The latest engine to arrive on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Hunslet 'Austerity' 060ST Army No.92 'Waggoner', has been prepared for a thorough inspection of the boiler in order to determine the work required to see it returned to steam. The locomotive, on loan from the National Army Museum following the closure of the Museum of Army Transport, arrived at Havenstreet on 26th February 2005.

With tank and cab removed, 'Waggoner' stands in the Havenstreet Mechanical Engineering Workshop.

The boiler was only four years past its 10-year lift when it was last steamed at the Aldershot Army Show in 1984. It is anticipated that the minimum work necessary will include a boiler lift and re-tube, insurance examination and a thorough mechanical examination. The locomotive is currently fitted with the standard steam brake and a vacuum ejector, the addition of a Westinghouse air brake compressor, main reservoir and control equipment is required before passenger trains can be hauled on the IWSR. In Army use it appears that 'Waggoner' was always considered be a better performer than sister engine WD No.198 'Royal Engineer', also based on the IWSR and currently in full working order. With the prospect of both locomotives being in steam together at Havenstreet in the near future, this comparison will once again be possible.

The cab and tank are currently stored on wagons at Havenstreet.

Further details of the history of this locomotive can be found HERE

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