Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Many thanks!

 

Seems a shame at the moment as the main down side to the current l and b is its short length. What they have done is brilliant though just doesn't feel like a proper journey yet.

 

The impossible, we have already achieved. The miracle? Well, that may take a little longer.

 

A further report of the work completed at Bridges 54 and 55 on Thursday 8th August 2019 is now available on the L&BR website.

See >>> https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/page/phase-iia-construction-commences

 

Have a look at this-

Is that an interior to die for, or what? (Photo: Chas Summers)
Carriage number 5, now departing Fridaywood farm. Much more here:
https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/trust/groups/pages/carriage-no5-its-way

 

Beautiful craftsmanship, so pleasing to see. Mk1's eat your heart out!

 

That is a lovely looking carriage - A huge "Well Done" to all concerned. The L&B is certainly a Must Do on any visit to the West Country now!

 

The latest update from Woody Bay shows carriage no.5 safely tucked up in the shed. There is still a fair amount of work to do, before it can become a runner. The drawgear and couplings are shown being fabricated.
https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/story/work-progress-15th-august-0
Question- as the vacuum pipe hoses and risers on the carriage ends are absent, I'm guessing here that brake gear will need to be manufactured from scratch, or was it part of Blodge's brief for the underframe build. Anyone know?

 

It's for sale - so if you're interested and have the petty cash, give 'em a call!! I understand it needs an amount of work done to it but is deemed surplus to requirements with Axe, Isaac and Lyn, and also Yeo & Exe under construction.
https://narrowgaugesteamforsale.weebly.com/about.html

 

No.5 is clearly every bit as magnificent as we've come to expect from the magicians of the "East" group. Take a bow folks .... you've thoroughly earned it!

.... and looking at the luvverly piccies, those 1st class compartments look more than worth shelling out a bit extra to travel in.

Thoroughly unreasonable question: Does anyone please happen to know whether Van 23, another carriage, or sommat else is scheduled to be next off the blocks?

 

Yes, it is. I and Darragh Connolly of the Cavan and Leitrim are visiting Pilton East on September 18 to view progress on van 23 and discuss some potential projects. Give a pm if you're interested in coming along too.

 

Meanwhile further south, large strides made on bridge 54. (Photo, John Barton):

1. 

The Lynton abutment is now up to full height, and ready for the reinforced bearing pad to be cast, which will carry the deck:

https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/page/phase-iia-construction-news

 

It is expected that Van 23 will be the next vehicle out-shopped from Friday Wood Farm at Colchester, followed by Carriage No.1.

 

Great to see work still rocketing ahead with rebuilding these carriages, the quality of work they've put into each project has been incredible really, I dare say even give the folks at Boston Lodge a run for their money in the craftsmanship department.

Funny enough though my excitement is more leaned towards Van 23 finally getting worked on now, as that will at last allow the railway to have a proper mixed train much like was often seen back in the day on the L&B.

Though one thing I'm curious about, how much room is there left exactly in the sheds for carriages? They've already got 4, then add coaches Nos. 5 and 1 as well as Van 23, and that's 7 precious items of historic rolling stock you got to keep undercover. I know plans are afoot to more the how base to Blackmoor in time, but that's still got to be a few years away surely? I'd hate to see all this work get spoilt by the weather over time...

 

Im sure I remember seeing heritage carriages being placed under winter "coveralls" about a couple of years or so back.

 

Yes, they have bespoke covers for winter protection: http://tinyurl.com/y3slfgmg

 

This thread has become a general discussion of all things on the Lynton and Barnstaple rather than specifically about the extension. Should the thread title be changed?

 

Or a new thread started - I'd prefer to keep the extension news clearly signposted. Reported.

 

You can start a new thread, I think it would be a good idea.