Isle of Wight Steam Railway
Still images from 'An Island Attractions Tour (Ep 2), Transport'
Haven Street Station
Haven Street Signal Box
Loco, 'Calbourne' passing through
Long Arch Bridge, Ashey
Loco, 'Calbourne' passing Ashey Hault
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The Isle of Wight Steam Railway was originally formed by a group of volunteers in 1971 who managed to acquire 1 locomotive (Calbourne) and a small number of carriages to initially operate along a 1.5 mile section of the old Ryde to Newport line between Wottoon and Havenstreet. The line was extended by 3.5 miles to Smallbrook Junction in 1991 where a interchange station was built to connect with the Ryde to Shanklin electric 'Island Line'. This provides a direct link to the attraction from Portsmouth so it significantly made access easier for visitors. Since 1971, the railway has grown to one of the top attractions on the Island and annual visitor numbers are around the 100,000 mark. It has 8 steam locomotives and 3 diesels as well as an ever increasing stock of preserved carriages dating back to the Victorian era. Regular events include visits by Thomas The Tank Engine, The Isle of Wight Steam Show and Santa Specials. Winners of 'Best Heritage Project Award' in The National Lottery Awards 2010. Visit their website HERE for more information. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway features in our 'Island Attractions Tour Transport' DVD which was filmed just a week after locomotive 'Calbourne' returned after an 8 year refurb. The sequence includes Calbourne being readied for a days work from cold. The DVD is available in two options; in it's own episode or in 'An Island Attractions Tour Episode 2' which is a 2 disc product and includes the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum and Classic Boat Museum.
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