&AR 150 celebrations publishing a booklet and unveiling a plaque at Altrincham Station. The 75th anniversary of electrification was marked in 2006.
Facebook users can follow the Society at this link.
Links to other selected local information and railway related sites.
Altrincham Electric Railway Preservation Society
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Registered Charity (No. 1093098)
© May 2023