Isle Of Man Steam Railway

Great to see the proposed event guide, I am looking forward to going.
I have been trying to book some events, but when I try and go to the website it is not obvious where to book?

 

Try this https://iomrailways.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows
We look forward to seeing you. If you are on the steam workshops tour make yourself known as I will be one of the guides.
Cheers,
Ray.

 

Ray, thanks very much for your prompt reply.

 

A quick query, on Wednesday 26th July, is the evening trip with Caledonia just with the Cleminson Coach, or is it joined with the Foxdale coach too?
Looking forward to making my first visit to the Island for the event, I got talking to the gents who came over with Fenella to Welshpool last year and was absolutely hooked!

 

Can I afford more than one trip to the Island this year, I wonder ?

 

The evening is due to feature both the Cleminson and the Foxdale coach, displaying two variations of the old MNR livery. Glad you enjoyed Welshpool, I would have been one of those you spoke to

 

Thanks for that! Good to know a lot of original material was retained. I did wonder why the ‘vision panels’ were there - nice idea!

 

Thank you for the speedy reply Mike, I believe I actually bought a model of Hutchinson from you!

 

<Cantankerous old curmugeon mode on> It could have done with better proof-reading (e.g. "served on the board of Railway Chairman" and some verbless sentences).

 

Unfortunately, despite the draft programme having been extensively proof read, many later changes to add events probably allowed a few errors to creep in.
Ray.

 

Sadly, they've now been replaced with solid material - something that I think is most regrettable.

 

That’s quite right. Changes were necessary right up until the last hour. People were working tremendously hard to get the programme out this week, it had already suffered from delay

 

I've gotta say I am really looking forward to every available loco being on display in Douglas station, what a sight that will be

Is there any update on Mannin's progress at all?

 

We only know what was reported in the last iomsrsa magazine

“According to the latest IOM steam railway supporters journal regarding 16 quote “ Boiler work is progressing well at the Severn Valley and the wheels have returned to Douglas complete with new tyres and crank pins.No other news to report on the frames”

 

thanks Mike, so not going to be ready for this years celebrations I presume

 

Probably two years away, if at all. I won’t believe it till I see it in steam, and I really would like to. Lots of family associations with that engine

 

really, i thought it was hoped she’d be ready this year for the 150 celebrations. So it’s still not definate she will return, i think it’ll be great to see her back so fingers crossed

 

That was the original idea, I always thought it a bit unrealistic tbh. It’s in the hands of the politicians and they have form for abandoning projects (the Donegal Railcars case in point)

 

There was a nice surprise as I headed down South for a visit to the dentist this morning as an ECS train passed under the Malew Rd. bridge, also headed for Port Erin. This was an early season stock move in preparation for services to recommence on Friday. It is a long time, maybe 30+ years since 3 'pairs' carriages have been seen together in a train (F54, F62 and F63). F63 (bodies of 4 wheelers B6 & B10 on a bogie underframe) has only recently returned to the railway following a full rebuild at Stanegate Restorations. In truth it was a mixed train as the 4th vehicle was a 'runner' loaded with cut sleepers for lighting up the P.E. based loco and the 5th was an 'H' wagon. One of the Metropolitan brake 3rds brought up the rear. Later the loco No.11 and one coach would return to Douglas. Elsewhere 'small F' F26 has had a repaint and the cosmetic restorations of Nos. 5 & 9 are ongoing in Port St.Mary and Douglas respectively. Hope to see many Nat Pres members visiting us for IMR 150 in July.
Edit: Further photos and information at https://www.iomsrsa.org/news/f-63-test-train
Cheers,
Ray.

 

Great pics Ray, sorry I missed that.
Elsewhere 1873 carriage body from coach C1 is having some tlc in preparation for its 150th birthday. Based outdoors in Peel opposite the delightful transport museum there