Isle of Wight Steam Railway - Havenstreet

The railways were, for more than 100 years, manned by a friendly and dedicated workforce operating a fleet of antiquated tank engines and out-dated carriages acquired second hand from countless mainland railways.
In December 1966, regular steam operations ceased on the Island and an 8ﾽ mile section of railway from Ryde Pier to Shanklin was electrified to accommodate ex-London Transport tube stock. A number of the Victorian and Edwardian carriages and engines survived to form the nucleus of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Operating over part of the former main line from Ryde to Cowes, the 5 mile Steam Railway from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton is now run in the best Island branch line traditions. The unique atmosphere is achieved partly by the use of historic locomotives and rolling stock. The direct cross platform interchange at Smallbrook with the Ryde-Shanklin main line and the maintenance of a regular interval service, usually hourly off peak, all create the branch line feel. Wherever possible, the traditional methods of operating are employed, whether it's the use of manual signalling or the old style card tickets from the booking office, all are faithfully retained as