We already knew that as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic this year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival had become the second big transport event on the Isle of Man to go virtual but now full details have been announced of the Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway based events. With the Snaefell line celebrating its 125th anniversary this year it will take centre stage on Saturday 1st August but there is plenty more tram related to keep you entertained throughout the five day spectacular!
The event takes place online between Wednesday 29th July and Sunday 2nd August. All events will be available on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page with some selected events also taking place on their YouTube page.
Further events will also be taking place during the five days from other railways on the island – including the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway – with further details to follow of these.
The full list of MER/SMR events are as follows:
Wednesday 29th July
Daytime
By Royal Appointment – 125 Years of trailer 59
Starting from 1000 on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page this will be an exploration of the history of the Royal Trailer
Evening
From Birkenhead to Bulgham – British and Manx tramcar history
Starting at 1800 on both the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page and YouTube, this is a presentation from Rob Jones of the Wirral Transport Museum and Heritage Tramway on the Birkenhead tram manufacturers Starbuck and G F Milnes.
Thursday 30th July
Daytime
Diesel Do – a history of diesel locomotives on the MER
Available on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page from 1000 this will look at all diesel locos to have run on the MER over the years.
Evening
Maria on Tour!
Live on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page and YouTube from 1900 this takes a look at the only vehicle to have run on all four of the Island’s main railways – Snaefell Mountain Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and Isle of Man Steam Railway. Footage of no. 34 on each of the railways will be shown.
Friday 31st July
Daytime
The Prequel – the Manx Electric before the Manx Electric
Available on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page from 1000 the team will be looking at the days before the MER and sharing what can be still be explored today
Evening
The Missing Link – the story of MER cars 10 to 13
Live on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page and YouTube from 1900 this video takes a look at the almost forgotten quartet of MER cars 10-13.
Saturday 1st August
Daytime and Evening
A Snaefell Celebration
Throughout the day on both the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page and YouTube this will be a celebration of the Snaefell Mountain Railway as it reaches 125 years. Photos, videos and possibly something more will be included!
Sunday 2nd August
Daytime
The 1893 originals – History of cars 1 to 3
Available on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page from 1000 this will be a full history of the original trio of trams built for the MER in 1893.
Evening
Lost Tramways of the Isle of Man
Live on the Manx Electric Railway Facebook page and YouTube from 1900 this final event of the event looks at nearly 125 years of history on the closed tramways on the Isle of Man – Ramsey Pier Tramway, Upper Douglas Cable Tramway, Douglas Southern Electric Tramway and Browside Tramway.
Its not what was intended but the five days of events listed above looks set to be a good substitute to keep everyone entertained with all things MER and SMR based!
* Each event above links you to the Facebook and/or YouTube page they are taking place on. The full web address of these are as follows:
Manx Electric Railway Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ManxElectricRailway
Manx Electric Railway YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQ3c9ltJH9MMqkwtpPevDg