The April Civil Engineering Weekend saw the return of steam hauled ballast trains to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. 1915-built Hawthorn Leslie 040ST W37 'Invincible' provided the motive power for the workings which took place on Sunday, 6th April 2003. A busy days programme saw the ballast train in operation around Havenstreet Station and along the Wootton Single Line.

Ballasting in progress at the Forest Crossing, midway between Havenstreet and Wootton.

In addition to carrying out much useful work for the Civil Engineering Department a very welcome by product in the form of staff training was achieved, the procedures involved in marshalling and operating an engineers train making an interesting change from passenger train working for all involved.

Fireman Mike Salter and Ballast Guard Stuart Duddy during a pause in shunting at Havenstreet Station.

The operating staff, train crew and P Way gang had to ensure some slick working so as to avoid any delays to the days passenger services. The mainly volunteer P Way gang are in action on the first weekend of every month, for further details visit the Civil Engineering Departments On-line magazine, TrackPack.

'Invincible' passes the P Way gang during a shunt movement.

The Ballast Train awaits the road to start a ballasting run over the West End Points at Havenstreet Station.

Following a long period out of service W37 'Invincible' was returned to steam on 12th December 2001 and can now be seen in the maroon livery of the Woolwich Arsenal Railway, the organisation she was supplied new to in 1915. In addition to the engineers trains she can also be seen operating passenger services on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, mainly during the low-season timetable where the longer section timings allowed are more suited to her 20mph maximum permitted speed and limited coal carrying capacity - a visit to the shed for coal is required for each round trip on the line. For more details of locomotive restoration and operation visit Mechanical Times, the Mechanical Engineering Departments Online newsletter.

'Invincible' heads the Ballast Train at the Forest Crossing.