Isle Of Man Steam Railway

Slightly surprised that the IoM Railways purchase of two locos from Bord na Mona has not been mentioned on here.

https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/pow...on-isle-of-mans-heritage-railway-lines-726519

 

Some nice 16mm colour film of the IMR in 1952 here

Ray.

 

Quite a bargain at £17500 each. It is a shame we don't have more 3ft gauge railways in the UK to take advantage of the Bord na Mona locos available, though the Crowle Peatland Railway at Swinefleet has bought a Hunslet Wagonmaster from them.

 

https://manx.news/mike-will-be-sore...sbQugAAZ1EnLGDcT5w_aem_vEXiPCFwk424HfszOYJVpg

The very sad news that Mike Buttell has passed away.

 

I'm very sorry to hear this, I first remember Mike while watching my VHS copy of The Train Now Departing, before meeting him for the first time in 2022, when he persuaded me to make a first visit to the Island for the 2023 Festival. RIP to a true character.

 

Today's Port Erin based loco., No.13 Kissack carried a wreath in memory of Mike Buttell. Seen here at Castletown on the 11.50 ex. Douglas.
Ray.

 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike at Douglas station last year for thew steam extravaganza, lovely man, Rest In Peace Mike

 

Dave Archer, one of our volunteers, has made the headboard and we are planning to place it on the 09.50 ex Douglas this Thursday. After that the plan is to put it on the very last train of the season, the 15.50 ex Douglas on Sunday 3rd November so that it fittingly arrives in Port Erin.
Ray.

 

As planned Mike's headboard was attached to the front of IMR No.13 Kissack for the last Douglas departure of the season at 15.50 today. Shortly before departure his wreath was consigned to the firebox watched by his family and friends from the Heritage Railway Volunteers.
Photos courtesy of IoM Transport.
Ray.

 

Many visitors have commented on the scruffy appearance of IMR No.18 Ailsa as it has busied itself shunting around Douglas yard. Ever since the loco came to the Island over 20 yrs ago it has been the intention to give it a repaint but, to be fair, it hasn't stood still long enough - until now. A full repaint into GER-esque blue has just been completed. Does this mean it will be no longer be known as "The Zanussi"? Maybe we should stick a face on the front and call it Th---s ......
Ray.

 

Thanos?

 

Christmas has come early in Douglas yard ........

Ray.

 

It's all go for the diesels - any recent news of No. 21, unofficially known as - what was it? The Liz Truss - or something like that.

 

..... "The Cabbage". I don't think that an official decision has been announced but .......
Ray.

 

What about an unofficial decision...?

 

the fact that pos was up on bricks, and likely to stay there, says it all for me.

 

That's fine until someone needs the bricks for something more useful...

 

That's a nice colour, & well overdue good quality repaint job.

 

Time for an update? In Douglas workshops No.4 Loch is off its wheels for a bottom end overhaul and pony truck rebuild. No.13 is having a repaint as is carriage F48. MNR No.4 Caledonia is on Polar Express and Festive Dining duties https://www.iomsrsa.org/news/2020-2024/2024/festive-schedule-011224 Over in Port St.Mary goods shed volunteers have fitted the small snow plough to cosmetically restored No.6 along with a replacement vacuum ejector exhaust pipe. The 2025 timetable is set to commence on 20th March.
Photos courtesy IoMSRSA.
Ray.