Isle of man and irish peat bog railways
At the 1st meeting of 2024 on 3rd January the small audience enjoyed 2 video presentations by Colin Kennington. A visit to the Isle of Man began with the boat train from Bare Lane to connect at Heysham with the ferry. After a pleasant crossing the first visit was to the Isle of Man Steam Railway from Douglas to Castletown and Port Erin taking in a visit to the Croggan Valley Railway en-route.
On return the Douglas Horse Tramway was experienced followed by a vintage bus tour taking in the Manx Heritage Transport Museum, the Orchid Line at Curragh’s Wildlife Park, and the Jurby Transport Museum. This was followed by a journey on the Manx Electric Railway to Laxey stopping to visit the Groudle Glen Railway, the Snaefell Railway and the Great Laxey Mine Railway, before travelling forward to Ramsey.
The 2nd video featured the Irish Bog Railway systems at Mountdillon, Derrinlough, and Edenderry, contrasting the systems in 1998 and 2023 when they were scheduled for closure in the light of environmental pressures. Also featured was a contrast of motive power on the Irish Railway system in 1998 and 2023. A very entertaining evening featuring rare footage of small railway systems.