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Isle Of Man Steam Railway

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by David Bigcheeseplant, Jun 11, 2016.

  1. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the replies and interest. As you say the bonfires at Ballasalla (most of the goods stock) and St.Johns (passenger stock) were under the old company as they saw no need for so much 'spare' stock on the, now, truncated system. Remember, at this time in 1974/5, the IMR was reduced to Port Erin - Castletown and Port Erin - Ballasalla only. Since the Government takeover a few carriages deemed beyond repair have been scrapped but nearly all the underframes survive as P Way vehicles etc.
    At present several carriages are under restoration:
    F62 (Pairs) composed of A1/B1 bodies from 1873 undergoing full restoration at Stanegate.
    F15 (small F) full restoration almost complete after 20 yrs oou.
    F49 (big brake) heavy chassis and body repairs.
    F32 (saloon from dining set) refurbishment in-house.
    There are a number of spare carriages that could be restored if traffic demands:
    F21 (small F) partly restored in P.E. carriage shed as are Pairs F63/74.
    F66/67 (pairs) sheeted, off bogies, in PSM goods yard.
    There is also a brand new F.R. built underframe (same as F27 ii's) and a rolling programme of bogie refurbishment including the fitting of roller bearings.
    At the moment the biggest growth area is in cruise ship passengers which necessitated some very heavy double headed trains last season but it would be nice to see a similar growth in regular/enthusiast visitors as this, more than anything else, would provide the demand, and income for, further carriage restoration.
    Don't forget our Rush Hour on the Railways event over Easter
    Hope this helps.
    Ray.
     
  2. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    Our 'leader' Mike Buttell has posted a series of pictures of today's activity in Douglas workshops on the Heritage Railways Volunteers Facebook page.
    Here's a taster........ click on https://www.facebook.com/hrviom/ for more. IMR No13 Kissack under repair in Douglas workshops 20th Feb..jpg

    The 2020 season starts 2 weeks tomorrow on 6th March. The 'Rush Hour on the Railways' special event will be held over Easter with steam workshop tours being offered on Easter Sunday. Hopefully we'll see some Nat.Pres. members participating. As group sizes for the workshop tours are now limited to 8 it is advisable to book ahead.
    Hope you enjoy the updates and photos.
    Ray.
     
  3. MuzTrem

    MuzTrem Member

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    We certainly do - thank you :)
     
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  4. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    .... and we (well, me at any rate) look forward to seeing something big and red sitting on that road, in the not too distant future ..... :)
     
  5. Mike Buttell

    Mike Buttell Member

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    Thanks for that Ray, I’ve spent the weekend filled with self importance !
    Credit for the pics should go to John Kinley.
     
  6. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    More updates on changes to Port Erin Museum and progress on the first 3 of 5 new boilers being built by the SVR for IoM Rlys on the Heritage Railway Volunteers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hrviom/
    Services begin next Friday 6th March.
    Ray.
     
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  7. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    The first trains of 2020 ran today in glorious Manx sunshine. Loco No15 Caledonia is the Douglas based loco whilst No8 Fenella is based in Port Erin. Elsewhere, in Douglas workshops No 13 Kissack is having work done on its motion and No4 Loch is being reassembled with its heavily rebuilt 1969 Beyer boiler. Asbestos removal contractors have set up in Port St.Mary goods shed to decontaminate several locos starting shortly. This week Heritage Railway Volunteers have assisted paid staff to give the Port Erin railway museum shop a makeover ready for today's re-opening. Further work in the museum proper will take place over the next couple of months as, and when, the large exhibits are rearranged. At Bridgnorth the first two, of five, new boilers for the IMR are now complete. The first will go on No11 Maitland currently undergoing heavy overhaul at Alan Keef's with the next two likely to be going on Nos 10 & 12.
    Next month sees 'Rush Hour on the Railways' over Easter followed by the 'Heritage Transport Festival' at the end of July. You can follow us on https://www.facebook.com/hrviom/
    As a taster here's No 8 Fenella (BP 1894) preparing to depart on the 2nd down train of the 2020 season.
    Cheers,
    Ray.
    IMG_1954 (2).JPG
     
  8. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Fantastic to hear the return of No.11 isn't too far away now. The comment concerning asbestos removal is of much interest too. I'd have expected No.16 to benefit from such attention, given recent news, but (@marshall5's) Ray's exact phrase was 'decontaminate several locos', so I find myself wondering whether the last faded Ailsa green to be seen on the IMR is finally nearing extinction?
     
  9. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    Watch this space!
    Cheers,
    Ray.
     
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  10. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    :)
     
  11. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    IMR No16 Mannin was, today, the first loco to enter the temporary asbestos decontamination unit in Port St.Mary goods shed. Last week the cylinder and valve chest covers were removed for a preliminary inspection. I'm told that the initial impression is positive with sufficient 'meat' remaining on the cylinder bores.
    More photos at https://www.facebook.com/hrviom/
    We'd like to welcome plenty of visitors for Rush Hour over Easter but please leave your Covid 19 at home as we don't have any here.....yet!
    Ray.
     
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  12. paullad1984

    paullad1984 Member

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    If the 1940s event runs this year I might pop over for the weekend. Been meaning to for years but never got round to it.
     
  13. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    This year's Island at War event is scheduled for the 22-23 August.
    island-at-war-for-website_404x479.jpg
    Cheers,
    Ray.
     
  14. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Moving No.16 has already produced some great images. I particularly liked the 'nose to nose' with No.1, which looks absolutely stunning .... so, many congratulations to all involved.

    I've clocked the advice not to get too expectant concerning Mannin, which of course I won't (yeah .... right!), but ....

    Enquiry: Is the (original 1926) boiler's condition liable to be a deal breaker, or is a replacement factored in to thinking? .... and given it's unique 3'-6" dia, is it safe to assume one of the five new (3'-3" dia) boilers, lagged out, wouldn't be suitable as a replacement? AIUI, Mannin's firebox is completely cattled, but if the barrel itself is in fair order, would replacing the inner firebox, backhead, throat plate, foundation ring and tube plate (for starters!) work out more or less cost effective than an entrely new welded boiler?

    Asbestos wise, question concerning No.6. Did the work by the SRSA, some years ago, involve removal or stabilisation of the asbestos on Peveril? ... or will it also be due for a trip east?
     
  15. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    I expect a thorough examination of No16's boiler will take place after it has been decontaminated. As the loco was on 'light duties' before withdrawal (and that was by the IMR's 1960's standards) I seriously doubt that its original 1926 boiler can be economically repaired, but that's only my guess. Personally speaking I was surprised that the decision was made to buy 5 new 3'3'' boilers rather than 4 + one 3'6" dia. as there is already a recently rebuilt 'spare' 3'3" boiler ex No10.
    When the IOMSRSA cosmetically restored No6 it really was just a repaint and it still has its asbestos lagging. I believe the idea is to leave it on display as long as possible so it will likely be the last to be decontaminated. Hope this helps.
    Ray.
     
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  16. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Cheers Ray. Watching how the Mannin situation pans out will be fascinating.

    So, 3'-3" boiler wise, assuming I'm reading the runes correctly:
    No.4 Loch existing boiler is beng repaired
    No.10 G.H.Wood OOS
    No.11 Maitland getting new boiler
    No.12 Hutchinson OOS
    No.13 Kissack in service

    With one repaired boiler (ex-No.10) kicking around, and assuming nos. 10 & 12 will be getting two of the newbies, that leaves 2 new, plus the spare in search of gainful employment .... subtract one if No.13's needs replacing soon .... and that's if the boiler previously on No.12 and that currently in service on No.13 are both declared unfit for rebuilding .... dot ... dot .... dot .....

    ...... or am I missing something?

    By the by ..... any idea whether No.14's owner has been approached (or expressed an interest) regarding decontaminating that loco, whilst the PSM facility is available? At least that's one problem Tynwald's owners don't need to worry about! :)
     
  17. ady

    ady Well-Known Member

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    If they decontaminating number 5 maybe they look see if she could return to use as she was one fitted with a 3' 3" boiler... maybe I don't know I just having a thought...
     
  18. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Actually, so does No.6 .... though I've no clue as to the general condition of either. Whether or not the IMR management could vaguely justify such lavish provision of motive power is another matter entirely. After so long OOS, the return of Mona, Peveril or Mannin would be a bloody good excuse welcome reason to stage a major event, though in all honesty, it'd need to be a seriously successful event to recoup much from the cost of one additional total rebuild, let alone three
     
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2020
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  19. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

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    Nos 4, 5 & 6 have a shorter wheelbase (and originally had 2'10" boilers) than 10-13 so the boilers are not interchangeable despite being the same dia.. One of the 5 new boilers will have a shorter firebox and will, eventually, be a replacement for No4's recently rebuilt 1969 Beyer boiler. As I understand it No 10's heavily repaired boiler will be 'spare' and was recently moved into dry storage in Castletown goods shed. Unfortunately, IMO, any idea of Nos 5 or 6 being restored to running order any time soon is pure WIBN. In reality 5 operating locos is about 'right' as 3 are needed daily for timetable S with a fourth available for specials/diners/UDE and the fifth having routine maintenance. At present Nos 8 & 15 are covering timetable B, each doing 2 return trips daily exceptTue/Wed. Sorry but I can't comment on No 14 which, as you know is privately owned, and I have to respect the owner's privacy - if he makes anything public I'll pass it on.
    Cheers,
    Ray.
     
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  20. jma1009

    jma1009 Well-Known Member

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    Hi Ray,

    Do you know whether the Supporters Association is going to start an appeal for 'Mannin'?

    I think, myself, this would be a good thing; from a publicity point of view for the IOMSR generally, and for the Association.

    I am sure many people would like to see 'Mannin' restored to working order, and would write out a cheque or two.

    Cheers,

    Julian
     

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