A Diesel Shunter was retained for engineer’s use on the island after steam locomotion ceased on December 31st, 1966 and passenger services taken over by emus. At first this was a Capital Stock locomotive, D2554, but in 1981 it was transferred to Departmental Stock as No.97803. With Ryde Emu Depot at the north end of the system a suitable location was required to stable the locomotive when working at the south and the siding at SZ59278445, on the west side of Sandown Station was seconded.
Facilities; Other than a length of track upon which to stable the loco and train, none were required as Sandown Engineer’s Siding was, in effect, an outstation of Ryde Depot.

97803 [February 1981-September 1983]
97805 [April 1984-February 1987]
97807 [June 1988-February 1989 (Stored OOU at RY until June 1998)]
Engineering tasks along the line. 97807 was specifically used for modernization works

Class 05 0-6-0 Departmental Diesel Shunter No.97803 at Sandown Engineer’s Siding on June 13th, 1982.                     Brian Morrison

SANDOWN
STATION

Three views of the Departmental shunters at the location;
Left; No.05001 at the south end of the siding
Bottom Left; No.D2554 in the siding in September 1968
Bottom; No.D2554 parked in the siding on May 26th, 1970