Brake Composite F.45

One of two brake composite carriages delivered from the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., of Saltley Works in Birmingham 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.  Since 1985 this carriage has been turned so that the guards compartment is situated at the northern end.  In 2015 the first class compartments were fitted with seat dividers and armrests which reduced the overall capacity to 46 from 48, there being accommodation for three passengers per bench in these compartments rather than the more usual four.  It carries Ailsa Era crests featuring No.16 Mannin in green in common with the other Large Fs in traffic.

Fleet No.:

Year:

Builders:

Capacity:

Length:

Width:

Height:

Status:

F.45

1913

Metropolitan 

46

37  0

7  0

10  0

In Traffic

April 2022 paused at Port Soderick Station shortly after re-entering traffic following a full repaint in 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.

Looking through the guards compartment door at Castletown Station as No.11 Maitland makes her departure.

April 2024 and F.45 posed at Port Erin Station during a shunting movement as part of a training programme.