Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

As in not contacting the first ministers of the devolved administrations ...

 

Please can we keep this thread for the topic of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Thanks in anticipation!

 

doubt it ....

 

Is not the ENPA a form of devolved administration ?

 

Yes, this was disappointing, but sadly in keeping with what I've observed from the current Trust management.

 

I know we all want to play choo-choo trains asap, but my question is where will all the money come from?? There clearly is not enough for two separate bits of the L&BR to be developed at once. There doesn't seem to be enough for one. Why don't we just settle down into our armchairs, pull the rug up over our knees and await developments...

 

I actually don't see the point in two operational sections, but the YVT/EA proposition was not limited to operating a railway, but suggested a long-distance pathway that would not inhibit the return of the railway in due course could be a good idea, and I agree with this.

 

I think the problem here seems to be that if a right-of-way becomes established then the railway re-instatement will require a pathway alongside it. (I know this can be worked around but it does seem yet another potential problem.)
The original L&BR phased development plan was clearly thoughtfully developed. It makes sense for a rail-head to be developed at Blackmoor with an expansive car park, cafe and pub-restaurant attached. The rail trip to Lynton (if only it could eventuate) would undoubtedly be well patronised. A (separate) railway in the Yeo valley would surely be of much more limited appeal anyway... It is perhaps best left as a pipe dream.

 

Has anyone seriously suggested running trains on two separate sections?

 

The problem as I see it is that WB to Blackmoor is looking increasingly unlikely due to the problems at Parracombe and it may take decades before the relevant property is on the market if powers are not obtained to allow the Trust to acquire it sooner. The Trust do not appear to have a Plan B (e.g., going eastwards to Lynton), though of course there may be such a plan under wraps. In any case eastward would require a lot of trackbed to be obtained and a whole new Planning application and TWAO. However, EA and YVT do currently have quite a lot of trackbed between Bratton Fleming - Chelfham - Snapper where an alternative line might be built if the break-out from WB has to be long-term postponed. Of course, PP and TWAO would be needed for this part too, but at least it's outwith the National Park.
In any case, the lack of communication between the two main parts of the Railway is disappointing, surely?

 

>>>In any case, the lack of communication between the two main parts of the Railway is disappointing, surely?...

I agree :-(

From what little I know about this, the YVT seems to be quite 'gung ho' (maybe not quite the right expression, but you get the idea) about developing a 'modern' railway from Pilton to Bratton Fleming for commuter traffic. Whether this materialises and/or works in practice remains to be seen.

In the meantime, it seems highly likely that - unless/until the Trust advances south of Whistlandpound - the 'heritage' element on the southern half of the line will be confined to the restoration of Chelfham. I've not seen any suggestion, let alone consideration of its viability, that there will be a separate 'heritage' operation between BF and PN concurrent with the existing line.

This situation could mean therefore that, by the time the Trust 'breaks through' to BF, they find themselves the 'late comer' to an already established commuter railway - rather the opposite of what sometime happens on other heritage lines. It would 'interesting' then - to say the least! - how that would work out

 

What is the Yeo Valley Trust? It's mentioned in EA newsletters as a supporting organisation but it doesn't seem to have an online presence of its own, and nothing under that name in Companies House or the register of charities.

 

Is a "commuter" line from the east into Barnstaple remotely plausible? How many people do that commute anyway?

What are the YVT's objectives? Where are they documented? Google finds only a very few mentions of it at all, and no website of its own.

 

I always see lots of talk and schemes about private commuter railways and community railways etc. Are any of these actually in operation today and making money?

 

..... and making money. Blimey, you're not asking for much!

 

Or how about just covering costs?

 

A good solid start. Of course, we shouldn't overlook any and all opportunities special events present to (a) engage the local community and (b) publicise a line .... something I've noticed the CHR is always acutely aware of and rather good at.

 

As I understand the principle, EA was formed specifically to buy ex-L&BR trackbed.

The YVT, which is in the process of registering as a Charity, is intended (a) to act as a destination for donations which can attract Gift Aid and (b) be able to buy those sorts of things which EA constitutionally can not - eg the former Snapper running-in board, items of equipment and/or parcels of land that would be useful for L&BR restoration etc etc - as well as engaging in 'community engagement' apropos a future restored L&BR in the NDC area.

Others may correct me and/or add to the above as they see fit

 

That's my understanding - if members of this forum want to know more then I would suggest they become EA shareholders.

 

I thought YVT was charity, so odd that it doesn't seem to be listed as such. I assumed it was an alternative to EA becoming one in order to be able to collect gift aid.