Steam Railway Plans Special Send-Off For Popular Locomotive

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is planning a special send-off for one of its popular locomotives before it leaves the Island for a major overhaul.

Ivatt locomotive 41313 has been running for ten years since its first overhaul in railway preservation.

It now needs a full overhaul to receive a further ten-year boiler certificate.

The work, including testing and running in, is expected to take around three years.

With other locomotives already being restored at Havenstreet — including sister locomotive 41298, which is due back in service next year — the overhaul of 41313 will be carried out at the Cranmore workshops at the East Somerset Railway.

Before leaving the Island, 41313 will spend her final months in steam on a grand tour of mainland railway galas.

She is due to visit the Severn Valley Railway, West Somerset Railway, Watercress Line, Bluebell Railway and East Somerset Railway.

The tour will help raise the profile of the locomotive and funds towards the £200,000 cost of her overhaul.

A special ‘Send Off’ event will be held at Havenstreet Station on Thursday, August 27.

Visitors will be able to see 41313 operating trains, get close to the locomotive and access the railway’s locomotive works, where sister engine 41298 is nearing completion.

A limited number of exclusive footplate rides will also be available, followed by a formal send-off ceremony.

Further details are available via the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Facebook page.