If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by 50044 Exeter, Dec 25, 2009.

  1. ConRod1

    ConRod1 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2021
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    38
     
  2. ConRod1

    ConRod1 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2021
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    38
    I think the key question should ask, ‘Is this the Lynton and Barnstaple rly or the Southern branch line?’

    If the latter, I guess some carriages etc will need repainting. However, a work around could be the transitional period.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  3. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    Messages:
    26,103
    Likes Received:
    57,432
    Location:
    LBSC 215
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    There is a third possibility, which is to change era of infrastructure along the length of the line (as opposed to choosing a single date). It still makes sense to set a specific date for each station, they just don’t all inevitably have to be the same date.

    There is also a consideration that any change in layout of a station may require different signalling, as might different views about signal sighting; health snd safety considerations of working at height on tall signal posts etc. It may not be possible to create a perfect facsimile even if the desire and policy is there.

    Tom
     
    SpudUk, H Cloutt, Biermeister and 3 others like this.
  4. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Additional to Tom's post on infrastructure (which looks very well indeed on the Bluebell) is stock. Isn't there a stated aim to present rebuilt stock in the attractive (original) L&B livery and totally new recreations in SR colours?

    If at least some the line's histories are to be belived, the quality of the independent line's paintwork was such that there was no galloping hurry to repaint (which was probably a good thing, given the necessary outlay on resleepering). I seem to remember reading that the delivery of Lew was the first time SR livery was seen on the line and that the original Lyn wasn't repainted until it's 1929 visit to Eastleigh.

    With a total of 10 potential "original rebuilds" (not counting the two exiles), the Ffestiniog's policy of turning out their historic rakes in liveries representing different eras seems a sound enough precedent. Maybe eventually recreating a rake in the later (simplified) independent livery might find favour with members?
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2021
    H Cloutt likes this.
  5. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2010
    Messages:
    321
    Likes Received:
    17
    Occupation:
    Maintenance supervisor
    Location:
    Bristol
    I am pleased to see your still about Doug and able to respond with a great deal of memory recall , thats impressive , however I dont believe I am wrong in my assertion and what I am saying ..without going digging deep into my archives I recite from memory . If thats the only point your picking me up on Im doing well !
    As I recall the prefered design was 6 x 20' bays and the price was circa £25,500 in order to carve off some cost ( bearing in mind money was needed in many directions and we didnt have this money to splash on anything ) Im not digging up old scores here , Im stating facts , the building length was cut back to 4 bays the price was cut down to about £22,000 I said it was a false economy as the later cost to return and put that extra section on would be £10K I think the shed was extended at a later date I seem to recall some extra pads being dug .... I was not involved and I do not remember who was .
    Its irellevant now 15 years later for a shed that had a 10 year life in that location ( with a 10 year planning permission & life plan !! ) Just goes to show how far off the mark predictions can be !! . But my point was as was the initial discussion some very expensive and weather critical stock is outside unprotected where there was a plan to put a roof in the cutting so stock could be propelled through and into covered accomodation for exactly the reasons stated ... Fore thought wonderful thing !! Perhaps when you have done this commercially in industry you see the need for certain types of investment on non frilly projects !!!
     
  6. TheEngineer

    TheEngineer Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2010
    Messages:
    321
    Likes Received:
    17
    Occupation:
    Maintenance supervisor
    Location:
    Bristol
    Bear in mind that the Railway do not own Bratton Fleming and the people who do own it can do as they chose withing planning constraints and any tennant who resides at the site !!
    As well as that the encumbant volunteers at Chelfham have fought with an entirely negative attitude of the L&B management to produce what you see so as for lead ideas from the same I think you could safely say policy is down to people prepared to do and fund and stick their necks out Good old John Edmunds you will be remembered for your forthright attitude ,!! Its looking very authentic whats been done by many good men and women your pathways and steps are a work of art through the woodlands . Chelfham should be given self autonomy to complete the job and manage the site as a separate entity !!
     
    Meatman likes this.
  7. Tobbes

    Tobbes Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2010
    Messages:
    869
    Likes Received:
    2,354
    Come on, BF is owned by EA with the express intent of conveying it to the L&B when it is needed. No need to run about creating confusion where it doesn't exist.
     
  8. Meatman

    Meatman Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    617
    Likes Received:
    1,403
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Burrington,devon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    my personal opinion is that the rebuilt L&BR should be 75% independent and 25% southern , if its more southern than independent then its basically a southern branch line,there still is no strong evidence that the stations were painted green,yes there was some green paint found on the inside of a door frame and window frame at Chelfham but that is questionable,apparently no green layer was found at Woody Bay on the doors when they were rubbed down,it has been said the only station that might have received southern colours was Lynton because southern had built the extension,it seems that just because there are more southern relics then there must be a bias towards that era,and lets not forget it was the southern railway who ultimately closed the L&BR,maybe if the GWR had bought it it might have survived like the VOR
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2021
  9. 2392

    2392 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Messages:
    1,902
    Likes Received:
    1,148
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Felling on Tyne
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    This resurfacing of what era to base the "new" L&B has brought up something I've mentioned. The 4 main stations on "My" railway [the NYMR] are based in the different eras of the line; Pickering in LNER '30s, Levisham & Goathland North Eastern colours either side of the Great War and Grosmont in the British Railways 1948-65 period. So why not do something similar on the L&B, with perhaps a periodic change of era at each of their stations.
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2021
  10. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Messages:
    2,696
    Likes Received:
    5,502
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Leicestershire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    The GCR also has four stations representing different eras.
    It is very reassuring to be contemplating how the future L & B will look after the recent "spats" on here!
    Obviously different people will have different priorities and memories, which can lead to present problems. But, on stepping back slightly, just see what has been achieved in so many areas, by so many people...All are to be congratulated and should feel encouraged.
    In all heritage railways there are projects which should happen and make total sense.....but if the money is not there or has to be spent on another vital project, that is when the management has to make very difficult decisions. Not Easy!
     
  11. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2009
    Messages:
    1,732
    Likes Received:
    593
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Project Manager
    Location:
    Wales
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Is there any danger this thread might stick to being about operations and development on the L&B and not become a historic bunfight or slating the BoT?
     
    clam1952, Snail368, Axe +1 and 5 others like this.
  12. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Messages:
    7,498
    Likes Received:
    5,455
    Well I visited Saturday, Lyn was running although it was quite quiet was still a good visit and my children loved first class!!!

    Everyone we spoke to was really friendly and it was great to get one more visit in this year, my son in particular is obsessed with the railway (he is three), so always make time to pop by when in the area as it’s his favourite railway and he is always talking about Lyn, Axe & co at Woody Bay .
     
    brmp201, ross, ghost and 2 others like this.
  13. H Cloutt

    H Cloutt Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2018
    Messages:
    885
    Likes Received:
    1,329
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Battle
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I certainly hope so. I have decided not to respond to posts which critise.
     
    Snail368, 30854 and SpudUk like this.
  14. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2009
    Messages:
    1,732
    Likes Received:
    593
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Project Manager
    Location:
    Wales
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Me too! We holidayed in the area when I was probably 5/6, had never heard of it before and my Dad and I ended up driving parts of the line. We ended up in Parracombe and the then owners of Fairview invited us in for a cream tea and to see their garden railway. Seeing that 16mm Manning Wardle steaming under a model of the very bridge I was standing under was the final straw and I was absolutely hooked. Ended up joining the then L&B Association (I think before Woody Bay was owned - this would have been in the early/mid 90s). Something about that line, Exmoor, the whole aesthetic, that resonates with me on a deeply profound level - I love it and will support it no matter what
     
  15. Mark Thompson

    Mark Thompson Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2017
    Messages:
    1,430
    Likes Received:
    3,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    E sussex
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I echo those words completely. I was down there a couple of years ago, on the last week of the running season. It was quiet, the sunlight watery across the moors down to Heddons Mouth, and we were totally bewitched.
    On a whim, we detained and walked down into Churchtown and stood on that same bridge. Fairview has changed a bit, but St. Petrocks remains eternal, and seems to embody the whole spirituality of the landscape. It is a haunted landscape, but in a good way. It seems to anchor us to our deep past, something indefinable, and as old as the soil itself.
    As for the actual railway, as a teenager I fell hopelessly for it, the very first time I ever set eyes on a photograph of one of those Manning Wardles with the huge SOUTHERN emblazoned on the tank side.
    First loves....
     
  16. RailWest

    RailWest Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2011
    Messages:
    3,803
    Likes Received:
    7,442
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    West Country
    Who has mentioned the Board of Trade ???
     
  17. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,172
    Likes Received:
    11,493
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Brighton&Hove
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    I'll do my level best ..... promise! :Muted:

    Seeing posts from @SpudUk, @Mark Thompson and @Pete Thornhill about their first encounters makes me realise just how lucky I was to have a grandmother who knew the working line, back in the 1920/30s and always spoke fondly of her journeys. Always a practical lady (I guess that came in handy as a nurse in both world wars), when she pointed out the old station buildings, high above Lynton, I remember her pithy observations concerning the location and the walk to and from it!

    I also have her to thank for my one and only visit to the Ilfracombe branch. A very draughty terminus, as remotely sited as Lynton, but a great journey, even in a DMU! Thanks Nan!
     
  18. Meatman

    Meatman Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    617
    Likes Received:
    1,403
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Burrington,devon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    BoT.?
    If this thread sticks to current operations and development then I would guess given current progress there wouldn't be much news to read, over the last few weeks it has become more lively for sure, reading between the lines some of you know little about the lines, others moreso, some get their information from the newsletter, others, especially those in the local area or who actively get involved pick up information about what's going on or other issues, some have clearly stated on the bits about the voting that they actually know nothing about the people involved or about those in charge of the railway which is quite worrying, look at the modern history of the railway, the majority of the people involved now inherited what you see, others before them put in a lot of bloody hard work to get those rails down only to be conveniently forgotten or pushed aside because they didn't fit in, this railway could have started from Barnstaple but it wasn't to be, others on here provide extremely useful information for us trying to renovated parts of the line, it's not just about the here and now, the operation and development started when the railway did, we can all learn something from every post on here, whether you like what you see or not, it might provoke you to ask questions, you might not like the posts of a few recently but to ignore some of the things that have been said might give those poster's the chance to say in a couple of years, we tried to tell you. We only have to look over exmoor to see how fragile a 22 mile heritage railway can become
     
  19. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2018
    Messages:
    2,696
    Likes Received:
    5,502
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Leicestershire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Board of Trustees I should think.
    And I learnt of the line from reading about the Southern Railway back in the 1960's then I tried to trace and photograph the route in the late 1990's during a holiday to the area.
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2021
    SpudUk likes this.
  20. Meatman

    Meatman Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    617
    Likes Received:
    1,403
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Burrington,devon
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    BoT, thanks for that, I went on the OS website a few years ago and custom made an explorer scale map which you can just get Barnstaple in the bottom left hand corner and Lynton in the top right,the whole line in between, custom map titles ect for about 17 quid, all I need to do is draw in the line, luckily my catchpole has a map in the back with the line drawn on so it should be easy enough to transfer as there are only small sections of the 'disused line' actually shown
     

Share This Page