I've said in the past that my first visit to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway would be when 'Lyd' is visiting, and sure enough, just such an opportunity arose as I noticed the L&B were hosting a gala at the end of September, with 'Lyd' as the star guest. As well as the attraction of 'Lyd' (a new build based on the Manning Wardle designs which originally ran on the L&B before closure in 1935), three other locomotives could be seen operating during the event. 'Axe', a Kerr Stuart design, and the line's first operational steam locomotive as a heritage railway, returning to steam in 2008. During the gala she was used on brake van rides up and down the yard at Woody Bay Station, the line's main base of operations. Next up, 'Isaac', a Bagnall design, and sister locomotive to 'Gelert' on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, she was delivered to the line in November 2013, and although she isn't an original L&B locomotive, she really does look the part on the L&B's set of heritage coaches. Finally, 'Charles Wytock', another Bagnall design, delivered to the line in the April of this year. Not being fitted with the proper braking equipment at the time (not sure if it was vacuum or air) her operations were very limited, running only up and down the platforms at Woody Bay Station, and running a member's special at the end of our visit, with 'Lyd' on the rear to work the brakes.
During the video we see shots of both 'Isaac' and 'Lyd' running up and down the mile long line, as well as shots of the two double headed. 'Axe' is also featured, running the brake van rides. To finish off we have two rather nice shots of 'Lyd' and 'Charles Wytock' top and tailing the end of the day members special, with quite a noisy performance up the 1 in 50 to Woody Bay.
A very enjoyable first visit to the L&B, my only slight grievance were the two individuals who thought it would be a brilliant idea to wear the loudest, brightest orange hoodies imaginable. You have to ask..."Why?".
Filmed on a Panasonic HS900 with a Pro Sound L92AA microphone.
Enjoy.