Isle of Wight Steam Railway locomotive W8 'Freshwater' will be taking a trip to the Mainland later this year. The 1876-built engine, a member of the famous A1x 'Terrier' class will be going to the Birmingham NEC to form the focal point of the Heritage Railways stand at the British Travel Trade Fair, taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of March this year. 'Freshwater' is being moved from the Island by road haulage contractor John Antell, departing from the Wightlink Fishbourne terminal for the Solent crossing to Portsmouth at midday on 27th February. Following the exhibition 'Freshwater' will make the return journey to Havenstreet on 6th March. More details of the British Travel Trade Fair can be found at www.britishtraveltradefair.com

W8 'Freshwater' is one of a pair of 'Terrier' locomotives owned by the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. 'Freshwater' is currently in full working order and will be in action on the railway during the 2005 operating season. Sister engine W11 'Newport' is currently out of service and awaiting overhaul. Full details and history of all Isle of Wight Steam Railway steam and diesel engines can be found on the Locomotive pages. A selection of photographs of W8 'Freshwater' in action on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway during the summer of 2004, contributed by Anthony Hobbs, are included on this page.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway 2005 operating season commences on 20th March with a special train service providing access to the Ashey Scurry horse racing event, taking place alongside the railway's Ashey Station. The season proper gets underway on 24th March. For details of all 2005 events and train services visit the Timetable and Special Events pages.

W8 'Freshwater' approaches Woodhouse Crossing with a train for Wootton, 20th August 2004.

'Freshwater' "buffers up" to it's train at Wootton, 27th August 2004.

W8 at Ashey Road, between Havenstreet and Smallbrook Junction, on 20th August 2004.

The crew find time for a chat as 'Freshwater' waits at Smallbrook Junction. 27th August 2004.

W8 runs into the Havenstreet Down Loop with a Wootton service whilst an Up train, headed by WD 198 'Royal Engineer', awaits the token for the Smallbrook section. 27th August 2004.