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Lynton and Barnstape Railway Members and Friends

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by lynbarn, Jun 20, 2010.

  1. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    I think the L&B probably know what they're doing...more so then some might give them credit for.

    There are reasons I probably wont understand for why people have left the L&B, but surely if your passion is to see a certain railway going, nothing will stop you from doing it?
     
  2. SillyBilly

    SillyBilly Member

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    Yes it can, lack of money, or another company getting in on it, for example the WHR situation!
     
  3. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    But surely thats the point, if the FR and WHHR had just sucked it up and got along from the very beginning, todays problems would never have happened...

    ...I know it doesn't work like that in real life though!
     
  4. Old Kent Biker

    Old Kent Biker Member

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    Not my spelling Mike - on this group, Lynbarn is Colin R, as he got here first. I've had to make do with Lynbarn58: :)
     
  5. SillyBilly

    SillyBilly Member

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    The thing is your 'People's Railway' never gets anywhere! You say it was done against the odds, but it's not done, all it's produced is yet another siding running ex-Themepark stock.
     
  6. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    I'm gunna give the L&B a chance...the only English narrow gauge that really captures the imagination
     
  7. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    I must make it clear that I just model the L&B and have no connection with the present railway due to my age and circumstances.

    Now I think I understand what a Peoples' railway is. It is a railway which is not managed properly but allows various groups to pursue their whims even if it is at the cost of final success of the project.

    1. You can set up as many 'preservation societies' as you like. It does not give control and ownership of the project unless you own the trackbed. The WHR 1964 found this one out at their cost.

    2. Grants are only made available (under normal circumstances) if the project is showing that it is developing into a viable visitor attraction and thus bringing folks to the area. No doubt, the new toilets were necessary for this rather than spend money on a replica coach.

    3. Replica rolling stock is something that can happen at any time (Welshpool waited a long time for theirs). A great deal of infrastucture also needs to be in place and of course the railway has to be of sufficient length to warrant it.

    A mile long railway is indeed nothing but a siding but for me, it was thrilling to be actually riding on L&B metals for the first time. A visit to Woody Bay is a very pleasant experience for me now, as a visitor. I also remember travelling on a mile long railway from Harbour Station to Boston Lodge; equally thrilling.

    It seems to me that the existing coaches fulfil their purpose very well for the time being and it is my understanding that gradually, the trackbed is being purchased for future expansion. Some very expensive engineering work is needed to continue and a period of consolidation, to me, makes a great deal of sense. For the average North Devon visitor (they are the people who actually make or break a tourist railway), the L&B was unknown but I am sure that this is changing as more and more folks visit the line and thus raising awareness.

    Personally, I have no doubt that the railway will expand but probably not much in my lifetime. Right now, ownership of replica coaches or even engines will not significantly alter traffic figures although it would heavily deplete funds. The WHHR have always stated that 'Russell' IS the WHR. Erm.........not really, the WHR is the living railway which passes close by with one hell of a lot of bums on seats!

    Due to the recession, it may well be that funds for a nine mile expansion will be impossible to find all at once and perhaps a more staged approach might be more appropriate. I have no idea but I am sure that the L&B management is keeping its eye on the ball. Seeing the changes at Woody Bay, they certainly seem to be getting it right so far.

    This seems to me to be yet another instance of some folks wanting to manage their own railway rather than pull together to make this exciting project come to fruition; yet another testosterone clash at the expense of the project. Perhaps women should run these things!
     
  8. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Had someone told me ten years ago that I would be able to travel on a section of the L&B , from a beautifully restored L&B station behind steam and be looking forward to travelling behind an L&B engine in 2010 , I wouldn't have believed you , yet I have and I'm looking forward to Lyd's visit. So surely that is something we should really be celebrating rather than bickering about

    Now comes my big question

    The WHR has shown that in todays tourism centred industry the "heritage" of the old WHR can't cope with the economics and volumes of 21st century passenger numbers. Russell couldn't cope with the trains which are now being run

    I think the same will apply to a fully reopened L&B . So it's wonderful to retain the heritage trains and have Lyd amd other replica's available but the harsh reality is that an Ng15 or 3 is probably going to be required with attendant new stock to carry passenger numbers on a fully reopened L&B

    next steps for the L&B . Lyd will give an impetus which I think needs to be harnessed to resolve the funding of an extension sooner rather than later and capitalise on the groundswell of enthusiasm which will be caused by Lyd's visit . a push through Parracombe and onto Blackmoor gate has to be pursued with some vigour now
     
  9. Charobin

    Charobin Member

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    The L&B have indeed requested carriage 14 (L&B 15) from the FR. If it does go to Woody Bay it would be for the weekend only. It could be accompanied by another FR vehicle in order to provide a train with standard couplings and vacuum brakes throughout.

    Nigel has thought things out to the satisfactory conclusion that James and Paul can run the trains that weekend! In truth the LSR couplings are to FR standard, and the simple solution with regards air brakes is to attach a LSR Hunslet at one end - Velinheli would be rather appropriate if James has her running again by then.

    Will you be down to see Lyd at Launceston and/or Woody Bay?

    Charlie
     
  10. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    I can assure you that plenty of love ingenuity, enthusiasm and determination went into building the WHR. Also worthy of note is that many of the surviving Deviationists returned to work on the new railway. And don't forget that it took a hell of a lot of determination, ingenuity, enthusiasm and sheer bloody-mindedness to raise the £30 million in the first place. Railway preservation isn't just about shovelling ballast.
     
  11. Roger Dimmick

    Roger Dimmick Member

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    Then you really ought to go to 'Specsavers'...

    ...unless you're suggesting that, in fact, there'll be several hundred reminiscing about the completion of the Welsh Highland Railway - in which they were actively involved, in partnership with contractors!
     
  12. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    I am one who watched on a daily basis, thanks to Barrie Hughes's website, the progress on the new WHR. I was privilaged to be present at the 'Golden bolt ceremony' and met many of those who so willingly gave up their time to build the line. The completion of the WHR must be one of the pinnacles of the modern steam railway movement. The Black Hand Gang and Rest of the World gang were already fondly reminiscing about the construction to anyone who would listen. I was able to personally thank many of them for fulfilling a dream I had harboured for most of my life.

    Engineer states that he has not spoken with Keith Vingoe (general manager L&B) for some years. This would suggest that he is no longer 'in the loop' for whatever reason and his rantings do suggest a heavy seasoning of sour grapes.

    There are those who support a project only if they are chiefs and not Indians. Many would rather see a project fail if they are not calling the shots.

    It is about time those that really care give all the support that they can give to the L&B and one day, I am sure, it will run to Pilton Yard.
     
  13. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    It is my understanding that Keith Vingoe is the supervisor of the railway operation and that further development is in the hands of the Trust. It would appear an excellent idea to have a person qualified in economics to keep an eye on the railway. I know there are folks involved who are very knowledgable indeed on the engineering side.

    Engineer, I just wonder what position if any, you have held concerning the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway or don't 'Peoples' Railways' have bosses?

    I really think this has gone far enough. You will soon be arguing about thread sizes.
     
  14. Old Kent Biker

    Old Kent Biker Member

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    Keith Vingoe is indeed the Managing Director of the Railway Company (a C.I.C.), and a former Trustee of the L&BR Trust. Peter Miles is the Chair of Trustees. Railway operations are headed by Martyn Budd, so he is perhaps more properly the "supervisor" of the railway. There is more information about the corporate structure of the L&B Project at: http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/corporate.

    Although L&B management tend not to comment about discussions in open fora such as this, Trust Members are always encouraged to contect them directly should they require further information.
     
  15. triassic

    triassic Member

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    Thanks Roger for your concern regarding my eyesight, I have indeed very recently been to that fine firm of opticians and with my newly acquired glasses Beddgelert platfom still appears to be Tarmac... http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif
     
  16. AndrewT

    AndrewT Member

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    What would be the platform surface of choice from your viewpoint? Weeds?
     
  17. Roger Dimmick

    Roger Dimmick Member

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    I might suggest your prescription was wrong - unless the photo you provided a link to was taken on a very foggy day... :happy:

    IMHO - You really do miss the point of the whole railway project if you're stressing over tarmac platforms!

    Where would you draw the line over the involvement of 'contractors' in the rebuilding of a railway. Should railway preservation groups set up their own steel production facility and mills to produce sheet metal, rails, girders etc. Should they grow their own trees and construct lumber mills to produce sleepers, wood planking etc. Should they develop their own coal mines...

    If funds are available to a railway project, then what is wrong in spending that money to speed up the completion of the overall scheme?

    I can assure you that none of those involved feel cheated by the methods used, or that their personal contribution - financial or physical - is lessened or demeaned in any way...

    ...and they certainly won't miss any chance to reminisce over any aspect of the project - you can't stop them now as it is! :lol:
     
  18. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    "What would be the platform surface of choice from your viewpoint? Weeds?"

    Andrew, you are silly! 'Peoples Railways' have platforms paved in rubble!
     
  19. SillyBilly

    SillyBilly Member

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    One of the reasons you can get grants is because much of the money goes back in to the economy, if you were pushing a wheelchair or a pram, what would be your preffered platform surface?
     
  20. lynton&barnstaple

    lynton&barnstaple Member

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    Erm.............as a disabled person...........good tarmac?????
     

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