A collection of rare diesel locomotives, including the only operational Class 05 shunter, will take centre stage at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway next month as the heritage attraction hosts its first-ever Shunt Fest.
The special 2-day event, taking place at Havenstreet on Saturday (7th November) and Sunday (8th November), will celebrate the often-overlooked shunting locomotives which have played a vital role in Britain’s railway history.
Whilst larger locomotives traditionally attract the most attention, Shunt Fest will give the smaller diesel workhorses their chance to shine, with several Class 03 locomotives, a Class 05 and a former Army shunter on display, most of which will be in action.
Visitors will be able to watch the locomotives shunting goods wagons, hauling passenger trains and operating along the heritage railway’s 5.5-mile line.
Among the highlights will be the first double-heading of Class 03 locomotives on the Isle of Wight, alongside demonstrations of traditional railway operations and an opportunity to see 2 trains at Wootton Station simultaneously.
The line-up is set to include Class 03 locomotives Clive and D2059, a special guest Class 03 in British Rail livery, Class 05 Nuclear Fred and former Army locomotive No. 235.
Rail enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to get up close to the shunters in the station yard, enjoy cab access and take a behind-the-scenes look inside the railway’s workshops.
Special brake van rides behind the diesel locomotives will also be available, offering a different perspective of the heritage railway.
Marc Huws, Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, has said:
“This is a great opportunity to wrap up and venture across the Solent during a weekend that celebrates the humble shunter at a time of year when the big heritage galas have been and gone.
“While the large locos are winding down for the winter, we’re showcasing shunters.
“We’re hopeful that if there’s enough interest and support, Shunt Fest can become a regular in the calendar, providing an annual event for Shunting Locos to steal the Autumn limelight.”
Alongside the railway action, visitors will be able to enjoy the attraction’s annual Dark Ales Festival at the Whistle Stop Café, featuring a selection of seasonal beers.
The weekend will also feature access to the Train Story Discovery Centre, additional retail stalls and workshop tours, giving visitors plenty to explore beyond the locomotives themselves.
Entry to the Havenstreet station site for Shunt Fest and the Dark Ales Festival will be free, although tickets will be required for train journeys.
Brake van rides will cost £10 per person, with limited spaces available on selected services.
Families will also be able to take advantage of an offer allowing up to 3 children to travel free with each full-paying adult.
The station will be open between 09:30-17:30 on both days, with the Dark Ales Festival operating between 11:00-17:30.
Those travelling from the mainland are encouraged to make use of the new Southern Vectis Route 33 bus service, which connects Ryde and Newport with Havenstreet.
The railway has advised that Island Line connections to Smallbrook Junction will not be operating during the event.
Further information and tickets are available at www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk/event/shunt-fest/.
