On Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:38:30 -0700 (PDT), D7666
wrote:
On Jul 11, 12:24*pm, "
wrote:

I wonder, however, if they would not continue to operating equipment on
the Isle of Wight as they do on the Isle of Man?

Well maybe this is the way to go ... just continue .


You can only do that if you have a generous benefactor who will pay
for the periodic overhaul and refurbishment of vintage rolling stock,
and a team of volunteers who will do some of it for nothing.

The Isle of Man Government is prepared to fund this activity in the
name of encouraging tourism, because the two Isle of Man railways are
a major draw for tourists.

However, the Island Line is not so much of a draw. I doubt there is
much money available in the Isle of Wight Council's budget for what is
seen as part of former British Rail; the money is more likely to
support bus operations that service many more people than the railway.
Any volunteers are more likely to want to work for free on the steam
railway.

So, all in all, I don't think a valid comparison can be made with the
Isle of Man.