Having completed a number of miscellaneous projects on the railway over the course of the 1970s and in need of something more "meaty" to work on, in 1977 the Supporters' Association hit upon the idea of returning one of the railways' derelict steam locomotives to service.  For the role they selected No. Douglas, built by Beyer Peacock & Co., in their Gorton Foundry in Manchester back in 1896.  This locomotive had not seen service for a number of years, having last operated in 1953.

She was selected for a number of reasons; at the time the railway still owned all the locomotives so it was something of a "take your pick" option but No. 9 was chosen as she was in near-original condition, complete with Salter safety valves, bell-mouth dome, smaller side tanks and sloping smokebox door.  It has to be remembered that at this time the serviceable locomotives were all of a particular standard type (Nos. 4, 11, 12 and 13 were the service locos, together with No. 10 whose last season was this year) so the sight of No. 9 being added to the fleet really did present something new and exciting to both the Supporters' Association and the large following of enthusiasts that the railway had and still has.  The summer issue of Manx Steam Railway News of 1977 reported that:-

                                         "...following discussions with the directors and General Manager, and Operating Manager of the Railway Company, the committee is pleased to announce that it has opened an Appeal Fund for the repair on Engine No, 9 "Douglas".  The engine was recently inspected by specialist boilermakers and following a preliminary report, and an approximate cost of the repair to the boiler was given.  A more detailed report will be supplied when we are in receipt of part of the appeal monies.  The expected total cost of repair is £800 and that is the figure to which we now appeal to you the members and friends of the railway and Supporters' Association to subscribe.  Provided that the money comes in quickly, a further report can be made by the specialist boilermakers, an work can commence during the winter period.  The work on the boiler would be undertaken by the specialist boilermakers.  The idea of the project, the first one of its kind undertaken by the Supporters' Association, is to involve all members and friends of the railway, including those who work voluntary [sic] on the railway, as well as those who are unable to assist practically at the railway.  However, it much be understood that neither the engine nor boiler will be the property of the Supporters' Association.  No. 9 has been stored in the Carriage Shed for some years but only a short time before its withdrawal from service with a weak boiler it received a major overhaul.  No. 9 still retains its Salter Valves and 2' 10" boiler with small tanks.  The committee earnestly  request all members to subscribe as much as possible to the Appeal Fund in order that the railway can rely on a further working locomotive for its services next year.  In the happy event of the Appeal Fund being over-subscribed, then all excess monies will be used to purchase boiler tubes for the other locomotives which are in service at the present time.  We are grateful to the Railway Company who have agreed that No. 9 be moved to Road 6 at Douglas Station for display and to give maximum publicity to the Appeal Fund..."

Many people may recall that No.9 was awakened from her slumbers and placed on static display at the end of the defunct Port Erin arrival platform (for those too young to recall, this was approximately where the disabled car park spaces are in the station now!) and work began in smartening her up for display.  Sadly, and after many months of hard work in raising funds, the project was never realised.

When the government intervened and took over the operation of the railway in 1978 the locomotive (and her two shed mates No. 5 Mona and No. 8 Fenella and various other items) were sold on to the Isle Of Man Railway Society, which meant that the Supporters' Association could no longer carry out their project to fruition.  It is interesting to note however, that apart from a couple of coats of paint in the 1980s and 1990s, the new owners have done nothing to preserve the locomotive and she remains in store, out of the public eye in Douglas Workshops to this day.

The story does, however, have a happy ending.  The funds that were originally destined for No.9's return to steam were ultimately diverted to the next major project, the 1982 restoration of the Groudle Glen Railway and the rest, as they say, is history...