Lynton and Barnstaple Rly gala on 28 September

I just thought I'd mention this event. I don't know what steam power is planned.

John

 

On Sunday 29th, too.

 

From the website http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/ .
Featuring the L&B’s three resident steam locos ISAAC, AXE & SID plus EMMET from the Moors Valley Railway

 

Not to mention coach 16, the third heritage coach.

 

Visited the L&B for the first time this summer, only called in on my way home from holiday, but have to say I was very, very impressed with the railway as a whole. They were still using the old theme park carriages, but they were pleasant enough.

The two heritage carriages were on show in a siding, they looked very nice, although I would be worried about them spending too much time outdoors, they were starting to look a bit drab even after just a couple of months in the Woody bay climate.

My Wife, Daughter and I had a ride down the hill and back, they were both impressed with the scenery. On striking up a conversation with the footplate crew back a Woody Bay, I was invited on the footplate for the next trip, I initially declined as I did not think my wife would like to hang around, but she instantly said they would get back in the carriage and have another ride. A glowing endorsement if ever I saw one!!!!

Unfortunately I will not be able to get down for the Gala, but am keen to see ISAAC in action having missed out on seeing her on the WHHR/RhE with GELERT (I would have been firing GELERT had the RhE trip been on the Saturday as originally planned...) Maybe next year...

 

Just to reassure, I understand the heritage coaches are kept under cover when not on display.

 

So when does ISAAC head south then?

 

Word on the grapevine is that delivery of Isaac has been delayed until after the gala - anyone able to definitively confirm or deny?

 

Only thing I saw was that the move of coach 16 has been delayed by a few days due to technical problems with the transporter. Perhaps the same vehicle is to be used to transport Isaac, which was due to be moved a couple of days after coach 16. The L&B website is still advertising Isaac for the gala, and the website is updated on an almost daily basis, so I would expect it to be anounced if there were problems.

 

Emmet has arrived at Woody Bay and coach 16 is due tomorrow (Thursday). No mention of any problems with Isaac.

http://lynton-rail.co.uk/story/emmet-returns-woody-bay-station

 

Will any of the L&B Gala visitors still be on site during the WSR Gala 3rd - 6th Oct?

 

L&B website updated:

During running-in trials at Boston Lodge, The L&Bs latest resident locomotive, ISAAC suffered a valve-gear failure and unfortunately, will not be repaired in time for the Gala next week.
The good news, however, is that, through the generosity and support of our friends at the Ffestiniog / Welsh Highland Railways, we will be having ‘PRINCE’ visit for the Gala. Prince is due to arrive on Tuesday 24th September and commence crew training & running-in in order to be in service for the Gala Weekend.

http://lynton-rail.co.uk/story/fr-prince-visit-gala

And coach 16 is en-route.

http://lynton-rail.co.uk/story/coach-16-road-woody-bay

 

ISAAC's valve gear failed during running-in trials, and will probably be out of order for a few weeks, we believe. PRINCE, however will be arriving early next week to fill the breach - the oldest working locomotive on the FR, and the first tender loco ever to visit the L&B. Oh - and Coach 16 arrived this morning, delayed due to a failure of the road transporter.

More details at http://lynton-rail.co.uk

 

(various parts - such as the boiler - of the new-build Baldwin, LYN are expected to be on display too

 

I went today, as planned. Despite dull weather, it was a great day out. Prince of course was the star, together with the coaches. But plenty else was going on with regular Axe and Sid; I managed a ride behind visitor Emmet as well. All the time there was plenty going on with Sid doing 'Driver for a Fiver' in the station yard, and some miniature steam for extra interest.

John

 

I was there yesterday as well, have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out:









I have to admit I couldn't resist timing my 2nd go at driving Sid to coincide with the 1500 departure of Prince - simultaneous departure from Woody Bay