Alex Coomber
Merstone Station was once the junction for the Cross Country Line to Shanklin and the Newport, Godshill & St Lawrence Railways 6 and 3 quarter mile branch line to Ventnor West. The latter became the first island casualty when it closed in 1952. The Brading Line remained open until 1956. It is seen here on 3rd September 1952 less than 2 weeks before closure. A Class 02 No.35 Freshwater waits at Merstone with a train for Ventnor West while on the left is No.27 Merstone heads a Sandown train.
