Titfield Thunderbolt Project

Just a reminder that the film is being shown this Thursday at the Clevedon Curzon , Organist introduction from 4pm. The Curzons first show in 1912 was a fundraiser for the survivors of the Titanic disaster earlier in the month. I will be taking along my cousin who is one of the dwindling few who appeared in the film and who can recall some priceless stories about how it was made. A marvelous opportunity to see many of the locations is provided by the Two Tunnels Circuit south from Bath. I have cycled this many times ,out via the S&D to Midford and back via the Titfield ( Monkton Combe) GWR branch and the Kennet and Avon towpath. In the space of about ten minutes you pass the farm where water was fetched, the cricket field and the bridge where the bus passes over the train. The latter two whilst riding along the tarmaced trackbed itself. In nearby Freshford , also used for Titfield scenes, I talked by chance to the wife of one of the cricketers in that memorable scene. I suppose, as ever, it's the first hand accounts that are most worthy of preservation ?

 

Maybe the project could use a motor vehicle chassis: it was a Bedford that was used to carry the replica which careered along the roads and fields finally crashing into a tree.
Don't overlook loco 1401 which was also used in the film. She shares the fame even if sadly she no longer exists.

 

Its Simon Castens who owns Limpley Stoke station and operates the Titfield Thunderbolt bookshop (and wild swan publications) in Larkhall. Lovely chap and an old family friend.

 

Does he still own Limpley Stoke Corbs? Wasn't sure if he'd sold it.

 

Yes I am fairly certain he does.