Wednesday 1st October was the first non-operational day as the railway heads into shoulder season and the opportunity was taken to move No.9 Douglas and Royal Saloon F.36 down to the Railway Museum following their unveiling as part of the Manx Heritage Transport Festival earlier in the year. The train was hauled by No.18 Ailsa making a rare trip along the line, with F.18 and the Well Wagon loaded with lighting-up timber.  The locomotive was cosmetically restored by the Supporters' Association and completed earlier this year, this marks the first opportunity to view the completed works after the unveiling, as well as being able to inspect the restored saloon.

In preparation, No.13 Kissack was also in steam,  being the south-based motive power, and removed Wagon M.78, M.N.Ry. No.6 and No.6 Peveril from the exhibition hall to make way for the arriving major exhibits.  A stop was made at Castletown Station as the saloon required some attention.  The railway will be operating again tomorrow, viewing of both No.9 Douglas and Royal Saloon F.36 in the museum will hopefully prove to be popular.  The season continues until 2nd November and the “R” timetable will be in force, there are no trains on Tuesdays and tomorrow, 2nd  October, is the final opportunity to travel on a Wednesday.

Our next Manx Steam Railway News is presently being worked on with a view to publication later in the month, covering all up-to-date news and views on the railway as well as details of the festival and the usual mix of views both old and new and updates on the F.6 Restoration Appeal.  Meanwhile, the Steam Into Christmas leaflet was recently released giving full details of festive dining options on the railway as well as the Santa’s Party Trains which will operate in lieu of the more traditional Santa Trains.  The next season commences on 19th  March 2026 and further details will follow in due course.