Launceston Steam Railway Visit
Gertrude at Launceston
Gertrude hauled trains throughout the October half-term week at Launceston Steam Railway, and many visitors took the opportunity to see her back in steam, 50 years to the month since she was last used at Bilston Steelworks. One of these visitors was Sarah Westmacott, daughter of Peter and Sue, who is now Gertrude’s owner. Sarah spent the Friday driving Gertrude, this being one of the first opportunities she has had to do so since Gertrude returned to steam. It is a dream come true for Sarah to be able to drive the locomotive she has known for such a long time – when she was a child, Gertrude’s cab had been placed in the garden of her home and she used it as a wendy house…
Running round at New Mills
Taking water at Launceston
Nigel Bowman, Managing Director of the Launceston Steam Railway, said “It has been a wonderful opportunity to have Gertrude running on the railway for the half-term week. Gertrude has been restored well by all those involved, runs well, and fits in nicely with our locomotives and rolling stock. We shall be sorry to see her go when she leaves us shortly, to go to her winter home in North Devon.”
We would like to thank everyone at Launceston for their support and hospitality. Thank you also to Charlie O’Mahoney from LSR for the photos above and videos below – more photos can also be found on the photo gallery.
Gertrude will now be in store to keep her warm and cosy over the winter. We look forward to being back out and about again in 2010. If interested in hiring Gertrude next season, please contact us.
