“Cardinal’s” Saloon F.35
Delivered with F.36 as the second batch of saloon carriages from the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., of Saltley Works in Birmingham in 1905, these two saloons were composite, being half first and half third class vehicles. Accordingly, they are slightly longer than the first batch F.29-F.32 which arrived earlier in that same year. Used largely for special occasions and at peak times, in common with the other five saloons, it was used for directors specials ad other such events
In 1972 was one of those to be fitted with bus-style opening windows in an attempt to improve ventilation. At this time it was also repainted into an all-over red scheme. It became the central portion of three-saloon Bar Set from 1980 (with F.31 and F.32 at either end) in conjunction with the ManxLine SeaLink boat train promotion; the central bulkhead was removed at this time and the first bar fitted, as well as a chemical toilet.
The whole set was painted into a plain red and white livery shared at the time by the bus fleet with fleet numbering unusually painted on the end solebars rather than on the panelling as traditionally applied; 1993 saw it revert to a variation on the original purple lake scheme to match the service fleet. In 2002 the familiar post-war red and cream livery was re-applied in common with all other carriages at the time, making it one of the last carriages to be so treated.
Converted further in 2013 to become an integral part of the new dining train, it was at this point that the bar was re-fitted and chemical toilet removed (this area becoming home to the inverter room). At this time a new bar area with fridges and a coffee machine were also installed. Disappointingly the once plush first class area with its flip-over seats latterly became something of a mess room (in every sense) for the dining train staff.
Fleet No.:
Name:
Year:
Builders.:
Capacity:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Layout:
Bogies:
Current:
Status:
F.35
“Cardinal’s”
1905
Metropolitan
38
36’ 11”
7’ 1”
10’ 3”
1st / 3rd Class
Diamond Frame
Dining (22)
In Traffic
Douglas Station in June of 1963 in the red and cream livery, note the droplight window lost in 1972 when bus windows were fitted.
The stripped out interior in the workshops during the refit to become the central portion of the dining train, March 2011.
The first bar in F.35, this was later modified when the saloons became the Bar Set and had the red and white applied; May 1980.
Shortly after the launch of the SeaLink ManxLine boat train at Douglas Station complete with side board in April 1980.
Outside Douglas Carriage Shed in April 1950 wearing the two-tone brown utility livery with class designations on the vestibule doors.
Lettering detail on the panel showing the gold leaf lettering with two-tone green drop shadow and black detailing; November 2018.
F.35 on the south line platform at Douglas Station in June 1969 whilst still in regular traffic; bus windows would be fitted in 1972.
Forming the central portion of the dining train at Castletown Station after re-entering service following repaint, August 2021.
First class designations on the northern end door reapplied for the first time in many years, July 2018