Milnes Ratchet Cars 14, 15, 17, 18

Car 14 is captured in a busy morning scene at Derby Castle in July 1977 shortly after the Ramsey line reopened to traffic following its year of hibernation. Winter Saloon Car 22 passes by on a Ramsey service journey. Also pictured are a Paddlebox Car & trailer along with a Tunnel Car which will form the next journey North. Photo: A. Spencer Collection

The Ratchet cars were often used on works duties during the Winter. Here 14 is seen at Dreemskerry in the company of the MER's Tower Waggon, stabled on the former siding which once served the quarry, which was lifted in the 1980's. 14's controllers are sheeted to protect them from the elements. Photo : R. Dodge

In the Spring of 2002 Laxey Car Sheds was cleared of all 7 of the long disused Ratchet Cars, some of which have been stored out of service there for almost 35 years. With the exception of Car 30 which was to be transfered to Ramsey Depot for further storage, all other cars had been towed to Douglas for onward transportation to the former Homefield Bus Works. Car 14 last saw passenger service in 1978 and has been stored unserviceable since 1982 following a spell on Poles & Wires duties. Car 14 was towed to Derby Castle works on 29th April 2002 and is shown here stored in the Top Sheds prior to transfer to Homefield. 14 suffered damage to it's Douglas end dash panel in 1997 when it was hit by sister car 17 during the shunting of withdrawn stock at Laxey Car Sheds. Photo: R. Dodge

Car 15 was hired in 1956 by well known enthusiasts David Packer and Chris Thornburn for a private journey to Ramsey. 15 is caught at Lhen Coan and whilst the enthusiasts took their photographs, the crew take the opportunity to pick blackberries from the line side. Photo:. C Thornburn

Cars 15 and 30 pictured during a period of outside storage on Laxey Car Sheds headshunt on 29th October 1997. Neither car has turned a wheel in passenger service since the 1970s. Photo: A. Spencer

Car 15 is shown here in Derby Castle Yard during May 2002 following it's transfer from storage at Laxey Car Sheds. Shortly after this photo was taken, 15 was taken by low loader for further storage at the former Homefield Bus Works. After withdrawal from passenger service, 15 was often to be seen on the Groudle Siding at Derby Castle Station in use as a mobile advertising hoarding for the M.E.R. Photo: R.Dodge.

Car 17 running single motor at Onchan Head, heading for Groudle on a journey from Derby Castle in the Summer of 1966. Photo: A.D.Packer

After a number of years disuse Car 18 was made available for service again in time for the Year of Railways events. 18 was captured at Laxey during July 1994 whilst operating on specials, running mate for the day was Trailer 60 which can be seen in the background. 18's singing chilled iron wheels are well remembered ! Photo: A. Spencer

Car 18 was the last of the 14-18 batch to remain serviceable, currently it is stored out of use at Laxey Car Sheds. 18 is shown here at Ramsey during 1996, unusual territory for a Ratchet Car as trips North of Laxey by this class were very rare.

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