Fleet No.:

G.1

Builders:  

Metropolitan Carriage & Wagon Co., Ltd

Year Built:

1873

Current Status:

Withdrawn

Delivered for the opening of the Peel Line in 1873 and remaining in regular use up until the short-lived Mantainor scheme in 1968, this van was earmarked to be retained after all non-passenger stock was reviewed prior to the Ballasalla Bonfire of 1974, having been kept in good condition throughout its working life.  It later saw use as a permanent way department mobile store and mess room until 1989 when it was deemed unsafe to use out on the line  Having been stored in the open for long periods when used by the permanent way department the condition of the timber has deteriorated considerably in recent times.  This van is now in storage in the plant shop at the back of the workshops at Douglas Station and is in very poor condition after several years in the siding at Ballasalla Station.  As the accompanying image from June 2004 shows, there is considerable wastage to the timber frame of this vehicle and it would need major attention before being used in traffic again and although its mid-term future is secured, there is no economic arguement for any expenditure being made on it.  For now though it remains in covered storage to prevent further decay.  Of note is the fleet number which is applied in permanent marker pen (!)