If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Isle Of Man Steam Railway

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

  1. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    It isn't "heresy to even ask such questions" as, in the past, several items of IMR rolling stock have, previously, been sold or donated 'off-Island'. The best known is loco No3 sectioned at MOSI. The pair of MNR Hurst Nelsons, a pair of MNR 6wh Cleminsons and an IMR 'pairs' carriage hidden away in Collection X. The frames of loco No 7 and another MNR Cleminson are rotting away in a Suffolk field so items which have left haven't always fared well.
    I'd be interested to know which items belonging to the IMR are "near derelict or actually derelict" in your opinion as, with exception of a couple of 'pairs' bodies securely tarped at Pt.St.Mary, everything else is under cover in dry secure storage. My concern is, if an item went out on loan, that it would be ripped apart in an initial burst of enthusiasm and then left derelict when the cash and/or interest ran out. We, the Manx taxpayers, could then be left with the bill for repatriating said remains. I have seen no evidence that any of the Irish groups have the funds to finance the restoration of an IMR loco. even the on-off restoration of Nancy has taken many years and the owners are still well short of the target. I feel strongly that the long term survival of our historic locos and rolling stock is best served on Island and those items currently in storage could always be called back into service when finances improve. Could I ask if you have actually visited the IMR in recent years?
    Ray.
     
  2. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    In all honesty, I'd have to class Nos.5 and 9 as derelicts, albeit they're secure and safely out of the elements. In answer to your question, what year was Ballasalla a terminus? Yep .... very long overdue! I appreciate much has changed over the intervening decades, quite a bit of it (**cough** major relaying) very much for the better and the efforts of the Supporters Assoc don't go unnoticed, but the fact remains that, unless something changes drastically, there seems no realistic proposition of either No.5 or No.6 turning a wheel in anger, or No.5 and No.9 even being seen in public again for the foreseeable future.

    I'm very well aware that past experiences have been horrendous .... the fact the IMR or SA haven't even any ongoing involvement in so much as the display of Pender was a lost opportunity of significant proportions and understand why the way stock was flogged off a few decades back still infuriates many, but that's nothing close to what I mentioned (or to the HR article for that matter). Perhaps there was some small justification for knocking out redundant underframes way back when, but yea or nay, times have moved on and nowadays, the quantity of remaining stock is scarcely unduly excessive. I'd not for a single moment suggest any course of action which risked any item on loan ending up like the dismantled T&D No.5, or worse .... the part-missing and part-scrapped 'Crab' or pulling the Donegal 'baltic's' Shergar style vanishing act. If that proved impossible to legally guarantee, it'd be a total show stopper for my money.

    Although I've absolutely no connection to the Waterford & Suir Valley, it seems a damned sight better run than (let's just say) 'certain lines which come to mind' (i.e. seemingly has a good customer base, knows it's market, is competently run and financially secure). I mentioned it merely as one possibility. Whether hiring in locos in serious need of total rebuilding (including new boiler), would fit with their aspirations to use steam, I've no clue. In the absence of lottery money, I'm just racking my brains on how to improve the profile of Mona and Douglas (both, let's be honest, currently nothing more than an insurance liability and occasional subjects of the odd, unavoidably unclear photos) or even to get Peveril back into steam, if Douglas could be made presentable as a replacement for display in the museum.

    As things stand, nowt can happen with asbestos there and there's no real operational justification to do anything with either stored loco. Without that asbestos, there'd be opportunity to at least use one cosmetically restored loco to fill some useful role in publicising the line and the island (I quite fancy the notion of an unmissable IoM display at Heathrow or Gatwick .... but both would likely be beyond any sensible tourism budget, worst luck!). I s'pose the simpler option would be to use a cosmetically restored No.1 Sutherland complete with an ornamental clapped out boiler as a semi-roving ambassador .... but that seems like a lack of ambition, as well as being a waste of a loco AIUI mostly in a halfway reasonable condition.
     
  3. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    That would be 1975, a couple of years before the Government took over the IMR and, yes, much has changed over the intervening 43 years - mostly for the better. Unfortunately relying solely on the railway press for information is sometimes a poor substitute for seeing for oneself. We will have to agree to disagree on Nos 5&9 being "derelict" or not. My view is that they are disused but largely complete and 'derelict' to me suggests ex Barry condition! Should you come over I would be happy to show them to you, by arrangement, and let you decide for yourself. All the ex IMR items currently in the U.K. and mentioned in a previous post were sold prior to Nationalization. Around the time you last visited the 'old' company also disposed of, by burning, a large number of 'surplus' carriages and almost all the remaining goods wagons. I think we have lost quite enough already and are actually now short of carriages at peak times. As regards No 1 being used as a "display" loco, as I posted some time ago, 5 new boilers are on order one being a 'small' - so think IMR 150......
    I first came here in re-opening year (1967) and kept returning with increasing frequency until I made it my home 30 years ago - largely because of the IMR and I wouldn't volunteer my time if I didn't think the railway had a future. I believe the IMR to be unique in the British Isles in that it operates on its original right of way with all original rolling stock and, with one recent exception, original steam locos. Ridership was well up last year and finances have been secured for further loco and rolling stock restoration. It would be nice if all those who make 'helpful' suggestions as to what we should do with our country's heritage actually came over, rode the trains and helped to support the railway financially.
    Ray.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2018
  4. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    My apologies for having been sufficiently intrigued to bother trying to think about a situation so clearly none of my business.. tbh the way that came across across, there's no need to worry about more suggestions, "helpful" or otherwise from me. If I were able to, I'd be visiting lines left, right and centre. Probably wouldn't spend so long running the phone's battery down either.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2018
  5. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Apologies if it sounded like I was getting at you personally. I don't know your circumstances and whether you are even able to travel to the Island. As you have probably gathered I feel very passionately about our railways and the 'completeness' of them is important in attracting visitors. Disposing of items of rolling stock or infrastructure bit by bit could be seen as 'the thin end of the wedge' and being Government owned it is an easy target for certain politicians who have no interest in the Heritage Railways. I do try to post items that may be of interest to followers of the IMR, answer questions and will continue to do so if that is what Forum members want.
    Ray.
     
    ghost likes this.
  6. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Sorry to snap Ray ..... mobility and other health issues these days get to my normally sunny and cheerful (!) disposition at times. My last 3ft gauge odyssey took me to the FC de Soller (lovely line, lovely stock ... totally unique station building at Soller, converted from an old 'town house' and predates the railway by a long way) .... and that was a good few years ago now. Can't speak for anyone else, but updates from Mona's Isle are always eagerly anticipated. Do please keep 'em coming.
     
    ghost likes this.
  7. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    To justify posting a link to a particularly lovely image from the IOMSRSA Facebook site of 'small' No.8 Fenella, clearly in fine fettle on one of the IMR's popular dining services .....

    Could anyone please enlighten me as to the purpose of those third rails on both platform road and the runround loop? (Ref: the image listed as uploaded 15/7/2018 )

    https://m.facebook.com/IOMSRSA

    ..... and I've already tentatively ruled out electrification!

    The photo (5/7/2018) of the undercover "pairs" F.62, ready for the 'off' across the water, for a spot of tlc, also grabbed my attention. I wonder ..... will it eventually come back similarly giftwrapped?
     
  8. Selsig

    Selsig Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2007
    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    365
    Location:
    Coventry, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    I believe that one was for Sea Lion, and another for Ant/Bee at a previous event
     
    30854 likes this.
  9. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    ... and the Steamplex the following year IIRC.
    Ray.
     
    30854 likes this.
  10. StoneRoad

    StoneRoad Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Messages:
    923
    Likes Received:
    352
    Occupation:
    Restoration of heritage items, mainly in timber.
    Location:
    Haltwhistle
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    In a word "YES" ...
     
    30854 and marshall5 like this.
  11. Autotank

    Autotank Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    Messages:
    552
    Likes Received:
    114
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Radio Producer
    Location:
    Berkshire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Just wondering what is the maximum speed limit on the steam railway and tramway? Assume that they aren't run under Light Railway Orders?
     
  12. Hirn

    Hirn Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2015
    Messages:
    462
    Likes Received:
    295
    Gender:
    Male
    I presume speed limits and all etc. will ultimatly be under Manx law and regulations not necessarily identical to anywhere else.

    Like the Ffestiniog - until Col Stephens got a light railway order - and certain lines like the connection to the vinegar works in Worcester
    I think it must have been originally a full blown independant railway with speeds at its own discretion.
     
  13. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    The Heritage Transport Festival begins tomorrow, with a bus tour around the closed lines and stations in the North of the Island. In preparation for this the Steam Railway have displayed a Manx Northern train at Kirk Michael station consisting of the Foxdale coach and ex MNR #4 Caledonia fresh from overhaul. The station building is now the HQ of the local volunteer fire brigade and the fire engine is kept in the former goods shed as seen in the corner of the attached photo. The weather forecast is looking O.K. and not so hot as on the 'adjacent island' so hopefully we'll have lots of visitors. For the full list of events see: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&...WFpbnxpb21zcnNhNTB8Z3g6M2I3ZTVlZmFiYzY5ODY5Nw
    Cheers,
    Ray.
    The MNR returns to Kirk Michael.JPG
     
    RLinkinS, ilvaporista, ragl and 10 others like this.
  14. lostlogin

    lostlogin Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2007
    Messages:
    428
    Likes Received:
    205
  15. Wenlock

    Wenlock Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2008
    Messages:
    2,027
    Likes Received:
    1,319
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Bus Driver
    Location:
    Loughton Essex
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
  16. Wenlock

    Wenlock Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2008
    Messages:
    2,027
    Likes Received:
    1,319
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Bus Driver
    Location:
    Loughton Essex
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    deleted, double posting
     
  17. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Seems a long time since anything has been posted so here goes:
    On the Steam Railway services recommence on Friday 8th March and continue until Sunday 3rd November. Details in the 2019 timetable https://www.gov.im/media/1364009/iom-railways-2019-timetable-web.pdf
    The two main special events are Rush Hour on the Railways from 19th to 22nd April and the Heritage Transport Festival from July 24th to 28th. Final details are still being finalized but will include the old favourites such as workshop tours but also some one - offs celebrating MNR 140 with the newly restored ex Manx Northern loco Caledonia.
    As announced by the Director of Transport at last year's HTF loco #16 Mannin will shortly be removed from Port Erin Museum for eventual restoration to running order. Its place will be taken by 1873 built Sutherland which is currently being cosmetically restored in the IMR workshops. a15 No 16 Port Erin Museum 2001.jpg 94  No 1 at Douglas 1998.jpg

    As always the latest news and the current activities of the Heritage Railways Volunteers can be found at https://www.facebook.com/hrviom/
    Cheers,
    Ray.
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2019
    GHWood, RLinkinS, ragl and 4 others like this.
  18. paullad1984

    paullad1984 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2007
    Messages:
    918
    Likes Received:
    428
    Mannin to steam? Hooray!
     
    GHWood, andrewshimmin and 5944 like this.
  19. StoneRoad

    StoneRoad Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2009
    Messages:
    923
    Likes Received:
    352
    Occupation:
    Restoration of heritage items, mainly in timber.
    Location:
    Haltwhistle
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    And F62 is continuing to progress nicely ...
     
    GHWood and marshall5 like this.
  20. marshall5

    marshall5 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2010
    Messages:
    2,375
    Likes Received:
    3,981
    Location:
    i.o.m
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer

Share This Page