Ryde Pier tram launched at Wight anniversary event
SUNDAY, January 23 will not only mark the 51st anniversary of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s watershed move from Newport to Havenstreet, but will also see the launch of the line’s restored Ryde Pier tram into service.
In January 1971, the preservation society that set up the IoWSR was given just a few days’ notice by BR to move its locomotive, LSWR O2 0-4-4T No. W24 Calbourne, and its carriages and wagons, from Newport station. There were significant obstacles to overcome, as the line to Havenstreet had laid disused and overgrown for five years and a section of badly distorted track had to be negotiated at Wootton.
Last trains
On the day of the move, crowds lined the route, with a lucky few being able to travel aboard the last trains. Calbourne hauled four trains, with the motorised chassis of the Ryde Pier tram being used to move water and equipment.
Sadly, demolition started soon afterwards, and the site of Newport station is now the town’s bypass and adjacent retail park.
It had been planned to stage a celebration of the move on the 50th anniversary in 2021, but the national Covid-19 lockdown intervened and supporters were restricted to watching events from Havenstreet via the heritage line’s webcam.
Nonetheless, the event was rearranged, and 51 years later, supporters will be able to remember the move with a guided walk along the old trackbed and a special event at Havenstreet station. Calbourne and the heritage line’s first carriages will be in action – and the event will also include the public launch of the newly-rebuilt Ryde Pier tram.
Drewry railcar No. 2 was built in 1927 for the Ryde Pier Tramway. With its accompanying trailer car, it spent its entire working life shuttling between Ryde Esplanade and the Pier Head. A curious feature was that there was only one driving position, with the tram reversed up the pier, guided only by a wing mirror. Needless to say, bufferstop collisions were not unknown.
Accurate recreation
The pier tramway ceased operation in January 1969, and No. 2 was purchased by the Island Vintage Transport Group and stripped down to the chassis to facilitate its removal from the pier. It then played a key role in the IoWSR’s move to Havenstreet in 1971 and early passengers were able to ride on this very curious open-topped vehicle. However, with significant repairs needed, the tram was abandoned in a field for 40 years.
Interest resurfaced in 2011, with the aim of recreating this unique piece of Wight rail heritage.
Having been extensively rebuilt over the last decade, the tram is now not only resplendent in its original Southern Railway livery, but is also able to carry passengers along the five-mile heritage line. Meticulous research has ensured that the completed vehicle is an accurate recreation of the original. Riding it will be a unique experience for the 20 passengers, who can enjoy panoramic views up and down the line from the windows at each end of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the rolling chassis of the replica trailer car has also been constructed. The next phase of the project will see the body added so that the tram can operate as a two-car set.