The Great Laxey Mine Railway (GLMR) is delighted to announce that it has been gifted two items of historically valuable former Manx Electric Railway (MER) rolling stock by the Three Foot Gauge Railway Society, formerly known as the Isle of Man Railway Society.
MER Loco No.23 (Photo: A. Spencer)
The two items of rolling stock are MER locomotive number 23
and freight trailer 26.
The Isle of Man Railway Society was formed in 1973. In 1978, the then management of Isle of Man Railways wished to dispose of 23 and 26, fortunately, the Society was able to purchase and secure the two historic vehicles.
Locomotive 23 was built in 1900 to haul freight wagons on the railway.Following accident damage, it was rebuilt in 1925 as a unique centre cab locomotive with two wagon bodies. It fell out of use in 1944. Following acquisition by the IOM Railway Society, it was exhibited in the former Railway Museum at Ramsey prior to being restored to temporary operational use in 1983, 1984 and the MER’s centenary year in 1993. In 1992, the locomotive was formally named Dr R Preston Hendry in honour of the Society’s late chairman.
Freight trailer 26 was built in 1895 as passenger tram number 10.Withdrawn from in 1902, it was converted to freight trailer 26 in 1918 in which form it ran until 1944. It was also displayed in the former Railway Museum and took part in the MER’s centenary cavalcade in 1993.Volunteers from the GLMR, in conjunction with Isle of Man Railways staff, restored trailer 26 for use in the 2023 Manx Heritage Transport Festival.
Volunteers from the GLMR have been actively involved in the restoration of numerous items of MER rolling stock, most recently mail van 11 built in 1898 and trailer 50 which was built for the opening of the line in 1893.Trailer 50 has been out of use since 1978 and will be formally launched back into service in the July 2025 Manx Heritage Transport Festival.
The directors of the GLMR are delighted to be entrusted with the ownership of 23 and 26 and will ensure that the future of these unique trams is secured for generations yet to come and thank the directors of the Society for their consideration and generosity.
The Great Laxey Mine Railway, situated at the Valley Gardens in Laxey, is owned by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust and is operated and maintained entirely by volunteers.