When the line eventually re-opened in 1950 it was decided to operate with Polar Bear only owing to a decrease in demand and the poor condition of Sea Lion which had been stored in the open air for some time.

She was saved from scrapping by local preservationist John Walton who transported her to his Steam Centre in Kirk Michael where the engine lay in the car park as an exhibit.

To honour one of the line's engineers, Alastair Lamberton, a plaque in his name was erected inside the cab in 1999, and the rebuild plates were also removed from the exterior as part of the reboilering, making for a more authentic appearance.

Following the end of the season it was stripped back to bare metal and received a full re-paint, reappearing at Christmas with a return to its 1896 livery with its name now appearing in gold leaf.

The volunteers extensively researched to ensure this livery was accurate down to the shades of paint used and fine detail, including the early design of lined out green and black buffer beams which she now carries.

Originally fitted with distinctive round cab windows back and front which were changed to rectangular ones early in the engine's career to improve driver visibility.