The extensive restoration of Manx Electric Railway “Ratchet” 14 is continuing a pace with the car still on target to be completed in time for September’s MER 125 event (1st to 8th September if you’ve forgotten the dates!).
14 is being restored to original 1898 condition including the correct trucks, traction motors, controllers and livery for this period. Work started in March 2015 when it was moved between Laxey and Derby Castle car sheds (after retrucking) and over the past three years major progress has been made on returning the tram to service. It will be first Ratchet car to run in service on the MER since the early 2000s with its own withdrawal coming as far back as 1982. The restoration has been heavily supported by enthusiasts from Manx Electric Railway Online and judging by the latest photos it will be a truly stunning sight when it returns to the rails later this year.
The plan is that 14 will be officially launched back into service during the 125th Anniversary events on Monday 3rd September and will then see use throughout the remainder of the event week including on a special evening service (alongside 16) on Wednesday 5th September.
New footboards have now been made and fitted to 14.
Refurbished Scotach brakes now fitted on the Ramsey end bogie.
The Ramsey end controller is in position to allow electrical connections to be made. (All Photographs courtesy of Manx Electric Railway Online)
* Full updates on the restoration can be viewed on the Manx Electric Railway Online Facebook page.