 The MSJ&AR steam trains were unusual in retaining three classes of passenger accommodation well after most other British companies had dispensed with second class.On 3 April 1881, the original stations at Bowdon and Altrincham were closed and replaced by a new station located between the two called Altrincham and Bowdon, at the location of today's Altrincham Interchange.Also in 1881, the terminus at the other end of the line at London Road was rebuilt as a curved island platform connected to the main station via a footbridge.