I took the chance to ride as many weird trains as I could. Well, a trip like this is about making memories, and you don't forget a trip behind Ailsa, possibly the ugliest loco every built, and therefore a firm favourite of mine!
We met early at Douglas station, and piled into the single coach. The ex-Channel Tunnel motive power trundled us along the line, and then back again. A "proper" enthusiast in my compartment worked out we'd travelled about quarter of a mile each way. It was still well worth three quid though.
For the record, Ailsa has a seven-foot wheelbase. Just in case you fancy building a model. If you do, could you lend me a plan? I fancy building it in the earlier white and red oxide livery.
Over in the Laxey car shed, it was time for a trip on the most modern piece of rolling stock on the island, MEC4.
This is an electrically powered man-mover, capable of travelling the length of the line to Ramsey. It's a clever bit of kit, splitting in two so it can be lugged off the track by two people.
On the move, it nips along at a fair old pace. Should the weather be inclement, there is a "greenhouse" structure to fit on top, but inside is a bit of a squeeze if all the passengers have fuller figures.
If anyone is interested, took a lot of photos for detail work. It would be a bit different on the track!
Being at Laxey car shed, I needed to get to the station, and the obvious way to do this, is via a Wickham trolley.
It's noisy, but surprisingly comfortable. Sadly, I missed out booking on to the Snaefell railcar you can see in the background, but they did line them all up for photos.
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