Hi there. Picking up where we left off, we had just departed Ronaldsway Airport on foot, beginning our epic Isle of Man Adventure. Walking along the main road into Ballasalla, it wasn't long before we were greeted with a pretty sight from the level crossing: Ballasalla Station. This picturesque little village station embodies pretty much everything you would expect from a charming country halt: its lovely. Originally opened in 1874, the station has been modified a few times and, due to a timetable change, is no longer manned. This morning, the platforms stood quietly, awaiting the first train of the day in the sunshine...
Ballasalla would be the starting point for our journey along the Isle of Man Steam Railway. I have read about this line many times, and spotted it on countless television programs. Built to provide the Isle of Man with regular rail services, the 15-mile long section we see today was part of a larger network which no longer survives. The original line ran from Douglas to Peel and opened in 1873, with the section from Douglas to Port Erin opening a year later, in 1874. The line is 3ft gauge and is, unusually, now nationalised and owned & operated by the government. Naturally, through the course of its life, the railway has suffered cutbacks, the main one being the reduction of the network from 46 miles to 15 miles, but these things do happen. The system originally closed in 1965, though Lord Ailsa did attempt to keep services running by obtaining a lease of the metals, reopening services on all three routes in 1967. It was however financially unviable and 1971 was his last year in control. Over the next couple of years services were somewhat curtailed until the government stepped in, returning full services to the Port Erin to Douglas section by 1977. The railway was nationalised in 1978 and now operates seasonally with original locomotives and rolling stock.
Back to us, a steam whistle was heard in the distance as the arrival time of our train approached. Across the hills, we spotted a 4-coach train approaching behind Beyer Peacock No13 "Kissack" of 1910...
No13 "Kissack" arrives with our 10:20am train to Port Erin...
"Kissack" pulls into Ballasalla station...
The train was well loaded and we shared a compartment for the first section to Castletown. Our fellow compartment people then disembarked, as did many others. We then passed locomotive No4 "Loch" of 1874, which was returning to Douglas from Port Erin...
At Castletown, tour operator 'Eddie the Late' was explaining his interest in the Isle of Man Steam Railway and why it is so important to railway history...
The run from Castletown to Port Erin was great; No13 put in a great performance. These trains really do fly along, with perfect exhaust beats from the loco. Port Erin is the terminus of the line and passengers disembarked for tea & cake in the station buffet...
The crowds wandered up to the front of the train to photograph No13 and, alongside, sister No8 was spotted in steam on shed. No8 is named "Fenella" and was built in 1894...
"Fenella" was being prepared to work one of the railways Foot-Ex courses, known as the 'Ultimate Driver Experience'. The loco would soon move from the shed frontage to carry out her duties, allowing No13 to come on shed for water...
Another view of Beyer Peacock 2-4-0 No13 "Kissack"...
The Isle of Man Steam Railway locomotives were all built by Beyer Peacock of Manchester, between 1873 and 1926, resulting in 15 2-4-0s which were all pretty much of the same design. No15 "Caledonia" is the exception, an 0-6-0 tank and was built in 1885 for the Foxdale Railway, also on the island. This engine was built by Dubs & Co in Glasgow and when the two railways merged in 1905 the engine took up No15 in the Isle of Man fleet. The various engines of the fleet are, these days, in various locations and various states of repair. No6 "Peveril", of 1875, is currently a static exhibit in the Port Erin Railway Museum...
The last engine built by Beyer for the railway is No16 "Mannin", built in 1926. Also currently a static exhibit in the Port Erin museum, No16 has not been restored due to her 'non standard' design. She doesn't look completely like the original types admittedly, but was known as the most powerful of the 2-4-0s in the fleet, hauling the heavy Port Erin boat trains whilst in use, a job that used to be done by double-heading two of the original locos...
The Museum is well worth a look and has some very interesting photographs of various members of the fleet in action on all three of the original routes...
Leaving the museum, there was a chance to snap "Kissack" on shed. The engine returned to work in 2006 and has since been a regular performer on the railway. Boiler repairs were required in 2013, keeping her out of service until March this year. Her return to service has been successful and she is now earning her keep once more...
The stock for the 12:05 departure for Douglas waits patiently at Port Erin...
Not to be outdone by us, 'Eddie the Late' then instigated a Breakfast Challenge. I'd already had a breakfast bap but, in the name of defeating the challenges, I had another! The breakfast was very pleasant and we returned to the station for our waiting departure...
A fed, watered and re-defeated 'Eddie the Late'...
No8 "Fenella" had now cleared the section with the Foot-Ex course and thus No13 could run round and get ready to leave...
With a right away from the Guard, "Kissack" got the 12:05 train underway with ease. The sharp bark on these antiquated 2-4-0s is really something to enjoy. The train then acted as a commuter working of yesteryear, accelerating sharply away from village station stops. The engine had a surprising turn of speed once again and was very impressive to listen to. The scenery was also a joy to behold...
At Castletown the engine pulled into the platform with No8 spotted in the bay with the Foot-Ex working. We would now await No4 from Douglas...
No4 "Loch" passes No13 "Kissack", watched by No8 "Fenella"...
No8 "Fenella" simmers away happily as sister No13 pulls us out of Castletown...
These engines are so pretty. They are very pleasing to the eye and also have cute little features such as the oil bottles riding on the front end, keeping themselves warm against the valve chest. The swinging front pony truck is also a pretty addition, the cylinders being inclined to allow the truck to swing into curves and points... The scenery continued to be spectacular, with even a sea view...
Me enjoying the ride on the Isle of Man Steam Railway...
"On The Run" (Pic by Eddie the Late)
All too soon, we arrived at the terminus of Douglas. No13 duly uncoupled to run round...
A final view of our engine, the beautiful 2-4-0 No13 "Kissack"...
The engine soon steamed off into the distance and it was time for us to press on. The impressive station building at Douglas is spotted as we make our way out to our Taxi...
So, that's one down, four to go. The entire experience on the Isle of Man Steam Railway had been fantastic. Its wonderful, just wonderful. The period engines, the stock, the run, the speed, the stations; it can't really be bettered. I'm so pleased I've now visited it, and seen the lovely Beyer's in action. Really good; a lovely place. So, into the Taxi, onto the next...
Ballasalla would be the starting point for our journey along the Isle of Man Steam Railway. I have read about this line many times, and spotted it on countless television programs. Built to provide the Isle of Man with regular rail services, the 15-mile long section we see today was part of a larger network which no longer survives. The original line ran from Douglas to Peel and opened in 1873, with the section from Douglas to Port Erin opening a year later, in 1874. The line is 3ft gauge and is, unusually, now nationalised and owned & operated by the government. Naturally, through the course of its life, the railway has suffered cutbacks, the main one being the reduction of the network from 46 miles to 15 miles, but these things do happen. The system originally closed in 1965, though Lord Ailsa did attempt to keep services running by obtaining a lease of the metals, reopening services on all three routes in 1967. It was however financially unviable and 1971 was his last year in control. Over the next couple of years services were somewhat curtailed until the government stepped in, returning full services to the Port Erin to Douglas section by 1977. The railway was nationalised in 1978 and now operates seasonally with original locomotives and rolling stock.
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