These trains were based at Bowdon depot and ran exclusively between Manchester and Altrincham for forty years.

In 1939, eight additional trailers were added, both new build and secondhand conversions, inserted into eight of the 3-car sets, and these allowed 7-car trains to be run on many peak hour services.

As with other Manchester area suburban electric services, demand reduced notably from the 1950s onwards, and the 7-car trains were eliminated.

In April 1971, all the Class 505 Altrincham Electric units were withdrawn when the line was converted from 1,500 V DC to 25 kV 50 Hz AC.

The Altrincham Electrics were built with a wooden frame construction and individual compartments, with no corridors or gangways.