IoMSR cuts steam services

A “high level of operational issues” suffered by the isle of Man Steam Railway has forced the line to run a reduced service for the remainder of the 2016 season. With only one operational steam locomotive, Beyer Peacock 2‑4‑0T No. 8 Fenella, the IoMSR has launched a revised timetable effective from September 22 to November 6. The new schedule features only one departure from Port Erin per day on most operating days, with two truncated return services between Douglas and Castletown. The Isle of Man Steam Railway’s director of Transport Services, Ian Longworth, said: “Isle of Man Railways appreciates that many passengers will be disappointed with the reduced level of steam services, and we apologise for any inconvenience. “We operate Victorian locomotives and we have experienced a high level of failures that require substantial repairs.” His comments follow an incident on September 2, when fellow IoM Beyer Peacock No. 13 Kissack was derailed just outside Castletown station. Nobody was hurt in the accident and services returned to normal the following day. An investigation is still ongoing into what caused the 1910‑built locomotive to leave the rails, although it is suspected that No. 13 may have jumped the points. Mr Longworth declined to comment until the investigation had been concluded. A statement on the Isle of Man transport website says: “Passengers are advised to check the revised timetable before planning their journey as departure times will vary on a number of days.” According to latest figures, the 15‑mile Douglas‑ Port Erin line carried 100,653 passengers last year, a rise of 1.2% (99.421) from 2014.

IoMSR No. 10 G.H. Wood passes Marine Drive with a David Williams photo charter on April 27. ROBIN BOYLE