Locomotive News - May 2011
Another Royal Train for 'Calbourne'!
In its 40th Anniversary year the Isle of Wight Steam Railway has been honoured with another Royal Visit, the third in recent years. His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent’s helicopter landed at Havenstreet Station at around 10.15am on the morning of 10th May 2010; on arrival he was met by the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White, and a line-up of civic and railway dignitaries, including IWSR Chairman Steve Oates. During the visit he toured the Mechanical and Carriage & Wagon workshops, reviewing progress and meeting numerous members of railway staff. A Royal Train then conveyed the Royal party on a return trip to Wootton before The Duke left the railway for the next stop on his itinery, Hasely Manor at Arreton. W24 ‘Calbourne’ headed the Royal Train, crewed by Driver Mike Lightbown and Fireman Steve Smart. ‘Calbourne’s last Royal duty was when His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, visited the railway in 2001. W8 'Freshwater' was the Royal Train engine for the 2004 visit of Her Majesty The Queen.
O2 Class W24 'Calbourne’
‘Calbourne’ covered 2205 miles in 2010 and is available for service. ‘Calbourne’ worked ‘The Last Train’ on 23 January 2011, during a successful February half-term week and a busy Easter holiday period.
A1x ‘Terrier’ Class W8 ‘Freshwater’
Mileage for 2010 was 1273. The boiler and annual examinations have been passed, ‘Freshwater’ is ready for this season’s traffic.
A1x ‘Terrier’ Class W11 ‘Newport’
Progress is being made, using volunteers during the week and a Sunday gang. Some defects have been found – a cracked valve chest cover, holes in the water tanks and tank covers. Components are slowly being refurbished and put back onto the locomotive.
Hawthorne, Leslie W37 ‘Invincible’
Currently in a state of preventative maintenance.
Barclay W38 ‘Ajax’
Mileage for 2010 was 357. ‘Ajax’ is currently having remedial maintenance and new mud hole doors are to be fitted. A steam test is required before working this season.
Hunslet ‘Austerity’ WD192 ‘Waggoner’
‘Waggoner’ covered 3644 miles in 2010. There was lateral play in the axle boxes, these have now been white metalled, machined and refitted. A valves and pistons exam has been completed. ‘Waggoner has been the mainstay of the service so far this year and is bedding in nicely after the major work carried out last winter.Hunslet ‘Austerity’ WD198 ‘Royal Engineer’
Mileage for 2010 was 4517. A boiler and mechanical exam, valve and pistons exam and a tyre re-profile are now due. ‘Royal Engineer’ is now out of service and being prepared for the wheels to be removed and sent away for turning.
BR Class 03 D2059
New compressor belts have been fitted. Cab door repairs are ongoing, as is the painting of the cab interior.
BR Class 05 D2554
The diesel pump has been sent away for reconditioning
Andrew Barclay Diesel Shunting Locomotive 235
Work has been carried out to the cooling hoses after the discovery of leaks and perished pipework.
Enginemen wanted!
We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the Mechanical Engineering team, which includes our footplate crews. If you would like to join us please contact the railway’s Volunteer Coordinator, who can arrange a railway safety induction followed by an introduction to the Mechanical Engineering Department.
