Join us for a Winter day of Southern steam on the Isle of Wight featuring W11 and push-pull set 484

About this event

We are pleased to offer the first of two days at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway featuring Southern Railway motive power and rolling stock. Our day will start around dawn as we plan to be on Ashey Common to catch the early morning glint which should be excellent at this time of year given clear skies and cool conditions. We will then visit as many locations along the line as possible at the best times for the light, ending at Ashey Common again at dusk for sunset silhouette shots.

Today, our locomotive is Terrier W11 Newport, which is in Southern Green livery without nameplates as it was when passing into Southern Railway ownership at Grouping in 1923. W11 is due for withdrawal in the next few months and, with major track work planned for early next year, November represents the final opportunity for a charter using this locomotive before it becomes due for its ten-yearly overhaul.

The locomotive has an interesting history, emerging from Brighton Works in 1878 named Brighton as No.40 and selected by designer William Stroudley to appear at the Paris Exhibition representing the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway. While in Paris, the engine worked local trains to demonstrate its Westinghouse braking system. After being declared surplus to LBSCR requirements in 1901, the Terrier was overhauled and transferred to the Isle of Wight in January 1902 where it worked until 1946. In 1947 the loco was overhauled again at Eastleigh and enjoyed a further sixteen years of service with British Railways including working the Hayling Island branch. In 1963, Newport was sold to Butlins Holiday Camp and went on display at Pwllheli in Wales. In 1973, W11 was loaned by Butlins to the IoW Steam Railway who later purchased the engine in 1976, first returning the Terrier to steam in 1989.

As something rather different to charters run previously, we intend to pair the locomotive with the superb Push-Pull set No.484, reviving memories primarily of the Merstone to Ventnor West branch from the period 1924-1938 after which the set was withdrawn. The coach bodies were sold for accommodation and subsequently acquired by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway who restored them to run on parcels van under-frames.

This charter represents a wonderful opportunity to photograph a beautiful and authentic combination at a great time of year for steam photography and we hope you will want to join us for the day.

Event requirements

Equipment

• Spare batteries
• Camera
• Lenses
• Camera protection - rain covers etc

Other things you should bring

• Snacks
• Bottled water

Knowledge

• All levels welcome

Fitness

• Medium

Other essentials

• Sturdy outdoor shoes
• Warm clothing
• Wet weather gear