Many would-be visitors are deterred by the cost and time involved in travelling to the Island, said Isle of Wight Steam Railway Commercial Director Jim Loe. But a return ticket on the Wightlink Fast Cat from Portsmouth Harbour (journey time 15 minutes each way) and unlimited travel on both the Island Line electric service from Ryde Pier and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton costs just £14.00 per adult and £7.90 for children aged 5 - 15. "This is a gem of a railway with all wooden coaches and not a Mk.1 in sight." Said Jim. "But many people do not come because they do not realise how cheap and easy it is to get here."

'Birch Grove' passes Ashey Station. 31st July 2003.

This year's star attraction is a repeat visit by the Bluebell Railway's LBSCR E4 0-6-2T No.473 'Birch Grove', which arrived at the railway's Havenstreet base on 17th July and is due to stay until the end of August. It will appear during the line's annual Steam Show over the August Bank Holiday weekend when it will be joined by traction engines, vintage buses, coaches, lorries and cars, an old-time fairground featuring a magnificent set of gallopers, a wide variety of arena events and a Real Ale festival. For more details click HERE. An intensive, two-train service will be in operation over the four days of the show and it is planned that trains will be worked by 'Birch Grove', hauling a five coach train of LBSCR and SECR bogie coaches and LBSCR A1x Class 'Terrier' W8 'Freshwater', matched with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's unique train of 4-wheeled Victorian coaches.

Awaiting departure from Havenstreet Station.

"This is a very welcome return for Birch Grove", commented Len Pullinger, IW Steam Railway Chief Mechanical Engineer. "She's a good sized powerful engine for our line and was very popular with staff and visitors when she visited us four years ago. Our own 'flagship' locomotive, LSWR O2 Class W24 'Calbourne' is currently out of action pending boiler repairs, Birch Grove will be providing the additional large engine capability required to operate the heavy, 5 bogie-coach trains needed to give sufficient passenger carrying capacity during the height of the season. Naturally, we're indebted to our friends at The Bluebell Railway for loaning us the loco".

'Birch Grove' arrives at Wootton.

Dating from the late Victorian era, Birch Grove was originally built at the former LBSCR Brighton works in 1898 and worked in and around the South Coast and Brighton area until purchased from BR in October 1962 by The Bluebell Railway. She worked on the Bluebell until 1971 and then spent some years out of traffic until undergoing a full overhaul and restoration which was completed in 1998

'Birch Grove' accelerates its train away from Smallbrook Junction - 31st July 2003.

.'Birch Grove' is rostered for service every day from 19th to the 25th of August inclusive. Visitors planning to come to the Island to see 'Birch Grove' in action should telephone first on 01983 882204 to avoid disappointment.

The appearance of locomotives is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Special fares, including special offers via Whitelink and Island line apply during the August Bank Holiday Summer Steam show, Click HERE for more details.

'Birch Grove' leads a Wootton service out of Havenstreet Station. 31st July 2003.

All photographs on this page were taken by Anthony Hobbs.

For details of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's exciting 2003 programme of Special Events click HERE

'Birch Grove' crests Ashey Summit.

Departing from Smallbrook Junction - 31st July 2003.

To see more pictures of 'Birch Grove' in action on the IWSR click HERE