WD198 'Royal Engineer' heads a Santa Special away from Smallbrook Junction - 22nd December 2006.

The difficult decision has been made to advance WD198's 10 yearly boiler overhaul by 12 months, the locomotive is now withdrawn from service. Concerns about the condition of the crown stays were identified during recent routine inspections, they are the Achilles' Heel of austerity boilers. When the boiler is lifted additional work required will include a full re-tube and also renewal of the foundation ring rivets. The recent repaint will not be wasted as the loco will be better protected whilst waiting for the work to start and present a 'cared for image' to our visitors in the meantime. WD198 will remain in one piece and on static display pending the boiler lift.

'Royal Engineer' in the Havenstreet Carriage&Wagon Workshop during it's recent repaint.

The unexpected demise of 'Royal Engineer' leaves the Isle of Wight Steam Railway with three steam locomotives operational at the start of the 2006 operating season; A1x 'Terrier' Class No.W8 'Freshwater', Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST No.W37 'Invincible' and Barclay 0-6-0T No.W38 'Ajax' with the possibility of No.WD192 'Waggoner' entering service later on. The boiler of the railway's flagship locomotive, 1891-built LSWR O2 Class No.W24 'Calbourne' is currently at the London and North Western Railway's Crewe Works for a major overhaul and second 'Terrier' locomotive W11 'Newport' is out of service awaiting it's turn in the overhaul queue. For more details of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's historic locomotive fleet visit the Locomotives pages.

WD198 shows off it's fresh coat of paint - 5th March 2006.