Authors Terry Hastings (left) and Dave Walker proudly display their new book.

The warts-and-all story is told in entertaining detail and illustrated by numerous previously unseen pictures of the railway, many taken 'behind the scenes', and gives a fascinating insight into the hard work and sheer determination that has been necessary to get the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to it's current situation as one of the most admired heritage railways in the country. The Havenstreet launch party was attended by many members of the railway both old and new. Special guests were founder members Ron Strutt and David Perry, key figures in establishing the Wight Locomotive Society and starting an appeal to purchase one of the Island 'O2' tank engines for static display which proved to be the genesis of the current day steam railway. Another of the founders, Iain Whitlam, was also briefly present before returning to his duties in the Havenstreet signal box!

Wight Locomotive Society founder members David Perry and Ron Strutt share a joke.

(Left to right) Ron Strutt, Dave Walker, Terry Hastings and David Perry.