DOUGLAS HORSE TRAMS
The world's oldest horse tram service dates back to 1876 having operated continuously with only war-time breaks. Linking the MER terminus at Derby Castle with the Sea Terminal, the line runs for nearly 2 miles along Douglas Promenade forming an important public transport function.
Some 42 horses provide the motive power and the 23 tramcars are fitted with roller bearings to ease the load.
Horses are bred specifically for the service and on reaching retirement graduate to the Home of Rest on the outskirts of Douglas, where they can be viewed by the public.
At Derby Castle, a restored Douglas cable car is displayed in the Horse Tram Depot - the only bogie cable tramcar outside San Fransisco.