Final Island Line Class 484 delivered

Vivarail Class 484 unit – 484005 – has been delivered to South Western Railway’s Island Line, completing the five-strong replacement train fleet that has been introduced onto the Isle of Wight following a £26 million project to upgrade and improve the Island Line

Island Line reopened to passenger on November 1, some seven months later than originally envisaged, after the new train fleet was affected by software issues, and infrastructure works were damaged by flooding and other delays.

An hourly service was initially introduced but a passing loop has been installed at Brading as part of the improvement works to allow service frequencies on the line to be increased to every 30 minutes. While peak-time services were enhanced in December, it is thought that SWR will introduce the promised half-hourly service throughout the day at the next timetable change in May. 484005 arrived on the Isle of Wight on February 16, with the final withdrawn Class 483 unit – 483008 – leaving Island Line metals the following day, heading to its new home at the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway. There it has joined 483006, which moved to Wales last year following the pair being purchased for preservation by the London Transport Traction Group. 483007 is now the only former Island Line Class 483 to remain on the Isle of Wight, with the vehicle now on display at the Train Story museum at Havenstreet, on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Following the delivery of the final Island Line train, SWR’S commercial projects director, Alex Foulds, said: “The biggest transformation of the Island Line since 1967 takes another step forward as we welcome the final Class 484 and bid a fond farewell to the last Class 483.

“Combined with upgraded infrastructure and station improvements, these new trains are helping to deliver the modern, punctual and accessible railway that the Island’s residents and visitors expect and deserve.” Funding for the Island Line upgrades has come from the Department for Transport, the Isle of Wight Council, and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

James Pilbeam 484005, safely delivered to Island Line, stands at Ryde St. Johns Road on the evening of February 19 during commissioning works on the newly delivered set.

James Pilbeam On February 16, one half of 484005 moves through Fishbourne as it nears the end of its journey from the mainland to its new home on South Western Railway’s Island Line. The delivery of 484005 has completed the train fleet order from Vivarail for Island Line.