Douglas 1 heads to Laxey as preparations continue for MER 125 events

It may still be seven months away but preparations are already underway for the Manx Electric Railway 125 events which take place between 1st and 8th September. One of the early highlights looks set to be the unique operation of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 1 at Laxey Station on the MER – and in preparation the tram was taken to Laxey earlier this week for a test run!

Sunday 2nd September has been set as Family Fun Day at Laxey Station and as part of this day it is planned that the three number 1s will all be in operation and on display for photographs at the station. The three number 1s are of course the obvious Manx Electric Railway 1 and Snaefell Mountain Railway 1 – both regular visitors over the years – and, for the first time ever, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 1. No horse tram has ever run anywhere else on the Isle of Man apart from the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway but that will all change for this special event with no. 1 playing a starring role. Its rather ironic that of the three vehicles which will take part in this event the newest will be Douglas 1 as that wasn’t built until 1913 with the MER version dating from 1893 and the Snaefell car from 1895.

On Monday 29th January Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 1 and the appropriately named trammer Douglas made the trip to Laxey for some test runs and these have deemed a success so it will be on systems go on 2nd September for this unique opportunity to see trams from all three remaining tramways on the Isle of Man together. There is of course on further tram numbered 1 from the Isle of Man which still exists with Douglas Marine Head Drive 1 being part of the collection at the Crich Tramway Village.

The MER 125 events are already shaping up to be one of the highlights of the enthusiast calendar for 2018 with MER Ratchet Car 14 also due to be launched into service following its extensive restoration. Further details of what is planned during the week long event can be found in our original article. We are delighted to announce that we will providing coverage from the second half of the week on British Trams Online.

 

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