Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History Royal Iris and Royal Daffodil

I echo your sentiments billy. It seems a "local" lack of enthusiasm for preserving "local" heritage.

Whilst it was outside the Pacific Road (then) tram terminus, I was one of a VERY small band of folk helping to stop the decay and make a start on the renovation of the the 503 Driving Trailer "Mersey" car. Basically there were 3 of us. A chap from New Brighton - the ONLY local, myself (I came down by train from Ayrshire once a month) and a chap from London who could only "escape" 2 or 3 times a year ! That just about sums up the "local" desire to keep Merseyside's heritage in one piece !

The complete 503 set at Coventry is a Royal Iris on tracks - rusting away and almost beyond saving.

Before going too OT. The same sketch is happening NOW with the 502 (Southport electric) unit. It was at Steamport,Southport. Again I helped to get it working and it was taken out on the "juice" for special trips. Folk moved away (guilty) and no one took up the job of maintaining it. It went into outside storage for year at a MOD depot. Secure, but open to the weather. Sad state to say the least. It's been "rescued" and is now at Tebay, tarpaulined over, awaiting someone in Merseyside to help out with covered accomodation. Not an easy task.

Future generations aren't going to thank us for what we've let go.

Further to above, meant to put a link in.

If you have a BIG shed (for a 2 car train) in your garden, or are willing to help in any way, see the link.

Sorry for going more than a bit OT !

http://www.class502.org.uk/


What was that about boats at Egremont again ?? ha.ha.

well said ..

updated pic

http://tinyurl.com/yeu4ba3

Very sad news indeed.

It's been a mess for ages mate. These are my shots from 2006. [sarcastic]Thanks for the credit[/sarcastic]

Sorry Dave, they were found using Extreme Picture Finder (v3.11) and so no copyright notices came with them.
Like your artistic talents of leaving the washing line up, makes it more interesting.

High res photo from RNLI here : http://www.rnli.org.uk/wcm/system/p...06473e00-5e57-4060-87e6-6c6877e913e0.jpg


Who actually owns the washing line/clothes in the picture. The last time i saw somebody onboard was 2 women (rather nice too!) on the top deck sunbathing last summer with the caravan door open. Are they squatters? Its a strange setup with the whole caravan thing

Are her engines still onboard? Assume seized solid if they are! What about her wheelhouse? any photos of that? Any wheel/controls left inside?

I took this vid in 1991 when my Dad and I were looking for the old Royal Iris in Birkenhead. You only see it for a few seconds. In retrospect, I wish I took more time :¬(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUBWy6RnP5I

hi ben,dave has a site with good royal iris pics from 1996

http://www.liverpoolpictorial.co.uk/royaliris2/

Thanks John, great photos in that link, although very sad to see her in such a poor way. Such potential too!

@Dave - Did you manage to photograph or look into the wheelhouse?

This is on the front page of todays Liverpool Echo!
Im sure I have a picture of the Royal Iris when the Queen is on board in the river mersey, 1977? i was a kid at the time, we where standing on the steps at the back of Wallasey town hall, I came across the picture some 15 years later or more.

thats sad went on them years ago

where they kept now then