Manx Trains and Trams - Duke Video

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

This DVD produced by Duke of video, is a real eye opener anybody who knows nothing about this topic -like myself instance!

While aware of the fact that the Isle of Man did have some small railways, I was not aware of the detail of these, and as a result was quite surprised by the contents of this DVD.

The Isle of Man quite simply has one of the most extraordinary railway systems in the world. This includes a Victorian railway complete with Victorian rolling stock, that continues to run as a fully functioning railway right up to today - surely a world record by any standards. Some of the engines and stock still in use today, are over hundred and 30 years old!

As well as this, the DVD also covers the world's oldest electric railway, the world's longest running horse trams, a second vintage steam railway, and a unique mountain railway. Again, all these are still operating as they used to do!

The DVD in addition also covers the remains of other transport systems that are now discontinued, including cable cars, funicular railways and cliff lifts.

The DVD traces the development of these transport systems up to today, and also includes extras in the form of a look at disused lines, and an interviews with key people involved with the railways.

One area I found of particular interest, were the various sections about the electric trains. These are quite fascinating, as they go into the areas of how power was generated and provided for the various systems. The electrical equipment that they still use dates back to the turn of the century, and include mercury rectifiers and wooden fans for the electrical systems that strongly resemble something from a 1950s science fiction movie. These are all still again fully functional!

If curiosities take your fancy, then this DVD is a must!

It is available locally and is reasonably priced at around 130 Rand.

[John Ashworth]

Available locally where?

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Look and Listen! Appropriate name for a shop where you buy a railway DVD.

[John Ashworth]

Sounds OK