On Saturday 3rd November a special winter photography event will be taking place on the Manx Electric Railway with the main focus being on Works Cars and Laxey. The main event of the day will be a scheduled Photo Tour utilising Crossbench Car 32 and Works Trailer 52 between Derby Castle and Ballaskeig including photo stops in both directions.
This Photo Tour is a unique chance for visitors to ride on the MER Permanent Way train with Trailer 52 not having been part of a passenger service on the Manx Electric Railway
since the mid 1950s (not that it will carry passengers as it was converted into a Permanent Way Car many years ago). In addition it is rare that 32 is used in passenger service during
November because of its rather open nature.
As part of the event there will also be a guided walk around Laxey conducted by volunteer stewards. The Laxey site is due to be changed beyond much recognition in the coming years and this tour will include both historic and new sites in the area including the station area, Glen Roy Viaduct and will also include rare glimpses inside the 1934 built substation
and 2009 built Car shed.
It is planned that there will also be further events and displays on the day but these have yet to be confirmed. And as is always with events of these nature the already confirmed events are subject to operational constraints.
The Tour will start from Derby Castle in Douglas as 1030 with the tour cars actually departing there at 1050 prompt with a return due at 1715. It will cost £10 per person with tickets available to be purchased from the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal, Douglas (01624 686766). Food will be available from Laxey Station Cafe with a special lunch of soup and a roll with homemade cake and tea or coffee at £7 each – phone 01624 863257 to
prebook).