St Ives to Somersham steam train simulation

St Ives to Somersham

This video simulates an early steam train leaving St Ives station travelling to Somersham. The line travelled onward to Wisbech and was the first rail line from St Ives. Peter Swinson created the simulation. Below the video is a history of the St Ives to Wisbech railway line.

The first part of the line between March and Wisbech opened in March 1847, carrying goods and livestock. A year later, the completed line from St Ives carried the first passengers by rail from St Ives. About 700 passengers embarked from St Ives. At every station, crowds gathered in celebration. By March, the 33 carriages were full. Passengers arriving at Wisbech dined at the White Lion Hotel. They stood by the riverside, gazing at ocean-going vessels moored at the seaport. The return journey set off at 6.30pm, arriving in St Ives at 8.00pm.

Passenger traffic was generally light throughout the life of the line, most traffic being agricultural freight. When the east coast mainline was blocked, the line was used to divert the Flying Scotsman and other high-speed steam trains. It was also used to test out new infrastructure, such as concrete sleepers, new signalling and rolling stock.

Passenger numbers dropped during the 1950s as car transport gained in popularity. The line from St Ives closed to freight in 1966, and to passengers the following year.