Present-Day Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The railway is a major tourist attraction, offering regular steam services, themed events, and the Train Story Discovery Centre, which showcases the island’s railway history. It remains a volunteer-driven operation, dedicated to preserving the island’s railway heritage for future generations. The line is 5 1⁄2 miles long.
Preservation and Formation of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Expansion and Development
In response to the widespread closures, railway enthusiasts formed the Wight Locomotive Society in 1966 to preserve rolling stock and railway heritage. The society acquired steam engines and vintage carriages and began storing them at Newport before relocating to Havenstreet Station. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway was formally established, and its first steam train ran in 1971 over a short section of track. Restoration work continued to extend the operational line. The railway expanded over the years, restoring stations and infrastructure. It now operates a 5-mile route between Wootton and Smallbrook Junction, where it connects with the Island Line. It features beautifully restored locomotives and Victorian and Edwardian carriages, preserving the atmosphere of steam-era travel.
History of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway
The Isle of Wight’s railway network began in 1862 with the opening of the line between Cowes and Newport. Over the subsequent decades, the network expanded, connecting various towns and facilitating both passenger and freight transport. By the mid-20th century, the rise of road transport led to a decline in railway usage. Many lines faced closure, and by 1966, several routes were shut down, leaving only a fraction of the original network operational.