One of the island’s narrow-gauge steam locomotives is to make a triumphant return to service this summer after almost a decade away.
Groudle Glen Railway has announced the completion of a major rebuild of locomotive Annie, securing her future for generations to come.
The extensive overhaul, costing close to £100,000, was undertaken by specialist engineers John Fowler & Sons in Cumbria and made possible through a generous legacy from the Williamson family alongside volunteer fundraising efforts.
Originally built on the Isle of Man in 1998 by renowned locomotive builder Richard Booth, Annie holds a unique place in Manx railway history as the last steam locomotive constructed on the Island.
Annie will be hauled by the world-famous steam road locomotive Talisman, a remarkable 2019 recreation of a 1925 Fowler B6 “Big Lion”, one of the most powerful steam road engines ever built.
Talisman’s construction attracted national attention and was featured in programmes with engineer and broadcaster Guy Martin.
The celebrations culminate on Sunday June 28, with a special ceremony at 10:30am at Groudle Glen Railway where Richard Booth will perform the official cake cutting and formally welcome the locomotive back into service.