December 31st 1966 saw the end of 104 years continuous operation of the Island’s railways by steam locomotive.
Only the railway from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin was left operational. This was electrified and operated with redundant London Underground trains. All the old steam engines, carriages and wagons were broken up…..except the few precious items saved for preservation by the Wight Locomotive Society, forerunner of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway