What is the Lyd Project?

Lyd on display at York Railfest (For more photos please click here to visit the gallery).

This is a project to build a replica of one of the long-lost Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Manning Wardle locomotives. These fine engines were last seen in operation in 1935, after which the line they ran on closed and the locos were scrapped - with the exception of one which was exported to Brazil and never seen again.

The Inspiration for Lyd

In the early part of the 20th Century the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway formed, arguably, the most sophisticated development of the British narrow gauge. Its story has been told in numerous books and articles, culminating in the unhappy closure in 1935. It was a line connected in many people’s minds with Sunny West Country holidays. This may account for the enormous nostalgia on a par with other lost lines such as the Somerset and Dorset, and for the large number of period amateur photographs. These often featured the three elegant locomotives purpose built for the line in 1897, followed by a fourth in 1925.

One or two of the project supporters actually rode on the line in their childhood. Many who missed the opportunity dream of recreating similar scenes from the past for the benefit of present and future generations. These ambitious proposals are now becoming reality.

The Birth of the Project

A band of keen and hard working activists is actively working to restore the line to its former glory, a painful and lengthy task. In the meantime, James Evans, West Country based enthusiast of all things L&B, resolved that the sight and sound of these distinctive machines should be seen and heard once more within a reasonable timescale. To this end a partnership was formed with the Ffestiniog Railway for the replica to be completed in their Boston Lodge Works. Paul Lewin - since appointed General Manager of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways - took on the task of Project Manager. Boston Lodge Chief Mechanical Engineer Jon Whalley has had an active role in the project throughout. James Evans had chosen the name ‘Lyd’ to coincide with the practice of naming L&B locos after Devon rivers and had already started design work and fabrication of the frames. In 1996 work to date was transferred to Boston Lodge and is expected to be completed there within the next two years.

Progress

Lew - The fourth L&B locomotive: bought, in 1925, by the Southern Railway from Manning Wardle.

In the past ten years, as with any project of this magnitude, there have been times of significant progress and times awaiting resources to proceed. The rolling chassis, with connecting and coupling rods, is complete and has already travelled over fifty miles of running and testing hauled by other motive power. The boiler was completed five years ago and sits in the frames awaiting final fitting up and lagging. The key players remain the same with James, Jon and Paul regularly working on different aspects of the project. There is a large supporting cast too, including many FR footplate crews who have operated the Ffestiniog Railway ‘Guest Driver’ scheme to earn extra income for the project. The FR team that built single-Fairlie replica ‘Taliesin’ have also provided some very gratefully received support including building the cowcatchers (an unusual adornment on a UK locomotive). Although the original chimney from ‘Yeo’ exists within the ‘Lyd’ team it is too fragile for use and a beautifully crafted replica sits at Boston Lodge awaiting final fitment. The fruits of the endeavours were last admired at ‘Railfest’ in 2004. Since then the loco has rarely been available for public inspection. It is planned that ‘Lyd’ and all her yet to be fitted components will be on public display at an open weekend at Boston Lodge 4-6th May 2008.

Some Technical Details

Boiler design has been given particular attention. The aim has been to achieve peak economical performance. The original envelope, although small in diameter relative to its length, has been retained. A higher boiler pressure will be used along with a modest degree of superheat or ‘steam drying’ to improve the power output. Originally designed for oil firing the locomotive is now most likely to burn coal. The ability to change fuels is incorporated in the design.

Pony truck design has created some heartache. Although the L&B was not deficient of curves they were not of unduly sharp radius. To allow more flexibility in operating over sharp radii, the truck suspension has been revised and has also received detailed alterations to allow more side play. The unusual Joy valve gear has received detailed analysis. Although some small anomalies have been discovered in the original drawings the valve events appear to be excellent. A working model of the valve gear has been created to check the operation of the valves.

The Future

Where will ‘Lyd’ operate? Those who have seen the scenery on the mountain stretch of the Welsh Highland Railway cannot fail to see the similarity with Exmoor. ‘Lyd’ is planned to operate both on the WHR and the FR. Originally it was not expected that the loco would fit the FR loading gauge due to problem with clearances on the cab in the tight tunnel on the FR at Garnedd. Many ‘Lyd’ supporters are also FR members and have expressed strong opinion that they would like to see the locomotive run on the FR. To this end the loco will be fitted with a slightly modified cab to permit operation on the FR. In all other respects the locomotive meets loading gauge requirements as drawn.

Operational experience on the WHR to date has shown that larger and more powerful locomotives are desirable. As such whilst ‘Lyd’ is expected to work the line it will only be capable of lighter workings, with a likely haulage capacity of five bogie vehicles.

It is of course possible that the locomotive will be available for hire to be used on other lines. As the L&B restoration moves forward it is possible that the loco will operate there, once the length of lines and loadings demand such a powerful machine. It must be recorded that, in respect of developing and re-opening the L&B line, both the ‘Lyd’ team and the L&B company share a similar vision. Cordial relations exist between the two groups and ‘Lyd’ team members are regular visitors to the Woody Bay HQ of the L&B revival.

How can you help?

With the locomotive 80% complete, and with half the funding to completion on hand, a further £40k is all that is needed to see a Lynton & Barnstaple loco in action again. Regular donations continue to be made by existing contributors and the ‘Lyd’ team work hard to raise funds by other means too. You can join the team either by making a lump sum donation (preferably using gift aid) or by making small regular payments. Those donating more than five hundred pounds will be assured a place on the first passenger train hauled by ‘Lyd’. Donations in excess of one hundred pounds will ensure receipt of the annual ‘Lyddite’ newsletter and special access to the locomotive and project team on official open days.

Any donation brings you the satisfaction of knowing that you helped to make the dream of a working Lynton and Barnstaple locomotive a reality.

For more information: write to Paul Lewin (‘Lyd’ Project Coordinator), Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harbour Station, Porthmadog, LL49 9NF.

The address for donations is:

Bill Edmondson
Lyd Project
Struan
Bushy Cross Lane
Ruishton
Taunton
Somerset TA3 5JY

You can download a gift aid form here (.pdf)