HAVENSTREET

The railway crosses the Ryde to Newport road and as the train enters Havenstreet Station the fireman exchanges the single line tokens with the signalman - giving up the Smallbrook/Havenstreet Tablet and collecting the Key Token inscribed Havenstreet/Newport, the driver's authority to enter the Wootton Single Line for the next stage of the journey.

The Signalman prepares to exchange the single line tokens as the train arrives at Havenstreet.

Havenstreet is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's focal point. The platform and station buildings incorporating the signal box were constructed by the Southern Railway in 1926, the station becoming the passing place for all trains between Ryde and Newport. Trains still pass here on high season days when a two train service is being operated. A water tower, brought from Newport Station in 1971, is located alongside the Up platform, all trains in the Smallbrook direction take water here before they depart.

The station building, built by the Southern Railway in 1926.

The interior of the Signal Box.

Havenstreet has facilities which will be of considerable interest to family groups and railway enthusiasts alike. Located inside the Gas Retort House, originally built in 1886 to supply gas to the village of Havenstreet, is a well stocked souvenir shop with a wide variety of items including an impressive selection of railway related mementos as well as a comprehensive range of Island related railway publications.

The Shop and Museum are housed in the former Gas Works.

Entered from inside the shop is a museum of Island Railway History containing many and varied artefacts from the past including a collection of locomotive name and number plates.

The Carriage and Wagon Workshop, constructed with Heritage Lottery Funding is located here, it has a viewing gallery which is accessed through the railway shop. If you would like to know more about the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's unique collection of rolling stock click HERE.

Inside the Carriage and Wagon Workshop.

The Mechanical Engineering Workshop, where the locomotive fleet is maintained, is located adjacent to the platform. Locomotives awaiting their next turn of duty are often to be seen standing on the 'Shed Roads', close to the coal stage. More information about the locomotive fleet can be found HERE. For an update on current progress in the Mechanical Engineering Works then visit the On Line newsletter, Mechanical Times.

Four 'Terrier' locomotives are prepared for service outside the Mechanical Engineering Workshop during the 2001 Gala Weekend.

The interior of the workshop - 41313 and the frames of W24 'Calbourne on the left, W11 'Newport' and W38 'Ajax' on the right.

On the opposite side of the line the signalbox is located inside the station building and the signalman can be seen at work through the front windows. For those seeking refreshment 'Granny Winter's Pantry', recently extended and refurbished has an extensive menu and an excellent childrens play area located to the rear. A short woodland walk is accessed from the play area.

'Granny Winter's Pantry'

Back on the platform, with a flourish of his green flag the Guard gives the engine crew the 'Right Away' to depart for Wootton. The engine gets the train underway and immediately encounters a stiff 1 in 68 climb towards Briddlesford Bridge, which can be seen in the distance.

W37 'Invincible' heads for Wootton.

As the train leaves Havenstreet an extensive array of sidings holding a variety of carriages, engineer's wagons and other vehicles awaiting restoration or repair can be seen. Alongside the sidings a grounded carriage body is home to the Civil Engineering Department, you can find out more about their role by clicking HERE or by visiting their monthly On Line newletter Track Pack.

'Waggoner' gets away from Havenstreet.

LBSCR No.473 'Birch Grove' climbs towards Briddlesford Bridge.

As the bridge is reached the gradient eases and the locomotive's regulator eased back for the long straight section through Briddlesford Copse, passing the Forest Crossing and the Havenstreet Up Distant signal along the way - Goods trains in the Up direction were once required to stop and pin down brakes at this point before descending towards Havenstreet.

W37 'Invincible' at the head of a ballast train at the Forest Crossing, Briddlesford Bridge is in the far distance.

W8 'Freshwater' approaches Woodhouse Crossing, mid-way between Havenstreet and Wootton.

As the train bursts out of the copse Woodhouse Crossing is encountered and once again the gradient begins to tighten as the section of line known as the Long Curve is traversed. The Wootton Down Distant Signal comes into view and shortly afterwards the train rolls across Packsfield Crossing, the Driver shutting off steam ready to stop at Wootton Station.

To complete your journey to Wootton Station click HERE.