L&B LYN TO RECEIVE RE-PROFILED WHEELS
New-build replica Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 2-4-2T No. 762 Lyn is to have its driving wheels reprofiled to enable it to run over the current full length of the line. As one of a number of upgrades and modifications made to the original Baldwin design, the locomotive has been fitted with wheel profiles based on the work of pioneering advanced steam engineer L. D. Porta to provide higher adhesion. However, the Porta wheel profiles have resulted in a narrower tread, meaning that the wheels are making contact at the step on the tread design as they traverse some crossings – including the new points on the Killington Lane run-round loop – which has caused some scoring of the metalwork. The 762 Club – Lyn’s owner - is exploring a number of options to have the wheels reprofiled with standard treads. This will not be the only modification made to No. 762, which was completed in September last year, as early teething problems with the injectors forced the reduction of the locomotive’s boiler pressure until the issue could be rectified. New clack valves have been designed and will be fitted, meaning that the 2-4-2T can run at its intended 250lb/sq.in. The pointwork at the L&B’s Killington Lane terminus, the tight radius of which limited Lyn’s operation during the railway’s Autumn Gala last year, was replaced during the last week of March, meaning Lyn can operate solo over the one-mile route. As reported in SR475, Lyn will be united with the Ffestiniog Railway’s replica Manning Wardle 2-6-2T No. E190 Lyd at the L&B’s Autumn Gala on September 29/30, allowing L&B designs to run together on the original route for the first time since the railway closed on September 29 1935.