A book has been published on a normally hidden side of the island’s electric railways.

’Power, Poles and Platelaying; Keeping the Manx Electric Railway on Track’ is written by George Hobbs, a chartered engineer who lives in Maughold.

It sets out to give transport enthusiasts some idea of the engineering skills and effort needed to build the line, as well as the techniques necessary to maintain it.

The Manx Electric and Snaefell Mountain Railways are famed for being pioneering ventures in electric traction.

But while their historic trams have continued in service with relatively few apparent changes, the same cannot be said of the way the railways are run.

Developing technology, modern techniques, and changing attitudes to the working environment have all affected the operation and maintenance of the heritage railways, the book says. It examines the civil, structural and electrical engineering needed to support these railways into the 21st century.

It is published by Loaghtan Books and costs £19.95.