Cornish 2’ gauge
A look at Launceston
28 May 2009
We nearly fell out with the Launceston
Steam Railway in the ticket office. "Two
for the train ride, please"
"Adult or OAP?" came the response from
the booking clerk, who can't have been
a day over 80 (I may be guilty of
exaggeration). I suppose we're beginning to fade a bit at the
edges (gracefully, it has to be said - none of this "Grecian
2000" nonsense). But OAPs? Really!
We tried to put the slight behind us and checked out the train.
Four bogie coaches, two of which are open with tram-style
reversible seating, and at the head a lovely little quarry Hunslet,
"Covertcoat", Hunslet 679 of 1898. Really old enough to draw a
pension, nevertheless in fine fettle, with a
modern addition in the form of a reasonably well-
matched tender.
We chose to sit in the open, and had a very
pleasant run down the line to New Mills, about
2½ miles away along the track of the former
LSWR North Cornwall Railway. There's time here
for a few photos (and walks, and a children's play
park, but being almost OAPs, we gave that one a miss) before
rejoining the train for the return journey - and time back at
Launceston
Link:
Launceston Steam Railway
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
