Later this year, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (L&BR) at Woody Bay in Devon will become the custodians of a unique 0-4-0 tender tank steam locomotive, No. 9 Jean.

Jean was designed by Dr Alan ‘Chalky’ White and named after his late wife, with most of the construction taking place at Dr White’s home. Construction was completed in the workshops of the Gartell Light Railway (GLR) in Templecombe, Somerset, where it entered service in 1998.

Jean is being entrusted to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in accordance with Dr White’s final wishes.

No. 9 Jean will remain at the GLR throughout the 2026 season and will star at its events throughout the summer and autumn before being transported to Woody Bay after the GLR’s 2026 season ends.

Dr White spent his early career at the aircraft manufacturer de Havilland, where he developed a wide knowledge of all aspects of aviation engineering, including many types of aircraft, from jet engines to helicopters. He also worked in the stress office, drawing office, and various machine shops.

After leaving de Havilland, he joined Middlesex Polytechnic as a lab technician and, through various promotions, was appointed Assistant Dean. Although his early career was in aviation, his biggest love was steam engineering, both on rails and on the road.

This unique, beautifully built, and carefully maintained steam locomotive will provide the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway with more flexibility for its special events and driver experiences, as well as offering an added attraction for the learning activities during its new youth volunteer programme.

Live views of the railway’s station at Woody Bay can be seen online via webcams that capture the station from the down starter signal.

“We are hugely grateful to the family of ‘Chalky’ White for putting their faith in us to take care of No. 9 Jean. We will ensure that our volunteers and visitors alike understand the importance of this extremely generous donation and the legacy of its truly remarkable builder. We will put this unique engine to good use, flying the flag for British narrow-gauge steam engineering at Woody Bay and further afield”.

Giles Perkins, Chair of the L&BR Trust