A total of £108,723 has been spent to date on fixing a trouble-prone diesel locomotive since its arrival.

The machine, purchased at a cost of £420,000, was shipped to the island by its American manufacturers in December 2013.

It was designed to recover broken down trains and haul commuter services, and by making predicted savings of £40,000 a year was supposed to have paid for itself in 13 years.

But it has been beset with problems and has not worked at all for two years, awaiting repairs.

In Tynwald last week LibVan Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper asked how much had been spent on repairs and refurbishment since it was purchased.

In a written reply, Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer revealed that a total of £108,723 has been spent to date. Other parts such as the engine have been replaced under warranty.

Mr Harmer said: ’All costs related to repair and refurbishment.

’The diesel locomotive was purchased as a partially refurbished used item. The bogies form part of the locomotive that was not refurbished. Those parts that were refurbished before sale have either performed satisfactorily or have been attended to under the terms of the supplier’s warranty.’

Public transport bosses says the loco - which has been unkindly dubbed The Cabbage - will be fixed and working again later this summer or by the autumn.