ISLE OF WIGHT ‘O2’ CALBOURNE NEEDS £24,000 TO STEAM IN 2021
Just £24,000 is needed to ensure that Isle of Wight Steam Railway flagship ‘O2’ No. W24 Calbourne can return to steam for the line’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Dismantling of the William Adams-designed 0-4-4T for overhaul started in December 2019 (SR501) and was making steady progress until the line was forced to shut down owing to the coronavirus pandemic, which, like most railways, had a serious impact on the IoWSR’s finances.
General manager Steve Backhouse said: “Unfortunately, the crisis means that we have had virtually no income for the first four months of our operating season. While our engineering team is ready and able to finish the work on Calbourne, we currently no longer have the money to do so. Therefore, the success of this appeal is essential to seeing Calbourne back in steam for next year.”
Previously painted in the BR lined black livery worn by the ‘O2s’ during the last years of Isle of Wight steam, Calbourne is to revert to Southern-era Malachite green – the colour it wore for the line’s 1971 reopening. Mr Backhouse added: “We are planning a number of exciting events to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2021. It would be devastating if Calbourne could not be part of these, so we are asking everyone to give generously, despite the difficult economic times.”
Donations towards the appeal can be made on the railway’s website at www.iwsteamrailway. co.uk/get-involved/make-adonation/, or by cheque payable to Isle of Wight Railway Co. Ltd and sent to The Railway Station, Main Road, Havenstreet, Ryde, PO33 4DS.