Yeo ExePress gives a periodic update of progress to recreate our ‘Exmoor Ponies’. It is issued exclusively to 762 Club members and then more widely about a month later. It will now also be published to this page to make sure it reaches as wide an audience as possible.
Issue 5 is here now. The previous 4 instalments, along with comments and replies, are on our facebook page which can be accessed by clicking on this link: 762 Club FB page. You can view the page without needing a facebook account.
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One of the completed regulator valves made it to our stand at the fabulous L&B gala at Woody Bay in September. We met many lovely people and enjoyed chatting about progress to date, planning our next steps and even how the regulator works. Thank you to all who stopped by.
The machined bogie frame stays have been delivered to Boston Lodge where they were seen at 3:47 in the FfWHR ‘Moving Pictures 112’ YouTube video being painted and oiled prior to being placed in our store.
In order to keep momentum quotations have been requested for machining the pistons and piston rods and also for a set of balanced slide valves. The pistons and rods should be fairly straightforward but the valves are complex and require some close tolerances and fine finishes. Both would be ideal for sponsorship so if you fancy being a part of either ‘Team Piston’ or ‘Team Valve’ then see below for details.
The valves and pistons waiting patiently for machining.
The boiler fund is over one third towards the price of the first boiler. This is a pretty good going and confirms the dedication and passion of many generous people who wish to see these locomotives working as they should. If we can get another £10,000 by the new year then we can start to feel more confident of commencing the boiler in 2026. There are many ways to help from just £25 for a firebox side stay (236 are needed per boiler so don’t be concerned that you may ‘miss the boat’!) Alternatively there may be someone who wishes to ‘own’ the living heart of Yeo or Exe – the whole inner firebox, flanged, drilled and welded, for £20,000.
With the drive to keep moving forward we shouldn’t lose sight of just how many parts of Yeo and Exe we now have. It must also be remembered that these often represent the difficult or long-lead items. The flycranks in particular took well over a year to get finished but there they are, in our store, and ready to go on the axles. The following graphic shows the parts we now have in store. They are waiting for the day when we can ask the workshop to begin erecting the frames and Yeo officially becomes a locomotive again.
Figure 3 The parts in yellow are already machined and in store for both Yeo and Exe.
If you are perhaps thinking of joining The 762 Club to become a team member bringing Yeo and Exe back to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway then please look at our website, Contributing | The 762 Club. Alternatively please contact jonpain762@outlook.com Every member is welcomed and appreciated in our family.
Becoming a sponsor by buying a part, or two, is another great way of becoming involved in our movement. Whilst the boiler is our main priority there are many other vital bits of steam locomotive that might be tempting. If joining Team Valve or Team Piston is not to your taste, I just mention superheaters, injectors and exhaust nozzles to whet your appetite. Our website has many items to sponsor but, if the part you fancy is not listed, just mention what you wish your name to be associated with.
Straightforward donations are always gratefully received.
Lloyds Bank
Sort code 30-90-78
Acc no. 29610160
THE 762 CLUB LTD.
If you are able to Gift Aid please confirm to Jon Pain.