Manx Electric Railway - Laxey Shed

 

Another new site to visit, and another tricky one to find. After our SMR experience, I spent some time studying the map, and still managed to miss the road to the Laxey sheds at my first attempt. 

We eventually arrived a couple of minutes after the official start time, but fortunatly, I knew the chap running the tour, Dave Martin, and he had no problem. As it was, he had started on the history of Car 23, the only stone carrying tram anyone knows of. 

23 is an interesting vehicle. At present, it's stored out of use, but as Dave says, bringing it back into service for a special event wouldn't be too hard. Last time was in the 1990s, when they ran with deckchairs in the wagon bodies for people to ride in. Modern H&S might put a stop to that now, but I'd still be up for a ride that way!

The shed is mainly used for storage, and it's where the wire team operate from. We were able to take a good look at carriage 52, their PW wagon with lift and wire holders, plus all the tools they need for a job. A tram is coupled to it at all times in case they need to rush out to a job. At present, this is an electric car, but this will soon be replaced by No.34, "Maria", which has been fitted with a diesel generator. We did spot this out and about, but were driving at the time, so no photo. 

Dave tells the tale of the shed fire in 1930 that destroyed the original structure. The first powered fire engine was called out from Douglas, and when it arrived, they discovered that the hydrant in the nearest road had been tarmaced over the week before! Two hours of manual chiseling to get to the supply rather scuppered the chance of effective fire fighting.

All in all, another excellent talk. I'd not had high hopes for this one - we booked on because it's not somewhere we'd been in 30 years, but Dave and team did an excellent job of bringing it alive. 

Finally, another special treat. £3 for a Wickham trolley ride to Laxey station and back. It might only last 3-4 minutes, but operated between the trams, and was terrific fun!