after the holcombe brook service, the l&amp;yr decided to electrify the manchester to bury line. the system used was 1,200 v dc from a side-contact third rail. the purpose of this unusual arrangement was to prevent the service being affected by ice forming on the live rail. sixty-six cars were built at newton heath works. the electrical equipment was supplied by dick, kerr &amp; co. the first public services ran on 17 april 1916,