Cornwall Group
The
Cornwall Group
There were already two Gauge 1 tracks in the County of
Cornwall when the Cornwall Group was set up by Nick in 1979. These were the West
Polbean Mineral Railway at St Agnes owned by Tony and Alf’s lovely track at
Rosewarne. Many happy hours of running were enjoyed on these two tracks during
the 1980’s and early ‘90s. Regrettably, neither still exists as both members
have now passed on, Tony in 1994 and Alf in 2001. Their enthusiasm and wonderful
hospitality are greatly missed by us all.
Nick’s track near St Austell, was up and running by the mid
1980’s and since that time there has been at least one GTG there every month.
The track supports both steam and stud contact operation and we have a GTG every
month. Visitors are very welcome, but please contact Nick in advance - all
contact details are in the NL&J.
Whilst this track was still under construction and with the
authorisation of the domestic authorities [thanks Jan], out and back running for
both steam and electric power was provided in the hall of Nick’s large house!
The next track to be built and in regular use ever since is
Ken’s masterpiece at Manaccan on the Lizard, a good deal of the structure for
which was originally built for 5” gauge! Two or three GTG's are held here each
year and we all enjoy a great day out with Ken and Julie.
Another lovely track, unfortunately no longer in existence,
was built by Philip situated in gorgeous surroundings on the edge of Bodmin
Moor. The garden and track were beautifully landscaped and a delight to visit.
Philip left these shores for France two years ago and we all miss our visits to
the Moor-side track.
There are one or two more tracks under construction around
the county though we don’t expect to operate on any more for a year or two
[hint, hint Edward!]. Several of our group are keen scratch builders and the
loco and rolling stock inventory is growing fast. The extensive infrastructure
and running equipment requires continual maintenance and this is handled by
group members regularly and results in almost faultless running.
Other connected social activities in the county are mostly
centred at Nick's, thanks to the generosity of Nick and Jan. These include a
weekly meeting when general maintenance and a good deal of talking takes place.
Once again visitors are very welcome.
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Cornwall Group Gallery (click on thumbnails for
full size pictures)
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Part of Nick's large and very smooth track near St. Austell showing Dave Payne's Pannier at speed on a local.
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Ken's great track on the Lizard Peninsula with his Black 5 double heading with Chris Arundell's 4F.
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Philip's beautiful track on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
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Memories of Alf's fine track at Rosewarne with his Class 37 ready for action.
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After a hard afternoon's running at Manaccan, Leo Lyndon takes it easy.
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Dave Taylor's Watkin-Snaithe built GW Dean Goods in 'A' Shop for maintenance.
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Nice backhead on Dave Taylor's GW Dean Goods. It runs as well as it looks too.
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Dave Stick's GW County on the test bed in 'A' Shop for maintenance.
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Alf's battery electric BR Class 37 on his track at Rosewarne.
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Edward Courtenay Barrat's beautifully built little LNER 4-4-2 tank. A recent scratch-built addition to his fleet of locos.
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Dave Taylor's magnificent GW Dean Goods on Nick's track near St. Austell.
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Dave Stick's GW City of Truro sits quietly simmering on Nick's track.
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Ted Chatfield's huge Aster C & O Allegheny at Manaccan.
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Phil Hughes' GW 45XX on a mixed freight at the Manaccan track.
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Leo Lyndon's Southern West Country sweeps west at Manaccan.
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Ken Alabaster's GW Auto train stands at the station as his Black Five approaches.
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Phil Hughes' diesel shunter and his beautifully made BR Western diesel hydraulic (electronics developed by Phil and Stewart Hine). |
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Phil Hughes' ex-S&DJR 2-8-0 at Rosewarne.
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Edward Courtenay Barrat's lovely old LNWR George V at Treveighan sidings.
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Ken Alabaster's LMS Black Five in the sidings at Treveighan.
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Nick's coal-fired GW Grange seen at a station stop on Phil Hughes' track.
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