Its time for another instalment of “Picture in Time” as we stay on the Isle of Man for another June 1977 image.
This photo is taken inside Derby Castle Sheds – a building which at this time had certainly seen better days with clear holes in the roof visible on the far side. The sheds at Derby Castle have been in this location since the line opened and by 1977 the buildings were starting to show their age. However, it would be some time before they received any significant attention with the structures being demolished and rebuilt from 1999.
Inside the sheds on this day we see two trams – both of which are in the operational fleet today. Closest to the camera is 1898 built Crossbench 16 whilst across the far side we see Tunnel Car 7 (four years older as it dates from 1894). Of the two cars 7 looks the less recognisable today as it is now in the Blue and Ivory livery whilst 16 is once again in a similar livery style to this having spent some time in green.
Photograph by Donald Brooks, 4th June 1977
Actually, the Top Shed at Derby Castle Depot was cleared and demolished in the Autumn/Winter of 1996. Rebuilding of the Top Shed and it’s associated fanwork was botched and very badly flawed. It took three attempts before anything like a workable solution could be found. From memory, the last relay of the fanwork took place in 2001.