A WIDE range of events are taking place on the Isle of Man's railways this Easter weekend.
Rush Hour on the Railways includes a 'rail ale' tour, workshop tours, a hog roast and opportunities to witness rare events including locomotives pulling goods trains not normally in general service.
Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "Rush Hour on the Railways is designed to interest transport enthusiasts both resident and visiting but there will also be many aspects that appeal to everyone.
"It's mainly centred on the steam railway with a variety of events and photo opportunities plus guided tours of the workshops but it's also the time to catch the Easter Bunny giving away chocolate eggs to children at Laxey Station."
Highlights include:
Good Friday
*A free slideshow at the Strathallan Suite, above the tram sheds, near Derby Castle terminus. Vintage bus departs Douglas Railway Station with stops en route to take people to the show. Slide show starts 8pm.
Easter Saturday
*Special train departs Douglas at 11.20am, arriving at Castletown at 11.57am where there will be a number of photo opportunities of trains crossing. There will also be a vintage bus at Castletown station for further photo opportunities, before the engineering train continues onto Port Erin.
*A small diesel-propelled people carrier will be operating on the Castletown loop offering free rides to passengers in between scheduled trains passing through Castletown
*Passengers on trains departing Douglas at 9.50am, 11.50am and 1.50pm can alight at Port Soderick to board a free shuttle bus to enjoy a special view of the beautiful Crogga grounds with its own boating lake and miniature railway.
Places are limited to a bus load per visit so passengers must pick up a free shuttle bus ticket on the day from the Douglas station master.
*The Rail Ale tour - a special steam train departs Douglas at 8pm with the opportunity to sample real ales on board before arriving at Castletown at 8.37pm. The return train departs Castletown at 10pm. Price £10 return.
Easter Sunday
*Workshop tours of Douglas Railway Station. Cost £5 per person
*Easter Bunny at Laxey Station. The bunny will be giving out chocolate eggs to children accompanied by adults between 11.30am and 3.30pm as they get off the trams
*Sunday lunch at the newly refurbished Summit restaurant. Cost £29, includes return tram from Laxey and lunch. Children £14.50.
*Evening photo opportunities and hog roast - train departs 7pm from Douglas for photos on a section of the Peel line, while in the yard a Hog Roast Supper with all the trimmings and a mug of tea or coffee is £6 per person
Easter Monday
*Chase the train event. Bus departs Douglas Railway station at 9.30am to stop at key locations along the steam railway for photo opportunities. There will also be a rare vintage steam wagon at a surprise location for rare loco and wagon photo opportunities. £5 per person.
For full details see www.iombusandrail.info/railwaysrushhour.html or pick up a leaflet from railway stations or the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas.
