Why join the MERS?

  • Successfully campaigned for the reinstatement and re-opening of the Laxey – Ramsey section of the MER during 1975–77.
  • Successfully proposed and lobbied for the 1993 "Year of Railways", a series of events to mark the Centenary of the MER — a template for years to come.
  • Successfully stopped a new competing bus service, the 11B, "the biggest threat to the survival of the railway since the Ramsey line closure."
  • Successfully campaigned — including an online petition which attracted more than 2,000 signatures — for Tynwald to approve funding of the restoration of the Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal. Tynwald's decision was later ignored by DoI officials who spent the money elsewhere. The campaign continues…
  • FULL access to 2000+ pages of Manx Transport material on the society website. Full members receive free copies of the 100+ page Society journal MANX TRANSPORT REVIEW.

Our Latest Print Publication

Manx Transport Review No.103 - Winter 2025/26

Full news roundup from the Manx Electric Railway, Douglas Horse Tramway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and other Island transport. Historical feature articles - Full Colour - 108 pages. Copies are distributed FREE to Full Members of the Manx Electric Railway Society upon publication – visit mers.org.im…

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The MERS has a large back catalogue of publications dating back to 1973, covering all aspects of the Island's transport…

Membership Applications & Renewals


Full Annual Membership subscriptions (those paid by Cheque/Postal Order/Standing Order) became due for renewal on the 1st April 2026. Full and On-line subscriptions (paid via PayPal) fall due on the first and successive anniversaries of first joining the MERS. On-line payment for membership applications and renewals can be made via the links at the top of this page, or by Cheque/Postal Order/Standing Order by downloading a renewal form HERE. For all membership enquires and further information, please contact the MERS Membership Secretary at: [email protected]

Recently updated pages:

DHMD Car 1 in Preservation
Updated 3 days ago

Following recovery from Little Ness Depot on 22/23rd June 1951, Car 1 was stored in the Highway's Board Yard at the Quarterbridge for a number of years. This scene was recorded on the 27th August 1951. DHMD Car 1 was shipped to London in 1955 to become an exhibit at the British Transport Museum. Th…

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Newslines

Road, Rail, Sea and Air

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NEWS…

​Manx Heritage Transport Festival 2026

A warm welcome is extended to all of those who will be visiting the Island to participate in the Manx Heritage Transport Festival which commences on Tuesday July 28th. The full programme of events can be downloaded HERE Manx Transport Review is the journal of the Manx Electric Railway Society. As w…

Horse Car Shop Returns to Douglas

Last surviving sunshade (aka 'umbrella') Car No. 22 of 1890 has been brought back to Douglas from the Jurby Transport Museum today in readiness for next week’s Heritage Transport Festival week. Meanwhile, Royal Tram No. 44 has been sent to Jurby as a replacement. Car 22 was spotted on the back of a…

Tynwald approves horse tram funding

Manx Radio reports that today, Tynwald voted to approve £2.5 million in funding to restore the horse tramway track along Loch Promenade. Under the scheme, a single-line track will be laid from the current terminus on Central Promenade, to where it should have been in the first place - the Sea Termi…

Tynwald Votes whether to back £2.5m for Horse Tram Reinstatement

On Tuesday, 21st July, the Department of Infrastructure is requesting Tynwald’s approval for £2.5 million to restore the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal - and finish a job previously approved by Tynwald back in 2017... Almost a decade on from the first time Tynwald voted to restore th…

King Charles III Historic Visit

TODAY, history was made as King Charles III embarked on his first official visit to the Isle of Man since becoming King and his first as Lord of Mann. Arriving in Douglas around 12:30pm, His Majesty attended a special sitting of Tynwald, the island’s ancient parliament. He then addressed the assemb…

King to mark 150 Years of Horse Tramway

King Charles is set to make his first official visit to the Isle of Man as its head of state on Tuesday, 14 July, with a programme of engagements celebrating the Island's history, culture, and community arranged to mark the occasion. This will include a visit to Douglas Promenade to mark the 150th…


TODAY's featured

PAGES

Car 1 & Trailer 49 - Laxey No.3 Crossing

Following withdrawal from works duties in 1977, Car 1 underwent a full rebuild throughout 1978 at Derby Castle Works and returned to passenger duties in 1979. The once tatty work car’s first public appearance following overhaul was on the 31st May when it headed the ‘Centenary of Electric Traction’…

Stephen Watterson 2

Photographer Stephen Watterson has kindly contributed the following photographs of the Isle of Man Railway taken during the early part of the summer 2004 season. The MERS is very grateful for the use of these photographs, which make a welcome addition to the website. Copyright remains with the phot…

Car 26 & Trailer 61 - Derby Castle

Paddlebox Car 26 and Trailer 61, both of which are heavily laden, prepare to leave Derby Castle whilst operating specials in July 1997. The difference in height between the 1898 crossbench car and 1906 trailer is readily apparent in this view.


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