Members Day 13 November

Sunday 13th November was the last operating day of the 2011 Season and featured both Axe and Lilla, double-heading as well as brake-van rides for Members only. 

 

1. LILLA with the members only brake van (plus wagon) morning trip at Killington Lane.

 

2. LILLA at Killington Lane.

 

3. LILLA's  shadow seen in the fields on the trip up the line.

 

4. Looking from the brake van window as LILLA ascends to Woody Bay.

 

5. Inside the Brake Van No.56042, guard Eddie Mills (right) keeps a watchful eye whilst the other 'off duty' members enjoy their ride.

 

6. At Woody Bay these poppies and crosses for local family servicemen lost in all wars were planted by local school children on November 11th - Armistice Day.

 

7. Autumnal colours in this scene at Woody Bay with LILLA.

 

8. AXE arrives with a passenger service whilst LILLA awaits another goods train departure.

 

9. LILLA with the goods train trip approaches Woody Bay.

 

10. Next was a double-headed trip with LILLA piloting AXE nearing Woody Bay.

 

11. Seen on location near the sleeper stacks LILLA with the goods train.

 

12. The final afternoon goods trip was enjoyed by almost a dozen members in the Brake Van.

 

13. LILLA's  last L&B train was to double-head with AXE, the 15:45 Members (and a few visitors) Special from Killington Lane to Woody Bay.

A unique Hunslet, Lilla is larger than most quarry engines was  She was hard at work in the Cilgwyn Slate Quarry, Gwynedd. North Wales even before the L&BR had applied for its Act of Parliament!

This 120 year old veteran has proved popular with both visitors and staff alike and this was the last chance to see and hear Lilla in action on the Lynton & Barnstaple at Woody Bay (CLICK HERE FOR A TASTE) as she has now returned to her home on the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales.

Many thanks to all our friends at the Ffestiniog Railway and also to the Lilla Loco Group for allowing us to enjoy this rare and splendid loco.