Heritage Coaches Update - 19th April

Trevor Garnham of TAG Video was at Woody Bay to witness the unloading and first journey under steam...

Dean Sullivan owner of Sullivan Buses based at South Mimms kindly sent us these three pictures of our carriages at South Mimms Services on Monday afternoon:

1. Saloon end of No.17

2. No.7.

3. No.7 - the other side.

We often see railway carriages here. But rarely narrow gauge ones. The reason I was there is that I was about to leave work when I spotted them on the fuel pumps so took these three pictures. As a former London Underground Manager I have more than a passing interest in the railways - much to the annoyance of my staff!

They look very good - I wish you all the best with your project.

Dean Sullivan

Trust Chairman Peter Miles was also at Great Yeldham to witness the departure of the coaches and sent in the following photos as well as a short video:

1. Coach 17 almost fully emerged from the works.

2. Followed by No.7

3. No.17 in the spring sunshine.

4. Soon joined by No.7

5. Absolutely stunning!

6. The imposing 1st Class Coupe of No.17

The two carriages travelling significantly faster than will be expected of them on the L&B!

Photos and video by Peter Miles

Yet More Photos - This set from Brian Down

"I spent today at Great Yeldham and here are a few photos of the move, though I expect you are already inundated with many more as cameras were clicking merrily all afternoon. The carriages are absolutely splendid and a real credit to the Great Yeldham team. I have watched their progress at open days over the last few years & it was a great privilege to be allowed, as an outside member, to see the start of their long journey to Woody Bay. I am looking forward to coming down for the Gala and to ride in them behind Lyd, it will be another wonderful & memorable experience."

1. Carriage No. 17 is slowly hauled out into the sunshine.

2. Followed by Carriage No.7

3. Some realignment needed.

4. No.7 on its trailer.

5. No.17 on its trailer.

7. No.17 loaded all ready to go

8. As is No.7

Photos by Brian Down

This report and photos provided by Norman Willsher

The Great Escape! 15th April 2013

It has been a rather long and emotional day, but at least the sun shone and further enhanced the amazing spectacle of two original L&B Coaches emerging from our restoration workshop to give the world a sight not seen for a 100 years.

Grateful thanks to Duncan and James Milner who were on site with their lorries when we arrived at 07.45 this morning. They waited very, very patiently whilst essential work was completed on Carriage 17. Movement commenced at around 12.30pm with final departure at 17.45. Duncan and James anticipated a 6 hour drive to Woody Bay.

Hopefully, 7 and 17 will awake to a bright and sunny morning back where they belong - on Exmoor.

Both happy and sad to see these two coaches finally leave our care - however they looked great and I can tell you a few tears were shed. To the team at Woody Bay please do look after them! To all that love the L&B we hope that they live up to your expectations and are all you had hoped they would be.

Norman

1. Coach 17 crosses the threshhold of Pilton (EAST)

2. Coach 7 exits Pilton (EAST)

3. An original L&B train - 17 leading 7

4. First rays of sunlight fall on Coach 17

5. Freedom! Coach 17.

6. Freedom! Coach 7

7. The journey home. Duncan Milner leads the convoy with Coach 7 as they depart Great Yeldham.....

8. ......and James Milner follows on with Coach 17, next stop Woody Bay, aka Pilton (Summit).

Above Text and Photo's by Norman Willsher.

Essex based - L&B Member Tony Spencer sent us these photos taken at Great Yeldham in the morning before departure:

Transport awaits.

Two L&B carriages will be heading out past these buses later today

But first this will have to be moved...

.....followed by this - which was not going anywhere having refused to start! Battery now on charge.

None of this is possible without their wives support - Sheila Ely (Tony Ely) and Carole Willsher (Norman Willsher).

A small selection of The EAST Restoration Team (l to r) Malcolm Cohen, David Ely, Leon Ely, Pete Snashall, Julia Snashall, Tony Ely, Norman Willsher and David Gandell suitably posed by a photographer from the Halstead Gazette - one of the local papers.

Plus Some video from Julia Snashall