Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

And the last.

I hope.

 

A bucket of gin, several good books, a blanket, frequent stops…..

 

If it is moneyed madness with a railway theme.... I'd take the "no L&BR" bit seriously. Why not a reinstated line from Princetown down to Burrator? with a possible extension toward Yelverton. Fantastic scenery, unobstructed route. Possible local source of volunteer labour, rehabilitation, new skills etc.
Or the old Redlake tramway from Ivybridge- Good road connections to the A38. A good local understanding of the benefits of tourism...
Either one could give you an unobstructed 8 mile route without local neighbour difficulties.
But what gauge for your trainset?
2 foot? plenty of scope for guest locomotives, and the VofR mob might be able to find a couple of Indian takeaways that they could spare. I'd fancy the big Lawley myself
3 foot ? there's probably a couple of Rio Grande locos that could do with a change of scene.
Cape Gauge? Show the WHR what a proper Garrett looks like...
There again, if we are leaving North Devon.....
"Darling, you've spent several holidays stuck in Britain. This year, shall we go somewhere sunny? "
"Really? Sunny! oh yes. The children would love to go somewhere warm. Spain? Portugal? The Seychelles?"
"I was thinking....maybe Cyprus"
Ooh Cyprus, that would be so nice. Its not too far on the plane, and a lot of people speak English and, and WAIT A MINUTE
What my love?
Didn't that carpenter who won the Eurosquillions start rebuilding the Cyprus Goverment Railway. There, look. It's on the front of that magazine you just moved, "Alan Keefe completes third Naysmith-Wilson replica....."

 

Princetown to Yelverton, yes. No point in stopping the line at Burrator. Town to town would be better. As well as Burrator add Dousland as a halt (good pub !)

Redlake tramway is a favourite of mine. Ran from just outside South Brent (not Ivybridge). Not well known but good access right into the centre of the southern moor. Although it was always petrol operated an o-4-o or GRW 14xx 0-4-2T would add flavour !

Thanks for the memories .

 

I thought the Redlake tramway was a 3ft gauge line, but then what the hell do I know

 

Dousland, indeed. I did not mean Yelverton at all. The Burrator Inn is a splendid establishment, I literally lived there when we were surveying the prison.
There was a halt above the Burrator dam, and it is more of a destination than killingtime lane.

 

I didn't know that He had a plane - does he have a celestial train as well ?

 

Yes. It’s broad gauge obviously.

 

Based on previous experience, on the way back I'd want a bloody comfortable toilet!

 

Sorry, all. Not truly responsible for all this thread drift and indeed, I don’t actually exist.

 

You'll be telling us next that you're Santa Claus, Petra!
Anyway, the thread drift was very welcome- it gave us all something to chat about for a change.

 

It was, but could always be relaid at standard gauge ! Remember this is all about wishful thinking, not reality. Unlike the L & B

 

OK point taken

 

What, more PW thefts ?

 

Meanwhile, back in reality, the latest from North Devon is available on YouTube... Enjoy!

 

We may have had different points of view, but I do genuinely wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year .

 

..and may all the trains to North Devon run on time

 

Merry Christmas and maybe Santa will have cricket pitch lane in his sack for 2026 let’s have some good news we all need it

 

Peter Miles appears to have resigned effective March 2026. Here's a hope for a new start.

https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/news/view/trust-changes-statement-from-the-lbr-chairman

 

Maybe this will be Episode 7