One of the major events of the island’s heritage transport season, Rush Hour on the Railways, will be held online this year.

Isle of Man Heritage Railways Volunteers for the steam railway and Manx Electric Railway Online have come together to host the weekend on their websites and social media pages.

The volunteers say that with the suspension of the heritage railways being a disappointment to many, this event allows them an opportunity to show off our trains and trams to the world.

Held over four days from Friday April 10 to Monday April 13, the event will showcase the island’s heritage fleet, archive footage from former lines and major events and a virtual simulator of the former Foxdale line.

A spokesman for the two volunteer organisations said: ’’Rush Hour’ was expected to be an action-packed event for enthusiasts and locals alike, and we didn’t want to miss this chance to make sure fans of the railways can still enjoy them during these turbulent times.

’We hope the event will reach people across the globe, who will join the many enthusiasts keen to make a journey to the Isle of Man once the unique Victorian railways and tramways return to service.’

The MER Online volunteers have organised the following events, which begin at 10am and 7pm unless otherwise stated:

â?¢ Good Friday April 10, 10am onwards, a photo showcase of every item of MER rolling stock, past and present, throughout the day, followed by a live Facebook watch party showcasing some of the highlights of the MER from the last 10 years, including the MER 125 event.

â?¢ Saturday, from 10am, the sights of the Manx Electric Railway in spring, with a photo showcase taking place during the day. In the evening, there will be an interactive presentation on the story of steam locomotives on the electric railways from 1897 to 2020.

â?¢ Easter Sunday, A photo showcase travelling along the MER line looking at every station followed by a film night followed by a film night showing historic footage from the trams.

â?¢ Easter Monday, a showcase of Victorian and Edwardian views from the archives followed by an evening live presentation by MER staff and volunteers on the story of completed restoration projects and those still to come.

The steam railway volunteers have organised the following events, starting at 10am unless otherwise stated.

â?¢ Good Friday, train spotting with photos from previous rush hour, festival and staged photography events. Two headboards will be unveiled at 12pm.

â?¢ Saturday, videos from the archive and YouTube links.

â?¢ Easter Sunday, a virtual of the railway’s workshop, signal box and a tour of Douglas station.

â?¢ Easter Monday, a closed lines bus tour presenting past and present views of the closed stations and lines around the island. ’Rush Hour in Miniature’ from the Little Angel Garden Railway courtesy of Andy Taylor.

And a ’Return to Foxdale’, a journey on a simulator along the long closed Foxdale line, with Ian Astill.

Events can be found by searching for Isle of Man Heritage Railways Volunteers - Steam Railway or Manx Electric Railway Online on Facebook.