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Douglas is the interchange between the Isle of Man steam railway and the Manx Electric Railway.  Before we venture down the electric line, we’ll spend a day at Douglas and visit the railway works.

The seaside….

The station…..

Steam to electric….

And the works….

The steam locomotives on display, all 2-4-0T’s, except the 0-6-0T ‘Caledonia’, built for the Manx Northern Railway.  Most of the 16 locomotives that served the island survive in various locations.

Coaching stock being restored and repaired…

A goods van with the distinctive IOMR diagonal planking, and the ex-County Donegal railcar – that spent more time running on the Isle of Man than it did in Ireland.

The machinery in the works is still belt driven from overhead lay shafts.  And the steam engine that originally powered it all has been preserved.

Next time, we really will go electric!

Today’s pictures are mostly from Port Erin, one end of the remaining section of the Isle of Man steam railway.  This lovely 3′ gauge system covered much of the island in its heyday.  I was fascinated with it as a teenager, but never plucked up the courage to try a GEM whitemetal kit of their 2-4-0T locos.  I probably couldn’t afford it, anyway.  I recall that I did build a Manx Northern Railway full brake in shellacked cardboard, with cotton beading to the coach body.  I can’t remember how good it was!

First, a few views of the seaside.

Then to the railway.  Running into the station and round the train.

The locos look beautifully care for.

And some original coaches in their smart red and cream livery.

Plastic sleepered track!  Peco?????

And a view of the station.

Down the line to Port Soderick.  The station building is privately owned.

And then through Ballasalla, Castletown and Colby….

To arrive at Douglas….

Some electric railway shots next time…

Looking through all the pictures Allan and Ron have given me, it has been tricky to post them in a logical manner.  Although Ron has provided me with his usual day-by-day (including their ailments), it’s a small island, and they visited some places more than ones.

So I think that I’ll post these pictures by location and subject.  And we’ll start with the Douglas Bay horse trams.  These nearly became extinct (the trams, not the horse) but there was such an outcry that the lines have been repaired and I think relayed in places, albeit for a shorter length of line.

Douglas Bay.

The pictures capture the first day of tram operation for a number of years.  Surely, this has to be the greenest way to travel!

And a visit to the tram sheds.

Did they get the red carpet out for Allan & Ron – or for the horse?

Last for today, a few pictures of Ramsey bus garage.

As the Goons sung so memorably…

I’m walking backwards for Christmas,
Across the Irish Sea,
I’m walking backwards for Christmas,
It’s the only thing for me.

As threatened promised, today I’ll start the pictures from Allan’s and Ron’s holiday on the Isle of Man.  These may pop up from time for weeks and weeks.  There are some interesting pictures of the remnants of a unique narrow gauge railway system.

We’ll start by getting them there…..

Liverpool Lime Street.  Only had time for a few quick pictures here at Liverpool Lime Street.  Had a nice run up from Euston this morning on Penelope the Pendolino (this was the name the side of the train.)

Sitting in departure lounge for ferry on Liverpool.

Arrival of our ferry on which we will be travelling in the luxury lounge.

Nice trip across. Don’t think we will need the rescue. (the small tower in the middle of Douglas Bay.)

Ferry 25 mins late arriving. Delayed in disembarking due to a medical emergency on board requiring an ambulance crew. Tried waiting for a bus but gave up and walked up to station to catch last train of the day to Port Erin. Very windy here.

Now that’s what I call a locomotive!  More in a day or two…..