Isle of Wight Steam Railway event set to launch Ryde Pier Tram

In January 1971, the preservation society was given a few days’ notice to move their locomotive, carriages, and wagons.

The move came with obstacles to overcome, as the line to Havenstreet had laid disused and overgrown for five years, and a section of poor track had to be negotiated at Wootton.

Crowds of well-wishers lined the route, with a lucky few travelling on the last train from Newport station.

Newport Station on January 24, 1971. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The society’s sole locomotive, W24 Calbourne, hauled four trains, with the motorised chassis of the Ryde Pier Tram being used to move water and equipment.

Demolition started soon afterwards, and the site of Newport station is now the town’s bypass and nearby retail park.

Many may still be able to remember this day in the railway’s history, 51 years later, and have the chance to recall it with a guided walk along the old trackbed and a special event at Havenstreet station.

Locomotive operating in Havenstreet Station. Pictures courtesy of Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The society’s original locomotive and carriages will be in action, and the anniversary event will also see the public launch of the newly rebuilt Ryde Pier Tram.

Drewry Railcar No. 2 was built in 1927 for the Ryde Pier Tramway, spending its entire working life shuttling between Ryde Esplanade and the Pier Head.

A curious feature was that there was only one driving position, with the tram needing to be reversed up the pier, guided only by a wing mirror.

The Ryde Pier Tram spent its entire working life between the Esplanade and the Pier Head. Picture courtesy of Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

A curious feature was that there was only one driving position, with the tram needing to be reversed up the pier, guided only by a wing mirror.

The pier tramway stopped operation in January 1969, and No. 2 was purchased by the Island Vintage Transport Group, stripping it down to the chassis to facilitate its removal from the pier.

It then played a key role in the Steam Railway’s move to Havenstreet in 1971, and early passengers were able to ride on this very curious open-topped vehicle.

However, with significant repairs needed, the tram was abandoned in a field for 40 years, with interest re-surfacing in 2011 and the aim of this unique piece of Island rail heritage.

Having been rebuilt over the last decade, it is once again sporting its original Southern Railway livery and can carry passengers along the Steam Railway’s five-mile line.

Riding onboard is a unique experience for the 20 passengers, who can each enjoy panoramic views up and down the line from the large windows at each end of the vehicle.

For more information, visit iwsteamrailway.co.uk/event/the-last-train.