'Final dice throw' to return historic railway carriage to the Island

'Unique survivor' from Manx Northern Railway is in outdoor storage in Suffolk

The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association is hoping to repatriate an original piece of Manx Northern Railway history.

The six-wheel carriage, which was removed from the Island in 2012, is described as a 'unique survivor' - dating back to the railway's opening in 1879.

It currently resides in outdoor storage in Suffolk.

The association says it's been in discussions with the Three Foot Gauge Society as to how it can see the carriage brought back to the Island.

There's no available space on the railway itself, so the group is searching for somewhere on the Island the carriage can be kept in covered storage.

A statement published by the Association says: 'Initial discussions with a variety of organisations have so far proved fruitless and we are now actively seeking somewhere on the island where the carriage can be kept in covered storage, there being no available space on the railway itself.'

'We are therefore appealing to anybody who could accommodate the historic vehicle and ensure its retention on the island.  Some remedial work has been carried out but the carriage cannot be operated in service.'

'One of a fleet of fourteen obtained from the Swansea Carriage & Wagon Co., to the unusual six-wheel “Cleminson” patent, only three other carriages from the order remain, one of which has been completely restored by an Association members and is now back on the railway, with a further body used as storage and another as part of a private collection off-island.

'All remaining examples are of historical significance and rare three foot gauge survivors.'

Chairman Bill Cubbon, says: '...this represents a final throw of the dice to attempt to have this carriage returned home; we have been working closely with Robert Hendry to achieve this aim but thus far have been unsuccessful in finding a suitable home for the carriage, so we are now opening our appeal up to the general public in the hope that we can find a home for it... The Association is hopeful that a home can be found.'

'The carriage is just over 30’ 0” long and around 7’ 0” wide without the overhang of couplings which can be removed as required; it would need to be transported on a road trailer, so any potential accommodation would need to accessible by road with such a trailer and articulated unit.'

You can find more information here.