Cornwall Group
The Cornwall Group
Week beginning 9th July 2006 - A West Country week in Devon and Cornwall click here for details
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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