Bus Strike Trains 20-22 December 2012
After disagreements between the bus drivers union and Bus Vannin, the full time drivers went on strike between 20 and 22 December. As one of the contingencies the islands railways were utilized to replace buses and perform in the role of regular public transport once again.
For the IMR this meant many unusual features of service, with the rare opportunity to witness and travel upon timetabled journeys in December. Trains were to run over a much longer day than the normal season, with the first departure from Port Erin at 07:35, and the last arrival being back at 18:50, the early runs were of course out before sunrise. Part of the reason for the early runs were to provide a means of transport for the students at Castle Rushen High School. A new platform and halt were constructed at the start of the Southern 100 race course to serve the school students, being School Hill Halt. Only some of the days journeys stopped at School Hill, being those which were to run at school times. To provide adequate capacity for the school services from the south two locos were stationed at Port Erin, with 10 carriages. The 07:35 journey in both days were hauled by 10 G.H Wood, and consisted of 4 coaches. The 08:10 journey on both days consisted of six carriages, hauled by 12 Hutchinson on 20th December, and 4 Loch on 21st December.
On both days the three locos used were Loch, G.H. Wood and Hutchinson, with trains passing at Castletown, Ballasalla and Santon at various points in the day. Unfortunately the replacement services on Saturday 22nd were curtailed after heavy rain resulted in flooding at some points on the line.
For the IMR this meant many unusual features of service, with the rare opportunity to witness and travel upon timetabled journeys in December. Trains were to run over a much longer day than the normal season, with the first departure from Port Erin at 07:35, and the last arrival being back at 18:50, the early runs were of course out before sunrise. Part of the reason for the early runs were to provide a means of transport for the students at Castle Rushen High School. A new platform and halt were constructed at the start of the Southern 100 race course to serve the school students, being School Hill Halt. Only some of the days journeys stopped at School Hill, being those which were to run at school times. To provide adequate capacity for the school services from the south two locos were stationed at Port Erin, with 10 carriages. The 07:35 journey in both days were hauled by 10 G.H Wood, and consisted of 4 coaches. The 08:10 journey on both days consisted of six carriages, hauled by 12 Hutchinson on 20th December, and 4 Loch on 21st December.
On both days the three locos used were Loch, G.H. Wood and Hutchinson, with trains passing at Castletown, Ballasalla and Santon at various points in the day. Unfortunately the replacement services on Saturday 22nd were curtailed after heavy rain resulted in flooding at some points on the line.
All photos © David Kelly 2013, unless stated otherwise.