Island Line’s New “Old” Trains Revealed Ahead of Isle of Wight Debut
First Look at Class 484 Trains Under Construction
The first photos of the revamped Island Line trains have dropped! Vivarail is busy rebuilding these trains in the Midlands, set to replace the ancient 1938 stock shuttling between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.
South Western Railway has unveiled two exclusive snaps showing the build process of the Class 484 trains. Though dubbed ‘new’, these coaches have a twist—they’re actually 42 years old, originally built in 1978 for the London District Line.
From London Underground to Isle of Wight – A Major Overhaul
These vintage carriages have been completely overhauled by Vivarail, fitted with modern bogies from the 2000s. That’s a massive upgrade compared to the current Island trains, which are older than some rolling stock on heritage steam lines!
Loaded with Modern Perks for Passengers
- More capacity (up to 188 passengers per 2-car unit)
- Better accessibility for all travellers
- USB charging points
- Onboard WiFi and passenger info systems
- Guard-friendly carriage access to collect fares
The trains also sport a snow plough to clear debris from the tracks—a practical touch given the Isle’s sometimes wild weather.
When Will They Hit the Tracks?
A fleet of five 2-car trains has been ordered. During peak times, they can run as 4-car sets, cramming in about 376 passengers. Originally set for a 2021 launch with a new timetable, the pandemic has delayed the rollout. The exact arrival date on the Isle of Wight is still to be confirmed.
