No.16 The Carnival Engine
The origins of this carnival float are not known, but it appears to have been fabricated by the Railway Company in house for use during the annual carnival procession along the promenades at Douglas at some point in the 1930s, prior to which a decorated Road Services omnibus was entered in the parade bedecked with floral decorations.
Modelled on No.16 Mannin and with a broadly similar outline to its counterpart, it is believed to have initially carried the then-standard holly green livery and was fitted with a number of original components, notably spare Ross “pop” valves and one of the steel domes painted to simulate brass, and painted-on “Mannin” nameplates.
As built the dummy wheels and rods were connected and the outline was mounted on the frames of a road vehicle, being self-propelled with moving rods; latterly it was mounted on a frame and towed along by a tractor. It is believed that it last entered the procession in August of 1977, by which time it was wearing the spring green livery.
Stored between appearances in the old carriage shed at Douglas Station, it was believed to have been destroyed during a clear out around the time that the railway was nationalised in 1978 but rumours persist that it may survive in the north of the island.
Number:
Name:
Year:
Builders:
Length:
Width:
Last Used:
Fate:
No.16
Mannin
193X
Railway Company
Unknown
Unknown
1977
Speculated!
Taking part in the annual Douglas Carnival parade seen on Loch Promenade in August of 1976 bedecked with flowers, its penultimate appearance.
Carrying the headboard made for the centenary of operations in 1973, photograph by Mike Lambden, son of the then General Manager.
How the Railway Company and its subsidiary Road Services took part in the procession prior to the construction of the mock-up, posed in the station forecourt.
Beneath the glazed canopy at Douglas Station prior to taking part in its final procession in 1977 when the future of the railway was in doubt.
Lined up on the north quay behind one of the Road Services buses which is also suitably decorated for the annual event, date unknown.
Part of another image from Mark Shaw showing the float just inside the workshop doors at Douglas Station with the grounded Cleminson body.
Beneath the glazed canopy at Douglas Station prior to taking part in its final procession showing this area to good advantage.
Instamatic snap courtesy of Mark Shaw showing the float prior to taking part in the 1975 procession, during the short line workings.
Beneath the glazed canopy at Douglas Station prior to taking part in its final procession in 1977 when the future of the railway was in doubt.