The railway museum at Port Erin Station has been featured in the October edition of the free local magazine Manx Tails which is delivered to all island households on a monthly basis.  The article, featured in the Hidden Heritage Of Mann strand is penned by Fritha Costain, and is “aimed at unearthing the lesser-visited but highly recommended heritage attractions on the island.

The piece describes the information boards that detail the railway’s history from 1873, the trails and tribulations of the “bus war” that took place following the introduction of bus services in 1927, which led to the railway company buying out the competition to form Isle Of Man Road Services.  It praises the contents of the museum, from the framed ticket displays and period posters therein, to the fascinating insights into the short-lived Knockaloe Branch off the Peel Line and its usage in the First World War.

Pride of place naturally goes to the major exhibits, namely No. 6 Peveril of 1875 (cosmetically restored by the Supporters’ Association in 1994) and No. 16 Mannin of 1926, itself the subject of much discussion at the moment.  Of course there is also mention of F.36 and its royal patronage, and the governors’ saloon F.75, both permanent residents of the facility.

The article is glowing in its praise of the museum and associated well-stocked souvenir shop which is housed in the old goods shed, converted specially for the purpose following extensive redevelopment in 1998 - 1999 and the writer gives the facility a big “thumbs up” to any visitor.

Interestingly, the article ends with an information panel detailing the museum’s opening times, admission prices and opening times, but intriguingly advises readers that “getting there” can be achieved by car which parking on-street outside, by bus or by train.  The fact that rail travel is the latter of the recommended forms of arrival does seem to rather defeat the object, but then we are after all looking at this from an enthusiasts and supporters’ point of view!  Any means by which awareness is increased of the museum and indeed the whole railway are to be welcomed!

Port Erin Railway Museum is open daily until the end of the season (1st November 2009) and admission price is £1.00 for adults and 50p for children.  For details of train times to the facility please refer to the current off-peak timetable in operation, which can be found on the home page of this site.  Please refer to our links page to find out the bus times to Port Erin.