Annie Returns Home

14 July 2026

Annie Returns Home After Major Rebuild


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After more than two years away undergoing her most extensive overhaul since she was built, Groudle Glen Railway's beloved steam locomotive Annie has officially returned home.

The locomotive arrived back on the Isle of Man in spectacular fashion thanks to the generous support of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, travelling aboard Manxman from Heysham before beginning an unforgettable journey across the Island.

In a fitting tribute to the Island's rich engineering heritage, Annie was hauled all the way from Cumbria to Heysham Port, then from Douglas port doing a mini tour of her birthplaces at Douglas Steam Lomoctive workshops, Laxey before  to Groudle Glen by the magnificent steam traction engine Talisman, creating a truly unique spectacle. Along the route, hundreds of people gathered to watch the procession, with many more following its progress on social media and through local media coverage.

The homecoming generated tremendous public interest and marked a proud moment for everyone involved in the project.


A Labour of Love

Originally built on the Isle of Man in 1998 by the late Richard Booth, Annie has become a firm favourite with visitors and volunteers alike. After over 25 years of faithful service, the locomotive required a comprehensive rebuild to ensure she can continue operating for many years to come.

The work was undertaken by the expert team at John Fowler & Sons Ltd in Cumbria and included the construction of a new boiler together with extensive mechanical and structural refurbishment. The project represents one of the largest engineering investments ever undertaken by the railway.

The overhaul has only been possible thanks to the incredible generosity of the Williamson Family with a legacy left in memory of Dr M Williamson.


A Warm Welcome Home

Following her arrival at the railway, Annie received a warm public welcome before returning to steam once again.

On Sunday, volunteers, supporters and visitors gathered at Lhen Coan Station for an official launch ceremony to celebrate the locomotive's return to service. The event included speeches reflecting on the scale of the rebuild, thanks to those who had made the project possible, and the ceremonial cutting of a commemorative cake by Annie's original builder, Richard Booth, marking a particularly poignant moment.

Soon afterwards, Annie hauled her first public trains since returning home, carrying passengers through Groudle Glen once again to Sea Lion Rocks. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed the opportunity to see the locomotive back where she belongs, with many commenting on how wonderful it was to see her steaming once again.


Thank You

The volunteers of Groudle Glen Railway would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone who helped make Annie's return possible.

In particular, we are extremely grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for supporting Annie's journey home, to John Fowler & Sons Ltd for the outstanding quality of the rebuild, to the owners and crew of Talisman for providing such a memorable homecoming, and once again the generosity of the Williamson family that brought this remarkable project to life.

Finally, thank you to everyone who came along to welcome Annie home. Seeing so many smiling faces lining the route and visiting the railway for her first weekend back made all the hard work worthwhile.

Annie's return marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of Groudle Glen Railway, and we look forward to seeing her in steam for many years to come.

Eggsellent Easter

8 April 2026
Glorious spring sunshine and the unmistakable scent of steam set the scene for a truly memorable Easter celebration at the Groudle Glen Railway to start our 130th year, where families flocked in their hundreds to enjoy one of the Island’s most cherished seasonal traditions. From the first departure to the final train of the afternoon, the line was alive with laughter and anticipation as Sea Lion and Otter performed beautifully, their polished brass and billowing steam evoking the golden age of Manx tourism. Nestled within the blossom-filled glen, the railway offered a picture-perfect backdrop as visitors journeyed to Sea Lion Rocks, greeted at the terminus station by the cheerful presence of the Easter Bunny, who ensured no child went home empty-handed, distributing a delightful abundance of chocolate eggs. The ever-popular Easter egg hunt brought an extra layer of excitement, with clues hidden along the line leading to a range of coveted prizes. Winners were thrilled to receive rewards including travel opportunities from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, an Afternoon tea for 4 at Milntown House, charming Easter Bunny gifts, and even a season pass to return again and again to the railway. Meanwhile, the café tearooms provided a warm and welcoming hub, offering complimentary tea, coffee and orange juice that kept spirits high throughout the day. With bustling platforms, full trains and a joyful atmosphere from start to finish, the event was widely hailed as a resounding success—capturing not just the spirit of Easter, but the enduring magic of the railway itself.

Trackwork for Tomorrow

13 February 2026
Since January 2026, volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway have been undertaking another ambitious permanent-way project : a major track relay from Blue Lagoon deep in the glen right up to the top of the hill below Lime Kiln Halt. Working as part of the railway’s dedicated track gang, volunteers have methodically dismantled the life-expired track, lifting old rails and sleepers before digging out the worn trackbed beneath. This demanding groundwork has paved the way for a completely renewed formation designed to secure the long-term future of the line. The scale of the work has been immense for our small team. New recycled plastic sleepers; each costing around £120 before bolts, fittings, rails, and ballast are even considered; have been carefully installed, followed by the reconstruction of the track itself. More than 40 tonnes of ballast have been barrowed, shovelled, levelled, and packed entirely by hand, before the rails were aligned and the track meticulously tamped to achieve the correct levels and geometry. It is tough, physical work, made all the more challenging by the Manx weather, yet the track gang turns out weekend after weekend regardless of rain, wind, or cold, driven by pride, commitment, and a strong sense of camaraderie. The railway is profoundly grateful to everyone involved in this project, and extends particular thanks to the Scheinberg Family , whose generous support has been instrumental in making this renewal possible and in safeguarding the sustainability of this much-loved railway. Projects of this scale are expensive, but they are essential if the Groudle Glen Railway is to continue operating safely for future generations. New volunteers are always welcome to join the track gang and experience the teamwork and satisfaction that comes with maintaining a living piece of heritage. Those who are able to donate, or who may wish to leave the railway a legacy, are warmly encouraged to get in touch or support the project through online donations: every contribution helps keep this little railway alive.

Santa, Smiles and Steam Trains

26 December 2025
As winter settled over the Isle of Man, the 2025 Santa Trains returned to the Groudle Glen Railway, delighting families with a beloved holiday tradition that has been part of the line’s calendar since the 1980s. Running on selected Saturdays and Sundays in mid-December, these festive services saw heritage steam trains departing throughout the day from Lhen Coan, their carriages decked with seasonal lights and decorations. Young passengers and their families boarded with anticipation, travelling through the atmospheric glen to North Pole Halt, where Santa Claus awaited with gifts and hearty festive cheer. With tickets selling briskly and online pre-booking essential, the event offered a joyful mix of classic steam railway charm and Christmas magic that kept queues moving and spirits bright. Alongside the Santa Trains, the Groudle Glen Railway also hosted its traditional Mince Pie Trains on Boxing Day, providing a relaxed post-Christmas celebration for locals and visitors alike. Running from late morning into the afternoon, these services combined the simple pleasure of a steam journey through the glen with seasonal refreshments, including hot drinks and classic mince pies, in the convivial setting of the railway’s festive carriages. Volunteers and staff embraced the spirit of the season throughout both events, helping to make the railway’s historic locomotives and cosy atmosphere a focal point for family outings and holiday memories. Through both the Santa and Mince Pie Trains, the railway once again demonstrated its ability to blend heritage transport with community celebration, drawing enthusiasts and families to experience the sights, sounds and scents of steam in an unforgettable festive setting. From the cheerful calls of “All aboard!” to the final whistle of the season’s last run, the 2025 holiday services upheld a warm Manx tradition that continues to grow in popularity each year.
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