“Pairs” Carriage F.63
Paired in 1910 using a new bogie underframe from the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., of Saltley in Birmingham using the bodies from 1873 four-wheel carriages B.6 and B.10, in this form the carriage remained in regular traffic until the summer of 1987 after which it was withdrawn in poor condition together with several others of the series.
It then entered storage, initially in the old carriage shed at Douglas Station until this was demolished in 1999, after which it spent a number of years stored on a new spur to the side of the new carriage shed before being moved to Port Erin in 2011; moved annually to Port St. Mary and stowed in the siding each T.T. week to allow the saloon carriages to be stored at Port Erin overnight.
It was taken back to Douglas in February 2021 and later left the island for restoration by Stanegate Restorations, from where it returned completed in February 2022 and trialled the following month before re-entering traffic. Today it sees regular use as part of the main fleet, the large open compartments making it popular with groups. The high standard of restoration makes it one of the oldest survivors on the railway.
Delivery day in February 2023 just arrived from Stanegate Restorations and outside the carriage shed at Douglas Station.
Passing through Castletown Station with F.62 and No.4 Loch in January 2013 and saloon F.29 on the rear for braking purposes.
F.63 stored at Port St. Mary with other carriages in July 2008, including F.25, F.66 and F.67 during the busy T.T. period.
On test at Castletown Station prior to entering traffic following restoration work by Stanegate Restorations.
One of the restored interiors, F.63 consisting of two opens with no dividers making it popular with groups; March 2023.
F.62 leaving the railway in February 2021 bound for Stanegate