Isle of Man Steam Railway Celebrates 150th Anniversary with a Special Set of Stamps

Wed, 24 May 2023

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is to launch a set of stamps celebrating the 150th anniversary of the longest narrow gauge steam line in the British Isles that still uses its original locomotives and carriages.

The set of eight stamps, to be issued 25th May 2023, pictures the history of the Isle of Man Steam Railway, which first opened for passenger services on Tuesday 1st July 1873 between Douglas and Peel. Throughout the summer a number of special events will be held to commemorate this special anniversary, including various ‘Travelling Post Office’ journeys on Coach F.49 to mark the occasions with special commemorative covers.

Chief Engineer Andrew Cowie, Isle of Man Railways said: “We are really pleased to support the issue of this range of stamps celebrating our 150th anniversary. Showing the array of locomotives, many of which can still be seen operating today, in their various guises throughout the Isle of Man Railway’s long history, really brings home the importance of the Railway to our strong Manx heritage. I’m sure the stamps will prove very popular and help to raise awareness of our anniversary both to local residents and further afield.”

Author and issue text writer Barry Edwards said: “It has been a pleasure to provide the images and information for this new collection of stamps, issued to mark a century and a half of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. The railways on the Island provide a vital part of the tourist offering and this issue helps to promote the heritage railways, through philatelic collectors across the world.”

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