The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has recently completed the restoration of 4 vintage wagons and next month it will recreate a typical Island coal train of the 1930’s.
Coal was always the most significant freight product carried on Island Railways and towards the end of the steam era, it was virtually the only one. After the railway grouping in 1923, to cope with this demand, the Southern Railway transferred several hundred open wagons to the Island from the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway.
The Steam Railway acquired several and managed to restore 2 of them. Unfortunately other examples gradually decayed and almost disappeared into the undergrowth.
In 2012 the Railway acquired a rare surviving Stroudley E1 locomotive of a type that was used on the Isle of Wight between 1932 and 1960, primarily for hauling coal trains. This was a catalyst to restore 2 further wagons and fundraising work started to generate expected costs of around £30,000.
Successful grant applications were made to the Arts Council Prism fund and the Peall Railway Trust and this was supplemented by many private donations. Work on the 2 wagons commenced in mid-2015.
Peter Vail, General Manager of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway said:
“So much of our effort goes into the important restoration of vintage locomotives and carriages that generate passenger carrying revenue. However, as a Registered Educational Charity our objective is to save and restore all aspects of railways on the Island. We are particularly proud of the craftsmanship that has returned these wagons to pristine condition. Perhaps the only disappointing element is the fact that it will be some years before it can be hauled by the E1 locomotive.”
The first run of the coal train, hauled by a genuine Island steam locomotive, is planned for Sunday 9th April as part ofthe Heritage Goods Day. Key people who assisted with this valuable project will be at Havenstreet to witness the long awaited inaugural run.
