Although only the lines to Cowes and Ventnor remained open, the charm and amazing density of summer traffic were to remain strong for another 10 years, serving both the holiday maker and local alike.
In Isle of Wight Steam Sunset we take a ride along both the remaining lines during this last golden age of steam on the island railways.
We take a long look at the working on Ryde Pier with the trams and heavy summer Saturday trains before setting off on a journey to Ventnor.
Whilst at the terminus we see this fascinating station and its workings, not only from the platform but also from the superb vantage point high up on St. Boniface Down.
We return to Ryde Pier Head to take a trip down the Cowes Line.
Highlights include an in-depth look at Newport station with shunting in progress, both in the carriage sidings as well as along the remains of the old Freshwater line.
The DVD is 100% archive cine film and includes such gems as Newchurch and Alverstone stations some years after closure but with the tracks and level crossing gates still in place.
We also take a look at the shipping that served the island including the Paddle Steamers Ryde and Sandown on the Portsmouth route, before we catch the Red Funnel Boats working between Cowes and Southampton.
Finally we take a brief look at Lymington Pier which served the ferries on the Yarmouth route.
The DVD shows the Ventnor and Cowes lines as most people will remember them.
Platforms crowded with holiday makers and clean 02s hauling rakes of green and red pre-grouping carriages through the beautiful island countryside.
