The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s flagship locomotive, the ‘Calbourne’ has made its way to Dorset, giving it the opportunity to operate on the mainland for the first time in 88 years.
The Swanage Railway commercial manager Martin Payne told the BBC: “This will be a very special and exciting event and we’re very grateful to the Isle of Wight Railway for allowing its delightful locomotive to cross the Solent and spend three days working in Dorset.”
The ‘Calbourne’, built in 1891, is of significance to the Island as it was the last train to leave Newport station in 1971.
Over the last decade the locomotive has undergone considerable refurbishment including the overhaul of the boiler which cost over £170,000, paid for by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.
Image: Isle of Wight Steam Railway
