The Supporters' Association learnt has learnt that on Friday 20th February 2009, of the death of James I.C. Boyd, railway historian, respected author of many transport books and association member after a long illness.  Born on 21st July 1920, the great-grandson of a railway civil engineer, he inherited his family's clothing textile business in Manchester; his devotion to the setting up of the Ffestiniog Railway, Tallylyn Railway Preservation Society and the Downs Light Railway Trust has been second to none.  This led him to continue his writing into retirement.  Mr. Boyd was widely respected for his many publications on narrow gauge railways in the U.K., for railway researchers and enthusiasts alike, these publications are regarded as a definitive source on the subject.   On retiring to Colwall in the latter part of the last century, Mr. Boyd revived the railway that had started his interest and despite experiencing a stroke in the 1990s he continued to look after the Downs Light Railway up unitl 2003. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.  Further details will appear in the next issue of Manx Steam Railway News which is due in late April, and thereafter on this site.