Isle of Man Railways has a packed programme of events in this year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival.
To be staged from 27 to 31 July, the festival includes a Mixed Gauge Extravaganza celebrating the Island’s unique rail network, involving a combination of government and volunteer-operated railways on the Isle of Man.
There are also vintage and classic bus trips, railway and maritime model displays and numerous photo opportunities.
Events Co-ordinator Anji Street said: ‘The Manx Heritage Transport Festival just gets better and better each year. We are lucky to involve some very knowledgeable transport enthusiasts to ensure that the exciting transport combinations and excursions we have planned will appeal to a wide range of people. The partnership event with the Laxey Mines Railway and the Groudle Glen Railway to bring their locos down to Douglas Station for a once in a lifetime photo opportunity will amaze and delight both residents and visitors.
‘It’s a huge year also for bus enthusiasts with a vintage bus extravaganza on the Sunday (31 July) at Jurby. This will be served by vintage buses from Ramsey MER Station with passengers returning on a special express service over the TT Mountain course from Ramsey to Douglas with a brief stop of the AEC Regent at the Bungalow.
‘We are also repeating the popular bus tour of closed railway lines on the Friday (29 July) featuring a stop at the Wildlife Park to ride on the Orchid Line. There is genuinely something to delight everyone,’ she added.
The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will also feature enhanced services during the weekend, operating a special evening service on Saturday 30 July until 9pm and having every operational tram in service during the day. On Sunday 31 July the double decker tram will make its first appearance of the season for the 9am service, pulled by a pair of horses.
Additionally, there is the opportunity to take a cruise on board the MV Karina, a film evening at Port Erin, a Pie and Mash supper or a Curry Club night on the Dining Car and two Snaefell Sunset dinners.
More information in the Manx Heritage Transport Festival leaflet available from www.rail.im or from the Welcome Centre, Derby Castle booking office and main stations. There are restricted places on some special services so early booking is advised. Go cards are valid for travel on scheduled services.
Wednesday 27 July 2016
Manx Electric Railway shuttles to Groudle from 10:55. Plus evening shuttles from 18:10 to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Groudle Glen Railway.
Thursday 28 July 2016
Model display at Port Erin Bus Shed.
In association with the iom15mil group, displays of Manx railway models in various scales, from the diminutive 4mm to the large 5inch gauge, will be held in the bus garage at Port Erin Station. This year it also includes the new Accucraft model of Mannin, and a visiting Isle of Man themed model railway “Mannin Middle” as featured in Railway Modeller Magazine.
Additionally the event is being joined by the Manx Model Boat Club, who will be displaying their award winning exhibition stand, featuring models of Manx maritime history, including Steam Packet and “Ben” boats. Admission is free.
Friday 29 July 2016
Vintage bus tour of closed lines featuring a stop at the Wildlife Park to ride on the Orchid Line.
IoM Railways Chief Engineer Jeremy Reece will give a talk in Ramsey revealing the inside story of the award winning restoration of Ballure Bridge.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
Open day at the tramway stables from 12:30pm to 16:00.
Every available horse tram will be used in rotation.
Victorian passengers at Strathallan terminus during the day.
All operational trams on display outside the depot.
Saturday 30 July 2016
Mixed gauge extravaganza at Douglas Station.
Isle of Man Railways are delighted to welcome steam locomotives from the Great Laxey Mine Railway and from the Groudle Glen Railway. These locomotives will join our own locomotives for an unprecedented mixed gauge event at Douglas Steam Railway Station. The two visiting locos will be posed with No. 8 Fenella for photographs during the day, with No.8 being turned for this very special occasion.
For further photo opportunities, steam vehicles including a Sentinel Steam Waggon, Fowler Traction engine and Stanley Steam Car will also be on display on the platform 10:00 to 16:00. Admission is free.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
Trams operate an enhanced service from 14:00 to 15:30 with a tram departing every 10 minutes.
Services will continue into the evening until 2100. Last departure from Strathallan at 2100, returning from Victoria Street terminus at 2120.
Sunday 31 July 2016
Vintage Bus Extravaganza
A unique day out in the north for transport enthusiasts. Take the tram to Ramsey then ride on one of our vintage buses to Jurby to explore the Isle of Man Motor Museum and Manx Transport Trust’s Jurby Transport Museum and see fabulous displays of cars, buses and trucks from a Lion to a Greyhound. Services between Ramsey and Jurby will be operated by a selection of vintage buses. Then take in the stunning mountain views as you return to Douglas on the X3 express service along part of the famous TT course with a brief stop for photographs of the AEC Regent at the Bungalow.
Travel information: Tram departs Derby Castle at 10:10. Bus transfers from Ramsey MER Station to Jurby at 11:25. Buses back to Douglas at 14:30 and 16:30, which will go via Ramsey MER Station 15:00 and 17:00 to link with service trams for those wishing to return by tram.
Standard fares apply, no reservations necessary. Go Explore travel cards accepted. Standard admission charges apply to Isle of Man Motor Museum.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
Double decker tramcar no. 18’s first outing of 2016 with a pair of horses.
Okell’s double decker tram will depart Strathallan at 0900 and Victoria Street at 0920. There will be a procession of horse trams departing Strathallan at 1600.
