Work has been continuing on the Association’s cosmetic restoration of No.5 Mona in the goods shed at Port St. Mary Station ahead of the painters who will be applying the topcoat and full lining out next month.  Yesterday, Saturday 27th May, saw the refitting of the pressure gauge (a lucky find on eBay!) and vacuum gauge with their new backing boards in the cab.  Also refitted was the back fireman’s-side window, which has been removed to replace broken glass.  As work nears completion the brass dome cover was also placed back on the locomotive having finished cleaning it.   Also cleaned up was the whistle and one of the injector steam pipes.

All in all the locomotive is now really starting to take shape ahead of the 150th anniversary day on Saturday 1st July where a special timetable will be in force, followed by an eight-day Summer Transport Festival at the end of that month.  In the meantime the railway is very busy with the start of the T.T. period and timetable “S” in place throughout next week.  The pre-T.T. racing on the Billown Circuit has ensured the bank holiday weekend has already been busy and with fine weather forecast this looks set to continue through the week.  The “C” commuter timetable will operate for the first four days of practice week.