First update.

Outdoor work update

The outdoor gang has been busy in three different places. The gang could be bigger, so if you're at all interested, get in touch with Andy Hearn here:   meatmanuk(at)gmail.com

 

 

 

The filled in culvert near the north end of section 8 by bridge 16 has been completely dug out again. It was all done by hand - not bad for a small team!

Laying track along here from Snapper is currently at the pre-planning stage, so the gang is getting ready with the infrastructure beneath.

 

 

The culvert, see from above, with some of the original stonework. It will be replaced by concrete rings, to cope with the run-off from the road above.

The trolley in the distance is parked on the original trackbed, which curves round to the right and then passes Snapper halt. That is the section for the first laying of track (well, there's a bit at Snapper Halt already) but not for running. The principle is: Let's get some track laid where we can. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new collector has had some more concrete blocks added to it.

 

 

 

 

This was the collector after last weekend.

At Snapper itself, new gates have been installed to the storage area. It also looks very smart now, with all the ground management that has been undertaken.

 

 

Further along is Collard bridge, bridge 18. This is on the first stretch immediately beyond the scout camp.

 

 

 

 

Here we've been strimming the undergrowth back. As the trackbed in ownership lengthens, we need more lineside clearance members to keep it all back, and neat and tidy. Can you work a strimmer? Get in touch!

 

In the picture is the curve been Collard bridge and the skew bridge under the road. 

 

 

 

 

 The area under and on either side of the bridge looks much better now.

 

 

 Looking south from Collard bridge itself the line curves right on a low embankment over a floodplain. It stops abruptly at the bridge over the Yeo, bridge 17. This is missing of course. Then it's the scout camp site, where we recently negotiated a way through.

 

On the right a cut has been made to a small car park. Too small to consider any sort of operation starting here.

 

 

Further up at Bratton Fleming the replica goods shed is making progress.

More white bricks have been cleaned, and stacked ready for laying the plinth. These are all from the viaduct, cast aside when the parapet was removed (and since rebuilt with other white bricks).

There will be a single track inside (half of) the building, and a siding alongside on the left, where the roadway is at the moment. 

 

 

 At the station end there is also a considerable stack of the freshly cleaned bricks.

 

 

 

Inside the shed the floor has been dug out, and several electrical service ducts laid.

Of the four bays, two will be for rail vehicle storage, and the nearer two bays for accommodation.

The contractor Hotworks should finish their footing concreting and steelwork erection this week, and clear the site. 

 

There is nothing further to report on land acquisitions, which grind on with the legal eagles. Sales have been agreed, but that unfortunately isn't the end of the road yet. So patience is required here.

Exceptional print for sale:

 

To raise money for the BYVRT, this lovely print below has been made in a very limited run of just 20 copies. 

 

Image copyright: Sean Boland.

Through the efforts of one of our volunteers, the Trust has managed to obtain permission to reproduce the image of Bratton Fleming station by Sean Bolan, which was used on the cover of the book:  "The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Measured & Drawn"  (without the overlaid text and garter).

We have a small number of prints for sale to raise funds for the Trust, which will help us complete the Goods Shed at Bratton, and other projects.

We would like to get £50 for each one if possible (postage & packing can be included if you are not visiting North Devon anytime in the near future).

It will all go to Trust funds, less a small amount for the artist.

Each image is unframed, ready for the frame of your choice.

The actual size of the full colour image is 420 x 287mm, with a 25mm white border.

The picture shows one of the Manning Wardles just setting of towards Lynton, with the spur to the goods shed (currently being reconstructed, subject to funds) on the right.

 

The sloping path to the station can be seen on the left. This is partly owned by Quarry House, as well as the stretch of trackbed behind the train. Quarry house is currently for sale, and the trackbed is included in the sale (unfortunately not separately)

 

If you'd like to help the BYVRT and the rebuilding of the goods shed by buying a copy of the print, get in touch with: 

 

phil.heathcote(at)byvrt.org.uk

 

Details for bank transfer are:

Name of account: Barnstaple & Yeo Valley Railway Trust

Sort code: 40-52-40

Account number: 00036083

Ref: BF

If you just want to help with a donation, the BYVRT bank details are as follows:

Donations can be gift aided, as the BYVRT is a charity. We have a gift aid form, available on demand.

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Thanks for your interest, and perhaps even financial help.