Manx Railways and Trams

In the latter half of the nineteenth century the Isle of Man, hitherto a land of farmers and miners, began to enjoy an unprecedented tourist boom. In summertime the resident population was swollen by many thousands of visitors, attracted by the island's charming scenery and pleasant climate. Holiday-makers arrived by boat at Douglas, and the island's transport systems developed as a result of the need to carry visitors further inland or to the places of interest around the coast. Within such a small area, the Isle of Man pioneered an unusual array of railway and tramway undertakings. Though some of the systems have vanished, a surprising number still remain. This book explores the intricate transport links in the island from the narrow-gauge steam railway, the horse-drawn tramcars in Douglas, the electric tramway to Ramsay, the unique Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Groudle Glen miniature railway. This book will give great pleasure to both transport enthusiast and to local resident alike.