Launceston Cornwall England United Kingdom - The UK's newest steam locomotive is making its South West debut in Launceston.
 
The replica "Lyd" will no doubt draw a big crowd of enthusiasts.
 
Of the four original locomotives on the Lynton & Barnstaple route, three were scrapped after the line closed in 1935.
 
One was exported to Brazil, never to be seen again.
 
The locos were all named after local rivers with just three letters in their names.
 
They were called Yeo, Exe, Taw, Lew, and Lyn.
 
The project to re-create one of the Manning Wardle built locomotives was started by a local engineer and L&B enthusiast James Evans in his own workshop.
 
Despite his enthusiasm he soon realized it would take too long as a solo project.
 
A partnership was formed with the Ffestiniog Railway in North Wales, and in 1996 work was transferred to their works at Boston Lodge.
 
A band of supporters for the "Lyd Project" had already been formed by James, so there was a steady source of income.
 
The new partnership resulted in more members being recruited to raise the money to complete this impressive half-million pound locomotive.
 
The Lyd itself was finished only a few weeks ago.
 
It has been undergoing trials on the Ffestiniog Railway, which have been extremely successful.
 
Whilst the appearance of Lyd is authentic, the opportunity has been taken to make some small improvements in the design where this would not compromise the integrity of the project.
 
Operating days for the Lyd at Launceston will be 16, 17, and 19 Sep 2010, normal fares will apply.
 
Managing Director Nigel Bowman said:  "Not only are we all delighted to welcome such a tremendous piece of engineering, but as a project which started locally with our good friend James Evans, it is particularly appropriate that its first visit to the West Country should be to Launceston, where many of the supporters will be able to see it for themselves. It will be making history as it will be the first time ever that one of these ex-Southern Railway engines will have worked over any other part of the former Southern Railway."
 
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