The 1968 Special Train

The 1968 Association Special

To open the season the Supporters’ Association chartered a train on Sunday 2nd June 1968, the first timetabled trains having operated the previous day. Members of the group had assembled at the Peveril Hotel in Douglas for the second Annual General Meeting the previous evening. This meeting dealt with the re-election of officers, with existing representatives being returned unanimously with the exception Mr. Maurice A. Walmsley who was replaced by Mr. David Quayle, who agreed to take over the job of Sales Officer. Additionally, Dr. Robert Preston Hendry kindly agreed to become a Vice-President.

After this, the amendment proposed by Mr. Allen was carried subject to confirmation by the Annual General Meeting, and that by Mr. Richard Evans was carried. It was agreed that the subscription for this year should be unchanged, and these were now due. After the meeting there was a Buffet Dinner followed by a most interesting slide and cine film show given by Dr. Hendry, who has a very large collection of photographic material. This was the beginning of a popular format for annual meetings which remains to this day.

The following day had been much anticipated, with No.12 Hutchinson marshalling the following stock for the train, which was hauled by M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia, now outshopped in an approximation of her original livery having been repainted into the spring green the previous year when she was driven through the ceremonial tape on reopening day. The train consisted of Governors Saloon F.75, Royal Saloon F.36 and was strengthened by adding F.15 and F.22 (the latter being withdrawn at the end of that season) to the rake for the journey to St. John’s Station and return. The train paused at Union Mills Station for photographic run-pasts and on arrival members of the newly re-elected board posed for photographers beside the locomotive. Upon the return of the train and more photographic opportunities the locomotive went back on shed, this is believed to be her final duty before withdrawal, not returning to traffic until the 1995 International Railway Festival.

No.12 Hutchinson was used to marshal the train and is seen here shunting Governors Saloon F.75 from the yard onto the train, with other rolling stock outside the carriage shed. (John Smith)

The Association special train paused at Union Mills Station where passengers disembark for photographic run-pasts; all trains at this time used the loop line. (David Mitchell)

Shortly after arrival at St. John’s Station the unique 0-6-0 locomotive M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia is inspected by her crew with Governors Saloon F.75 behind the locomotive. (Ian Watson)

Taking water at St. John’s Station M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia surrounded by admirers with the train in the distance; showing how well supported this special train was by members. (Les Darbyshire)

M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia arriving back at Douglas Station with the special train, with No.8 Fenella on the workshops road to the left; this locomotive was in steam as a stand-by. (John Smith)

Heading the line up of display locomotives with No.16 Mannin, No.6 Peveril, No.1 Sutherland and No.14 Thornhill at St. John’s Station later in that final 1968 season. (Michael Bishop)

No.12 Hutchinson propelling the Governors Saloon F.75 onto the front of the special train keenly watched by two young enthusiasts. No.8 Fenella was also in steam on the day. (John Smith)

M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia freshly outshopped in her new livery beside the coal stack being prepared to take the special train, with No.8 Fenella coupled at the rear. (David Mitchell)

Upon the return of the special train, M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia posed in the yard at Douglas Station on the centre release road; note the prominent dent on the smokebox door. (John Smith)

M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia being tended by her driver on arrival back at Douglas Station; this would be one of the final times the locomotive was in steam prior to withdrawal. (John Smith)

M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia on arrival back at Douglas Station with the 1893-built carriage shed dominating the background, the locomotive obscuring the view of the Dutton Signal Box. (John Smith)

The locomotive spent the remainder of the 1968 season joining the display locomotives at St. John’s Station and later the goods yard at Douglas Station prior to entering the museum in 1975. (Michael Bishop)

Representatives of the Supporters’ Association posed beside M.N.Ry. No.4 Caledonia on St. John’s Station upon the arrival of the special train; including Max Crookall, Brian Crompton, Alf Corkill, Richard Evans, Robert Preston Hendry and Peter Craine.

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