Date: 23rd May 2023
Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is delighted to present this landmark 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.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: This collection with its fantastic images are a superb celebration of our heritage railways. We’re grateful for all the expert support we received from Isle of Man Steam Railway and Barry Edwards in curating this special stamp collection and we are proud to be able to promote our heritage railways to a worldwide audience with these wonderful stamps.”
The set consists of eight individual stamps valued at 80p (2stamps), 100p, 128p (3 stamps), 151p and 231p and is available as Set, Presentation Pack (limited 1500) and a First Day Cover (limited 1750). To see the full collection visit www.iompost.com/IMR150.
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