The railway played host yesterday to one of the annual photographic charters ahead of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival which commences today.  The charter used No.11 Maitland with restored “pairs” carriage F.63, F.49 and Supporters’ Association-built wagon H.1 for a full-line trip with several photographic stops for run-pasts and staged shots before returning on the rear of the 4.00pm ex-Port Erin with F.49, the other two items of stock remaining south.  Today the locomotive is in action again with an Ultimate Driving Experience using replica Empress Van F.27 while No.4 Loch and No.13 Kissack maintain services which are operating to the standard “R” timetable, though from tomorrow timetable “S” will be operating daily through until Saturday.

The Manx Heritage Transport Festival began today and this evening there will be a special departure from Douglas Station headed by No.4 Loch with the three “pairs” carriages heading south the for the welcome evening which will also feature No.5 Mona, cosmetically restored by the Supporters’  Association in 2023, No.6 Peveril which was similarly treated back in 1994 with M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia providing shuttle rides between the southern terminus and Colby Station using both the Foxdale Coach and restored six-wheeler M.N.Ry. No.6 offering a rare opportunity to travel in this unique vehicle.  Wednesday 23rd will see the Annual General Meeting, ahead of which No.9 Douglas will be unveiled following the recent completion of its cosmetic restoration by the Supporters’ Association.  Restored Royal Saloon F.36 will also be on display for the first time.  The festival continued until Sunday.