SEPTEMBER 30 will see the £650,000 replica Baldwin 2-4-2T Lyn officially launched at the start of Lynton & Barnstaple Railway’s two-day autumn gala.
Lyn is a new-build replacement of the original locomotive built in 1898 to operate the railway. It passed a steam test at Alan Keef’s Ross-on-Wye works on September 7.
The first Lyn was built by Baldwin’s of Philadelphia and shipped as a kit of parts to be assembled at the L&B’s Pilton Works. Sadly, it was scrapped in 1935 when the railway closed.
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Now, after seven years, 7000 drawings and more than 25,000 components, a locomotive that looks very much like the original Lyn, but is more powerful and economic to run, has been constructed and will make its formal public launch at Woody Bay. The new Lyn has been built by the 762 Club, which takes its name from the locomotive’s number during Southern Railway ownership.
The idea of a new Lyn was first put forward in 2006, but serious work did not begin until 2011 when an order for the boiler was placed. The construction has been financed through an active membership each buying a share costing £762, or by sponsoring a component.
Many Devon firms have made a huge contribution by making parts free of charge or at very favourable rates.
Around £25,000 is still needed to cover painting, lining, transport and some cosmetic components.
Club membership costs £762 but payments can be phased over 30 months. Visit www.762club.com for further details.
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