A City of Truro for the 21st century
THE Lappa Valley Railway’s new locomotive has been officially named City of Truro – echoing the legendary GWR 4-4-0.
Lappa Valley, a railway and leisure park near St Newlyn East, issued an appeal for suggestions of names for the new Bo-Bo, designed and built by Alan Keef Ltd of Ross-on-Wye, as reported in issue 310, and which arrived at the railway last year.
Thousands of suggestions were submitted, and it was siblings Henry, Edward and Poppy who came up with the ultimate winner.
Hundreds of well-wishers gathered at a special event as the trio were given the honour of unveiling the name in dramatic fashion – with it roaring out of the railway’s new tunnel after being signalled with a whistle and green flag by the three children. It was then blessed by Canon Chris McQuillen-Wright, from the Benefice of Towan Blystra, which includes St Newlyn East church.
Lappa Valley owner Keith Southwell said: “This is a really special moment in the history of Lappa Valley, as we kick off our 50th celebrations with the first brand-new main line train to join us since 1974.
“We had some excellent name suggestions. However, we chose City of Truro because we are extremely proud of our Cornish DNA and the name reflects our passion for the county we call home.”
City of Truro is a diesel locomotive forming part of a new set which includes five passenger carriages and a buggy wagon. The locomotive is equipped with an extremely economical diesel engine, cutting emissions compared to current diesel options. Featuring low-floor access, the train significantly increases the number of wheelchair users able to ride each trip. Representatives of Alan Keef Limited attended the ceremony.