Winter Photography 3/11/2012
In similar fashion to the event held on the IMR in February, a new feature for the railways calendar came in the form of the MER Winter Photography. The event featured the use of MER Crossbench 32, paired with works trailer 52, for various photo stops en route. 32 arrived from Laxey, still being stationed at Laxey car sheds for overhead duties, shortly after 10am. The tram departed from Derbycastle solo, and absolutely full. After arrival in Laxey 32 returned to the car sheds to collect 52. The day did not just feature the photo special, but also a rare look into the Laxey sub station an car sheds. This may well have been the last occasion for the public to view the Mercury Arc Rectifiers whilst still connected to the overhead supply before the new sub station goes into use. This may also have been the first time in many years that access was allowed to view some of the MERs long term stored items of rolling stock. The photographic part of the journey ran from Laxey to Ballaskeig and return with photo stops at Bonner Corner, Dhoon Quarry, Ballaskeig, then on return at Browns Crossing and Bulgham. Before returning to Douglas at the end of the day Car 6 dropped trailer 59 (which it had worked with for the day) to allow some extra room for the last part of the day. With 59 coupled, 32 departed Laxey from the Blacksmiths siding, which may well be disconnected from the running line with the Laxey station redevelopment. The set finally returned to Derbycastle at 17:30.
All photos © David Kelly 2013, unless stated otherwise.