Many of our members have enquired as to how the locomotive position is, or was, at the closure of the railway so I will attempt a run down o the present state of the engines as far as I know. Bear in mind that this is done from my own and other’ observations and not from official sources.

No.1 Sutherland

This engine is withdrawn from service with a leak boiler and it housed in the carriage shed at Douglas. With a minor overhaul this loco could be used as a station pilot, or for light duties. The boiler on the engine is one taken from No.7 and has a pop type safety valve in the dome and another between the dome and the chimney. This is one of the small boilers i.e. 2’ 10”

No.2 Derby

Engine dismantled about 1948 and the boiler which was identical to No.1 was put into No.3. The frame, cylinders and motion and wheels are stored complete in the upholstery trimming shed at Douglas. Remnants of original green livery carried.

No.3 Pender

Has the 2’ 10” boiler from No.2 and is stored requiring a new boiler and complete overhaul, in the carriage shed at Douglas. Still carries round rear spectacle plates.

No.4 Loch

The only loco with a large (i.e. 3’ 3”) boiler still retaining its Salter valves; this engine is housed in the carriage shed at Douglas and requires a new boiler and overhaul. Has not operated for several years, parts taken to keep No.5 in service.

No.5 Mona

Fitted with a new 3’ 3” boiler in 1946 and is in reasonably good condition and capable of a few services. At present in the running shed at Douglas after having a minor overhaul after the last season’s workings. 

No.6 Peveril

Withdrawn from service with a leaking boiler and at present in the carriage shed at Douglas; this engine has a 3’ 3” boiler with a closed down and a pair of Ross pop valves out of the firebox, still has a copper capped chimney, was re-boilered about 1932.

No.7 Tynwald

Engine dismantled, frames, wheels and motion, and side tanks at the rear end of carriage shed at Douglas. Still in the green painted?

No.8 Fenella

This engine is in good condition and is capable of service. At the moment is stored in the loco shed at Peel. Rather an “odd man out”. As sort of engine although it has only a 2’ 10” boiler and small 385 gallon side takes. Re-boilered about 1938-1939.

No.9 Douglas

This, together with No.14, still has ser Salter valves, a 2’ 10” boiler and small side tanks and is in the carriage shed at Douglas with a weak boiler.

No.10 G.H.Wood

Engine in good condition having been re-boilered since the war; 3’ 3” boiler and cast chimney. Stored at present in the Port Erin loco shed.

No.11 Maitland

Having had the last new boiler (3’ 3”) and cast “Irish” type chimney this engine is the best one in service. Is sorted in the loco shed at Douglas and was re-boilered in 1959.

No.12 Hutchinson

In the engine shed at Douglas and in good condition. This engine was the first loco to be re-boilered after the war (1946), capable of a few years service.

No.13 Kissack

Stored in the carriage shed at Douglas with weak boiler; this engine was given minor repairs and was in use as a station shunter in 1965 after having been out of service for a year or two.

No.14 Thornhill

(Ex-M.N.R. No.3) stored in the carriage shed at Douglas with a weak boiler; this engine is still in its original condition with Salter valves, although its chimney has been shortened and has lost its brass number.

No.15 Caledonia

(Ex-M.N.R. No.4) fitted with snow ploughs and last used for snow clearing in March 1965 when the writer was fortunate to obtain some colour slides. Boiler condition weak, in Douglas engine shed.

No.16 Mannin

Hasn’t been re-boilered since new in 1926. This loco is withdrawn from service and stands in the carriage shed at Douglas.