Disabled / Half-Brake Carriage F.41
The second of three similar carriages supplied by the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., of Saltley Works in Birmingham together with F.40 and F.42 in 1907, following an initial batch of two (F.33 and F.34) in 1905, this carriage remained in regular use largely unaltered from original condition save for livery changes; this was until it was selected by the M.E.R. Board to be converted in 1979 to accommodate wheelchair passengers. This was achieved by removing the panelling from the large luggage compartment section and replacing it with non-opening windows with softwood frames; internally platform benches were added and an opening between the double doors and former luggage area. It was outshopped in the then-standard maroon and pale cream livery with yellow lettering and the modified crests applied. Two large windows were also created in the rear bulkhead at this time, and vents from other members of the series fitted along the top of the luggage compartment area, replacing what had been fixed windows; panelling on the side duckets were also modified and the integral lamp housings atop the duckets removed. Not long after entering traffic in this guise it was used for filming the B.B.C. television programme Seaside Special which can be viewed here. In this form it survived in traffic until withdrawal at the end of the 1989 season, by which time the timber framing of the new fixed windows had badly deteriorated. After withdrawal it was stored, moving to the then-new carriage shed in 1998. In poor condition it was scrapped in 2003, the bogie runner surviving until 2011 when it too was scrapped, leaving only F.43 and F.49 as representatives of this type of carriage, only the latter now being in regular traffic.
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By May 1980 converted to form a disabled access carriage, seen arriving at Douglas Station with No.4 Loch in charge.
Arriving at Douglas Station in August 1980 showing the conversion works and Isle of Man Railways titling of the era.
April 1983 with a train headed by No.13 Kissack awaiting departure from Port Erin Station showing the bulkhead windows.
Just visible at Port Erin Station in the summer of 1979 With No.4 Loch and No.11 Maitland on shed between duties.
In July 1969 F.41 was in service and captured at Douglas Station between duties; the post war red and cream livery applied.
July 1984 with No.11 Maitland as part of a northbound train at Port Soderick Station showing modified bulkhead.
Members of the Association Northern Ireland area group in the disabled compartment showing the interior leatherette panelling.
April 1983 with a train headed by No.13 Kissack awaiting departure from Port Erin Station showing the bulkhead windows.