A1x Class 'Terrier' locomotive W8 'Freshwater' has been withdrawn from IWSR service to undergo a ten-yearly boiler overhaul. 'Freshwater's boiler certification was due to expire in February 2008 with her last rostered turns of duty being due in late October this year. In September she unfortunately developed a leak at the main steam pipe/regulator 'J' pipe joint which has resulted in her early withdrawal.

W8 'Freshwater' passes Deacons Lane, Ashey - 25th August 2007.

In 1998 the Isle of Wight Steam Railway demonstrated it's commitment to the continuing operation of heritage steam into the 21st century by commissioning a brand new boiler for 'Freshwater', built at a cost of £35,000 by Israel Newton of Bradford. Len Pullinger, IWSR CME commented 'I have been very pleased with the performance of 'Freshwater's boiler throughout it's first ten years of operation. It has caused us few serious maintenance problems and our footplate crews have been impressed by it's ability to steam freely, always being capable of meeting the sometimes considerable demands placed upon it. We were very proud to be involved in the joint project (with the Kent & East Sussex Railway) to have two new 'Terrier' boilers constructed enabling this famous locomotive class to continue operating well into the future. I anticipate that the boiler overhaul will be straightforward and relatively quick to complete, although anyone involved in the operation and repair of heritage railway locomotives will appreciate that it is not possible to predict a return to service date for 'Freshwater' at this early stage'.

'Freshwater' moves off shed at Havenstreet - The prominent '2' board on the rear buffer beam is the locomotive duty number, another Island railway practice continued on the IWSR.

In addition to what could be classed as 'routine' service on the IWSR - hauling the railway's unique collection of pre-grouping coaches, 'Freshwater has, in the last ten years, also visited the Bluebell Railway (twice), the Kent & East Sussex Railway and appeared at this year's 'Celebration of Steam' event in Portsmouth Dockyard. In August this year she re-created a 1920s Ventnor West Push-Pull train for the first time in the heritage railway era, coupled with LC&DR Push-Pull set No.484 - pictures can be seen HERE.

W8 passes Ashey Station Crossing with a train for Havenstreet. Driver Martyn Budd, recently appointed General Manager of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, is at the controls.

All of the pictures on this page were taken during the Island Summer Steam Show 2007 on Friday 25th August by Anthony Hobbs and show 'Freshwater' at the head of the IWSR's train of restored pre-grouping 4-wheeled carriages. Further information on the railway's collection of restored carriages can be found on the Carriage & Wagon pages whilst the Locomotives pages have details of the historic motive power fleet.

'Freshwater' approaches Ashey Station

Close to Whitefield Farm Crossing, Ashey.

Heading towards Smallbrook Junction with the 'Ponda Rosa' pub, Ashey, in the background.

On the way to Smallbrook Junction at Ashey Station Crossing.