Island Line 1967 - 2013

More to the point, the 38ts can't go on forever. With the salty air exacerbating corrosion issues, what plans are there afoot to bring more "modern" stock over to the island. I think the 83ts might have been a lost opportunity, but what about 72/67ts?

I wonder what the issue is with the cab doors.

Whatever eventually replaces the 38 Stock needs to be a two car set otherwise major investment will have to take place in Ryde depot. The 73 stock would be a good choice as the larger door recesses allow some room for luggage and they have cab doors which can be opened. Salt water will affect any train, but in any event in the most extreme conditions the catamaran service is likely to be suspended so terminating short at the Esplanande would then happen. Taxis have on occasions been used to ferry passengers (no pun intended) along the pier.

By the time the 73 stock becomes available is will be of advancing years but of course no match on the 38 Stock. Can they hold out that long? If it were possible to use 3 car sets with the present two train per hour service the total requirement would probably only be for four trains.

There has been talk over the years of converting the line to tram operation with possible extensions into the towns but this would come at a cost. A recent proposal has been made to convert the former Sandown - Newport line into a tramway wich possible Cowes and Carisbrooke extensions. The idea seems to have gone quiet very quickly though.

Two or three car sets? They ran with seven in the summer back in the early 1970's. See image here.

With correct maintenance the 73 stock will last for some time yet. Mind you, I suppose it has to as their replacements won't arrive on the Piccadilly line until the mid 20's.

I know very little of the Island Line, does it have many tight bends as the cars of the 73 stock are a lot longer than a 38?

I'd prefer 72 stock as it is less complex having a Westinghouse brake like the current ones and perhaps will be easier to maintain. Having said that, maybe the westcode brake will be better long term??

I think the 72 stock could be formed into 2 cars easier than the 73 stock.

As did I, either that or the withdrawal of the 38TS Class 483s before I get a chance to go to the IoW and ride one *crosses fingers* two more years... two more!

Moving on, why not take the 1972 MK1 out of Aldwych and send it there, and maybe give a 1967TS to the Aldwych run, that way the trains featured in movies at Aldwych look more like authentic LU trains instead of an unpainted mess!