Isle of Wight Steam Railway 40th Anniversary Gala

The award winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

The Gala

Their 40th anniversary Gala weekend takes place from May 28 to May 30 inclusive with trains operating between 10am and 5pm made up of vintage carriage stock reflecting the Isle of Wight’s railway history.

It is thought to be the only preserved railway that does not operate any Mark one carriages or diesels on scheduled services.

What to expect

The home locomotive fleet including the vintage duo of Class 02 No. 24 Calbourne, and ‘Terrier’ Class No. W8 Freshwater will be supplemented by LSWR Beattie Well Tank No. 30587 from The Bodmin & Wenford Railway and the Bluebell Railways LBSCR E4 Class locomotive No. 473 Birch Grove.

It is hoped that there will be at least six locomotives in steam altogether, possibly making the Gala the largest gathering of locomotives in steam on the Island since 1966!

A two-train service will operate for the event featuring the four Victorian locomotives using the unique 'push-pull' set as well as a steam goods train. A special photographic exhibition on 40 Years of The Isle of Wight Steam Railway plus Workshop tours, commemorative memorabilia and films of Island Steam services will be shown.

A real ale bar is available as are meals, drinks and light bites available in the Refreshment Rooms and Calbourne Room.

The weekend will also include a gathering of 40 Island engines – from standard gauge versions to a wide range of working and static models! These include another 38 engines with an Island pedigree, comprising working steam and static models of O2s and Terriers!

‘Lost Railways’ Vintage Coach Tour on May 28

In conjunction with John Woodhams Vintage Tours, a guided tour by vintage coach visiting sites of some of the Island’s closed railways and stations will be on offer.

Railwayana Auction on 29th May

Perhaps the highlight of the weekend will be at 2pm on Sunday 29 when the railwayana auction commences at Havenstreet and all proceeds will go to the IOWSR’s various appeals.

Event tickets

Advance purchase tickets – Third Class Steam Train fares: Adults £12, Children (5-15) £6, Infant (0-4) FREE, Family £30 (2 Adults & 2 Children). First class fares are also available.

Directions to Havenstreet

There is a cross platform interchange at Smallbrook Junction between steam services and Island Line, which runs between Ryde Pier and Shanklin. Otherwise drive to Havenstreet where there is extensive free parking available.

Sat Nav users:

Long & Lat is 50.70502, -1.215792 and the postcode is PO33 4DS

External Links

• Isle of Wight Steam Railway