It was a glorious morning, one of the best days of the season I was told that evening.  One felt more inclined to be lying around in the sunshine than sitting in a smoky train bound ofr Port Erin.  But, as I was to find out, the thrill of riding in Victorian Splendour more that made up for the loss of a day's sun-worshipping.  The first train of the day, the 10.00am, pulled out of Douglas Station at 10.06am.  On my left, basking in the early morning sunshine, were the old locomotives of bygone Isle of Man Railway days.  To the right, another engine was steaming up, I presumed to head the 10.40am ex-Douglas.

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After parting company with the Peel Line we crossed the lazy River Douglas and were soon passing througha miniature forest before entering a series of cuttings.  Between these cuttings one caught glimpses of some rugged coastline and clear blue sea which looked very inviting.  The climb to Port Soderick was completed in twelve minutes and at 10.20am we were once again steaming our way in and out of cuttings and woodland as well as traversing some undulating countryside before reaching Santon Station, which was passed without stopping.  Then, for the first time, one had a clear uninterrupted view of the Manx coastal scenery, one being able to see as far as Ronaldsway Airport and Castletown.

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At Ballasalla we crossed the 10.00am ex-Port Erin which was full of happy-looking visitors.  The short distance from Ballasalla to Castletown was mainly through well-populated areas although for part of the way one got good views of Ronaldsway Airport.  At Castletown which was reached at 10.45am, I was most interested to learn that the station was being run by an old people's association in the town.  This, I thought, was a splendid effort by people who must have known the railway from around thrity years after its birth.  The trip from Castletown to Port Erin, over picturesque countryside with a view of the sea to the left most of the way, was made in twenty-five minutes and at 11.10am we pulled into Port Erin Station with the sun still shining as brightly as it had been when we left Douglas.

After an extremely enjoyable day in Port Erin I returned to Douglas on the 4.15pm and the journey, I am glad to say, was made in 63 minutes, just three minutes behind schedule - a marvellous effort.  During subsequent visits to Douglas Station and trips on the railway, I was greatly impressed by the way all the staffm some of whom were volunteers, carried out their duties so well.  I found all of them extremely helpful.  I will finish this article by expressing my hopes that all steam railway enthusiasts will rally round and help keep this unique line functioning so that many more visitors can enjoy the adventure which one finds in steam travel.

J. Noble