3rd / 3rd Class Saloon F.32
The last of the first batch of four saloons delivered from the Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd., in 1905, F.32 consisted of two separate third class saloon areas originally, and save for livery changes remained in this guise until 1972; it was fitted with bus-style windows and fixed bus seating at this time in an effort to improve ventilation and comfort, at the same time as receiving the all-over red livery, neither of which did any favours to the appearance of this historic vehicle.
Chosen to form part of The Bar Set in 1980 together with F.31 and F.35, the traditional windows were refitted at this time, but the original large droplight was not reinstated. Internally new fixed seating was provided with brown leatherette seat covers and formica panelling, initially in maroon and cream, changing to red and white in 1985. It would remain like this when the purple lake scheme was reapplied in 1992.
The carriage was extensively overhauled by off-site contractors in 2010 and when returned to traffic carried replica flip-over seating to match the originals; it was later withdrawn and converted to become part of the dining train, joining the set in 2014; it remains in this guise today, with a second corridor connection and dining seating. It was last repainted in the early months of 2020 and retained the post-war livery of red and cream.
Fleet No.:
Year:
Builders.:
Length:
Width:
Height:
Capacity:
1905-1979:
1980-2009:
2009-2014:
Capacity:
Status:
F.32
1905
Metropolitan
36’ 11”
7’ 1”
10’ 3”
38 (As Built)
3rd / 3rd Class
3rd Class Open
Dining Saloon
22 (Current)
In Traffic
With another saloon at Douglas Station in August 1947 in the austerity brown livery and yellow lettering captured by P.W. Bradley.
In the post war red and cream livery at Douglas Station in June 1959 showing detail of the various opening windows featured.
Douglas Station in July 1973, the red livery, bus windows were fitted the previous year were not the most attractive of schemes.
In service at Port Erin Station in August 1933 carrying the attractive purple lake and off-white colour scheme much as delivered.
In the works at Douglas Station for a full exterior repaint in February 2020, returning to dining duties later that year.
The flip-over seats ready to be reinstalled while work continues on the restoration at Douglas Station in November of 2010 .
As part of the eponymous Bar Set at Douglas Station outshopped in 1998 carrying the purple lake and off-white original livery.
