Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Spring Gala 2017 with Dan Gilliland from Puffing Billy Railway Australia

Title photo courtesy of L&B member Dave Hallett.

Attraction to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway project is so strong that L&B member Dan Gilliland flew half way around the world to visit. A volunteer since his teenage years on the Puffing Billy Railway near Melbourne in Australia, Dan has also been following the progress of our little railway for many years. He volunteered at the railway for a week or so over our Spring Gala weekend. He had a great time, an interview broadcast on BBC Radio Devon can be heard at the end of my film (34:04)
The L&B and Puffing Billy Railway also share a common link in the past, locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A. In 1898, one was built for the L&B, "LYN" and two were built for the Victorian Railways in Australia, with parts supplied for another two. They emerged from the factory in America within months of each other. A further thirteen of the type, NA class, were built under licence in Australia by the Victorian Railway up to 1915. The Puffing Billy is 2ft 6" gauge where as the L&B is 1ft 11.5" (2 feet) The locos for Australia were slightly bigger but the family resemblance is unmistakable. Definitely LYN's bigger sisters.
Five of the Australian built locos have been restored and operate on the Puffing Billy. Sadly, as with our own "LYN", the original two Baldwin locos were scrapped.
Our new-build replica "LYN" is nearing completion at the engineering company Alan Keef near Ross-on-Wye, and is due to steam at an event for 762 club members on the 8th July 2017. In early September, she should move to Woody Bay for testing, load trials and driver training and will appear at the Autumn Gala 30th September 1st October. Keep up to date at 762club.com and lynton-rail.co.uk

Passenger trains were hauled by our resident Bagnall loco "ISAAC".
The various freight trains were handled by our 100 year old Kerr Stuart loco "AXE" and brand new "FAITH", built and driven by our own driver engineer, John Uphill.

The five remaining planning applications for our 4.5 mile extension are now hopeful for a September decision by the Exmoor National Park Authority. Meanwhile, property and track bed purchases continue. The share issue launched to purchase "The Old Station Inn" (Blackmoor station) is still open. Details available on the website.

The carriage workshop in Great Yeldham in Essex is currently (May/June 2017) relocating to Fridaywood Farm near Colchester. Construction on coach number five will recommence shortly followed by restoration of Van 23. Funds are always required to restore more of these superb carriages. The "Heritage Carriage Fund" is available for donations.

If you're new to the L&B and interested in its history I recommend watching the 1987 BBC programme ,"The Little Train To Lynton", it's on Youtube and is a perfect introduction to this lovely little railway.

Please visit www.lynton-rail.co.uk for the latest information where you can also join the fast growing membership or make donation. Thank you.

UPDATE AUGUST 2017: Due to some further information required, the planning decision on the five remaining applications now due in October 2017
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2017: Planning permission now hopeful by the end of 2017. We will get there!!