The Isle of Man was – and remains – a mecca for the transport enthusiast. The combination of narrow-gauge steam railways, horse-drawn trams in Douglas and the tramcar services offered by the Manx Electric and Snaefell Mountain railways undoubtedly offered the most concentrated range of historic transport accessible within the British Isles.

 

The 1950s was probably the final decade in which this glorious transport heritage was to be experienced in the final years of its golden age. The decline in the island as a holiday destination from the early 1960s, as its traditional market discovered the summer sun of the Mediterranean, compounded the gradual deterioration in the finances of all of the operators. By the early 1970s, the steam railway had been reduced effectively to the service linking Port Erin to Douglas whilst there was a threat to the Manx Electric north of Laxey.    

 

During the 1950s enthusiasts made their way to the island throughout much of the year to record this historic transport scene. More than six decades on, these views are now as historic as the lines and equipment that they recorded. Featuring some 60 images, the vast majority of which are believed to be unpublished, this book is a pictorial journey through the superb transport heritage that once served this corner of the British Isles.