Lew (locomotive)

Infobox Locomotive
name=Southern Railwat E188 "Lew"


imagesize=
caption=
powertype=Steam
gauge=RailGauge|23.5|lk=on
builder=Manning Wardle (England)
serialnumber=2042
builddate=1925
whytetype=2-6-2
leadingsize=convert|2|ft|0|in|m|3|abbr=on
driversize=convert|2|ft|9|in|m|3|abbr=on
trailingsize=convert|2|ft|0|in|m|3|abbr=on
wheelbase="Coupled:" convert|6|ft|6|in|m|3|abbr=on
"Total:" convert|17|ft|9|in|m|3|abbr=on
length=convert|22|ft|4|in|m|2|abbr=on over buffer beams
width=convert|6|ft|7|in|m|2|abbr=on
height=convert|8|ft|11|in|m|2|abbr=on
weight=convert|27.25|LT|lk=on
fueltype=Coal
firearea=convert|8.85|sqft|m2|abbr=on
totalsurface=convert|383|sqft|m|2|abbr=on
cylindercount=Two, outside
cylindersize=convert|10.5|x|16|in|mm|0|abbr=on
valvegear=Joy
railroad=Southern Railway
locale=Devon, South West England
roadnumber=E188
lastrundate=September 1936
retiredate=1936
disposition=sold overseas, believed to Brazil - final destination and fate unknown

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

"Lew", like the earlier locomotives on the L&B, was named after the River Lew, a local watercourse with a three-letter name.

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, after the railway closed. However, she was purchased in December by the dismantler and was used on this task until July 1936.

In September Lew Sailed on SS Sabor - believed to have been destined for a plantation in Brazil, but since leaving Swansea, has disappeared and hasn't been heard of since.G A Brown, J D C A Prideaux, & H G Radcliffe: "The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway" published by David and Charles, First Edition 1964, ISBN 0-7153-4958-9]

Lew has been the focus of several rail enthusiasts' search efforts. No new information has come to light, but many believe that there is a chance she still exists.

The tradition of naming L&B steam locos after local watercourses continues into the 21st Century, with "Lyd", a replica of "Lew" (the fourth and final locomotive built to this basic design during the lines original existence), under construction at Boston Lodge on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. Although an independent project, it is hoped that when completed "Lyd" will visit Woody Bay. In order to navigate Garnedd tunnel, but still look externally accurate to the original, "Lyd"s cab is to be fitted with adjustable side panels.

Closer to The L&B, the railway's trust currently owns one steam locomotive - renamed "Axe" - which although it did not serve on the historic L&B, is being rebuilt for eventual use on the new line, currently centred at Woody Bay.The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Magazine published three times a year by The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust. 1979 to date - "various articles refer"]

References