1876-built LBSCR A1x 'Terrier' locomotive No.W8 'Freshwater' is visiting the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex where she took part in their 'Terrier Weekend' (10th to 13th November 2006). The event featured five members of the historic class operating together on a variety of passenger and goods trains. In addition to 'Freshwater' the line up included 672 'Fenchurch', 662 'Martello' and 32678 'Knowle' and 55 'Stepney'.

This was 'Freshwater's second visit to the Bluebell line, her first visit, accompanied by sister IWSR locomotive W11 'Newport', was in 2000 for a similar 'Terrier' gathering. The IWSR has developed a close relationship with the Bluebell Railway, resulting in the Island 'Terriers' visiting the Sussex line twice and Bluebell 'Terriers' 'Fenchurch' and 'Stepney' and LBSCR E4 'Birch Grove' making reciprocal visits to the Island.

'Freshwater', who celebrated her 130th birthday this year, will soon be making the return journey across the Solent ready to haul trains marking the 40th anniversary of the end of British Railways steam services on the Isle of Wight on 31st December 2006. For more details visit the EVENTS pages. In addition to the pictures on these pages more can be found on the Bluebell Railway website and on one-time IWSR Cleaner Owen Chapman's Fotopic Site.

'Freshwater' is prepared for service at Sheffield Park on Friday 10th Novermber.

W8 leads a goods train through the Sussex countryside.

Reunited with E4 32473 at Horsted Keynes.

Arriving at Kingscote.

Above and Below: Running round at Kingscote.

Shunting at Kingscote.

Ready for departure.

'Freshwater' was mainly seen on goods services, her Westinghouse air brake system is incompatible with the Bluebell's vacuum brake fitted passenger stock.

Above and below: Night shoot at Horsted Keynes.