| The Isle of Man Year of Railways in 1993 re-established the island's rail transport systems in the eyes of enthusiasts World-wide. A plethora of events greeted visitors. But 1993 was just the beginning; inspired by the opening of the first section of what became the Manx Electric Railway, between Douglas and Groudle, in September 1893. The veritable extra-vaganza of 1993 included unusual workings on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, the steam worked Douglas to Port Erin line and on the Groudle Glen Railway. The phenomenal success of the Year of Railways resulted in subsequent centenary celebrations based upon anniversaries for the Groudle to Laxey section of the MER in 1994, the Snaefell Mountain Railway in 1995, and the Groudle Glen Railway and Upper Douglas Cable Tramway in 1996. This programme includes footage of some of the more spectacular and unusual events which took place on the Isle of Man Railways between 1993 and 1996. Events on the MER include Loch from Laxey to Dhoon Quarry, the illuminated tram, locomotive 23, night photography, trams in parallel, freights, centenary runs, the '3ft gauge' Maria and the Wickham to Minorca. On the mountain, more Wickham action, the remarkable return of a boiler to the mountain sub station, the 3ft 6ins gauge Maria and all 6 cars at the summit. Loch, Hutchinson, Maitland, G.H. Wood and Caledonia work doubleheaders, top and tailed duties and freights on the steam railway. On the promenade the cable tram and horse trams are in action, and at Groudle, Sea Lion, Jack, Polar Bear, Rishra and Chaloner all roar up the glen. Also included is the remarkable story of the resurrection of Caledonia, footage of the frames on test at Laxey in early 1994 is followed by the engine's first tests 'up the bank' from Douglas and on the mountain line's 1 in 12. Fog, snow, gale force winds and glorious sunshine at the Bungalow! Caledonia's subsequent runs on the MER and on the South line complete the action packed story. No Contents Listing Published, See Description Continent: Europe
Country: Isle of Man |
