The steam train known as 'Mannin'

Summary

A request was made regarding the plans, costs, and Treasury approval for overhauling the steam train 'Mannin'. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the train was moved to remove asbestos and assess its condition, stating that specific Treasury approval is not required and costs cannot be determined until the assessment is complete.

Key Facts

• The primary reason for moving the 'Mannin' steam train from the Port Erin Train Museum is to remove asbestos.
• The overall condition of the locomotive will be assessed during the asbestos removal process.
• No specific Treasury approval is required for this work.
• Anticipated costs for the overhaul cannot be provided until the condition assessment is completed.
• The Isle of Man Railways contribute approximately £15m to the Island's GDP.

Data Disclosed

• £12m
• 2012
• £15m
• 4 different sizes of steam engine
• 2020-03-04
• 2020-03-13
• 1212949

Original Request

Recent media reports have suggested that the the steam train known as 'Mannin' has been removed from the Port Erin Train Museum 'ahead of a proposed overhaul and return to steam'. 1) What are the plans for the 'proposed overhaul and return to steam'? 2) What is the anticipated cost for the 'proposed overhaul and return to steam'? 3) Has approval been granted by Treasury for this scheme? 4) What is the business case for this and what is the expected economic benefit to the economy of the Isle of Man?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team/IJL/MF Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 1212949 13 March 2020

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 4 March 2020 and which states (sic):

"Recent media reports have suggested that the the steam train known as 'Mannin' has been removed from the Port Erin Train Museum 'ahead of a proposed overhaul and return to steam'. 1) What are the plans for the 'proposed overhaul and return to steam'? 2) What is the anticipated cost for the 'proposed overhaul and return to steam'? 3) Has approval been granted by Treasury for this scheme? 4) What is the business case for this and what is the expected economic benefit to the economy of the Isle of Man?"

Our response to your request is as follows. 1. The principle purpose for moving it from the museum is to remove the asbestos from the locomotive. In this process its overall condition will be assessed. 2. Until the assessment has taken place we cannot answer this question. 3. There is no requirement for specific Treasury approval for this work. 4. The Isle of Man Railways contributed £12m to the GDP of the Island in 2012 with the increase of revenue since then, this is now probably nearer £15m. With the increase in passengers and longer trains we need to consider which engines are steamable based on the length of trains they can pull as we have 4 different sizes of steam engine. Similarly some engines have worked every year and may well be in worse condition than those that have been stored for long periods and therefore we are assessing the actual condition of all the locomotives.

Please quote the reference number 1212949 in any future communications.

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FOI Response Team