Manx steam, electric and horse traction - 19 and 20 August 2013

I had a couple of days to ride and observe the Isle of Man's less narrow gauge operations.

The remaining part of the 3ft gauge Isle of Man Railway runs between Douglas and Port Erin in the south. Unfortunately it lacks the scenic attractions that were to be found on other sections, but provides a shorter ride and can access the tourist numbers. The locomotives with one exception are Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T. The carriages are charmingly old fashioned but maybe not appreciated by all passengers.

Awaiting departure from the grand Douglas Station.
Unfortunately, they must think it's the Eurostar and won't let you onto the
platform until the last minute. 

Victorian carriages

GH WOOD (built 1905) brewing up at Port Erin

In the museum at Port Erin showing how the locomotive design developed.
The 1875-built PEVERILL has much in common with colonial designs for Australia.

The chunkier lines of 1926-built MANNIN

The delightful ex-Manx Northern Railway CALEDONIA,
built by Dubs in 1885, crossing at Ballasalla.

The 3ft gauge Douglas horse trams date from the 1870s and connect with the electric railway.

Horse Teddy hauling car number 43 nears the Electric Tramway terminus.

The Manx Electric Tramway is a delightful period piece that traverses the east coast between Douglas and Ramsey. An enclosed tram hauls a very chilly and exposed toastrack trailer.

I photographed tram number 5 at Ramsey one day (the horse tram sheds on the right)

. . . and rode it from Ramsey the next.

Lastly, the 3ft 6in gauge Snaefell Mountail Railway ascends the island's highest peak, commencing at Laxey on the Electric Railway.

Passed at Laxey