Murdoch Flyer
In March 2000, a public meeting was held at the Redruth Town Council offices to explore the feasibility of forming a team to build a full-size working replica of William Murdoch's unique steam locomotive, which was developed in Redruth. Murdoch (born in Scotland 1754) lived in Burmingham then moved to Redruth, Cornwall when he was transferred as Senior Engine erector for Bolton & Watt. In (1792) he was awarded the Rumford Gold Medal by the Royal Society after illuminating his home in Redruth with the worlds first practical gas lighting. Murdoch built and demonstrated a small fully working engine, the first steam locomotive to be built in Britain that he constructed (1792) at a brass foundry in Tuckingmill, near Redruth.
The meeting was well supported and the Murdoch Flyer Project was formed. The project team carried out extensive research into Murdoch's locomotive design before building a large static replica for display on the roundabout near Tesco's store in Redruth. This has become a landmark of the town and has featured in books, magazines, leaflets and official town guides. .jpg)
Sources of funding were investigated to enable construction materials to be purchased. It was realised that the considerable ongoing costs of workshop facilities, electricity bills, insurance, tools and equipment, transportation etc would have to be raised.
To help meet these costs, the Friends of the Murdoch Flyer was formed to encourage members of the local community to give the project their support. This was very successful and by the end of 2000 they had recruited a considerable number of Friends willing to support the project by subscribing £5 per annum. Most of these people continue to help the project and they have recruited many more since.
The Friends of the Flyer support the project for various reasons. Some live in the Redruth area and see the Flyer locomotive as representing the heritage of the town, some are descendants of William Murdoch and wish to support a project with family connections whilst other may live in areas where the name of William Murdoch is remembered. Many of the Friends live in Redruth and other parts of Cornwall, but others live elsewhere in England, Scotland and Wales. There are also Friends in France, Spain, Cyprus, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The project team successully constructed and tested a one-third size prototype locomotive before embarking on a full-size working replica (2004-2007). This locomotives construction is now completed and has a new home in the Market Place in Redruth, nearby the town clock. The Friends of the Flyer are very important to this project. They receive two newsletter each year, in spring and autumn, and their £5 annual subscriptions help to cover the running costs. If you wish to become a Friend you can send a self-addressed envelope to: The Murdoch Flyer Project, 94 Albany Road, Redruth, TR15 2HZ and an enrolment form will be sent to you. Alternatively, you can download a form from the website www.murdochflyer.org