After 11 years of running in the original Blue and White livery, Snaefell Mountain Railway 1 has now returned to the more standard Red, White and Teak livery style following a repaint undertaken at the Car Sheds in Laxey. The 1895 built vehicle received the repaint over the winter allowing it to return to service towards the start of the 2024 season.
As well as receiving the repaint the car has also undergone a refurbishment after its continued intensive use on the Snaefell Mountain Railway between Laxey and the Summit of the Isle of Man’s only mountain.
With 1 now back in standard fleet livery it just leaves 5 in a non-standard livery with that car still carrying a Teak and Ivory livery. 4 used to also carry non-standard colours when it had a hybrid livery featuring green instead of the red on the tram.
The 2024 season got underway as planned on 19th March and there have been confirmed reports that at least 1 and 2 have seen service this year. 4 and 5 should also be operational with work continuing on the rebuild of 6 at the car sheds.
Staying on the Isle of Man and the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has also started its operating season, despite concerns that the state of Tramway Terrace may prevent access to the stables. First day of the 2024 season was Thursday 28th March and it is now scheduled to run on selected days until Sunday 3rd November.
The Manx Electric Railway also continues to run following its season launch on Tuesday 12th March. Other news to report from the MER includes repaints for Tunnel Car 9 (retaining its previous livery style), Winter Saloon 21 (losing its nationalised green livery in favour of more traditional colours) and Crossbench 32 (retaining its green livery).
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