The Lynton and Barnstaple line was closed in 1935 and the assets of the railway sold off. There was little interest in what was quite well maintained rolling stock and the locomotives realised little, all being scrapped except of the newest engine LEW which was subsequently exported for use in Brazil.
The construction of the new E190 LYD has provided an opportunity to create an image of the Lynton and Barnstaple line if it had survived through WW2, serving an area with a growing tourist trade like the GWR owned Vale of Rheidol line in Wales. Fortunately the enthusiast led Lynton and Barnstaple society have successfully restarted the line, reconstructing 2 miles of track from Woody Bay station with approval for further expansion.