Rush Hour on the Railways 2020

Easter Weekend, Friday 10th to Monday 13th April 2020

Four days of enthusiast tours, photographic opportunities and special events across the island’s heritage railways.

Good Friday – 10th April 2020
M.E.R. and Snaefell Timetable C in operation alongside the following special events:

M.E.R. Parallel Run
Parallel Run from Derby Castle to Laxey using Cars 6 and 22. Departs Derby Castle at 08:40. Car 22 and trailer 56 will remain in service during the day.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.

M.E.R. Motorman Taster lessons
Try your hand at driving 1894-built Car 6 between Laxey and Lewaigue, passing along the cliff tops 588 feet above sea level at Bulgham Bay and through the scenic farmland of Maughold Parish. Car 6 departs Laxey at 09:30, 11:30, 13:50 and 15:50. For insurance purposes participants must be aged between 21 and 75. Proof of age may be required. Four participants per return trip.
Pre-booking essential. £30 each. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre – 01624 662525

M.E.R. Closed Trailers in Service
Cars 9, 19, 20 & 22 will be in service hauling closed Trailers 56, 57, 58 & 59 throughout the day. Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.

Manx Electric Railway Museum
The Manx Electric Railway was one of the earliest electric railways in the British Isles. There is a dedicated museum where you can learn more about the history of this pioneering railway.
The museum is located inside the main depot at Derby Castle Yard.
Free admission to the Museum. Open 10:00 – 16:00

Easter Saturday – 11th April 2020
M.E.R. and Snaefell Timetable C in operation alongside the following special events:

Snaefell Mountain Railway shed tours
The Snaefell Mountain Railway celebrates its 125th anniversary on 21st August 2020. To mark the occasion an opportunity to see behind the doors of Snaefell Shed will be available.

Tours start at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 14:00. Meet at Snaefell Car Sheds for your tour guide, directions will be available from Laxey M.E.R. station.

Pre-booking strongly recommended. £6 each. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre – 01624 662525

Easter Sunday – 12th April 2020
M.E.R. and Snaefell Timetable C in operation alongside the following special events:

M.E.R. Intensive service.
Frequent M.E.R. services up to 15 minute frequency between Derby Castle, Laxey and Ramsey with extra Cars and Trailers in traffic throughout the day. Full timetable details are available in the Event Brochure Here.

Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.

Manx Electric Railway Photography Evening
“Lights, Camera, Action!” at Derby Castle Yard, including specially posed vehicles, cameo scenes and a wealth of photographic opportunities. 19:00 to 21:00.

Free event. Manx Electric Railway Museum open.

Stamps on the Manx Electric Railway
A special postal service will operate between Derby Castle and Ramsey. Railway letter covers, cancelled with railway station postmarks, will be carried on board Mail Van No.4 on the 8:40 from Derby Castle. After visiting Ramsey the Mail Van will be situated at Laxey Station siding and used for sorting mail.

Why not visit Laxey Goods Yard where an exhibition of the MER’s postal history is recalled and see progress on the restoration of Mail Van No. 11.

Covers can be ordered in advance or are available to purchase on the day from the Mail Van at Laxey Station.

Easter Monday – 13th April 2020
M.E.R. and Snaefell Timetable C in operation alongside the following special events:

Official opening of new Strathallan Depot
Join us as we mark the official opening of the newly constructed Strathallan Depot at Derby Castle – the new home of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway. At 10:00 the ribbon will be cut and guided tours will be available at 11:00, 13:00, 14:00 & 15:00.
Free event for all to attend.

Find out more and download your event brochure