Brake Composite F.45
One of two brake composite carriages delivered from the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., in 1913, the other being F.46; these identical vehicles are composites made up of a guards' compartment with double doors and lookout windows in the bulkheads, two central first class compartments and the remaining three third class compartments; arriving with torpedo roof vents these have been removed with most other original features retained; it retains some of the equipment from the Stones Electric Lighting, though when used after dark today it is fitted with car batteries in the locker in the guards' compartment to power the illuminations.
Fleet No.:
Year:
Builders.:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Status:
F.46
1913
Metropolitan
37' 0"
7' 0"
10' 0"
In Traffic
Above: F.45 is one of the carriages that have been in regular traffic on the railway since arrival, rarely being withdrawn from service save for routine maintenance and repainting; it is identical to F.46 which uniquely has the guards' compartment at the southern end and often operates as a uniform rake with the other remaining large "F" carriages. It currently carries the post-war red and cream colour scheme and is commonly used on the south-based service trains.
(Photo: I.o.M.S.R.S.A)
F.45 in April 2022 paused at Port Soderick Station shortly after re-entering traffic following a full exterior repaintin red and cream.
A fine study of F.45 from July 1969 in the yard at Douglas Station showing the detail of the lookout windows and brake ducket.
July 1969 and F.45 marshalled in the middle of a rake of carriages at Port Erin Station, note the first class designations.
In August 2021 F.45 was unusually on Ultimate Driving Experience duty at Castletown Station with No.13 Kissack in charge.