The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association has completed the purchase and transfer of a historic railway coach.
Coach F.6, built in 1876 by Brown, Marshalls of Birmingham, is the oldest surviving coach from the railway’s original 1876 bogie carriage order.
Rescued from scrapping in 1974 by enthusiasts Peter Rampton and Nigel Bowman, it has now returned to the island after nearly five decades in preservation.
Association secretary Grant Taylor said: “Coach F.6 represents a unique and tangible link to the early days of the Isle of Man Railway. We are extremely grateful to the Vale of Rheidol Railway for their support in making this return possible.”
Llyr ap Iolo, Managing Director of the Vale of Rheidol Railway, added: “We are delighted to see Coach F.6 return home.
Though it was never operated by the Vale of Rheidol, we recognised its value and were proud to support its preservation. Its significance as the oldest surviving bogie coach from the original 1876 order makes this a very special vehicle.”
The coach will now undergo assessment for future restoration.
Find out more about the association’s work here.
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