Work is continuing on Axe at the Gartell Light Railway at Templecombe in Somerset - in preparation for the forthcoming delivery to Woody Bay in just a few weeks time.

Two recent visits to the workshops show how close the L&B is to having its own steam loco in service, for the first time since 1935.

(Click on any of these images, to see a larger version)

Smokebox and buffer beam - 30 September (photo: Bob Sweet)

Smokebox and buffer beam - 18 October (Photo: Peter Miles)

Three-quarter view - 30 September (photo: Bob Sweet)

Three-quarter view - 18 October (Photo: Tony Nicholson)

and this time, from further back - 18 October (Photo: Ian Cowling)

On the footplate - 18 October (Photo: Ian Cowling)

View as if from a bridge parapet? - 18 October (Photo: Ian Cowling)

Profile - 30 September (Photo: Bob Sweet)

Firebox doors and cab interior - 18 October (Photo: Peter Miles)

The next project? - Yeo’s frames awaiting further attention…(Photo: Peter Miles)

Thanks go to those who supplied the images above, and to the staff at Gartells for their support.