Locomotive still costing money

Sum over £500,000 to date

More than a hundred thousand pounds has been spent on the upkeep of Isle of Man Railways' diesel locomotive since 2013.

Government funded the purchase of the £400,000 engine three years ago - only to see it break down months later.

Now a Tynwald written question from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper reveals that, since then, an additional £108,723 has gone on repairs, refurbishment and other costs.

That figure does not include the repairs carried out in 2014, which were covered by manufacturer's warranty.

The Island's Director of Public Transport, Ian Longworth, last year pledged that work would 'start soon' on restoring the train to service.