Cromwell's Castle
Roy Hart
Roy Hart
Cromwell's Castle nameplate. Taken on 26th September 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen
Roger's pictures of HST Cromwell's Castle set me thinking.
7031 Cromwell's Castle was one of the last Castles (1950). The castle is, of course, a stone fortress on Tresco, one of the Isles of Scilly. The engine was at Laira for much of the 1950s, but became very run down and dirty. She went to Swindon for overhaul in 1960 and became the shed 'pet' -kept in gleaming condition for special duties.
This tiny island in the Scillies featured on no less than three GWR engines: 7031, Star class 'Tresco Abbey' and ' Duke class ' Isle of Tresco' which ran for no less than the first seven years of its life (1897-1904) with misspelt nameplates ISLE OF TESCO.
All the best, Roy. Many thanks Roy
7031 Cromwell's Castle was one of the last Castles (1950). The castle is, of course, a stone fortress on Tresco, one of the Isles of Scilly. The engine was at Laira for much of the 1950s, but became very run down and dirty. She went to Swindon for overhaul in 1960 and became the shed 'pet' -kept in gleaming condition for special duties.
This tiny island in the Scillies featured on no less than three GWR engines: 7031, Star class 'Tresco Abbey' and ' Duke class ' Isle of Tresco' which ran for no less than the first seven years of its life (1897-1904) with misspelt nameplates ISLE OF TESCO.
All the best, Roy. Many thanks Roy
Cromwell's Castle is in my way of thinking a most inappropriate name to use. As the 'crow flies', and I doubt that many crows fly the 38 miles from Penzance station - the nearest railhead to the Castle. It is most certainly not visible from any trains. Although not used, a far more appropriate name might have been 'Carn Brea Castle' - this is visible from the main line to Penzance and use of it would certainly have found favour amongst those native to Redruth - myself and Roy included. And, of course, you can see the trains from there! KJ.
This grand photograph by Craig Munday includes a lot of interest. Not only the yellow line of the NRMT crossing Barncoose embankment but of course Carn Brea Castle and Redruth beyond - home of the CRS. Also in the distance can be seen St Agnes Beacon. Rumour has it that two giants one on the Beacon and one on the Carn fought a battle throwing boulders at each other! The giant on Carn Brea lost - that is why there are no boulders of St Agnes Beacon and many on Carn Brea. Various rock formations are named after the giant - his head, his couch, his well and of course the Cup and Saucer Rock. If you haven't visited the Carn you ought to try it out. Other points of interest are the numerous hut circles and of course, the monument. Pick a good day though as has Craig - a most interesting picture. Many thanks. KJ is, of course, a 'Redruthian'!
Penzance
Mike Hitchens
Mike Hitchens
An undated view of three HST's in what Mike calls 'Fag Packet livery'. All very uniform! From the Mike Hitchens Collection.
Meeting Programme Changes
Derek Buttivant
Derek Buttivant
The indoor meeting programme on the web site is the correct one and that there is an error in the autumn CRS magazine version for October and December 2019. I can understand that members who were not at the September meeting might wonder which one is correct.
It should be noted that from time to time speakers are unable to attend on previously arranged dates. This is no fault of theirs or of our hard working Indoor Events Secretary - many thanks to Derek