Our latest instalment of “Picture in Time” heads into the middle of the Irish Sea for a visit to the transport enthusiasts mecca of the Isle of Man.
It is 4th August 1968 for these two images as we see Tunnel Car 5 and Open Trailer 45 together firstly at Derby Castle and then later at Laxey. No. 5 was built by G F Milnes of Birkenhead in 1894 entering service soon after on the line north from Douglas and by the time this photo was taken it had provided almost constant use for 74 years. Carrying the standard Red and Teak livery the tram had by this time had its original longitudinal replaced by transverse seating but apart from that it was pretty much as it had been when it made its trip across the sea in the previous century. Its trailer on this day was 45 which today looks nothing like this as it was converted for use as flat trailer for the Permanent Way department with the majority of the body removed and just two end dash panels remaining in situ. But at this time 1899 built 45 was in practically as delivered condition and was still 32 years away from its major transformation.
The first image shows the pair awaiting a northbound departure at Derby Castle with passengers choosing the board the inviting enclosed saloon of the motor as the motorman waits patiently looking out to sea.
Then later on the same day we are at Laxey where the two are performing the regular run-round move and are seen side by side as this takes place.
Both Photographs taken by Peter Narramore