Since the 1905s there has been a steady decline in the use of steam engine locomotives, this book authored by Laurie Golden records this progression. This beautifully illustrated album follows the Isle of Wight Railways in perfect detail depicting the last years of steam on the Island’s intricate networks and lines. The Isle of Wight, despite its relatively small size, possessed an intricate and complex network of railway lines.
Physically separated from the railways on the mainland, the lines also suffered from a smaller-than-usual loading gauge. This made modernization of the network difficult and the bulk of the island’s system was abandoned with the final withdrawal of steam in the mid-1960s. Part of the closed network has been restored as the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and examples of the locomotives and rolling stock operated on the island’s network are on display or operational there. During the final years of steam operation, the Isle of Wight was a magnet to countless enthusiasts.
