The ever-popular annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival has got under way.

Railway enthusiasts from far and wide have converged on the island for the six-day transport extravaganza.

This year’s event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Steam Railway line to Port Erin, 130 years since the Manx Electric Railway was extended to Laxey and 125 since it continued on to Ramsey.

Tuesday saw a welcome evening at Port Erin railway station when two locomotives dating back to the line’s opening in 1874 were lined up to give various photo opportunities.

On Wednesday, there was a chance to tour the Manx Electric Railway depot at Derby Castle to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the work that goes on to keep the historic trams running.

As well as essential maintenance, MER staff and volunteers have been working to restore vintage trams and trailers that have been mothballed for years.

There are now more heritage vehicles in running order on the MER than at any time in the past 30-plus years.

The precursor to the MER, the Isle of Man Tramways and Electric Power Company, pioneered electricity generation in the island, supplying power from its plant at Derby Castle to homes and businesses, initially in the Onchan area.

Those attending the shed tour heard that the size of the tramway company’s empire was such that you could spend a whole day travelling the east of the island, visiting the glens and eating at cafes, with every penny you spent going into its coffers.

But the company went into liquidation following the collapse of Dumbell’s Bank, with the sale of the assets leading to the creation of the Manx Electric Railway in 1902. The company was nationalised in 1957.

The Transport Festival continued on Wednesday evening with a Victorian evening at Laxey when some of the line’s oldest trams were in service.

Friday will see the unveiling of a plaque at Castletown station to mark the Port Erin line’s 150th anniversary.