MER Celebrates 120 Anniversary
September 7th saw the 120th Anniversary of the MERs openeing between Derbycastle and Groudle. To mark the occasion a day of events was held on Saturday 7th September 2013, including a 15 minute frequency timetable. This saw all available motors playing a part in the day, including both 1893 cars 1 and 2, although car 2 only appeared as a substitute for a failed Winter Saloon 19. Pairings for the day started rather tamely with 6+47, followed by 5+40, and at 09:40 was 19+41, although this set only made it to Port Jack before returning to Derbycastle. With 1 return journey dropped things picked up with 33+57, then 7+48, 32+58, 9+41, 21+46 (Laxey Set), 16+60, 20+44 (Ramsey set),1+51, and timetabled to be last set to start was 22 suprisingly with van 4. The last set to start was 2+59 at 12:40 from Derbycastle replacing car 19. Despite the less than ideal weather at times many of the trams were well loaded, particularly during the morning.
All photos © David Kelly 2013, unless stated otherwise.