Saturday, April 30, 2011

Weekend Steam: Isle of Man Steam Railway



PhillipGriffin1234's notes from his YouTube post: "The Isle of Man Steam Railway is a truly delightful line, the only surviving part of the Isle of Man Steam network, that runs from Douglas in the east to Port Erin in the south west of the Island. Unlike preserved railways as we know them, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is still 'State Operated' with fully paid staff. Essentially it's a 'proper' railway, equally at home carrying holidaymakers or commuters.

The whole system was closed in 1966 and after a brief revival by Marquess of Ailsa, the lines (except the Douglas to Port Erin line) ceased to operate. The railway as we know it today was nationalised in 1978. Today it's doing well with four trains each direction a day (five during the TT race season) However it does not operate in the winter season. The line is operated entirely by Beyer Peacock 2-4-0s with the exception of 15 'Caledonia', a Dubs 0-6-0.

The video was taken over a period of a few days, from both the lineside and on the train. Engines running included
No.10 G.H.Wood in the Apple Green livery of the 'Ailsa' period, and No.12 Hutchinson in the traditional Red livery. No.13 Kissack also made an appearance on our final day of filming."



I was hooked on this one when the steam came swirling out at the beginning of the video. I thought I smelled hot steam cylinder oil!

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