Caprotti valve gear

Who knows what could have been achieved with further development of the British Caprotti valve gear. Fitted to a number of the Standard's, only development on the gear of the Duke gave an indication of what could have been achieved.  

Minehead and thr Duke

The incredible work of saving and preserving this locomotive is a triumph for the scene. With further work on her caprotti valve gear she now steams at the optimum and performs perfectly doing all that is asked of it. Such a pity steam was withdrawn with such rapidity.

Duke of Gloucester

What a wonderful surprise this year. On my visit to Minehead there was Duke of Gloucester in all it's glory simmering nicely in the yard.

Take a closer view of AXE

So take a closer view of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway and see the engines for yourself. It is easy to find. Just off the A39 Barnstaple to Lynton Rd.

By Car

Woody Bay Station is located on the A39, half way between Blackmoor Gate and Lynton (a mile to the east of Parracombe).  For SAT NAV the Postcode is EX31 4RA.
From the M5, turn off at junction 27 (Tiverton) and follow the A361 ‘North Devon Link Road’ to South Molton. At the roundabout take the A399 towards Lynton and Combe Martin. At Blackmoor Gate, turn onto the A39 towards Lynton.
Woody Bay Station has car parking facilities and can also accommodate coaches on quiet days (coach drivers - please phone the station to confirm). During major events, additional parking is provided at Blackmoor Gate with a bus link - please contact the railway for more details.

AXE departing with it's train for Killington Lane

AXE is a super little engine and does the bulk of the work. SID has just had an overhaul and some serious boiler work and now has a new boiler certificate so should be taking some of the weight of work this year.

AXE with her safety's blowing

Here AXE climbs the bank to Woody Bay station with her safety's blowing in quick style.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

A Brief History of Axe

Kerr, Stuart & Co Ltd built No. 2451 - the loco now known as Axe - at Stoke-on-Trent in 1915. A side and well tank locomotive, it was one of the seventy 60cm gauge "Joffre" Class engines - named after the French First World War commander - that the French government ordered for service on the Western Front.
After the war, 2451 stayed in France, working in the quarrying industry. In about 1956, 2451, along with four sister locos, was found by British enthusiasts, lying derelict at Rinxent, about 12 miles from Calais, having gone out of service almost ten years earlier.
In 1974, all five locos - believed to be the only survivors of the class - were repatriated to England. No 2405 went to the West Lancashire Light Railway near Southport.The others - including 2451 - ended up at the Penyrorsedd Quarry Museum in North Wales, in 1976, and then, in 1978, to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Nos. 2442, 3010 and 3014 were cosmetically restored, but 2451 remained unpainted.
2442 is at the Tefi Valley Railway in South Wales, 3010 is at Dereham in Norfolk,3014 is now at Apedale, Staffordshire.  No 2405 is currently being restored to original condition, and due toreturn to steam during 2009.
No 2451 was purchased by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in 1983. Following the original L&BR’s policy of naming its locos after three-letter Devon rivers, No 2451 was christened Axe.
‘Axe’ - Vital Statistics

Length: 15’ 6 1/8"
Height: 8’ 6 1/4"
Width: 5’ 3 3/4"
Tractive Effort: 3,862 lb
Gauge: 1’ 11 5/8" (600 mm)
Cylinders: 8 1/2" dia. x 11" stroke
Valve Gear: Walschaerts
Wheel Dia.: 1’ 11 5/8"
Wheelbase: 4’ 7 1/8"
Water Capacity: Well and Side Tanks: 264 gallons
Coal Capacity: 10 cwt
Weight: (empty) 8T 4 cwt
Weight: (working order) 10T 8 cwt