Island Line loop

Well, the good news for Island Line is the first Vivarail two-car unit is at Eastleigh Works before coming to the Island for ‘gauging tests’.

May I recommend that Island Line management model the Brading Loop on the Tisbury example on the Salisbury to Yeovil main line. The new Brading Loop should be on the Ryde side of Brading and the trains pass each other outside the station.

Operationally the northbound train from Shanklin and Sandown would be sitting in the left loop and the train for Sandown passes on into Brading station - both using the existing platform, allowing passengers a step-free arrival with no need for the other platform or footbridge and steps.

Please keep a check on Network Rail expenditure. You do not need to spend anything taking out the loops at Sandown or Ryde - a simple point locking bolt will do.

Ian Hunter, Isle of Wight