We are back across the Irish Sea on the Isle of Man for today’s Picture in Time image as we head to Laxey for an image of two of the trams used on the Snaefell Mountain Railway back in 1992.
The two subjects of this photo just happen to be the first two built for the line in 1895 – 1 and 2. Constructed by G F Milnes the two trams were the first of six for the line from Laxey to Snaefell Summit being delivered during the spring of 1895 ready for the opening of the Snaefell Mountain Railway on 16th August that year. Originally entering service with no windows these were soon fitted and have remained in situ ever since as seen in this photo. Both 1 and 2 have remained in service for the majority of the 120 years since their original introduction (with minimal periods spent out of use undergoing maintenance and overhaul with 1 missing two full seasons earlier this decade for example).
In this view we see the two vehicles waiting their next duties at Laxey Station on 26th August 1992. Of note is that over the years both 1 (the original Blue and White livery – currently carried) and 2 (nationalised Green livery for 4 years in the late 1950s/early 1960s) have carried different liveries over the years but at this time they were firmly in the recognised SMR colours.
Photograph by Ralph Oakes-Garnett
“Originally entering service with no windows…” – so how did the passengers see the spectacular views? This should have read “…with unglazed windows”.