Clip-clop…
Horsepower
© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2019
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
22, 24 & 27 July 2019
It’s said you should never go back when
you have happy memories of places.
This trip to the Isle of Man was a
repeat, in some respects, of a visit in
1998 (see “Isle of Man: Steam 125”).
Disappointments? Not really, it was a
most enjoyable trip in all respects. But
sometimes, it’s the least significant things which stay in the
memory. In 1998, the huge “ELECTRIC RAILWAY” sign above
Derby Castle was illuminated at night, the letters lighting
sequentially - E, EL, ELE etc, until the whole sign was lit -
then off - then back through the sequence. Now, it’s either on
or it’s not. The other thing? That long walk along Douglas
promenade (about two miles) was invariably accompanied,
during the daytime, by the clip-clop-clip-clop of the horse
trams (and those who wanted could hop on and avoid the
exercise…). Not this year - one tram operates along a short
stretch, in effect a token ride for demonstration purposes.
The rest of the tramway is being renovated - new heavier rails
and extensive road works. We’ll have to come back…
Here are a few photographs of that
limited operation, providing a flavour of
the more extensive service.
Link: Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
