Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Modern steam technology link:
https://dlm-ag.ch/en/

 

Thank you! A very interesting site. I note the Puffing Billy have their NA 14a converted and in service.

 

Well... any non-condensing locomotive is going to struggle with efficiency as the energy to boil the water is lost up the chimney, so let's get too carried away with the 'efficiency' of modern steam - better, but no-one's building mainline steam engines for squadron service for a reason...

 

The Highway Authority has said this several times in the past. I believe it is referring in the main to the major refurbishment of Chelfham Viaduct in 2000 when the L&BRT contributed funds to have the parapets restored (and IIRC the decking waterproofed?) to simplify returning the viaduct to railway service when the time comes.

 

What about hand-propelled rail carts from Chelfham across the viaduct until the time comes, say on a Saturday or Sunday in summer? Could be a nice little earner (especially if it could be agreed with the Highway Authority without L&BR accepting responsibility for maintenance of the viaduct).

 

Well, this is now on the L&BR website, so perhaps Trustees do peruse this fine communication channel?

 

They do - and other platforms too!
It is actually news to me that parapet work is planned for this financial year - I believe the annual viaduct inspection was recently completed.

 

There is a bit of spalling of the new yellow bricks that needs attention and also quite a bit of repointing of the black capping bricks required

 

I've messaged you on that spalling. Maybe of use maybe not.

 

When I first heard of the suggestion of running Blackmoor to Wistlandpound, I thought that it was not a good idea. However, after chatting & reflection it has really grown on me.

With the best will in the world, it's going to be 2030 plus before we see any physical progress at Parracombe. There is legitimate concern from the residents about terminating there. Those who basically support the railway are included in that number - and we need to win friends not alienate people. On that basis, proposing to terminate at CFL is, frankly, tin-eared. In fact, it's potentially even worse than Parracombe Halt, as the lane is not a public right of way.

For better or worse, the Trust now has a large investment at Blackmoor Gate, disconnected from the rest of the railway. The proposal is to get a differentiated service from Blackmoor to Wistlandpound. As I say, my initial reaction was negative, but I've come round to it. A clone of WB would not be good. The detail of the rolling stock is another issue, and not one to get too hung up on at present. All I would say is that the infrastructure requirements should be very limited, beyond trackbed & track suitable for long term service once connected to WB, so a push-pull or self-propelled vehicle would be desirable.

The impact would be:
- A tangible extension project for people to get their teeth into
- A demonstration of intent
- Making the TWAO case more compelling
- Progressing what we can when we can.
- Once KL-BG is consented, then finishing really quite a decent length of run.
- Getting more value out of OSHI
- Involving different stakeholders & building support.

R

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Milky Way Mk2. The first version certainly helped shape the railway at Woody Bay.
Now where did those Thorpe Park coaches go...

 

Don't forget that one of the deciding factors in the L&B withdrawing from milky way was that there was not enough volunteers/staff to run both operations..... Also also don't forget that milky way is quite some distance from Woody bay and it advertises itself completely differently, so there was virtually no competition for passengers.

 

Very true. I am thinking along the lines of a pub railway, to start, not another length of historical L&B reconstruction. That way it is not in competition with Woody Bay. It's an added feature to a family pub and can be marketed as such to perhaps a different group of people. Later once the debt reduces and other issues are sorted out, it can be transformed to a heritage railway.
There, that will start some frothing...

 

Perhaps you could shed some light on how the competition for customers & staff (including the manager) between Woody Bay tea room & OSHI is dealt with? That might assist us in this case.

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Hmm, it depends upon what you mean by a 'pub railway'? Hopefully not one of those horrible theme-park pastiches adorned with any sort of 'relic' with even the vaguest improbable railway connection, let along signal arms upside down and pointing the wrong way etc

The point about the OSHI is that, from the railway point of view, it will be the start not the destination of a railway journey - hardly any one is going to get on at Whislandpound to come to the OSHI, but they may well get on at the OSHI to take a trip to WD and back. Now, if those who dined at the OSHI got a discount on their ticket, even more of an incentive.

Beyond that, I do not see why 'another length of historical L&B reconstruction' should not be inconsistent with the aforementioned. OK, so the motive power and/or rolling-stock may not be 'heritage', but that does not seem a reason for it not to run on what would otherwise by a heritage railway line with heritage lineside features etc etc. Firstly, by looking as much as possible like a 'proper' railway it might help to allay the fears of those who envisaged some ghastly Disney-esque line running there for years. Then secondly, as the line 'upgrades' to a more traditional appearance with MWs and L&BR coaches, all the 'basic infrastructure' work will have been done already.

 

This seems to me to be another example of something must be done and this is something. Operating at two locations isn’t impossible, but it also isn’t hugely desirable, and I am not sure if it will prove the capability or demonstrate further a lack of consistency in planning.

 

Now that Blackmoor to Wistlandpound is sorted.... would any body care to put a plan together to include Bridge 65, opening up options to extend towards CFL and Parra... something tangible that fundraising and Vols can get attached to....

 

Feel free to make suggestions! We are exploring ideas here.

We need to be mindful (& I sense that you are) that the stakeholders are a much larger & broader group than the members. Appealing to as many of them as possible is essential.

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Just saying...

 

I too am in favour of starting a second operating section of the L & B going from OSHI. It is an addition to the Woody Bay line and not in competition. Eventually we obviously hope that all these separate elements are joined together but, in the meantime, the L & B grows visibly.
If the argument against is the lack of volunteers for two operations, then how is it hoped that a (eventual) 14 mile railway would be staffed?