THE MICK ROCK PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Page One
The sight of an ex-GWR 'Castle' class 4-6-0 never fails to excite interest as shown to good effect here as No.4093 'Dunster Castle' was photographed speeding south of Abbotswood Junction on the afternoon Stourbridge to Severn Tunnel junction freight train.
Former GWR 'Castle' class 4-6-0 No.5038 'Morlais Castle' of Worcester Sheds in immaculate condition when seen alongside the coaling stage in 1963. The engine was withdrawn in September 1963 from Reading Shed (81D) which had been its home shed from May 1962. The web site www.walesatheart.com states that 'In 1286, Gilbert de Claire began to build a castle overlooking the area at Morlais. However, the castle was never completed. Edward I tired of the two Lords squabbling and so sent both of them to the Tower of London. Little remains of Morlais Castle, whose seven turrets once saluted the vales of Merthyr from its mountainous location.'
'Castle' class 4-6-0 No.5071 'Spitfire' fitted with a double chimney. The locomotive is standing outside the back of the goods engine shed. The absence of a shed plate does not help to date the photograph but the engine was withdrawn in October 1963. The locomotive was originally named 'Clifford Castle' but acquired its new name in 1940.
Standing in the shed yard at Worcester is double chimney 'Castle' class 4-6-0 locomotive No.7003 'Elmley Castle' of Gloucester (Horton Road) Shed with an 0-6-0 Pannier Tank behind.
Another of Worcester's immaculate 'Castle' class 4-6-0 locomotives, No.7022 'Hereford Castle' is seen in the shed yard. The locomotive was based at Worcester (85A) from March to October 1964 and is paired with a straight sided tender.
This is another of Worcester's 4-6-0 'Castle' class locomotives seen at speed near Abbots Wood. No.7025 'Sudeley Castle' was based at 85A from September 1962 until withdrawal in September 1964.
This is a slightly damaged photograph of an immaculate 'Castle' class 4-6-0 locomotive No.7027 'Thornbury Castle' standing outside Worcester Locomotive Works. The date when the photograph was taken in not known but the locomotive is displaying an '85A' shedplate which indicates that the date was between April 1960 and July 1963.
This photograph was taken at the west end of Worcester Shrub Hill Station. On the left is Old Oak Common based 'Castle' class 4-6-0 locomotive No.7029 'Clun Castle' about to work an express to Paddington. On the right is a 'Hall' class 4-6-0 which could be Gloucester (Horton Road) locomotive No.6942 'Eshton Hall'.