‘CASTLE’ CLASS SURVIVORS
No. 4073
TYSELEY TRIO: A line up of ‘Castles’ stand outside the shed at Tyseley Locomotive Works (Vintage Trains) on April 13, 2018. Pictured from left are: Nos. 5080 Defiant, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.
JACK BOSKETT
Name: Caerphilly Castle Built: 1923 Location: STEAM Museum, Swindon Status: On display
THE basic design may be celebrating its centenary this year, but there is little doubt that the ‘Castle’ class continues to make an impact and is held in high regard. It is fortunate that so many have survived, representing the pioneer to the later BR Western Region products – and that members of the class can be enjoyed both as part of the main line steam scene and in the heritage sector.
No. 4079
We may all like to admire the gracious lines of a ‘Castle’ and listen to the sound of them at work, however, it is easy to overlook a key aspect – the stories of those who have been fortunate to experience operating these locos on both the fast-paced main line at up to 75mph and the more sedate heritage line at a top speed of 25mph. Therefore, The RM is grateful to Bob Meanley, Fred Lewis and Jack Boskett for sharing their experiences and recollections, providing us with a valuable insight into life on the footplate.
Name: Pendennis Castle Built: 1924 Location: Didcot Railway Centre Status: Operational
Main line