The Vale of Rheidol Railway has sold the historic Isle of Man Railway Coach F6 to the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association.
Coach F6, built in 1876 by Brown, Marshalls of Birmingham, is the oldest surviving coach from the railway’s original 1876 bogie carriage.
Withdrawn in the 1970s, F6 was saved from scrapping in November 1974 by railway enthusiast and preservationist Peter Rampton.
Steam Railway Supporters’
He and fellow enthusiast Nigel Bowman travelled to St John’s to negotiate with Millen Metals, the Belfast firm dismantling the island’s rail infrastructure.
A deal was struck on a handshake with scrap dealer Albert Millen, and several historic coaches were rescued including two Cleminsons, F68, and F6.
Shipping the carriages to the mainland was no small feat. The pair secured shipping via Ronagency from Douglas to Glasson Dock, with onward road transport to Surrey.
The carriages arrived in early 1975, where they were kept in covered storage as part of Rampton’s now-famous ‘Collection X’.
Returning Home
The return of Coach F6 to the Isle of Man earlier this month marks the end of a long absence and the beginning of a new chapter in its life.
It is now in the care of the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association, who will be assessing the vehicle with a view to its eventual restoration:
“We are delighted to see Coach F6 return home. Though it was never operated by the Vale of Rheidol, we recognised its value and were proud to support its preservation,” said Llyr ap Iolo, Managing Director of the Vale of Rheidol Railway.
“Its significance as the oldest surviving bogie coach from the original 1876 order makes this a very special vehicle, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for it back on Manx soil.”
Grant Taylor, Secretary of the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association added: “Coach F6 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 and look forward to the opportunity to bring this important vehicle back to life.”
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