Devil In The Detail
Devil In The Detail
Smaller On-Site Features
One of the prominent features of many old images of the railway are the preponderance of tinplate advertisements peppered around the stations and at Castletown we strive to maintain this tradition with both original and replica signs on the fencing, walls and elsewhere on the site. These have been provided by the Friends Of... for a number of years and are being added to all the time as our resources allow.
There are few concessions to modernity on the site and many of the old advers for Tizer, Wills' Tobacco, Lyons Tea and the like have been replicated or based on old photographs of the station; for instance the prominent Bovril sign on the end of the building features on many original images and has been replicated by hand based on these archive scenes. Likewise the Swan Vesta and Petter Oil Engines signs were period features for many years.
Always Busy Painting
Much of the historical pieces around the station are regularly maintained by the volunteers, and in good weather it is common to see them with a paintbrush around the site; all the signs, fences, gates, plaques and assorted displays need to be kept in good condition and the "wet paint" are often to be found on the site; the platform benches tend to be treated to a coat of paint each season, and the fence is a never-ending task but goes a long way to keeping the station the smartest on the line.
All materials are provided by the group and gallons of green paint are use each year, as well as the associated undercoat, varnish and cleaning materials which are based in the goods shed. Early season always sees a burst of activity with the blackboards repainted, weeding carried out and all signs cleaned down ready for another year of display. The small but dedicated group keep on top of all these small details.
Attention To Detail
There are a number of smaller signs around the site, some more prominent than others; one such is on the rear of the fence on the approach from Poulsom Park advising to stop, look and listen. Another accompanies the fire buckets on the platform, and one that causes amusement advising patrons leaving the toilet to adjust their dress before leaving, this example is often commented upon and photographed by visitors. The toilets feature miniature Railway Company crests added to the cisterns.
The station hosts a number of Fairy Doors in association with Balley Cashtal Beg (Castletown Little People) and these are popular with children. A Cast iron water drinking bowl for the many dogs that pass through, rather than a modern bucket, is an original which promotes Hudson's Soap, emblazoned with the legend "drink, puppy drink". A number of small features in the waiting room and gift shop are also there for the eagle-eyed visitor.
Thanks & Acknowledgements
We are always grateful to our helpers (even the passers by who are always ready to point out "you've missed a bit!" and we could not keep the station looking smart without their help:-
William Cubbon Grant Taylor
Tony Brown Paul Cooil
Roger Webster Peter Jordan
Bill Galley James Maddrell
Tony Matthews Steve Haworth
Marcus Owen Craig Quayle