The Isle of Wight Steam Railway grew from the early commitment and enthusiasm of a small group of individuals determined to save a few relics from the Island’s once extensive network of 55 miles of railway lines and stations.

Following the end of steam in December 1966, all the old steam engines, carriages and wagons were broken up, except for the few precious items saved for preservation by the Wight Locomotive Society, the forerunner of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. After four years of storage at the closed Newport Station, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway was founded on Sunday 24th January 1971 when the one saved steam locomotive hauled an assortment of rolling stock and equipment to the then semi-derelict station at Havenstreet to begin their new life.

Terry Hastings and Richard Newman describe the early history of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, and their memories of 24th January 1971.