ISLAND LIFE
So in January, 1971 all the rolling stock was
moved to Havenstreet, which at the time had
very basic facilities of one platform and one
small station building. But that is where the IW
Steam Railway started.”
Despite being given just a few weeks’ notice to
move everything to Havenstreet, the enthusiasts
and volunteers succeeded in their mammoth
task. And coincidentally as the last train passed
through Whippingham a message was sent to
the Queen informing her of it – and a gracious
reply was received. That was because Queen
Victoria often visited Osborne House, and was
thought to have travelled on the Island line to
Whippingham.
The IW Steam Railway has continued to grow
in stature over the years, and has become one
of the Island’s major tourist attractions. It is
particularly popular with more senior visitors
who well remember the days of corridor coaches
and windows that were so difficult to open with
the leather strap!
But ‘Railway Children’ of all ages enjoy the
thrill of seeing steam trains, such an integral part
of Island heritage, that has operated between
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