The L&B 2-6-2T was a class of steam locomotive introduced and operated by the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway between 1898 and 1925. Four of the locomotives were built to operation on the line, and one replica locomotive survives today. Three locomotives were built by Manning Wardle of Leeds for the opening of the narrow gauge Lynton and Barnstaple railway in north Devon in 1898. "Exe" "Yeo" and "Taw" were used on passenger and freight traffic on the line and were delivered in a dark green livery. The line became part of the Southern Railway in 1923 and all three locomotives were refurbished and repainted into the olive green livery adopted by the company. An additional locomotive, "Lew", was built by Manning Wardle with some minor changes to the design and entered service in 1925. The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway was closed in 1935 and all four locomotives were withdrawn from service. The original three were scrapped whilst "Lew" was sold and exported to Brazil, although no details of its life in South America are known. A replica of "Lew" was started in the late 1990s, being completed by 2010. This locomotive, named "Lyd" can be seen in operation on the Ffestiniog Railway as well as occasionally visiting the reopened section of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. As of 2020, further replicas of "Exe" and "Yeo" are also under construction. |
|
Type of Locomotive |
Steam |
Builder |
Manning Wardle, Leeds |
Build Dates |
Originals: 1898 & 1925 Replica: 2010 |
Total Built |
5 (4 Originals & 1 Replica) |
Wheel Configuration |
2-6-2T |
Operated By |
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Southern Railway |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
December 1935 (Original) |
Surviving Examples |
All Originals Scrapped Replica in service now |