Over the weekend the railway, in conjunction with Manx National Heritage, hosted the Hop-Tu-Naa Ghost Trains between Douglas Station and Castle Rushen and these were extremely well attended; it is understood that over 800 people travelled on the special trains.  On both Friday 29th and Saturday 30th an evening train operated, leaving Douglas Station at 6.15pm bound for the southern town where passengers were greeted by tour guides who split them into groups for the ghost walk into the town and inside Castle Rushen itself where scenes and stories were laid on.  The train left at 9.00pm on the return and was hauled by No. 4 Loch and a rake of six coaches, which were suitably decorated for the event.

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There were daytime Witches & Wizards themed events on Saturday 30th which saw an extra train operate shuttles, to be met at Castletown Station by vintage P.D.2 bus for the short trip to the castle.  Stations were decorated with suitably gruesome dismembered heads, skeletons (including one dangling from the Signal Box!) and scary sound effects echoed around the stations, creating quite the right atmosphere.  The event has been expanded considerably since last years' inaugeral ghost train, which also travelled as far as the southern town.

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Upon return to Douglas Station visitors on the evening train (which was marketed as being suitable for over 12s) were treated to a hot-pot supper in a specially erected marquee in the station forecourt.  The majority of travellers chose to don fancy dress for the event making quite a spectacle!  The next event will be the Bonfire Night late train departing Douglas Station at 5.30pm for the trip to Port Erin where an organised firework display and bonfire will take place on the beach, a short walk from the station.  Tickets for this can be purchased from any manned station or from the Welcome Centre.  Details of the Santa Trains will follow on this site later in the week . . .