Lew (locomotive)


Lew was a Manning Wardle 2-6-2T built in 1925 for the narrow gauge Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.

History

Lew, following L&B tradition, was named after one of the local rivers with a three-letter name, the River Lew.
Lew was similar in design to the previous Manning Wardle locomotives built for the L&B, the main difference being a redesigned cab to eliminate a smoke trap, and give more room to the crew. She was sold at auction along with other L&B equipment in November 1935, two months after the railway closed. However, she was purchased in December by a dismantler and was used to remove the line until July 1936.
On 28 September 1936, Lew sailed from Swansea, on the – believed to have been destined for a plantation in Brazil. Sabor arrived in Pernambuco on 15 October 1936. Sabor left Pernambuco on 17 October, called at Bahia on 20 October, and arrived in Rio de Janeiro on 23 October.
Despite the efforts of many enthusiasts, no proof of the locomotive's current whereabouts, or eventual fate has been published.

Lyd

A replica of Lew, named Lyd in accordance with the L&B tradition of naming its locos after local three-letter rivers, was completed at Boston Lodge on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway in August 2010.