PILTON's Progress - or "The Beast of Exmoor"

The wet weather arrived later than forecast, but by mid-afternoon Saturday had turned very wet and misty at Woody Bay. Too late to prevent over 250 passengers enjoying a trip behind AXE, mainly earlier in the day, whilst the scenery was still on display.

Strange noises began to make themselves heard, and there were reports of a large black creature being glimpsed, a shape hiding in the mist beyond the end of the platform. Was it the Beast of Exmoor? Levers were pulled in the signal cabin, and the rumbling came closer, moving through the down platform, heading toward Lynton.

As the dark shadow passed the station building, we realised what it was: PILTON was on the move! Resident Engineer Chris Carder had completed some work to the turbo on the Cummins diesel engine, and it was heading for the engine shed, with HEDDON HALL coupled at the rear to provide brakes, otherwise it might really have been heading for Lynton.

PILTON is now safely squeezed into the shed, awaiting further attention and a return to full operating condition for the first time since leaving Australia. Watch this space.

Words and pictures: Dave Tooke

1. PILTON on the move.

2. PILTON running through the station.

3. PILTON inside the shed.