Isle of Man Transport have unveiled details of the events due to take place between 25th and 29th July as part of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival 2012. As usual this event will
include most forms of transport on the Island including the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway.
Although the event kicks off on Wednesday 25th July the Manx Electric Railway’s participation doesn’t really kick off until Saturday 28th July when an enhanced service will be in operation. This day will also see free visits to Laxey Substation and a selection of MER trams on display at Derby Castle – including recently reinstated 1893 built tram number 1, which is the oldest working tram in the world.
Further events on the MER take place on the following day – Sunday 29th July – when timetable F will be in operation, this is the most frequent service normally only in use during the TT races. In addition a special postal service will operate between Snaefell Summit and Derby Castle using both the Snaefell Mountain Railway and Manx Electric Railway. On the latter the MER Mail Van will be in use to convey the special railway stamp covers. Also on this day a special tram will depart Laxey to visit the former MER quarries at Dhoon where a guide will point out old railway points of interest and give a short history
talk on the MER and the islands quarries. Finally all southbound trams will stop at Bulgham Head for two minutes for photo opportunities.
Of course the event is not just about the Manx Electric Railway with the majority of events taking place on the Isle of Man Steam Railway. These start on Thursday 26th July with various events on most of the remaining days of the festival whilst other railways across the Island are also involved over the five days. A full events programme has been added to the Diary of Events at http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/diary.html including all events not just those on the MER and SMR.
Explorer tickets or normal rail fares will apply for all events during the Festival unless
special prices are mentioned. Adult Explorer tickets for 2012 cost £16 for 1 day, £32 for 3 days, £39 for 5 days and £47 for 7 days.
The official Isle of Man Bus and Rail website has full details of the event at http://www.iombusandrail.info/events/manx-heritage-transport-festival.html