Seven Sisters Road

Comment by StephenBln on October 28, 2011 at 22:51

This is the tram changeover point from the overhead to conduit current collection systems in operation from 1st August 1912 when through running from the MET onto the LCC began.

The LCC used the conduit method on 90% of it's system but all the other operators in the London area used the overhead wire system. The boundary between the LCC (County of London) and MET (County of Middlesex) systems was at Finsbury Park, but due to the three track layout it wasn't possible to locate the changeover there - so the conduit was extended into Middlesex as far as Manor House. The overhead wires continued to Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park enabling both methods to be used on this section.

The end of the overhead wires at Blackstock Road. All trams continuing into central London had to use the conduit system (middle rail)  from here.

Comment by StephenBln on October 28, 2011 at 23:00

Spare conduit ploughs can be seen stacked up against the lamp post and the two men in the middle were responsible for running the ploughs under the trams when they arrived from North. One can be seen with a pole with a plough attached, waiting for the next tram. Trams short-working to Finsbury Park would continue on the overhead and would reverse at Blackstock Road.

Trams from the South would shoot out the ploughs as they crossed this point and the conductor would attach the  trolley to the overhead wire here.

Comment by StephenBln on October 28, 2011 at 23:08

How the plough changover worked can be seen on this film at minute 1:18

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