Wednesday 29th September saw the commencement of the railway's off-peak services, with timetable "P" in operation.  This service sees the Douglas-based train only in service with departures from Douglas Station at 9.50am and 1.50am, and ex-Port Erin trains leaving at 11.50am and 3.50pm.  Trains will not operate on Mondays and Tuesdays until the end of the season on 7th November, with the notable exception of the schools' half term period when timetable "R" (the standard four trains each way service) will return for a nine-day period from 23rd October.  This year sees the railway operating for a longer period than it has done for many years, and the successful Hop-Tu-Naa Ghost Trains experimented with last year for the first time will return in a new and improved format.  The first day of the shoulder season saw locomotive No. 10 G.H. Wood of 1905 hauling a four coach train consisting of Fs. 46-49 for the two return trips to Port Erin.  Following winter closure the next services will be the ever-popular Santa Trains which will operate to a timetable markedly different from previous years.  Further news on this will be posted on this site as soon as it becomes available.