Sunday 30th April 2003 saw Ashey Stations annual day of glory as the quiet wayside halt was inundated with crowds travelling to the Ashey Scurry and Isle of Wight Grand National horse racing events, held on the site of the long closed Ashey Racecourse. Hunslet 060ST 'Austerity' Class locomotive WD 198 'Royal Engineer' provided the motive power for the special race day train service, moving the crowds of racegoers from Havenstreet and Smallbrook Junction stations to Ashey.

Driver Martyn Budd and WD 198 'Royal Engineer' await the 'Right Away' at Ashey Station - 30th March 2003.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railways 2003 operating season is now well underway, for more details of this years train services visit the Timetables & Fares pages. An expanded programme of special events will be taking place on the railway this year, including our ever-popular 'Days out with Thomas' and the August Bank Holiday Summer Steam Show, details can be found by visiting the Special Events pages.

WD 198 pulls away from Ashey Station with a Races Special train on Sunday 30th March 2003.

This summer will also see a return visit to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by the Bluebell Railways LB&SCR E4 Class No.473 'Birch Grove'. The locomotive, which visited the Isle of Wight for the first time in 1999, will be based at Havenstreet from the end of July until the beginning of September, and will be hauling passenger services throughout the period. For details click HERE

Isle of Wight Steam Railway Commercial Director Jim Loe at the counter of the 'Station Buffet' - 30th March 2003.