By Isle of Wight Observer
Friday was a day of celebration at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway as staff, visitors, and guests gathered to mark the homecoming of diesel shunter 03 179.
Built in 1962, the locomotive was transferred to the Island in 1987 to haul engineering trains before being sold the following year and returning to the mainland. She remained in service until her retirement in 2016 at the grand old age of 54.
The engine was then purchased by Andy West, Dale West and Andy Ashton, who undertook a painstaking restoration at their Northampton base. Andy admitted they had spent “lots of time and more money than I am prepared to admit” on the labour of love.
The aim was always to bring her back to the Island. Now, 27 years after leaving, she has returned in the authentic Network South East livery she bore during her earlier service here. She will remain in the heritage railway’s collection for an initial 10 year period.
The locomotive will be used for shunting and may occasionally haul passenger carriages when steam services are difficult to operate, particularly during hot and dry weather.
Railway CEO, Marc Morgan Huws, praised the “superb restoration” and said he was delighted to welcome 03 179 back to the Island. The project has already been shortlisted for a heritage award.
Among the guests was East Wight MP, Joe Robertson, who paid tribute to the restoration and the importance of the Steam Railway to Island tourism. He was invited to drive the train, and was clearly enjoying the experience, but he will have been disappointed to find that, after travelling a short distance, the controls had to be handed back to an experienced driver whose the locomotive to the station a little later.
A reception followed with an impressive cake, decorated to celebrate the historic vehicle.
