The Isle of Wight Steam Railway's 2004 programme of Santa Special services drew to a close on Christmas Eve. This years Santa engine was Hunslet 'Austerity' WD198 'Royal Engineer' which provided the motive power for all of the Santa and Mid Winter services, hauling packed trains made up of the railways unique LB&SCR, SE&CR and LC&DR carriages.

WD 198 'Royal Engineer' was the 2004 Santa Special locomotive.

At Havenstreet Station hoards of excited youngsters passed through the magical grotto on their way to meet Santa, who had a present for all of his young visitors. The Santa Specials saw the introduction into service of the recently installed platform lighting at Havenstreet. A set of new lamp heads have been manufactured and installed as a result on an appeal organised by Estates Manager Kim Chalkey, they not only look the part but provide a very effective means of illumination for the dark winter evenings.

A spectacular Santa's Grotto was created at Havenstreet Station.

Graham Gibbons maintains the morale of parents by issuing tots of mulled wine.

One of the new lamps illuminates the early evening gloom.

Havenstreet Station on Sunday 12 December 2004.

Following a Westinghouse pump failure on WD 198 the last train of the day on Sunday 12th December 2004 was hauled by standby engine D2059, it is seen here slowing for the token exchange at Havenstreet Station.