Below Sea Level
Class 483 EMU 483 004 is one of a number of these units that have operated on the Island Line since 1990 and is now the oldest unit still in service. Externally the until requires some attention although was fitted with replacement running gear a couple of years ago so is reliable in this respect.
In May 2017 the unit is seen heading for Shanklin dropping down into Ryde Tunnel. This tunnel has always been the pinch point of the railway system on the Island, regularly flooding due to it's proximity to the sea and the fact it is below sea level. The track was raised in 1967 which reduced the already tight loading gauge meaning only tube sized stock could be accommodated. Under plans submitted by SWR in 2018 this track level may be lowered again in order to accommodate full sized rolling stock however this will of course increase the possibilities of flooding once again.
It can be seen here that there seems to be a habit among certain staff on the Island Line to place their Bardic lamps in the cab window although whether this is due to a specific rule or just personal choice I don't know, although I have seen it on a number of occasions. The unit's handbrake can also be seen on the rear wall of the cab.
Below Sea Level
Class 483 EMU 483 004 is one of a number of these units that have operated on the Island Line since 1990 and is now the oldest unit still in service. Externally the until requires some attention although was fitted with replacement running gear a couple of years ago so is reliable in this respect.
In May 2017 the unit is seen heading for Shanklin dropping down into Ryde Tunnel. This tunnel has always been the pinch point of the railway system on the Island, regularly flooding due to it's proximity to the sea and the fact it is below sea level. The track was raised in 1967 which reduced the already tight loading gauge meaning only tube sized stock could be accommodated. Under plans submitted by SWR in 2018 this track level may be lowered again in order to accommodate full sized rolling stock however this will of course increase the possibilities of flooding once again.
It can be seen here that there seems to be a habit among certain staff on the Island Line to place their Bardic lamps in the cab window although whether this is due to a specific rule or just personal choice I don't know, although I have seen it on a number of occasions. The unit's handbrake can also be seen on the rear wall of the cab.