The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has welcomed back one of its iconic Ivatt locomotives.
Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T No.41313 crossed the Solent on board the 15:00 Wightlink sailing from Portsmouth to Fishbourne yesterday (Tuesday).
Between 2006 and 2008 3 Ivatt locomotives 41298, 41313 and 46447 were relocated to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by the Ivatt Locomotive Trust. The ownership of all 3 locomotives was subsequently and generously transferred to the Railway.
Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T No.41313 is the last of the 3 to return to steam. The Railway contracted the East Somerset Railway to overhaul 41313 on a commercial basis at its Cranmore workshop. On 24th June 2017 the locomotive was launched into service on the ESR for tests and trials.
Overhauled at Havenstreet 41298 can be seen in regular use hauling passenger services at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. However, 46447 is not suited to regular use on the Island’s preserved Railway so in October 2012 it was moved to the ESR on a loan deal with an agreement the team there would restore it to running order. In October 2014 46447 hauled its first passenger service on the ESR – where it remains on long term loan.
To celebrate the restoration of 41313 the Isle of Wight Steam Railway has announced an Ivatt Gala to be held on May Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 26th to Monday 28th May 2018.
The Railway has confirmed 41313 will be operating alongside 41298 during the course of the weekend. It has also been agreed the Isle of Wight Steam Railway owned 46447 will come to the Island from the East Somerset Railway for this historic event. This is the first time a tender locomotive has been seen or run on the Isle of Wight.
Peter Vail, General Manager at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway said:
“When the three Ivatt’s were transferred to us 10 years ago the thought of seeing all three Ivatts preserved and back in steam was almost an impossible dream. Assisted by our excellent and close working relationship with our friends at the East Somerset Railway, that dream is now a reality. The Ivatt Gala planned in Spring 2018 is a fitting celebration and to bring 46447 over for the Gala is the icing on a wonderful cake!”.
Peter went on to say:
“The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is hugely grateful to Peter Clarke and Roy Miller who were the Ivatt Locomotive Trust. It was Peter and Roy’s generosity and support for our Railway that brought these locomotives to the Island – and transformed the locomotive power of our Railway.”
