Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

these were taken on Sunday evening,

 

Excellent, many thanks - looks superb.

 

Thanks.
Must be the perspective - always found it difficult to judge from the old photographs.

 

There already is a short stretch of track there with a couple of wagons on it.

 

...which has been mentioned already, but that is a representation of the original siding rather than any part of the running line (as is the case at Snapper).

 

I'm not sure. The Station building is about 14ft 4" high to the top of the ridge tiles, and the original EOD signal after it was cut down by the best part of 4ft about the time of WW1 to about 14 ft without the finial. The third photograph posted here suggests to me the two heights are about the same. The number of rungs on the ladder is an indication - 13 originally, 10 later. So I would say the replica is of the later cut-down version. These signals are going to be a great enhancement to the Station.

 

Hi Michael, Andy here, I was under the impression from David S that they were of original height so I could have misunderstood what he was saying, just had a look at a photo I took today and there are 12 rungs plus the step up to the ladder platform, it would be nice to see a matching pair erected but it seems that sadly there could be issues

 

Issues?
To me it just looks great. Can't wait to see it "dressed".
Incidentally, were the barge boards white in SR days, or were they buff, like the window and door frames?

 

The number of rungs on the ladder is clearly a factor, but....it would be quite possible (but not desirable) to mis-match the length of ladder with the height of post, so by itself the number of rungs can not be used in isolation to make a judgement (if you see what I mean). Equally, the dark paint on the lower part of the post appears to have been at different lengths at different times.

I agree with Mark that it looks 'just great' (wish I could have one in my garden!), but let's not lose sight of the fact that the Trust is aiming for 'authenticity' in its recreation of the railway, so we want to make sure that it is 'right'. And there may not be just one answer to 'what is right'....

 

We can all agree (I hope) that the top of the finial to underneath the platform remained constant on the signal whatever the height of the post (it's 7ft 9"). If the signal is about 16 ft 3" (as I measured it for my drawing at Clannaborough) the height of the platform above the ground is about 8ft 6", which is the height of the station building walls under the eves. An illustration of the signal in it's higher form (probably with a bit of distorted perspective) is the Peacock card of 1905. (illustrated in Celebration p73) where it looks to be nearly at station building roof height, but a picture taken by a photographer standing on the viaduct wall shows is about half way up the roof. The rungs of the ladder on the original signal are at 11" spacings. The transcription of my 1" to a foot drawing based on the signal at the former Clannaborough Rectory showing the later cut-down height and an estimate of its original height is on p162 of the book 'Measured and Drawn' together with those of the station at either 4 or 7mm scales.

 

Thanks Meatman for your last picture....I can see a bit of that bit of track with a wagon on it!
I would just like to thank those posters on this thread who are keeping we, more distant supporters, updated with pictures and detailed information about the railway, which we obviously have a great affection for - both its past and future!

 

Thanks again Meatman - I knew a length of track would make it look far more "Railway"..........but another length by the platform would be even nicer....pretty please Chelfham team....

 

No doubt getting finances, paperwork and trying to build good relationships with landowners is keeping the management team busy.
Can see getting progress on other parts of the line adding to interest in the L and B, especially with TV programmes showing Chelfham viaduct. Also the frustrations of volenteers wanting to get on with laying track, how much planning permission does the short "demonstration" lines with an occasional small loco and non passenger wagons need.

 

A good question, to which I'd be interested to know the answer, especially given the problems currently being encountered at Bideford (despite being under the same County Council!).

 

Did Snapper Halt need planning permission for their track laying?

 

+1 that thought. Certainly laying a miniature line on one's own property (i.e. <15in gauge, though I honestly don't know if gauge is even an issue) doesn't awaken the kraken, so long as no structures of a size beyond the average garden shed isn't involved and no public roads are crossed. Until such time as it forms part of an operational railway, I'd be surprised if the situation were far different at Snapper.

The definitive answer (assuming one exists) will be interesting to learn.

 

A further News Report has been published today on the L&BR website regarding the works undertaken at Chelfham last weekend.

See >>> https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/story/chelfham-continuing-story