Isle of Man Railways is delighted to welcome the author of the Peter’s Railway books to the Isle of Man this week.

Christopher Vine penned the series of 15 Peter’s Railway books, which combine details of real engineering with stories and adventures.

He is giving presentations to five Island primary schools this week, explaining how steam trains work including details of the pistons and engines, plus a bridge building workshop.

The photo shows Chris about take a tour around Douglas steam workshops earlier today (Monday 20 June 2016) with pupils from Willaston School’s Year 5.

Later this week Chris will visit Ballasalla School plus Henry Bloom Noble, Vallejeelt and Manor Park schools in Douglas. The children, ranging from Year 3 to Year 6, will also get to experience a ride on the Steam Railway line between Douglas and Ballasalla and see behind the scenes at the steam workshops.

Jeremy Reece, Chief Engineer with Isle of Man Railways, said: ‘We are very pleased to welcome Chris Vine to work with us in promoting railway engineering in our local schools. Chris’s books and talks give an excellent understanding to children and adults alike of the world of railway engineering ranging from track and bridges through to steam locomotives and carriages. We hope that this may inspire some of the island’s children to follow a worthwhile career in engineering.’

The full range of Peter’s Railway books, including hardbacks, paperbacks and an activity book, are available from IoM Railways’ main gift shop at the Railway Museum, next to Port Erin Station.

Photo - Pupils from Willaston School Year 5 with Chris Vine at Douglas Station.