On 20th November 2024 the full repaint of diesel locomotive No.18 Ailsa was completed in the paintshop at Douglas Station; the locomotive has been outshopped in a non-prototypical “Fordson Blue” livery with red buffer beams and yellow B.R.-style axle boxes and the look is completed by the application of two Railway Company crests, retaining the traditional fleet number carried on the rear panel beneath the cab.  This work has dramatically improved the appearance of the locomotive.

The next services on the railway will start on Friday 6th December when the first Steam Into Christmas dining trains will operate, followed on Saturday 7th December when the first of the popular Polar ExpressTM trains also operates. These trains operate throughout the festive period and next is due to commence on Friday 20th March 2025.  The Manx Heritage Transport Festival dates are Tuesday 22nd  - Sunday 27th   July 2025.  The next edition of our official journal Manx Steam Railway News is also due in late-January.