Contributors Page

This page is designed for photographic contributions to the Manx Electric Railway Society website. If you have any views of transport to or on the Isle of Man, particularly pre 1980, and would like to see them added to the website please e-mail first with details to [email protected] All contributions welcomed. The Manx Electric Railway celebrated its Centenary in 1993 for which a 'Year of Railways' was staged by the line's operator. This encompassed not only the MER, but also all of the Island's vintage transport and generated many thousands of additional passengers. Indeed the whole Island benefited from the promotion, which many saw as the start of something that could be developed into a much larger operation. Sadly this view wasn't held by IOM Transport and the number of enthusiast days can now (2004) be counted on the fingers of one hand, denying the line and the Island of much needed custom. Meanwhile back in 1993, the scene was quite different and these views of the MER taken by George Gardiner depict some of the sights to behold that year. The MERS is very grateful for the use of these photographs, which make a welcome addition to the website. Copyright for each view remains with the photographer.

Celebrating the MER's Centenary is Illuminated 'Tunnel Car' 9, which stands on the Groudle siding at Derby Castle

Paddlebox car 16 sits at Laxey station, probably awaiting the return of the crew and its subsequent return to Derby Castle. At times when more than one tram was required, this car frequently assisted Paddlebox 26 on the popular and revenue generating 'Motorman Lessons' introduced as part of the celebrations

Car 19 and trailer 43 are seen near Little Egypt approaching Laxey on a timetabled Ramsey - Douglas service

Car 19 again, this time with trailer 48 and passengers at Ramsey station. Once the crew return the tram will be ready to head South

Winter Saloon 20 of 1899 at Derby Castle station, just prior to departure for its next journey to Ramsey

One of the shabbier trams operational in 1993 was Paddlebox Car 25 which is seen, with its regular trailer 55, at Derby Castle having arrived as a special from Laxey. The tram was later withdrawn for rebuild and although spending several years undergoing refurbishment, work was suddenly stopped and the trucks removed for use on the 'new' MER works car - formerly replica SMR 7 'MARIA'

The two electric lines meet at Laxey - the 3' gauge MER runs along the coast road, Douglas - Laxey - Ramsey, with the 3'6" gauge Snaefell Mountain Railway operating between Laxey and Snaefell Mountain. 1894 Tunnel Car 7 and SMR car 2, one year its junior simultaneously enter Laxey station

 

Snaefell Mountain Railway car 2 at Snaefell Summit on a cloudy day. The tram will later be called into the station in preparation for the decsent to Laxey

SMR car 3 at Snaefell Summit, almost ready to depart

With SMR car 3 now having vacated the station and begun its return journey down the mountain side, car 2 can proceed into the station.