It moves - at last!

A diesel loco that has been dogged by problems ever since it was delivered in 2013 and had not turned a wheel since 2015 has been carrying out test runs.

Unkindly dubbed The Cabbage, no.21’s actual name is Vignoles - after influential British railway engineer Charles Blacker Vignoles. Vignole is, however, a type of spring vegetable stew, usually containing artichokes, leeks and spinach - but not cabbage!

No.21 has undergone repairs to its undercarriage and was spotted last week on test, pulling the dining car train at Castletown. Some £246,800 has been spent on fixing the loco, on top of its £420,000 purchase price.

A public transport spokesman said: ’Vignoles is available for use and is undergoing a rigorous test regime to ensure we have confidence in its reliability and performance. Subject to continued successful results it is likely to be signed off for passenger services towards the end of the summer season.’