Readers of the railway press will doubtless be aware that iconic Terrier “Stepney”, that currently leads the ongoing TTT poll of favourite Terriers by a country mile, is coming out of service for a ten-year overhaul, along with fellow Brighton-favourite, “Birch Grove” in the spring of 2008

Unfortunately this will mean that the number of engines available for traffic will be much restricted for a time as “Freshwater” has also joined “Knowle” on the easy list for a ten-year overhaul.  However, TTT have just received some exciting news from the CME of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Len Pullinger, thanks to the good auspices of the railway’s Press Officer, Jeff Laycock concerning the engine that many historians regard as THE Terrier; Gold Medal winning No. 40 “Brighton”, now No.11 “Newport” of IofWSR:

“We are placing an order with Israel Newton for a new boiler for No.11 at a cost in the region of £68K

“The boiler will be almost identical to that of No. 8, which has just completed a very successful ten-year period of service

“I am delighted to be working with Gordon Newton again on such a worthwhile project