By a County Press reporter
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The LBSC E1 engine Burgundy, which could be heading to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway thanks to a deal with the East Somerset Railway
THE ISLE of Wight Steam Railway is close to striking a deal with fellow preservationists at the East Somerset Railway that will result in both lines being able to run new historic engines.
Agreement has been reached in principle for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet, to acquire an historic London Brighton and South Coast (LBSC) E1 class engine from its present home in East Somerset.
Meanwhile, an Isle of Wight Steam Railway engine, an Ivatt 2-6-0 tender engine, will be sent to Cranmore to be restored.
The LBSC E1 named 'Burgundy’ is an example of a class of engine which ran on Island lines alongside the more famous 'O2s.’
Burgundy is the last survivor of its type and has been at East Somerset Railway for many years.
The Ivatt 2-6-0s worked along the Cheddar Valley line for many years so was considered appropriate to send to East Somerset.
Cash to restore Burgundy at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway came from a bequest. Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway is sending the Ivatt to the East Somerset Railway on condition it is restored there.
It will then be loaned to the line for ten years.
Originally, the Ivatt was set to be a static exhibit at Havenstreet as tender engines never ran on the Island but the new arrangement will ensure that both locomotives will be returned to operational condition.