One of the brand new Island Line trains has been seen travelling up and down the track today (Wednesday) – but there is still no word on when services will resume.
It’s thought to be one of the first times that a new Class 484 train has travelled along the vast majority of the railway under its own steam – or should that be electric! Other tests have been carried out in the past using battery power or by utilising a tug vehicle.
484001, which arrived on the Island back in November 2020, travelled from Shanklin to Ryde, as captured on video by Island Echo reader Ben Rue. The new trains are yet to venture up Ryde Pier, however.
A number of people have reported that gates across the railway at several locations have been unexpectedly locked by Network Rail today.
Meanwhile, 484002 and 484003 have been undergoing mainline tests in Eastleigh, Southampton. The trains have been operating together between Eastleigh and Fareham.
There is still no word from South Western Railway as to when Island Line will re-open, although the latest rumour suggests it could be another 7 to 8 weeks away.
VIDEO:
Island Line’s new train 484001 on a test run out of Shanklin station this morning 🚊 #islandline #484 #isleofwight @SW_Help @islandecho @iwcponline @iwightradio @wightlinkferry @TfL pic.twitter.com/vez2V6fQA4
Article continues below this advertisement — Photography Rue (@PhotographyRue) July 14, 2021
Well at least its getting there, not like the mc floaty, good work trains
Swt website is showing trains running from 1st August at the moment
there not brand new
They must have found a Half Crown for the electric meter.