Island steam dream…

This time last week I was just about leaving the hotel to attend Narrow Gauge South and my island adventure lay ahead of me, looking back just under a week later and it’s pleasant and calming to remember the sunny day spent riding the rails beyond some other shores…

“Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt”

It took a moment to register as we boarded the train at Smallbrook Junction, but the austerity in service was priming the brake system for departure. The sound that must have accompanied so many childhood summer holidays, today just witnessed by our handful of passengers and the bluebells in the woods. Rattling off down towards Haven Street my stresses and anxiety quickly took a back seat, there is no better place than aboard a train, stood by an open window…

I love a good steam engine shed for inspiration - Haven Street did not disappoint… weathered steam locomotives, a clutter but not untidy, repurposed rolling stock as sheds, a lovely warmth in sunshine - whilst we waited to press on to Wooton. The line threads through largely agricultural land, in contrast to the island line, and has a rather magical charm. A slow pace, traditional style recreation carriages, almost like going to see a film about the old days…

In use but not untidy.

Weathered finish!

Lovely to see BR blue represented on a heritage railway.

Repurposed body from one of the coaches now in use, which use the CCT chassis.

Interesting detail of the corrugated cladding on the shed behind inset to the brick base - mentally noted for a future project.

Fantastic warmth in the ballast colour and shade, presume shingle might not be the best material though?

 

On our return we broke the journey for lunch at Haven Street and enjoyed the shed, the museum, the train story, the cafe and shop. Everything is all nicely turned out, a proud collection of volunteers making the most of the short but characterful railway.

I was struck by the warmth of colour. Everything felt ‘on holiday’ from the ballast and concrete platform to even the warm shade of green on the carriages, it sounds mad, but it was if someone had swapped the sun for a warm white LED…

Not cut down but definitely an Island 03!

Sat on the 1938 stock, desperately trying not to buy a set from Revolution.

Seeing 03179 was a real hilight - beautifully restored, really a tribute to the owners.

NSE signage, now your talking!

 

The end of the line at Smallbrook Junction.

“Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt Thrum Ttt”

Then, it was done. We were sat back at Smallbrook Junction and ring of the rails amd whine of the DC traction motors heralded the Island Line 484. With almost no time to think, to absorb the experience, we were back on the ferry and heading for home. Tired but happy.

I am so glad Steve and I made the effort to visit the island. It has long been on my to do list, but it is easy to put things off, harder to make the time, to prioritise the experience… but what it was was wonderful.

Until next time, more soon… 

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