Isle of Man Guide

Isle of Man Railways are pleased to announce the annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival, five fully packed days of extra special services on the steam and electric railways, with additional film shows, tours and events providing something for everyone from Wednesday 28th July to Sunday 1st August 2010.

These include the world’s oldest working tramcar, unusual combinations on the tracks and additional trip runs to some of the Island’s most breathtaking locations including, on Saturday, a stop at Bulgham Head for a chance to take photos from the new viewing platform. Beautiful Island views, sunset scenes, behind the scenes tours, vintage buses and unusual tram and train formations will provide plenty of photo opportunities throughout the festival.

Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented:

“With all of these special services, tours and unique photo opportunities, as well as the regular timetabled services, Isle of Man Railways has created a wonderful celebration of a key part of our national heritage. We have also provided activities designed to appeal to everyone from families, to photographers, to committed rail enthusiasts.”

Wednesday 28th July - Welcome

Extra trams will be put on to Groudle for a welcome buffet, as well as additional trams to the top of Snaefell for a sunset guided tour and ‘reed workshop’, which is a chance to learn about the local flora and fauna and have the opportunity to try and make a reed basket.

Thursday 29th July - Port Erin Day

Special services will operate from Port Erin, featuring goods and passenger trains and turned locos. There will also be a film show and buffet at the Port Erin Arts Centre, featuring images of the Island’s Railways in the 60’s.

Friday 30th July - Steam Day in Douglas

A steamed loco will be available for stunning footplate photo opportunities. There will be a special service banked with a second engine to Port Soderick, where the train will be split with some carriages continuing onto Port Erin and some returning to Douglas.

To start the weekend, there will also be a special Friday night service to Snaefell summit from Laxey with a sunset dinner at the Summit Cafe.

Saturday 31st July - Laxey and Groudle Day

Extra trams will be scheduled, many of which will be operated by unusual motors and trailers including our Guinness World Record holding oldest working tramcar in the world. Other trailers will include the ‘Royal Saloon’, which carried Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902. S

huttle runs to Groudle and Dhoon quarry will be provided, with opportunities to visit the Glens. Steam shed tours will be available and the doors will be open to Laxey Substation, where you can see the mysterious workings of the Mercury Arc Rectifier.

Sunday 1st August - Ramsey and Jurby Day

Sunday offers additional trips to Ballaglass Glen and stops along the line for unusual photo opportunities. There will also be a guided tour of the highlights of Ramsey by a Blue Badge guide and journeys on a vintage bus to Jurby transport museum will be available.

Throughout the weekend, Groudle Glen and the Great Laxey Mines Railways will also be in operation.

Tickets to this celebration are available from the Welcome Centre and the main Railway Stations For more information, and a full list of events, visit www.iombusandrail.info, call 01624 662525 or call into the Welcome Centre.

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