During the guided tour of the Manx Electric Railway’s Derby Castle Sheds and Workshops, organised by Manx National Heritage on Sunday 11 October, Car No. 5 was observed undergoing a significant overhaul.
MTR No. 103 has previously reported: “Repairs were undertaken to the Douglas end seaside corner pillar of Car 5, where minor decay had been identified; this had extended to the main front window sash. The design of the wooden covering on the pillar was modified to prevent further water ingress. A new window was fitted in the motorman’s cab. The white paintwork on the upper half of the vehicle around the windows was repainted.”
Until relatively recently, major overhauls—such as those requiring access to the trucks and motors—were made more difficult by the continued use of antiquated bottle jacks. This method involved raising the car body incrementally and supporting it on wooden blocks before further elevation.
For many years, the MER Society advocated in its journals, meetings and reports for the adoption of car jacks, as had been used by tram systems and others for years. Thankfully, since the acquisition of proper electric lifting gear, the whole job has become significantly less difficult.
The jacks are just one of numerous welcome innovations adopted by the Island’s railways—both within the workshops and, perhaps more notably, by permanent way gangs engaged in track relaying (where the latest technology is now employed)—Car No. 5 is shown in the lower No. 1 Car Shed at Derby Castle. It has been elevated using a set of four Hathaway Engineering 7-tonne jacks to facilitate the removal of its trucks.
Meanwhile, in the Top Car Shed, Trailer 42 was seen resting on a pair of similar 5-tonne lifts. This vehicle, constructed in 1903, was relocated to Laxey Car Shed in early October 2025 to facilitate the temporary transfer of its trucks and braking equipment to Works Trailer 52. The trucks and braking gear of the latter are currently undergoing refurbishment. Trailers 43 and 52 (and 42) are distinctive in being mounted on former motor car Milnes plate frame bogies. The trucks will be reinstated to Trailer 43 upon completion of the refurbishment of those on Trailer 52. This temporary arrangement will ensure that Works Trailer 52 remains operational throughout the winter period.
ABOVE: Milnes plate frame truck undergoing overhaul, Derby Castle Top Shed, October 11th 2026.