5023 Brecon Castle |
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| By 1960, I needed only one Castle. Number 5023 Brecon Castle, a Penzance (83G) engine. So unless I was lucky enough to catch it in Swindon works, down in the West Country it would have to be. The most likely place would be Plymouth, since Penzance locos generally confined themselves to the Cornish main line. | ||||
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But in 1960, I holidayed with my family for a week at Goodrington, from which it was an easy journey to Plymouth. But my day there was in vain. So we next pick up the story towards the end of the holiday, in Torbay Road, Paignton. This the main shopping street which heads away from the sea front, over the level crossing adjacent to the Railway station, and in to the main part of the town. |
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At this point, I should explain that I have a second passion, not quite the equal to Railways, but not far behind. Ice Cream ! I know of no finer place in the Uk to go on an "Ice Cream binge" than "The Igloo", at 57 Torbay Road, Paignton. I have been doing it since 1955. So I made my customary visit, consumed a huge Raspberry Melba (or was it Strawberry), and went on my way, heading up towards the station to see whether there was anything interesting about. The last few coaches of an up train were seen passing over the level crossing. By the time I got to the crossing, the rear of the train was just vanishing around the Gas Works curve curve heading for Torquay. What was on the front of that train?, I asked a trainspotter. The answer, of course, was a foregone conclusion. And it served me right. But I still can't keep away from The Igloo. So as can be seen from the page in my 1960 Combined ABC above, 5023 Brecon Castle was never underlined. |
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Picture kindly supplied by Ron & Peggy Abbotts |
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Postscript: Sadly, the Igloo closed down in 2006. |
