Isle Of Man Steam Railway

Definitely busy over there !

 

The IMR participated in "Whistle up" earlier today https://www.iomsrsa.org/news/2020-2025/2025/the-whistle-up-010125
Ray.

 

The Isle of Man Railways 2025 timetable has just been released and can be downloaded here https://www.iombusandrail.im/media/3150/iom-railways-2025-timetable.pdf
The Steam Railway re-opens on 20th March, the MER on the 18th and SMR on 29th. Fares appear to have been held at 2024 prices making us even better value than ever.
Ray.

 

I had to call in to the Douglas workshops last week to discuss some ongoing improvements taking place in Port Erin Museum and was surprised to see No.11 Maitland in steam outside the running shed. Two other locos are already available for the start of the season on the 20th, No.13 Kissack which has just been repainted and MNR No.4 Caledonia. The photo below also shows the former MNR 1st class saloon body which serves as a store outside the workshops has been repaired and repainted. No.4 Loch is still in the workshops where its bottom end overhaul continues. Recent work has included re-rivetting the steel backing plate behind the wooden buffer beam.
The annual Heritage Transport Festival will take place between the 22nd and 27th July https://www.iombusandrail.im/heritage/events-and-experiences/manx-heritage-transport-festival-2025/ Fuller details will be released in due course.
Ray.

 

A short pre-season test train formed of No.11 Maitland and half-brake F49 was out and about yesterday afternoon. The photos (courtesy IoMSRSA) show the train at Castletown with the recently installed replica hoardings in the background.
The 2025 season starts on Thursday 20th March.
Ray.

 

On the second day of the 2025 season the driver of IMR No.11 Maitland on the 13.50 ex Douglas oils round at Castletown station as No.13 leaves on the 14.00 ex Port Erin. Trains are running to timetable R but only Th-Su until 3rd April.
Ray.

 

Does anyone know how Mannin is getting along?

 

Copied from the IoMSRSA web page - A tour around Douglas workshops yesterday https://www.iomsrsa.org/news/2020-2025/2025/around-the-shops-250325
Ray.

 

A couple of days ago, I saw some adverse comment about the [ugly] concrete slab outside the engine shed.

When it comes down to cleaning away oil drips and prevention of slips it wins hands down over ballast.
{having done the latter at another railway a few years ago ...}

 

It's also a lot better for maneuvering road vehicles, for instance coal deliveries.
Ray.

 

As, hopefully, the photos below show, Douglas workshops continue to turn out high quality work. Last Tuesday Saloon carriage F32 returned to the dining set after repairs and repaint. This is now the second vehicle of the five to carry the livery in which they were delivered, new, in 1905. As they go through works the other 3 will be turned out to match. 'Royal' saloon F36 has been repainted in 1970's livery as restoration work continues internally. On Saturday IMR No.4 Loch (1874) double headed with No.13 on the 3.50 ex Douglas as a running in turn after its recent bottom-end overhaul. The observant will notice that Loch has received a new chimney of the original pattern. Now that the Dino expresses are over the next major event is the Heritage Transport Festival from 22nd - 27th July. Outline details here https://www.iombusandrail.im/heritage/events-and-experiences/manx-heritage-transport-festival-2025/ Full details shortly.
Ray.

Photos courtesy IoM SRSA.