Appeal to cosmetically restore Mona by 2023

ISLE of Man Steam Railway Association (IOMSRA) has launched a £12,000 appeal to finance cosmetic restoration of Isle of Man Steam Railway’s Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T No. 5 Mona.

The loco, last steamed in 1968, was sold into private ownership in 1978 and eventually returned to Manx Government ownership in 2012. Having been sealed in a ‘tent’ in Douglas shed (with No. 9 Douglas) for several years, Mona was partially dismantled for removal of asbestos in 2020.

Restoration to display condition will include sourcing fittings ‘borrowed’ for in-service locomotives, reassembly and full painting.

IOMSRA has secured an agreement to purchase one of the original name plates (both plates were sold with the loco in 1978) from which a copy will be made, enabling the name to be applied to both sides.

Working in partnership with Isle of Man Railways, the objective is to complete cosmetic restoration of Mona in time for the Railway’s 150th anniversary in July 2023.