BOOK REVIEW OF THE MONTH
Castle Class 4-6-0 Locomotives
In The Preservation Era
David Maidment and Bob Meanley Pen& Sword Books, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Tel: 01226 734222. Web: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk Email: enquiries@pen-and-sword.co.uk Description: Hardback, 260x 248mm, 164pp. ISBN: 9781399022668. Price: £32.00
It can be argued whether there are eight GWR Collett ‘Castle’ 4-6-0s still in existence, or just seven following recent news that half-restored No. 7027 Thornbury Castle is being dismantled to provide a boiler for the Great Western Society's new ‘47XX’ ‘Night Owl 2-8-0.
Preservation always has been a moving feast, and the story of what has happened to the survivors of the end of Western Region steam in 1965 makes a good read. It's ups and downs all the way, and first-built No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle is exempt because it was always intended for the National Collection.
We can thank former Crewe fireman Mike Higson for the survival of 1925 Exchange Trials celebrity No. 4079 , which was laid aside after dropping its firebars near Westbury while on an Ian Allan railtour in May 1964, despite only having run 38,000 miles since a heavy intermediate overhaul at Swindon. The engine was duly treated to an unofficial repair and repaint, and was soon back at 90mph on the main line, before falling into the hands of Bill McAlpine and spending 24 years exiled in Australia. It is now back home at Didcot.
