The Isle of Wight Steam Railway's 2008 1940s Event took place over the weekend of 5th & 6th July. On the Satuday Havenstreet Station basked in glorious sunshine as crowds of visitors arrived to experience a convincing recreation of life in 1940s Britain. The military vehicle display was bigger than ever and the dancing displays by the Cinqe Ports Lindy Hoppers attracted large crowds. As a new attraction this year, 'The Spitfire Girls' enchanted the visitors with their rendition of popular 1940s songs and a display of austerity fashions. On the railway, sister Hunslet 'Austerity' locomotives WD192 'Waggoner' and the recently returned to service WD198 'Royal Engineer' provided the motive power for the busy trains. In a new venture for this year Wootton Station was the venue for a recreation of 'Cafe Rene' as featured in the long running TV series 'Allo, Allo'

The Sunday of the event dawned grey and damp but the adverse weather did little to deter our visitors, by late morning the sun was back out and the programme of events was able to continue unaffected. Once again the Real Ale bar was exceptionally busy, serving a selection of Isle of Wight brewed ales with pride of place going to 'Calbourne's Resurrection Mild', specially produced for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by the Ventnor Brewery. The 1940s Weekend is one of a series of special events hosted by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway this year. Further information on forthcoming events, including a visit by 'Thomas the Tank Engine' and our ever popular August Bank Holiday Summer Steam Show can be found HERE.

The 'Cafe Rene', recreated at Wootton Station.

The Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers got into the swing!

The 'Spitfire Girls' in action.

The Home Guard manned the station checkpoint.

The Military Vehicle display gets better every year!

The staff of the Airborne Field Hospital ready for action.

The NAAFI Wagon helped to maintain morale!

'Waggoner' heads for Smallbrook Junction..

WD198 & WD192 pass at Havenstreet.

This year the Real Ale Bar featured five different Island-brewed beers from Goddards and the Ventnor Brewery. Real Ale fans should make a date to visit the Summer Steam Show Beer Festival featuring over 40 ales.

Visit the Special Events pages for full details of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's 2008 series of quality events.

Additional photos of this event can be seen HERE.