Passengers visiting the railway by 'Island Line' electric train arrive at Smallbrook Junction Station, the point at which the lines from Ryde to Ventnor and Ryde to Newport diverged. The two platforms of this station, which may only be reached by rail, are situated on the site of the original junction, the concrete foundations of the signal box can be seen in the undergrowth between the two platforms. The station itself is only a recent addition to the Island's railway map. It was built by what was Network South East in 1990-91 and provides an interchange for passengers between the Island's two railway systems. The station's platforms vary in height, the Island Line's being noticeably lower - this is necessary to cater for the ex-London Underground 1938 Tube Stock units that form their trains.

An Island Line train of 1938 Tube Stock in 'Dinosaur' livery arrives at Smallbrook Junction.

On the Isle of Wight Steam Railway side of the station there is a run round loop, having spring operated points at the Ryde end and a two lever ground frame, locked by the Single Line Token, at the Newport end. The ground frame is sheltered by a timber building, parts of which originally formed Whitwell Signal Box on the Ventnor West route, closed in the 1950's.

The Smallbrook Junction Ground Frame. The locking mechanism, released by the Single Line Token, is attached to the left hand side of the frame.

As the train waits for departure time the leisurely panting of the Westinghouse Air Brake Pump on the locomotive can be clearly heard, providing compressed air to operate the brakes on the locomotive and coaches. The railways of the Isle of Wight remained loyal to the air brake system until the end of steam, the majority of mainland railways adopted the vacuum brake system.

W11 'Newport', a member of the famous 'Terrier' class of locomotives, built at Brighton Works in 1878, waits at Smallbrook Junction with a 'Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Special' in 2002.

1938-built Barclay 0-6-0T W38 'Ajax' leads Hunslet 'Austerity' WD192 'Waggoner' at Smallbrook Junction during the May 2006 'Works Outing' event.

A wave of the Guard's green flag, an answering blast from the locomotive's hooter and our journey begins! The engine works hard to pull the train up the gradient and around a sharp curve. As both gradient and curve begin to ease the railway enters Swanpond Copse, dense woodland visible on both sides of the train.

'Right Away, Driver!' - WD198 'Royal Engineer' starts away from Smallbrook Junction.

W8 'Freshwater' another 'Terrier' built in 1876, passes the Smallbrook Junction Ground Frame.

WD192 'Waggoner', on loan from the National Army Museum, climbs away from Smallbrook.

Shortly the woodland gives way to farmland, and the Smallbrook Junction Up Distant Signal, fixed at Caution as are all Distant signals on the railway, is passed, followed immediately by Calloways Crossing. This is the first of a number of similar occupation crossings provided to allow farmers access to their land and public rights of way to continue without interuption. A lineside sign gives the Driver the instuction 'Whistle' as the railway curves towards Whitefield Crossing, the farm buildings can be seen to the right.

WD198 'Royal Engineer' enters Whitefield Woods at the head of a 'Santa Special'.

1891-built O2 Class No.W24 'Calbourne' heads for Long Arch, Ashey. Whitefield Crossing can be seen in the background.

Once over the crossing the Ponda Rosa, a popular public house, is prominent just before the train enters Long Arch Bridge, which carries the Ryde - Arreton road, 'The Downs Road', over the railway. For the engine the climb has really started now, the gradient, which is between 1 in 75 - 80, will not ease until the summit at Ashey is reached.

WD198 'Royal Engineer' emerges from Long Arch.

Passing under Deacons Lane Bridge the countryside opens out and Ashey and Brading Downs may be seen to the left. The large white monument visible on the top of Ashey Down was constructed as an aid to navigation for shipping around the Island.

'Royal Engineer' at Deacons Lane.

The 3 ¾ milepost is reached and very shortly afterwards the summit of the long climb from Smallbrook. Careful handling of the locomotive is required to ensure it crosses the summit with sufficient water in the boiler - all Isle of Wight Steam Railway engines face chimney to Newport and, if the water level is too low at this point, there is a danger of the firebox crown being exposed as the nose of the engine drops steeply towards Ashey Station.

LBSCR E4 Class No.473 'Birch Grove', on loan from the Bluebell Railway, crests Ashey summit during the summer of 2003.

Trains call by request only at Ashey - To ask the Driver to stop click HERE