Steam All the Way

(But not for much longer)

by Dave Molyneux

With the Manxman in her last season and looking as good as ever, an opportunity to sail on her on a Saturday occurred, the reason being that her original charter had been cancelled, and so the Steam Packet and the Manxman Preservation Society arranged the day excursion for Saturday 19^th of June 1982 from Liverpool to Douglas and return. At this time the Manxman was not particularly busy; the previous week, Tuesday the 15^th she had sailed Llandudno to Douglas and returned light to Liverpool. After the Steam All The Way excursion her Tuesday the 22^nd day trip was cancelled and she remained in Liverpool until the morning of the 29^th when she sailed light ship to Llandudno again.

The idea of the excursion was that when you arrived in Douglas you would make your way to Douglas Station to continue your steam journey on a steam train special called the Manxman. But for most of us regulars the main event was the sail itself, especially as it was from Liverpool.

Departure was at 09.30; many regulars were on board and the weather was fine. The crossing, although taking four hours, seemed to pass quickly. We did pass the Lady of Mann and the Ben My Chree heading for Liverpool and whistles and sirens were exchanged! Arrival at Douglas was at 13.15 and we berthed at Number 4 Victoria Pier. After disembarking it was a brisk walk to the Station to catch the special to Port Erin. The journey to and from Port Erin was most lively as the train travelled at a good speed and the track was rather uneven in some places.

I returned to the Sea Terminal for 17.30 and was able to board almost at once( unlike today where a mass charge occurs about ten minutes before departure) Security in 1982 consisted of one policeman near the departure exit! Once onboard I stood port side near the old first class lounge. At 18.25 telegraphs sounded as did the triple bell whistle to tell the stragglers to hurry. At 18.30 the stern lines were let go, then the bow lines, the tug stood by but was not needed. She went stern first into Douglas Bay, engines stopped to secure the bow rudder, then away across Douglas Bay heading for Liverpool. On passage groups formed talking about the day, how enjoyable it had been and all too soon the lights of Liverpool were on the horizon. We passed the Bar at about 21.15 and the channel was very quiet at that time of the evening. Passing New Brighton at 22.00, the Landing Stage was reached at 22.15 and another enjoyable sail on the Manxman was over. There wouldn’t be many more but just then September and the end of an era seemed a long way away.

*Ships of Mann*

Tribulations of Kev Steam All the Way King Orry V Origins of the Manxman	Steam All the Way (But not for much longer) by Dave Molyneux With the Manxman in her last season and looking as good as ever, an opportunity to sail on her on a Saturday occurred, the reason being that her original charter had been cancelled, and so the Steam Packet and the Manxman Preservation Society arranged the day excursion for Saturday 19^th of June 1982 from Liverpool to Douglas and return. At this time the Manxman was not particularly busy; the previous week, Tuesday the 15^th she had sailed Llandudno to Douglas and returned light to Liverpool. After the Steam All The Way excursion her Tuesday the 22^nd day trip was cancelled and she remained in Liverpool until the morning of the 29^th when she sailed light ship to Llandudno again. The idea of the excursion was that when you arrived in Douglas you would make your way to Douglas Station to continue your steam journey on a steam train special called the Manxman. But for most of us regulars the main event was the sail itself, especially as it was from Liverpool. Departure was at 09.30; many regulars were on board and the weather was fine. The crossing, although taking four hours, seemed to pass quickly. We did pass the Lady of Mann and the Ben My Chree heading for Liverpool and whistles and sirens were exchanged! Arrival at Douglas was at 13.15 and we berthed at Number 4 Victoria Pier. After disembarking it was a brisk walk to the Station to catch the special to Port Erin. The journey to and from Port Erin was most lively as the train travelled at a good speed and the track was rather uneven in some places. I returned to the Sea Terminal for 17.30 and was able to board almost at once( unlike today where a mass charge occurs about ten minutes before departure) Security in 1982 consisted of one policeman near the departure exit! Once onboard I stood port side near the old first class lounge. At 18.25 telegraphs sounded as did the triple bell whistle to tell the stragglers to hurry. At 18.30 the stern lines were let go, then the bow lines, the tug stood by but was not needed. She went stern first into Douglas Bay, engines stopped to secure the bow rudder, then away across Douglas Bay heading for Liverpool. On passage groups formed talking about the day, how enjoyable it had been and all too soon the lights of Liverpool were on the horizon. We passed the Bar at about 21.15 and the channel was very quiet at that time of the evening. Passing New Brighton at 22.00, the Landing Stage was reached at 22.15 and another enjoyable sail on the Manxman was over. There wouldn’t be many more but just then September and the end of an era seemed a long way away.