What became the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association was formed in 1966, the year that the Isle of Man Railway was closed for “essential track maintenance work”, although the reality was due to dwindling receipts, mounting operating losses and no funds to replace or repair the worn out track, other infrastructure and locomotives, the railway had closed and looked set to remain so forever.

A dedicated group got together to see what they could do to ensure the survival of this unique and much-loved railway, and there it began with what was initially the Manx Steam Railway Society by a group of like-minded individuals. Producing a regular foolscap newsletter which later evolved into Manx Steam Railway News, and campaigning vocally for the retention of the beloved railway in its entirety.  The following sections give details of how the fledgling Association developed to become what it is today.