Since the inception of the Supporters’ Association it has always had a pro-active role on the railway and what follows are detailed articles relating to each of the major projects since that time.  Voluntary work was very much "hands on" in the early days, most notably the cosmetic restoration and upkeep of disused locomotives, and later the maintenance of associated buildings, and coach cleaning, etc.  The group's main activity has always been the production of its journal Manx Steam Railway News which keeps members up to date at regular intervals as well as providing a sounding board for any intended projects.

Prior to the nationalisation in 1978 they undertook tasks on the line such as the re-painting of station buildings, tending to flower beds at the stations, upkeep of the level crossing gates, etc. In 1977 a project was started for the restoration of locomotive No. 9 Douglas of 1896 which had been out of service since 1953 but unfortunately the locomotive was sold to a third party and the project had to be aborted.  It is interesting to note that no further work has been carried out on this engine since that time and that it remains in storage.

After the government took ownership the association took on more of watchdog role and ultimately took on their own major project in the resurrection of the Groudle Glen Railway in 1982 but recent projects on the railway have included many and varied too.  The association has also been vocal in their support of the completion of the re-build of the ex-County Donegal railcars which presently are in store uncompleted at Douglas Station. They attend regular meetings with the relevant government department and in 2003 a preservation policy was put in place thereby securing the future of the line in a way sympathetic to its origins, ensuring that they are consulted when any major projects are considered by the railway's management.  We are always looking for suggestions for future projects and welcome suggestions in our contacts page on this website.

The following articles illustrate the involvement of the Supporters' Association since its earliest days, and shows the active input we have had to secure the railway's survival and retention of historically important assets.  We continue to have involvement today, as well as the operation of our own railway at Groudle Glen and continued public awareness of the line's historical importance to the island.