Rails of Man: The Trains and Trams of Isle of Man (2012)
1h 0min
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- Synopsis:
The Isle of Man is a place where time has stood still. For more than a century the island's marvellous steam railway and its unique electric tramway have conveyed islanders and tourists around the lush outcrop in the Irish Sea. The Snaefell Railway is the only one in Britain to climb a mountain under electric power. Horse trams still ply the Douglas promenade and the Groudle Glen Railway takes passengers on a breathtaking clifftop ride to the site of a former zoo. The tramway, or electric railway as it s known, runs along the east coast of the island for nearly 18 miles from Douglas to Ramsey. the double-track line is an amazing Victorian relic and a piece of genuine living history. There is nothing fake under the skin of this transport system. The 5 mile Snaefell Railway climbs to just under 2,000 feet. It was built in just seven months in 1895 and its tramcars are entirely original - only the fell-rail braking device has been supplemented in recent years with modern back-up systems. The steam railway runs from Douglas to Port Erin, which is just part of the island s once extensive system. It was built in 1874 and the trains which ply the longest steam railway in Britain today are beautifully restored and totally original. - Studio:
- Artsmagic Ltd.
- Genres:
- Children & Family, Documentary, Special Interest