The Isle of Man Transport Festival will be taking place between Thursday 30th July and Wednesday 5th August, as reported a few weeks ago. The festival will see a number of events over the week on many of the island’s different transport offerings. Read on for a full and updated listing of the events which will be taking place.
All events taking place throughout the Festival are given, not only those featuring trams or tramways. For more details contact Isle of Man Transport on 01624 663366.
Thursday 30th July: “Welcome to Isle of Man Transport” Evening Film Show at the Villa Marina presented by Bill Cubbon of the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association.
Friday 31st July: Isle of Man Steam Railway day. Double headed and banked trains. Engine turned to face chimney first into Douglas. Diesel IMR 17 Viking running passenger trains between Port Erin and Colby. Evening trip.
Saturday 1st August: Great Laxey Mine Railway. Demonstration ore trains.
RMS Locotech diesels in use on the Manx Electric Railway. An opportunity to ride behind this unique 3foot gauge Ruston and Hornsby diesel engine, dating to 1949 and on loan from the Irchester Railway Museum. Also, in use former Irish stablemate, Bord-na Mona Simplex diesel “Pig”. A variety of trains in operation including diesel hauled passenger trains’ top and tail trips, freight trips and cab rides between Laxey and Fairy Cottage.
Evening Trip on the Manx Electric Railway. Guided tour stopping at places of interest along the line.
Sunday 2nd August: Groudle Glen Railway operating. Two train service in operation all day. All available engines in use; steam, diesel and battery!
Great Laxey Mine Railway. Demonstration ore trains.
Special Manx Electric Railway shuttle service running between Groudle and Laxey using unusual tram.
Miniature Railway in operation at the Curraghs Wildlife Park.
Evening trip on the Manx Electric Railway. RMS Locotech diesel Bertie hauling MER trailer Laxey to Ramsey and return.
Monday 3rd August: Manx Electric Railway day. 1893 cars 1 and 2 in service. Closed saloon trailers in use throughout the day. Mail Van 4 in use.
Evening service including Snaefell Mountain Railway and guided tours of the history, flora and wildlife of the Island’s only mountain.
Snaefell Mountain Railway open wagon on passenger trams throughout the day for photographers
Evening trip Derby Castle to Snaefell Summit. Ascent of Snaefell will include a trip along the depot siding and photographic stops opposite Laxey Wheel and on the approach to the summit. Guided tour of the flora and fauna at Snaefell summit.
Tuesday 4th August: Diesel day on the Manx Electric Railway. Variety of special services operated by RMS Locotech’s Ruston diesel “Bertie” and Simplex diesel “Pig”. Passenger trains, freight trains, “top and tail” trains and cab rides.
Launch and official naming of re-liveried diesel “Bertie”.
Demonstration of RMS Locotech’s unique three foot gauge rail mounted 360 degree excavators
National Air Traffic Services (formerly CAA) railcars on display.
Subject to availability, MER car 34 Maria in service
MER mail van 4 on scheduled timetable passenger service.
Groudle Glen Railway evening services with two trains in operation
Wednesday 5th August: Vintage bus tour
Evening trip on the Manx Electric Railway operated by TLP Tours
Groudle Glen Railway evening services
All events are subject to availability and you are advised to contact Isle of Man Transport on 01624 663366 to confirm any details before travelling.
Source: Andrew Scarffe (Great Laxey Mine Railway)