60th Anniversary Train : Thursday 1st January 2026
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To start off the sixtieth anniversary celebrations of the Supporters’ Association in style, a special train was operated on New Years’ Day 2026 hauled by No.11 Maitland and carriages F.18, F.46, F.47, F.48, F.26 and F.15 for a return journey to Port Erin Station departing and noon from the capital.
We are delighted to say this was extremely well supported as indicated by the six carriages required for the service. It is believed to be the first time in a great many years that a train has operated on 1st January making it an excellent start marking our diamond jubilee celebrations.
Thank You!
Grateful thanks to everyone who came along and supported this very special train, the proceeds of which will all go towards our current major project, the restoration of vintage 1876 carriage F.6 to operational condition following its repatriation by the Supporters’ Association. We are delighted that the event was so well supported and it is to be hoped that a similar train may be staged once again to bring in the new year in 2027. Work is ongoing on the carriage which will hopefully return this year.
No.11 Maitland just prior to departure at noon sporting the new headboard made by Association member Dave Archer.
Passengers alighting the train upon arrival at Port Erin Station making their way to the coffee shop for refreshments.
Paused at Castletown Station on the return journey in order for some of our passengers to alight the train.
Shortly after arrival Port Erin Station with the iconic station building as a backdrop, No.11 Maitland in the spring green livery.
No.11 Maitland on shed at Port Erin Station while passengers enjoy refreshments and the Railway Museum which was also open.
Arrival back at Douglas Station shortly after 3.15pm; thank you to all the people who helped us mark the start of the year.
A short stop at Castletown Station on the outward leg of the journey as No.11 Maitland is tended to by her crew.
The anniversary headboard on No.11 Maitland at Port Erin Station; we are very grateful to Dave Archer for providing this.
The railway concluded its festive calendar the previous evening, with the popular New Years’ Eve dining excursion on 31st December, this year themed around The Great Gatsby, a suitable conclusion to another busy Christmas Period on the railway which also included Santa’s Party Trains running over two weekends and a whole host of other dining options to close the year.
The dining train leaflet for 2026 has already been published and bookings are now open - you can view the full itinerary by clicking the image to the right; the usual mix of themed events and popular Pie & Mash trains are returning for 2026, with new initiatives including a Candlelight Supper train in honour of the popular situation comedy Keeping Up Appearances and returning favourites.
Issue No.197
Issue No.198
Work is now in progress on the upcoming edition of our official journal Manx Steam Railway News which will include coverage of the special anniversary train, all the latest news from the railway as well as the usual mix of articles and photographs both past and present. The previous edition which was released last month is also available and is delivered free of charge to members quarterly; produced entirely on a voluntary basis, the journal is a full colour A5 publication.
To purchase your copy please click here or alternatively join the Supporters’ Association by clicking here. Our journal has been going strong since 1966 and will itself reach its 200th edition later in the year. We also have a range of back issues for sale via this website and are always ready to accept contributions for inclusion within its pages. The next edition is hoped to be issued in February 2026 with the spring edition following in May.
Acknowledgements
Isle of Man Railways
Whistle Stop Coffee Shop
Dave Archer
Volunteer Train Crew
All Our Passengers
🎉🎉🎉 Happy New Year ! 🎉🎉🎉
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