http://www.ngrm.org.uk/rss.xml NGRM News en http://www.ngrm.org.uk/News <h3><span class="red">Opening Hours Spring 2012</span></h3> <p>Half term 11 to 19 February inclusive 10am to 2pm<br /> Saturdays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 March 11am to 3pm (no trains running)<br /> Sundays 4, 11, 18 and 25 March 10am to 2pm (trains running)<br /> Every day 1 April until 4 November with minimum hours 10am to 2pm and longer at busier times (details to follow).<br /> Visits for groups or for individual research purposes when the museum is closed can usually be accommodated with a minimum 48 hours notice. Please contact us via the Talyllyn Railway, telephone 01654 710472.</p> <h3> <span class="red">Working Parties</span> </h3> <p>Working parties at the Museum take place on the first Saturday of every month from 9.30am and also on Thursdays from 9.30am when the museum is closed to the public. All welcome - a note to <a href="mailto:curator@ngrm.org.uk">curator@ngrm.org.uk</a> would be helpful.</p> <p>Working parties also take place at <a href="http://www.northingsfarmmuseum.co.uk/">North Ings Farm Museum</a> on the restoration of <a href="/Collections/MilitaryRailways/MinistryOfDefence/MD001">Penelope</a> and <a href="/Collections/Manufacturers/Ruston/RUS001">Indian Runner</a>. For further information contact Chris White on <a href="mailto:chriswhite39@ntlworld.com">chriswhite39@ntlworld.com</a> </p> <h3><span class="red">Temporary Exhibition</span></h3> <p>The temporary exhibition for 2102 will be on the subject of the Talyllyn Railway's Locomotives. Opens Easter Week.</p> <h3><span class="red">Latest News</span></h3> <p><a href="/News/2012/JantoMar">For Latest News Click Here</a></p> Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:15:34 +0000 curator 455 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/AboutUs/VisitingTheMuseum <p>Welcome to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. Please see the <a href="/News">News</a> section for the latest museum happenings.</p> <p><em>The Talyllyn Railway - Sixty Years of Preservation.</em></p> <p><img alt="About us" src="/files/No.2-14-5-51.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Loco 2 at Wharf, 14 May 1951, John Snell on the Footplate.</em><br /> We will be featuring other early photographs from the first year of TRPS operation during the coming months.</p> <h3><span class="red">Visiting the museum</span></h3> <p>The museum is located at the Wharf Station of the Talyllyn Railway, in Tywyn, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom.</p> <p>Admission to the museum is free of charge. Donation boxes are available should you wish to show your appreciation.</p> <p>For instructions on how to get here please see the <a href="http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/map#find">map</a> on the Talyllyn Railway web site.</p> <h3><span class="red">Opening Hours 2012</span></h3> <p>Half term 11 to 19 February inclusive 10am to 2pm<br /> Saturdays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 March 11am to 3pm (no trains running)<br /> Sundays 4, 11, 18 and 25 March 10am to 2pm (trains running)<br /> Every day 1 April until 4 November with minimum hours 10am to 2pm and longer at busier times (details to follow).</p> <p>The museum is closed on other days except by special arrangement. Visits for groups or for individual research purposes when the museum is closed can usually be accommodated by advance arrangement (minimum 48 hours notice). Please contact us via the Talyllyn Railway, telephone 01654 710472.</p> Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:53:25 +0000 don 191 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM049 <p><img alt="IOM049" src="/files/IOM049.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM001">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:46:45 +0000 chris 655 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM048 <p><img alt="IOM048" src="/files/IOM048.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM049">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:46:40 +0000 chris 623 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway <p>Gauge: 3ft (915mm)</p> <p>Museum objects:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM001">IOM001 Wagon axlebox cover</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM002">IOM002 Set of unissued train tickets for single line working</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM004">IOM004 Model of Manx Northern signal lever</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM005">IOM005 Manx Northern Railway signal </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM006">IOM006 Wagon axlebox cover</a></li> <li>IOM007 Signal windlass</li> <li>IOM008 point lever</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM010">IOM010 Carriage builders plate</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM011">IOM011 Carriage builders plate</a></li> <li>IOM013 Signal lamp</li> <li>IOM015 Poster, reproduction</li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM016">IOM016 Used train tickets</a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM017">IOM017 Daily traffic returns </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM018">IOM018 IMR Signal</a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM019">IOM019 Manx Northern Railway Share Certificate </a></li> <li>IOM020 Signal lever</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM021">IOM021 Receipt book, carted luggage</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM022">IOM022 1922 Rulebook</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM023">IOM023 1939 Handy Guide Book</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM024">IOM024 1899 Accounts</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM025">IOM025 1964 Accounts</a></li> <li>IOM026 Glen Wyllin Krazy Golf ticket</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM027"> <li>IOM027 Glen Wyllin Bill of Fare</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM028">IOM028 Manx Electric centenary headboard</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM029">IOM029 Glen Wyllin plate</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM030">IOM030 Glen Wyllin soup dish</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM031">IOM031 1976 crown coin</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM032">IOM032 Guards pocket watch timetable</a></li> <li>IOM033 Badge on wooden plaque</li> <li>IOM034 Plaque IOM year of railways</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM035">IOM035 Locomotive nameplate, replica</a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM036">IOM036 Locomotive works plate, replica</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM037">IOM037 Locomotive chimney numeral, replica</a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM038">IOM038 Wagon axlebox cover</a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM039">IOM039 Badge of Isle of Man Railway Company</a></li> <li>IOM040 Sixty tickets from Isle of Man</li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM041">IOM041 1930's poster from IoM</a></li> <li>IOM042 Collection of 27 unissued IOM Railway single line tickets</li> <li>IOM043 Isle of Man Railways Timetable poster for Centenary Year 1973</li> <li>IOM044 Isle of Man Railways Menu for Centenary Year Dinner 1 July 1973</li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM045">IOM045 Headboard for Isle of Man International Festival of Railways 1995</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM046">IOM046 Headboard for Snaefell Mountain Railway Centenary 1995</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM047">IOM047 Hanging card time table for Friday 1 October 1915 and until further notice</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM048">IOM048 Isle of Man Railway Souvenir Guide with description of the line and rolling stock 2009</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM049">IOM049 Timetable for Douglas to Peel and Ramsey 4 June 1967 until further notice</a></li> <li>IOM050 Isle of Man Railway Company Accounts and Chairman's Report for 1969</li> <li>IOM051 Isle of Man Railway Company Accounts for 1970</li> <li>IOM052 Isle of Man Railway Company uniform badge </li> <li>Tickets: the Museum's collection of 368 tickets is catalogued and copies can be seen in the Museum </li> </ul> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> <p>Tourism flourished in the Isle of Man in the mid-nineteenth century, fostered by the availability of cheap steam ferry crossings from England. As the island’s roads were extremely poor tourists tended to stay in Douglas, the capital. Various schemes for railways were proposed from 1847 onwards. </p> <p>The Isle of Man Railway Company opened its first line, from Douglas to Peel, on July 2 1873. The gauge was 3 foot, adopted rather than standard gauge because of the mountainous character of the island, and the sharp curves required. August 1874 saw the opening of a line from Douglas to Castletown and Port Erin, serving the southern portion of the island. </p> <p>The Manx Northern Railway opened a line from St.John's to Ramsey in 1879, and operated the Foxdale Railway from St.John's to Foxdale, opened in 1886 to serve silver-lead mines. Both were absorbed by the Isle of Man Railway in 1904 to give it almost fifty miles of track.<br /> Today, only the line from Douglas to Port Erin survives but at fifteen and a half miles it is the longest narrow gauge railway in Britain, </p> <p>The three original locomotives of the Isle of Man Railway were of the 2-4-0 type, and were named "Sutherland," "Derby," and "Pender." There were eventually fifteen similar locomotives, all built by Beyer, Peacock at Manchester. The one exception came from the Manx Northern Railway, an 0-6-0 called "Caledonia" built in Glasgow by Dubs &amp; Company in 1885. The Metropolitan Railway Carriage &amp; Wagon Co. supplied the original four-wheeled carriages. Later the bodies were removed and fitted in pairs on to new bogie underframes. All the passenger carriages were built low on the ground, making high station platforms unnecessary. Carriages dating from 1881 are still in service. </p> <p>Tourism and the railways boomed up until 1914, but World War I saw tourists replaced by military personnel, internees, and prisoners-of-war. An internment camp at Knockaloe was served by a short branch from the Peel line, financed by the British government, but worked by the IoMR from September 1915.</p> <p>After the war the number of visitors failed to reach previous totals. The Isle of Man Railway now faced competition from motor-bus proprietors. It effectively dealt with the problem by buying them out in 1929 and forming the Isle of Man Road Services group, with joint timetables and advertising material. </p> <p>Interned aliens again replaced tourists in the Isle of Man during World War II. A sharp decline in railway receipts in 1940 led to a successful request for funding from the Manx government.</p> <p>In the 1950s the availability of cheap Mediterranean holidays began a permanent decline in the island's tourist industry. The railway had problems. Winter working was much reduced and the Ramsey line was closed from October to May or June and the service to Port Erin and Peel provided by a single train, often the ex County Donegal Railwat diesel railcars. The railway opened again throughout in June 1965, but all services ended in November. In January 1966 it was announced that the railway would not reopen that year. In April 1967 the Marquis of Ailsa stepped in and leased the railway. The Douglas-St Johns-Peel Line re-opened 3rd June 1967: St Johns-Ramsey 4th June 1967 and Douglas-Castletown 11th June 1967.</p> <p>The Peel and Ramsey lines were closed on 29 April 1969 with final engineering trains to Ramsey in October 1970 and occasional workings to and from the carriage shed at St Johns. In 1975 a service operated from Port Erin to Castletown only and in 1976 this was extended to Ballasalla. The situation became a political issue, and, following the election in 1977 services were restored from Douglas to Port Erin and on 13 January 1978 it was purchased by the Manx government. Control passed to the Manx Electric Railway Board, renamed the Isle of Man Passenger Transport Board in 1983 and subsequently the Department of Tourism, Leisure, and Transport. The Isle of Man Steam Railway, with the island’s other vintage transport remains a unique and major tourism feature. The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association acts as “watchdog”, provides assistance with restoration projects and supports capital projects. </p> <p>Other railways in the Isle of Man are the Manx Electric Railway, the Groudle Glen Railway and the Laxey Mines Railway. Horse trams operate along Douglas promenades in summer.</p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> <p>Locomotives</p> <p>1 Sutherland Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. No. 1253 of 1873; 2-4-0 tank. Still working.<br /> 2 Derby Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. No.1254 of 1873; 2-4-0 tank. Dismantled 1951.<br /> 3 Pender Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. No. 1255 of 1873; 2-4-0 tank. Survives (Manchester)<br /> 4 Loch Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. No. 1416 of ; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 5 Mona Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. No. 1417 of ; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 6 Peveril Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 7 Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank<br /> 8 Fenella Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. of 1894; 2-4-0 tank. Survives<br /> 9 Douglas Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 10 G H Wood Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. of 1905; 2-4-0 tank. Still working.<br /> 11 Maitland Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. of 1905; 2-4-0 tank. Still working.<br /> 12 Hutchinson Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank. Still working.<br /> 13 Kissack Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 14 Thornhill Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. ; 2-4-0 tank. Ex Manx Northern.<br /> 15 Caledonia Dübs &amp; Co. No. 2178 of 1885. 0-6-0 tank. Ex Manx Northern.<br /> 16 Mannin Beyer, Peacock &amp; Co. of 1926; 2-4-0 tank. Survives.<br /> 17 Viking Diesel Locomotive<br /> 19 Diesel Railcar Walker Bros of 1950; Ex County Donegal Railways. Purchased 1961.<br /> 20 Diesel Railcar Walker Bros of 1951; Ex County Donegal Railways. Purchased 1961.</p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:34:46 +0000 curator 99 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM027 <p><img alt="IOM027.2" src="/files/IOM027.2.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="IOM027.1" src="/files/IOM027.1.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM028">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:37:16 +0000 chris 654 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM025 <p><img alt="IOM025" src="/files/IOM025.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM027">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:27:12 +0000 chris 653 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM024 <p><img alt="IOM024" src="/files/IOM024.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM025">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:22 +0000 chris 652 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM023 <p>The Handy Guide to the Isle of Man produced by the IMR Co in 1939 and avoiding mention of any other railway or tramway in the Island. </p> <p><img alt="IOM023.1" src="/files/IOM023.1.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="IOM023.2" src="/files/IOM023.2.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="IOM023.3" src="/files/IOM023.3.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="IOM023.4" src="/files/IOM023.4.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM028">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:00:08 +0000 chris 651 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM022 <p>1922 Rule Book</p> <p><img src="/files/IOM022.jpg" /></p> <p>Cover above, frontispiece below</p> <p><img src="/files/IOM022.1.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM023">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:43:23 +0000 chris 650 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM021 <p>Receipt Book for luggage carted from station to steamer, usually at Douglas.</p> <p><img alt="IOM021.1" src="/files/IOM021.1.jpg" /></p> <p>The book is unused and contains two part forms, one with perforations to be detached and the other part retained in the book</p> <p><img alt="IOM021.2" src="/files/IOM021.2.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM022">Next Image</a></p> Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:57:42 +0000 chris 649 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM019 <p><img alt="IOM019" src="/files/IOM019.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM021">Next Image</a></p> Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:11:54 +0000 chris 464 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM017 <p>Daily Traffic Returns</p> <p>These were completed at every station every day it was open and returned with the cash to the Traffic Office at Douglas.</p> <p>St Johns 30 December 1939: including 6/5 from the WC's indicating that they were used 77 times (in the month perhaps?)</p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.1a.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.1b.jpg" /></p> <p>Foxdale 24 February 1940 when the line was officially closed but obviously parcels were still being dealt with.</p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.2a.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.2b.jpg" /></p> <p>Foxdale 12 April 1941 when the spoil heaps were being cleared for airport runways: income was 4d for passengers (although there was no advertised pasenger service) 9d for parcels and £15-12-0 for goods.</p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.3a.jpg" /></p> <p><img src="/files/IOM017.3b.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM018">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:16:32 +0000 chris 648 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM041 <p><img alt="IOM041" src="/files/IOM041w.jpg" /></p> <p>1930's poster of Isle of Man Railway and Red Bus routes, found in Douglas station loft about 1970, framed.</p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM045">Next Image</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/"> Back to Isle of Man Railway</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:29:52 +0000 chris 602 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/News/ForthcomingEvents <h3><span class="red">Working Parties at Tywyn</span></h3> <p>Museum Working Parties take place on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year. During the winter season when trains are not running also on every Thursday morning from 0930 to 1230.<br /> Next Working Parties are on Thursday 2, 9 and 23 February and Saturday 4 February. There is no working party on 16 February as the Museum will be open to the public while trains are running that week.<br /> Contact <a href="mailto:curator@ngrm.org.uk">curator@ngrm.org.uk</a> for details or phone Winston McCanna on 01654 712052.</p> <h3><span class="red">Working Parties at North Ings</span></h3> <p>Working Parties take place at <a href="http://www.northingsfarmmuseum.co.uk/">North Ings Farm Museum near Sleaford</a> to restore and paint <a href="/Collections/MilitaryRailways/MinistryOfDefence/MD001">Penelope</a> and <a href="/Collections/Manufacturers/Ruston/RUS001">Indian Runner</a>.<br /> Contact <a href="mailto:chriswhite39@ntlworld.com">chriswhite39@ntlworld.com</a> for details.</p> Fri, 29 May 2009 16:07:39 +0000 don 534 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/News/2012/JantoMar <h3 id="news20120126"> <span class="red">Thursday 26 January Working Party at Tywyn</span> </h3> <p>The day started with heavy rain, but this eased to sunny spells but very cold and blustery. Present were Richard Lawrence; Robin Phipps; Ray Brooks; Phil Sayers; Brian Kelland; Ann McCanna and Winston McCanna.<br /> Phil put a second and third coat of grey on to the display stand beneath the L &amp; B show case, carrying on from last week. He then cleared away the material used to mask the adjacent surfaces and floor.<br /> Richard finished painting the grey surfaces of the slate wagon in the Gunpowder Store. He then started to touch up the black fittings on the wagon. He also found time to oil the wagon bearings and brake mechanism and also oiled the ex C &amp; U Points Indicator, which is now freed and working. This can now be repainted in the future. The Trustees must decide where this is to be displayed.<br /> Ray produced the first draft of a leaflet to be translated into foreign languages for the benefit of our visitors from oversees. It has been left now for comment from the Trustees. He then serviced "Henry" and used the vacuum cleaner to spring clean the office and also the area around the signal equipment at the head of the staircase. He then swept up in places where access is normally difficult.<br /> Robin sorted out the Opening Hours cards for the doors, and then attended to improving the mounting of these. It was noted that due to the proximity of these cards to the UV protected glass that is fitted some reaction with the glass coating had taken place.<br /> Brian gave the exhibits a thorough dust and polish.<br /> Ann tidied behind the Oakley Wagon, following last weeks work in repainting the shelf behind the wagon. She then progressed the arrangements for the Museum dinner to be held on 4th February. She also delighted all present by producing coffee and biscuits at mid morning.<br /> It was noted that Adrian Woodhall was continuing to repair railway poster boards on the platform, and the Outdoor Gang were busy in the cafe replacing all the fittings in the kitchen area following the fitting of the new floor covering.</p> <p>The next working parties will be held on Thursday 2nd, Saturday 4th and Thursday 9th February. There will be no working party on Thursday 16th February due to the half term train service, but they will resume again on Thursday 213rd February. Please come along and enjoy these rewarding and worthwhile sessions.</p> <h3 id="news20120119"> <span class="red">Thursday 19 January Working Party at Tywyn</span> </h3> <p>Members of the usual gang assembled for a diverse range of tasks.<br /> Present were - Ray Brooks; Phil Sayers; Ann McCanna; Richard Lawrence and Winston McCanna.<br /> Richard Lawrence worked in the Gunpowder Store putting a final coat of grey on to the Slate Wagon which isbeing repainted there.<br /> Phil painted grey the flat surface under the show case displaying the L &amp; B items which had become damaged by the bench which lives in front of it. A further coat will be needed before it is finished.<br /> Ray started to draft a new leaflet for translation into foreign languages for the benefit of our visitors from overseas. This task will be ongoing.<br /> Ann replaced the display books on the shelves which Phil had re-painted last week.<br /> Phil then repainted white the shelf behind the Oakley Wagon. Preparation for this had been done at the last working party.<br /> It was noted that Adrian Woodhall was working on refurbishing railway notice boards on the platform, Andy Vick was working by himself on the drainage in the Wharf Cutting, and the outdoor gang were re-instating the fittings in the kitchen area in the cafe.<br /> As usual we all gathered up for coffee and biscuits, courtesy Ann, in the Guards Room.</p> <p>We all learned with concern that two of our regulars Dick France and Frank Yates are in Bronglais Hospital Aberystwyth for surgery. </p> <p>The next working parties will be held on Thursday 26th January, Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th February 2012. All are welcome to contribute to the challenge of maintaining our Museum and its collection.</p> <h3 id="news20120112"> <span class="red">Thursday 12 January Working Party at Tywyn</span> </h3> <p> At gathering up time the weather was horrid with driving drizzle and a small gang were observed working on the main line by the Wharf Edge replacing a broken fish-plate. By coffee time the rain had blown away and the sun came out.<br /> At the working party today were Phil Sayers; Ray Brooks; Richard Lawrence; Brian Kelland; Chris White and Winston McCanna. Winston emptied out the books from the shelf next to the Isle of Man and Irish show case and put down masking on the floor, Phil then washed the paintwork down and after coffee he painted the book shelves with a fresh coat of while paint. Richard continued to restore the brass-work and fittings on the Dundee Gasworks locomotive which is beginning to look very smart. Ray attacked the floor and associated areas with "Henry", another of those tasks that probably had not been done since the new Museum was opened. Chris made a quality copy of an item which we thought had been lost but which has now been discovered in the Archives. It is a Welsh Highland Railway carriage destination board made of cardboard and the original is now in safe storage and the replica on display in the museum.<br /> Ann arrived and made coffee for the gang, supplying chocolate biscuits again. As the air was too cool to sit outside this week and the cafe is in turmoil while the new floor covering is fitted in the kitchen, coffee was taken in the Guards Room. Eric Wooding arrived to empty the donation boxes and souvenirticket machine and was assisted by Brian.<br /> Richard Evans who had been with the working party on the previous weekend had left a note to say that all the black paint on the two bar slate wagon was finished. He had also made a start on cleaning down the Chattenden and Upnor points indicator, which had seized solid. The wagon will require a fresh coat of paint to the floor to make it the correct shade of grey.<br /> Winston and Richard Lawrence applied oil to the moving parts of the indicator to start to free it up. Ray washed off the dirt from the shelf behind the Oakley coal wagon in readiness for a fresh coat of paint next time.</p> <p>The next working party will be held on Thursday 19th January. Why not come along and assist?</p> <h3 id="news20120107"> <span class="red">Saturday 7 January Working Party at Tywyn</span> </h3> <p>Present Phil Sayers; Ray Brooks; Richard Lawrence; Brian Kelland; Winston McCanna, and a welcome visitor, Richard Evans.<br /> Phil commenced by giving the show case in the temporary exhibition area a thorough clean, ready for the new display which is to be constructed soon about the Talyllyn Locomotives. Richard Lawrence gave the brass work on the Dundee Gasworks locomotive a deep clean. This brass has always appeared dowdy and showed considerable gain from this attention. Ray worked on the Host Wagon with "Henry" and a long handled brush to clean the underside, a task that appears to have been sidelined for many years. Richard Evans put a further coat of dark grey undercoat paint on the floor of the Slate Wagon in the Gunpowder Shed. Brian managed to find areas of shelving etc which hadn't been dusted in recent times and dealt with the dirt. Richard Evans and Phil then commenced painting the black paint items on the slate wagon.<br /> Coffee, (and chocolate biscuits provided by Ann) was enjoyed in brilliant sunshine on the platform, and here we were joined by Andy Vick and Chris Parrot from the outdoor gang.<br /> The next working parties will be held on Thursday 12th; 19th; 26th January and 2nd February. The next Saturday session will be on 4 February, the same day as the Museum annual dinner: a meeting of the Trustees will also take place that day so a good number should gather up for that session.</p> <h3 id="news20120105"> <span class="red">Thursday 5 January Working Party at Tywyn</span> </h3> <p>The first session following the Christmas recess gathered with regulars Phil Sayers; Ray Brooks; Richard Lawrence; Ann McCanna and Winston McCanna present. Phil started by putting a second coat of paint onto the floor of the TR Slate Wagon currently receiving attention in the Gunpowder Shed. Ray chased round and found the official set of Museum Keys, which had become hidden by the refurbishing work being undertaken in the cafe. Richard carried on cleaning the brass nameplates on the wall over the Oakley Wagon. Ann first reviewed responses for the Museum Dinner to be held on 4th February. She then dismantled the Christmas Tree assisted by Ray and this was packed up and put into store for another twelve month. Winston made a start dismantling the Awdry Centenary Exhibition in preparation for a new display to be erected shortly. He was assisted in this work eventually by Ann, Phil and Ray. Photographs of the display were taken for record purposes and as each image was taken off the boards the Velcro dots were removed to aid easier storage of the images. At coffee time Ann produced chocolate biscuits, as a reminder that Christmas has only just passed. Coffee had to be taken in the guards room as the cafe is packed up; the Slater Room was in use and it was much too cold to be outside.</p> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:48:26 +0000 curator 644 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM016 <p>Set of train tickets for the last train of the day, No17, from Peel to Douglas - the staff followed on train No1 the following day.</p> <p>One piece train staffs were used for working the single line sections, each train carrying the staff to and from each station in turn, but when one train was to follow another through a section a paper ticket was issued to the driver and the staff retained until the final train passed through the section before one travelled in the opposite direction.</p> <p>The last train of every day from St Johns - Crosby - Union Mills and Douglas was followed by the first train of the next day travelling in the same direction and so Train 17 of 13 July had a series of paper tickets which are illustrated here and Train 1 of 14 July carried the staff.</p> <p><img alt="Iom016-1" src="/files/Iom016-1w.jpg" /></p> <p>George Crellin was Station Master at St Johns until the railway closed in 1965 when he retired after 53 years service: he came out of retirement to again officiate at St Johns on a seasonal basis until the final closure of that station in 1968. He died on 24 February 1974.</p> <p><img alt="Iom016-2" src="/files/Iom016-2w.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="Iom016-3" src="/files/Iom016-3w.jpg" /></p> <p>Gearge Henry Hogg was Station Master at Union Mills until his life was ended at the age of 81 on 14 July 1947 when he fell between the down side platform and the 10.10 Douglas to Ramsey express as it passed through the station. He had served the railway for 68 years, mostly as Union Mills Station Master and maintained the station gardens in a delightful condition. </p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM002">See also IOM002</a></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/IsleOfManRailway/IOM017">Next Image</a></p> Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:38:02 +0000 curator 105 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR039 <p><img alt="FR039s" src="/files/FR039s.jpg" /></p> <p>The blank space on the lower part of the card was probably intended for adding the current timetable.</p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/SUP054"> Next Image</a></p> Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:35:45 +0000 chris 647 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR038 <p>Guide Book - Third Edition June 1959</p> <p><img alt="FR038.2s" src="/files/FR038.2s.jpg" /></p> <p>The book contains this timetable for 1909 which indicates how much the Festiniog Railway was competing for passenger traffic by the introduction of this new train in February of that year.</p> <p><img alt="FR038.3A" src="/files/FR038.3A.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="FR038.3B" src="/files/FR038.3B.jpg" /></p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR039"> Next Image</a></p> Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:40:40 +0000 chris 374 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk http://www.ngrm.org.uk/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway <p>Gauge: 1ft 11½in (600mm)</p> <p>Museum objects:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR001">FR001 Wagon plate</a></li> <li>FR002 Photograph of Little Wonder c1869</li> <li>FR003 Rail chair</li> <li>FR004 Rail joint chair</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR005">FR005 Wagon plate</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR006">FR006 Rail chair, super elevated </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR009">FR009 Wagon plate</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR010">FR010 Carriage plate</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR011">FR011 Wooden sign "Last Vehicle" </a></li> <li> <a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR013"> FR013 Disc signal on column</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR014">FR014 Coloured poster </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR015">FR015 Coloured poster (WHR &amp; FR)</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR016">FR016 Slate milepost </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR017">FR017 Slate milepost </a></li> <li>FR018 By-law notice, reproduction</li> <li>FR019 Carriage destination board</li> <li>FR020 Rail chair for 50lb bullhead rail</li> <li>FR021 Rail chairs for 50lb bullhead rail</li> <li>FR022 Rail chair with S base</li> <li>FR023 14 rail chairs from horse drawn era</li> <li>FR024 Joint chair from horse drawn era</li> <li>FR025 Another type of joint chair from horse drawn era</li> <li>FR026 Station name board Minffordd</li> <li>FR027 Station name board Blaenau Ffestiniog</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR028">FR028 Metal sign "Last Vehicle" </a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR029">FR029 Carriage destination board</a></li> <li>FR030 Copy of FR014</li> <li>FR031 Copy of FR015</li> <li>FR032 50lb bull head rails</li> <li>FR033 Sleepers with chairs for 50lb bull head rails</li> <li>FR034 Bridge rail and joint chair from Rhiwbach Tramway</li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR035">FR035 Single line tickets</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR036">FR036 Free Pass</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR037">FR037 Consignment Notes</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR038">FR038 Guide Book 1959 [includes 1909 Timetable]</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/FR039">FR039 Hanging Card</a></li> <li><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/FestiniogRailway/SUP054/">SUP054 Excursion Poster</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> <p>The Festiniog Railway was opened in 1835 to connect slate quarries around Ffestiniog with William Madocks’ harbour at Portmadoc. The Railway received its parliamentary assent after three attempts. Money came from Ireland and Henry Archer was the first Managing Director. James Spooner surveyed the route and produced a plan that would allow maximum economy in operation.</p> <p>Slate was brought from the quarries down inclines to two branch-lines which joined at where Blaenau Ffestiniog would develop. From there the line descended for 12¼ miles to its terminus in Portmadoc Harbour. The route wound along the contours in sharp curves, made a U-bend around a side-valley, crossed embankments built to a height of 60ft with dry-stone walls, followed ledges cut in rock and through two tunnels. On this track loaded wagons were able to descend all the way by gravity. Horses returned empty wagons to the top in two stages and rode down again in dandy-wagons. Down trains took 1hr 40mins but up-trains took 5hrs 50mins</p> <p>James Spooner was the driving force behind the railway from 1836 till his death in 1856, first as Clerk to the Company and from 1845 as Secretary as well. His successor was his son, Charles Easton Spooner.</p> <p>It was C.E. Spooner who transformed the line into a miniature main line of worldwide influence. Until then the only passengers had been quarrymen. The scenic nature of the route had been recognised, and Spooner realised that tourist and local passenger traffic could be approved by the Board of Trade if track was improved and locomotives introduced.</p> <p>In 1863 the first steam locos were delivered, four 0-4-0 saddle tank locos with tenders, built by George England &amp; Co., of London. One, Prince, still survives in working order. Regular passenger service began on 6 January 1865. The locos did not prove powerful enough for uphill work with passenger carriages and a train of empty slate wagons. Shorter, more frequent trains were required, but a double track would be needed at huge cost. Spooner found an answer in Robert Fairlie’s double engines which provided greater power and flexibility. Little Wonder, a Fairlie loco built by G. England appeared in 1869 with great success. Up journeys now took less than two hours. It was Little Wonder ‘s trials that convinced so many at home and abroad of the usefulness of narrow gauge. More Fairlie locos appeared on the Festiniog. A further innovation, in 1871, was the first use in Britain of American-style bogied carriages. </p> <p>The Festiniog conformed fully with the Regulation of Railways Act of 1889. By 1893 block signalling, interlocking of points and signals and vacuum brakes had been introduced and steel rails laid throughout the length. The electric train staff was introduced in 1912.</p> <p>Between 1867 and 1910 slate traffic almost always exceeded 100,000 tons annually. It was still carried in long gravity trains controlled by brakesmen riding the load. Slate went to Portmadoc until 1872 when an exchange of traffic to Cambrian Railways was opened at Minffordd. The L&amp;NWR opened a branch line to Blaenau in 1881 followed by the GWR in 1883, giving each a share in the slate output. This had effects on the prosperity of the Festiniog. After 1897 slate carriage by the Festiniog declined sharply. Increasing use of roof tiles and imported slates reduced demand for the Welsh product and road transport provided more competition. </p> <p>In 1923 Col. H.F. Stephens was appointed Civil Engineer and Locomotive Superintendent. Stringent economy was the watchword of Stephens’ Kent-based operation and, with little understanding of the local situation, a Light Railway Order was obtained granting exemption from statutory signalling regulations. These methods were disliked by the Festiniog’s loco crews who insisted on the restoration of protected single line working.</p> <p>After 1925 road transport began to take its toll of passenger traffic too. Income fell and maintenance suffered. Unreliable connections with the main line were the consequence. By 1939 slate tonnage was a mere 30,000. All passenger traffic ceased on the outbreak of war in 1939 and slate trains were stopped in 1946. </p> <p>For several years suggestions of a rescue were put forward. A Society was formed, but unlike the Talyllyn Railway, Festiniog proprietors had no faith in a revival. The Society had to buy them out and in 1954 a Holding Company was formed to do this. A separate Festiniog Railway Society was formed for fund raising and as a pool of volunteers. A short public service began in July 1955 as the track was slowly cleared. </p> <p>Then a formidable obstacle was hit. The British Electricity Authority (later CEGB) announced its intention to compulsorily purchase a part of the Festiniog’s right of way to flood it by a new reservoir. A 15 year legal battle ensued after which the Authority yielded, and the railway won compensation for loss of profit. The line was eventually completed with a deviation which included a tunnel and a feature new to Britain, a double spiral completed in 1971.</p> <p>Valuable publicity had been gained with the legal struggle. A new station, shared with British Rail, opened at Blaenau Ffestiniog on 23 May 1982, exactly 150 years after the passing of the Festiniog Railway’s Act of incorporation. The Festiniog is more than a preserved railway, it connects two standard gauge lines. New station buildings have been built at Portmadoc and a fully computerised booking system, the first on a British railway, was inaugurated in 1985. </p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> <p>Locomotives</p> <p>On closure 1946<br /> 1 Princess of 1863; 0-4-0 tank<br /> 2 Prince 0-4-0 tank<br /> 3 Taliesin Single Fairlie (Vulcan Foundry) of 1876; 0-4-4 tank. Withdrawn 193?<br /> 3 Earl of Merioneth Double Fairlie of 1885; 0-4-4 tank. Originally Livingston Thompson then Taliesin<br /> 4 Palmerston of 1864; 0-4-0 saddle tank<br /> 5 Welsh Pony George England of 1867; 0-4-0 saddle tank. Withdrawn 1938<br /> 10 Merddin Emrys Festiniog Railway Works of 1879; 0-4-4 tank</p> <p>Post-Preservation<br /> Mountaineer American Locomotive Co. of 1917<br /> Linda Hunslet Engine Co. No. 590 of 1893; 0-4-0 tank. Ex-Penrhyn Quarry<br /> Blanche Hunslet Engine Co. No. 589 of 1893; 0-4-0 tank. Ex-Penrhyn Quarry<br /> 11 Petrol loco<br /> 101 Simplex 40 HP petrol tractor No. 507 of 1917. Ex. WD<br /> Conway Castle Planet Diesel of 1958; ex RN</p> <p><a href="/Collections/PublicCarriers/"> Back to Public Carriers Index</a></p> Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:34:23 +0000 curator 79 at http://www.ngrm.org.uk