The Manx Electric Railway (M.E.R) in Laxey is home to Tram 7 and Wagon 10, both of which have interesting histories. Tram 7 is one of six ‘Tunnel Cars’ built by G.F Milnes for the M.E.R in 1894, and was originally fitted with Milnes Series 3 Trucks and Mather & Platt motors. However, in 1903, it was equipped with Brush D Trucks and air brake equipment. Over the years it underwent few changes, such as receiving K12 Controllers in 1946 and larger ‘one piece’ windows in 1970. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Tram 7 was used by the Permanent Way Department during the winter months, and was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair in the mid-2000s. Following complaints and the creation of a dedicated works vehicle, Tram 7 received an overhaul in 2007, with a majority of its woodwork being replaced. Trucks were taken from Car No.27 for refurbishment and, after returning to the M.E.R in June 2010, Tram 7 lost some of its original features, such as gaining a central partition and 2+1 transverse seating. After a traction motor failure, it was re-fitted with new trucks ex-Car No.26 and returned to service in June 2013.
Wagon 10 was built by G.F Milnes for the M.E.R in 1898, arriving for the construction of the extension to Ballure from Laxey. The wagon was withdrawn during the late 1940s/early 1950s and stored at the rear of the Bonner Siding at Derby Castle Car Shed. However, between 1975 and 2000, it was converted into a tower wagon at Derby Castle Car Sheds, alongside Tower Wagon No.1 and No.3 in the 1970s, and Tower Van No.12 thereafter. In 2000, it was replaced by a new 1998-built Tower Wagon, constructed out of Wagon No.1, and stored at Laxey Car Shed. In 2009, Wagon 10 was moved to the Great Laxey Mines Railway for restoration by the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust to its original 1898 condition as an open wagon. It returned to the M.E.R tracks at Laxey Blacksmith Siding in November 2010 and reappeared in its restored guise in July 2011. After a brief appearance in Laxey Station in November 2013, it was moved to Derby Castle Car Sheds for further attention and returned to operational fleet status as part of the Manx Heritage Transport festival in July.
Overall, both Tram 7 and Wagon 10 have been important parts of the history of the Manx Electric Railway, and their restoration and continued use serve as a testament to the railway’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
Posted by MKDarlo (Richard) on 2019-05-09 22:46:52