SATURDAY, May 9, 1964 was a‘Castle’day out that will be etched on my memory for as long as I live. Borrowing my dad’s car, I drove with three friends from my Hertfordshire home to Steventon, a small station on the main line to the west of Didcot.We were hoping to see the Ian Allan‘Castle’hauled special, organised as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations of CityofTruro’s 100mph run in 1904.
As it turned out, we got two ‘Castles’for the price of one! Shortly before the special was due, the down‘Red Dragon’ appeared from the east, hauled not by the usual diesel, but by No. 5039 Rhuddlan Castle. Work-stained and minus its front number, it looked in poor shape and was clearly struggling to keep time – but so what? It was a‘Castle’in steam!
The Steventon platforms gave an unbroken view for miles to the west, down the dead straight track towardsWantage Road. Excitement mounted as the serried rank of lower quadrant semaphores guarding the frequent level crossings dropped into the off position, one after the other. Something was coming!We heard it before we saw it. A sound like thunder, growing louder and louder; then a tiny smudge of black smoke appeared, a gleaming locomotive tearing down the track, swiftly growing bigger and bigger, nearer and nearer, the noise fortissimo – as‘Castle’ No. 5054 Earl of Ducie finally hurtled past us at 86.5mph.
Next day in church – as the vicar preached – where was I, the teenager? At Steventon I’m afraid, but understandable perhaps.