This unprepossessing little railway van doesn’t, at first glance, seem to be of any great importance.

But van G1 is the oldest surviving piece of rolling stock in the Isle of Man and, indeed, is thought to be the oldest four-wheel railway goods van anywhere in the world.

The 146-year-old van has not had an easy life since changes in transportation made it obsolete and it has been left to slowly decay over the years.

But the enthusiasts of the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association have now reached an agreement with Isle of Man Railways to launch a major restoration project costing in the region of £30,000.

The work will be carried out in the island and, once completed, G1 will play a part in special charter services, although much of its time will be spent on display in the railway museum in Port Erin .

The G1 project is now ready to roll with the wagon moved to its new temporary home in Santon.

A fundraising effort has been launched. Members of the Supporters’ Association have already collected more than £6,000,but further donations are urgently needed to ensure the restoration of G1 is completed in the near future.

Association chairman Bill Cubbon said: ’G1 is of great historic importance.

’Our trains are now used as vehicles for leisure as well as a means of transport and the interest in historic items such as G1 is continuing to grow. The existence and restoration of such an historic addition to the railways rolling stock will add to their appeal and continue to further the interest in the island and its railways.’

For more details about the project and perhaps become involved, contact IOMSRSA’s chairman, Bill Cubbon, on [email protected]