16th February, 2026
Prototype locomotive No. 001 built in 1996 by 'The Hunslet Hire Company', one of last incarnations of the famous locomotive builders, has found a new permanent home at Woody Bay.
The diminutive cabless locomotive was offered for sale by a local supporter of the railway and has been purchased by three of our active volunteers. It's envisaged that No 1 will be used as shed pilot and on light permanent way duties. Also acquired were two ex-Barnstaple RGB skip wagons which will be restored at a private location.
As part of the transaction a 2ft flat wagon with lifting arm, was offered to the railway for use alongside our other wagons being transported as part of the same move. This wagon was purchased through our 'General Managers' Fund' (link below for donations) as it will greatly benefit our volunteers in their work maintaining the railway during the closed periods.
The addition of these items of rolling stock not only expands our wagon and locomotive fleet but helps give us flexibility and resilience for our maintenance activities.
We'd like to express a huge thank you to everyone involved for making this important project happen and helping the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
Picture: previous and new owners with Hunslet No. 1 at Woody Bay.