The South Line centenary train was operated on 8th August, it being felt more appropriate to run it on a Saturday rather than the actual anniversary date which was the following day (although there are conflicting sources, as no official opening had taken place in 1874). This also facilitated the presence of the lieutenant governor Sir John Paul.

Although in the event it came to nought, consideration was given to offering No.1 Sutherland to appear at the Stockton & Darlington Railway one hundred and fiftieth anniversary events the following year, the proposal involving British Rail fully restoring the locomotive to service.  No.5 Mona was displayed at Port Erin for the duration of the season.

It was a tumultous year for the railway as discussions continued that it may be closed, the Supporters' Association and others being vocal in their fight to save it which would ultimately be successful; subsidy from the Tourist Board was a large contributory factor to this, leading to the experimental short line workings of the two seasons that followed.