2007 Photograph archive.

"2007" Photograph archive
Last updated on Sunday, 23 December 2007

Photographs taken on 20th &21st December 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 23/12/2007

Thursday, 20th December. An access scaffold is delivered...	...to enable Dave Gibson...	Friday, 21st December ...to access the roof space...
...to erect trunking for lights and power.

Photographs taken on 15th & 16th December 2007
Taken by Bill Newton
Uploaded on 18/12/2007

The first of the Santa Specials waits in the platform.	Sally Newton takes a quick look to make sure everything is tidy...	...before the first children arrive with Santa.
We were joined by two well known locals who never say no to a hot drink. (Gareth & Bryn).	Someone else who enjoyed a hot cuppa on a chilly day.

Photographs taken on 15th & 16th December 2007
(Selection from the Santa Special weekend)
Taken by Martin Riley
Uploaded on 17/12/2007

One little girl anxiuosly waits for her mom to open her present...	...while this excited little boy just can't wait.	...and of course there is the ride on the train too.
The Christmas Tree with various presents await the children to enter...	...and so does Santa.	You can't keep Gareth or Bryn Morgan away at any time of year.
Chris Newton and daughter Sally sample the mulled wine on the Saturday to make sure it is not too strong (hic!)...	...while Janet Williams, Chris Britchford and Paul Merriman sample it on the Sunday (just to be sure).

Photographs taken on 15th & 16th December 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 17/12/2007

Saturday, 15.12.07. The weather was very cool - and the steam was more prominent as a result.	The sheep don't think much of it!	In the Shed, Paul and Adrian fabricate the second rear door for the Carriage Shed.
It's a frame-up!	A trial fitting of the second door frame...	...and a check for clearances.
Lunch break - disturbed by Dave Price and Chris!	Back to work!	Saturday evening - Christmas dinner in the Pen y bont, Talyllyn.

		Shelley and her mother warm themselves by the fire!

Sunday 16.12.07. Adrian ponders locking arrangements for the doors with Paul.	Richard changes rotten planks outside the shed doors.	Another load of passengers arrive seeking Santa!
Lying down on the job!	The completed door makes its way down to the Carriage Shed.	The door hung, John Trott calls to supervise its closing!
The doors are closed - it's warmer already!	Dave Kingman puts No. 6 away at the end of a fun weekend!

Photographs taken between 26th & 28th November 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 02/12/2007

Monday, 26.11.07. The weather has turned decidedly wetter and colder!	It's a fine turnout...	...of volunteers to off-load a new supply of rail and turnouts for Maespoeth yard!
Plenty of nourishment close by!	It is not just milk that Mansel Davies carries past Corris!	The rails are too long for the excavator to reach their centres, so after slinging...
...everyone stands clear...	...swing the rails clear away from the lorry...	...drag the rails to the edge of the lorry deck...
...then with a quick flick, they clear it...	...and then it is all hands to place on the stack...	...and undo the shackles...
...release the slings...	...and clean up while waiting to offload the next batch!	Soon the last pair are lifted off...
...and after a quick clean up, the lorry can go.	Wednesday, 28.11.07. Lez has started on the blockwork, but the weather is not good.

Photographs taken between 19th & 24th November 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 26/11/2007

Monday, 19.11.07. Ply sheets for soffits on the new roof have received their first coat of stain...	...and the photograph is taken just as the scaffold arrives for the rest of the Carriage Shed roof.	Tuesday, 20.11.07. The majority of the scaffold is erected...
...and the scaffolders have just arrived to finish it off...	...just as Graham arrives to start work.	Wednesday 21.11.07. The scaffold is up and finished, ready for the builders...
...including Lez - to do the blockwork walls.	Thursday 22.11.07. If only there was a pot of gold...	Friday 23.11.07. Bricks, slate lathes, blocks and...
...cement all ready for Lez - but where is he?	Saturday 24.11.07. Dave Price does everybody a favour - puts the kettle on!	Trefor is as spotless as ever!
The soffit sheets have had a second coat of stain...	...and the remainder of the steel mesh has been brought down to the Carriage Shed floor.	Dick is recovering sand to keep Lez supplied...
...and the timber cladding material has made it under cover.	During the week, a crucible has been cobbled together to help cast small non-ferrous items.	Dave Price is fabricating a steel puller for Trefor...
...who is re-fixing the inlet manifold on No. 6 after the fitting of a cold start in the air flow.	Dick and Steve discuss moving materials, now that more blocks are ready on an extended internal scaffold for the absent Lez.	Steve drags more mesh down, using the dumper.

Photographs taken 17th & 18th November 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 18/11/2007

Get the point? Andrew and Trefor discuss the finer points of drills with John.	One broken bolt drilled out, and the extractor on the sprocket of No. 6 ready for another go at removing it.	Paul prepares a steel SHS to fabricate another door for the Carriage Shed.
Yesterday slate lathes were delivered for the next section of roof...	...together with timber rafters.	Richard works inside the water tank, fitting a ball valve...
...duly completed. So that is where that coupler went!	Andrew dismantles the electrics on No. 6...	...to fit a cold start - very timely!
By evening, the stubborn sprocket on No. 6 is still there.	Paul trims up the door frame for the Carriage Shed...	...before trying it in position.
Is it straight? Not yet - the bottom hinge hasn't been fixed yet!	The top hinge is a snug fit, so needs a little persuasion to take the frame down again.	Getting ready for the next phase of shed construction - ply sheets for soffits (foreground), sand and blocks moved down...
...while a scaffold has been set up for the next bay with blocks already loaded.	Just a small problem - a few tonnes of gravel has had to be moved to restore road access to the Carriage Shed.	The basic door frame complete with hinges awaits finishing.
Richard finds a very ap-pealing job to do!	Two more advertising boards ready for installation on the platform fence. Would you like your business to be advertised there?	Richard and Dave prepare...
...to erect the Santa trains board on the gantry...	...duly completed!	Richard has been busy in Corris as well with a new board...
...and Santa Trains posters.	Inside the Carriage Shed at night. How long will this photo be possible?

Photographs taken w/e 11th November 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 12/11/2007

Andrew has come along to help Trefor get the final drive sprocket and leaking seal off...	...but it is still there...	...after bending the extraction tool...
...so they clean out the fuel system instead.

Photographs taken on 29th October & 4th November 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 05/11/2007

Monday, 29.10.07. Roger Gray cleans up after working on the bogie carriage in the Museum under the light of an effective Christmas lantern!	The work on the vestibule area is of particularly high quality.	Tuesday 30.10.07. John and Graham chat over lunch in the sunshine...
...before getting back to work.	Outside, the structural retaining wall of the Carriage Shed is receiving almost the last of its concrete infill...	...from the work station...
...which is fed by water from our underground water tank via. a hose - which seems to have sprung a leak!	Also present is Dave Gibson, working on the electric installation.	Wednesday, 31.10.07. By morning, not a lot of concrete needs mixing to get to the end.
Inside the Shed, hangers are somehow in position to take the electrical trunking.	By evening, the vestibule area in the Museum is approaching completion...	...as is the northern saloon...
...watched over by Roger!	Y Mochyn has a very bright next door neighbour.	Thursday, 1.11.07. The yard is set up to receive cement grout to complete the waterproofing cavity in the Carriage Shed wall...
...and fencing has been removed to give room to manoeuvre...	...now that the reinforced concrete cavity in the wall has been completed.	Friday, 2.11.07. The cement grout has arrived early...
...but the chutes are too short so have to be extended.	The grout comes out of the lorry....and stays there!	With the aid of much plasticiser, things are got flowing at last!
Saturday, 3.11.07. It looks like plenty of work was done yesterday!	The cavity is all but complete...	...but some has seeped through - which should seal any holes that might have been present before!
Trefor has brought No. 6 into the shed to replace a faulty final drive seal...	...which proves rather difficult to get at - special tools required!	Sunday 4.11.07. Maespoeth in the sun!

Photographs taken on 27th & 28th October 2007
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 04/11/2007

Saturday 27th - the day of the AGM. Sue Phillips, widow of our dear friend the late, Bryn Phillips, unveils a clock and plaque placed in memory of Bryn...	... with the inscription: "In memory of Bryn Phillips. 1931 - 2007 Still keeping our guards on time".	Later at the AGM, Peter Guest was presented with a painting by Jonathan Clay, commissioned by the committee and privately funded, of the Tattoo Locomotive, Carriage 21 and Carriage 22, to mark his achievements with regard to the Tattoo Locomotive since February 1995.
On Sunday, Roger Gray continued the restoration of Carriage 7.	Later in the day, Roger started fitting the North-East side panel.	Jill Oxford & Rosie Guest got the museum ready for our expected seasonal visitor on 15th & 16th December.

Photographs taken on 27th & 28th October 2007
Taken by John Arnold
Uploaded on 04/11/2007

The "early crew". (From left) Steve Parr, Steve Clarke, Trefor Davis & Andrew Rawlins get the steam loco ready for service...	...and off it goes to Corris.	Meanwhile: Hi Ho...
Hi Ho ...	It's off to the shed we go... (Adrian, Trefor, Andrew & Paul).	...to hang the first door at the North End of the Carriage Shed.
David Coleman comes to take a look.	A very dull late afternoon makes the yard at Maespoeth look very damp and uninviting...	...and into the early evening work continues in the Engine Shed.

Photographs taken between 25th & 28th October 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 03/11/2007

Thursday. Phew! The coal had disappeared from the loading bay: it has been stacked outside the shed!	Friday. John Reynard says he is not here!	Infilling of concrete in the retaining wall has continued...
...after Lez had infilled the last panel of blocks on the west wall.	This job is the pits! Father and son, Andy and Jack Cooper, clean and paint pit columns for the new track.	Steve, observed by Mike, takes delivery of two hydraulic platforms to assist with steel work erection over the weekend.
All the block work panels done (west side) and scaffold dismantled, leaving the floor clear for the Metsec purlins to be erected.	Saturday. First train out - members chat while passengers prepare to board.	Adrian is fabricating something in the engine shed!
Bryn and Jack sort nuts, bolts and washers for the steel erectors.	Alan Witts prepares to accept the 11.00 Down train, while Dave Price goes through paperwork to bring it up to date.	Some of the passengers from the first train are received by Alan as Dave Kingman escapes the duty!
Mike fixes steelwork - and chatting Dave and Adrian with a stare!	Andy, Des Stewart and Jack continue with the pit column cleaning and painting.	Des cleans up a column...
...while Jack follows with the paint roller.	Break time! Andy and Mike take a breather between erecting Metsec light steel purlins.	Yo-ho, heave ho! Andy guides the tail of a purlin into place...
...assisted by Dick Kidner at the other end.	Lunch time - and one bay is virtually complete. But - it is raining!	Stella receives fuss from Ali in the S & T shed!
Paul and Adrian complete fixing of the rear door frame, as steel erection re-commences in the background...	...which involves drilling more holes in the door frame.	Adrian's fabrications from yesterday are lined up!
One of the new back doors arrives with the assistance of the train crew...	...and offer it up for fitting - with difficulty!	Successfully hung...while steel erection continues in the background in light rain.
By the time of the last train, two and a half bays of steel are erected, despite the rain.	Sunday. Paul was making up better fitting hinge pins for the back doors of the Carriage Shed...	...while a clean faced Trefor prepares No. 7 for the winter.
After heavy overnight rain, things have picked up! Andrew fixes a purlin on the last bay.	Plenty of activity!	Autumn colours at lunchtime!
No. 5 and van on a works train, waits in the platform...	...and then heads up the line, driven by Richard Greenhough.	By afternoon, work progresses on the last bay.
A piece of hired equipment...all the way from the USA?	The problem with one of the machines - the knuckle restricted accessibility to one side of the bay only. Much easier on the last bay!	In Corris, Trefor and Richard clear away after excavating for and putting in a replacement water supply pipe for Mrs Lloyd...
...which must have been a really dirty job!	No. 5 has received a new - and very smart - seat!	Andrew admires the work of the weekend...
...now that it has been completed - just as a shower arrives!	Trefor guides Richard back with No. 5 at the end of the day.

Photographs taken between 17th & 20th October 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 21/10/2007

Wednesday, 17.10.07. Blocks all ready for the penultimate bay of blockwork...	Thursday, 18.10.07. ...duly laid!	Friday, 19.10.07. Scaffold moved - and loaded with blocks for the last bay on the west side.
Slightly damaged Metsec purlins are now sorted out and ready for installation.	Saturday 20.10.07. It's a lovely day for it! Lez moves materials as the sun creeps over the mountain and burns the dew off the field...	...and Sam lets him know a visitor has arrived!
Lez prepares a block to start the second course.	Sleepers off-loaded to be laid out for the new turnout.	Unfortunately, Lez got called away without finishing the bay - but it's a good start!
Is Lez branching out?	Volunteer wanted - to load coal into the waggon!	The tool grinder is now connected up, ready for work!
The bogie waggon all ready to receive supplies for next weekend - and there is a rally on, creating plenty of noise.

Photographs taken on 13th & 14th October 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 18/10/2007

Halloween must be drawing near!	Three panels of blockwork completed - only two more to go, and the scaffold has been moved ready.	The temporary electrical switchgear installed outside is now wired up inside the Carriage Shed.
The one completed north door has by now been painted in primer.	One set of axlebox blocks for Carriage No. 22 has now had their slots milled on both sides - and no John in sight!	More firewood delivered for No. 7?
Another one bites the dust...clear felling taking place above Maespoeth.

Photographs taken between 3rd & 7th October 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 07/10/2007

Wednesday. Lez has filled a further bay on the Carriage Shed with block work.	Saturday. Dick Kidner gives the rear door frames a coat of primer.	Dave's Pussy is looking a lot healthier and has now been found a home.
One I made earlier: Adrian poses with one of the door frames made for the Carriage Shed earlier in the day.	Sunday. Adrian grinds flush the welds from yesterday...	...before continuing welding joints.
The scaffold has been moved and blocks stacked ready for Lez to complete another bay of steel work.	Where are you, Marten? Plenty of steel awaiting cleaning and painting!	The rear door frames finished painted, and one unpainted door stile fixed to test clearances.
By early afternoon, one door is almost finished - just needs locks and timber cladding!	Y Mochyn is getting ready for winter!

Photographs taken between 24th & 30th September 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 02/10/2007

Monday. Richard Saffery caught in the act of fixing new leaflet dispensers on the car park fence at Maespoeth.	Wednesday. No. 9 is starting to look the part!	Saturday. Andy Cooper trims thou's off the roof spar covers for No. 21...
...and tries one for size.	Andy marks out for another one...	...and the finished job, awaiting stain and varnish.
Paul Bailey measures up before fixing the north end Carriage Shed door frame...	...while Dick Kidner looks startled, helping Steve with the next section of lost shutter and reinforcement mesh on the west pit wall...	...with the assistance of Stella!
Sunday. It's that time of year!	All go in the workshop! Graham Farley on lathe, John Reynard on mill and Paul Bailey on radial drill combine to make a fine noise!	The mill being used to machine slots for No. 22's axleboxes.
The west door post drilled and awaiting...	...welding of packing pieces, but...	...Andy seems to be turning his back on Paul's efforts!
The post is offered up to check measurements (again!)...	...before trimming off the surplus.	Dave Kingman finds a new use for black shower caps!
Talk about getting on your wick...how many operators does it take...	...to light a lamp?	Malcolm puts on a fine display as No. 7 heads north with the first Up train of the day...
...and keeps it up for the down train!	Heads pop out everywhere as the train is held at the Stop board, awaiting Dave Price's flag signal.	Meanwhile, Trefor vents his frustration at not driving No. 7 by completing a good service on No. 6!
Having welded the door frame complete on the floor, it is jemmied into position to test for fit and drilling of the fixing holes on the shed steel work.	Almost a forgotten technique! Back to wiring mesh in place.	The 13.40 Up train heads towards Corris.
The completed paint job on No. 9. All we need to do is get it to work!	The first batch of slots in No. 22's axleboxes have been machined...	...and the Carriage Shed north door frame has been fixed - after painting the now inaccessible faces!
Trefor blows down...	...before putting No. 7 to bed.	Put that light out! No. 7's lamp peers through the gloom as No. 6 retuns from a run up the line to enable Dave Price to test 'phone sockets.
Job done, and Dave Kingman brings the coaching stock down before stabling.

Photographs taken on 30th September 2007
Taken by John Arnold
Uploaded on 01/10/2007

Maespoeth - Early morning.	Andy Cooper makes use of the pit to check under Carriage 21...	...from end to end.
Trefor then sets to with oil & grease...	...before disappearing under Carriage 20!	Trefor makes another brief appearance between carriages.
Malcolm inspects Locomotive No. 7 before the day's operations.	Paul Bailey gets on with the fabrication needed for the North doorframe of the Carriage Shed.	"Steam up!".
Trefor goes the the Signal Box to change the turnout...	...to allow him to back up to No. 6.	Richard Foyn waters No. 7.
Andy Cooper and Paul Bailey discuss the doorframe fabrication with David Coleman...	...before bringing the one part down from the shed.	What's this Trouble ? No. Just an incident test for both John Arnold & Dave Kingman.
Trefor is "in on it" so has a wry smile while waiting for the return of Dave Kingman...	...and here he comes.

Photographs taken between 20th & 23rd September 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 24/09/2007

Thursday. It has got colder!	Electrical equipment has started to be fixed on the Carriage Shed wall.	Much of the paintwork on No. 9 has been stripped.
Friday. A new bench has been delivered to Maespoeth - destined for the Carriage Shed?	Saturday. Richard Saffery paints the steelwork in protective paint...	...and proves that length can be important!
But is he getting soft? It's hand lotion!	Working on the east side columns, Richard polishes the steel before applying the paint!	The dumper is used to bring up blocks to be stacked for drying and use by Lez on the next panel...
...and the scaffold has been moved and loaded with materials for the same purpose.	Geoff Cooper cleaning down No. 9.	Sunday. Trefor drives on the first Up train of the day - with wonderful atmospherics!
Typically busy scene as John Reynard hands over a repaired bolt for Carriage 21 to Richard Saffery...	...while Trefor practices joined up writing...	...before Trainee Blockman Dave Kingman and Trainee Guard Graham Farley gives the "Right Away" to Trefor for the 12.40 Up train.
Dave fills in the Block Register...	...before investigating strange noises under the bonnet of No. 6...	...before coming up with a very wet and bedraggled pussy!
Adrian has brought down the door posts for the Carriage Shed and drills the steelwork to fix them in place...	...but is distracted by Dave's little handful!	Between trains, the smokers take a break!
Adrian sets up the next door post for drilling...	...and leaves instructions for the next person to carry on.	One post fixed, together with the hanging stile of the door (here in the open position).
Dave entertains visitors as blocks await laying.	Trefor tucks the hose away...	...before joining Malcolm, gurning through the spectacles of No. 7 as it runs back for disposal at the end of the day!
Blow down!	Dave drives No. 6 on an Up ECS (Empty Carriage Stock) working at the end of the day to practice Corris approaches.	Not a common sight today - No. 6 on a passenger train in Corris!
Geoff Cooper poses with No. 9 - partly in undercoat (No. 9, that is)!	Gelert takes a good look at Dave's pussy! Anybody want a railway cat?

Photographs taken between 15th & 19th September 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/09/2007

Saturday. Lunch time!	After a good lunch, Peter contemplates fitting seat backs in 220!	The sun shines on the Carriage Shed steel work...
...while Rosie works off her lunch over the paper!	Sunday. Trefor brings No. 6 to give it a good service prior to winter.	The 13.40 Up train departs Maespoeth.
Scaffold has been set up and blocks and bricks stacked ready for the next bay of blockwork...	...and the steelwork has been painted in bituminous black ready.	Some cladding timber has been brought inside to dry out.
Wednesday. The next panel of blockwork has been laid - by who?	Aagh! It must have been Lez!	A man in a GTRM suit looks at the electrics. Does Dave Gibson know?

Photographs taken between 3rd & 9th September 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 11/09/2007

Monday. What a difference a day makes (to the weather)! Lez finishes off the bricks under the last bay of channel bracing on the west wall of the Carriage Shed.	Tuesday. All is ready to drop the steel channels on bedding, and erect the rest of the steel frame.	Wednesday. The evening shift of Malcolm and Trefor (other side) re-pack cylinder glands on No. 7.
Saturday. Richard Rugog has arrived with borrowed machine to erect the rest of the building's steel work, while a Committee decide how to do it!	Lez prepares bedding while showing off his contribution to the book of the TV programme, while Richard Shipman prepares to release bolts to lower the channel bracings and Richard Rugog moves pit steel.	The first of the second batch of columns is lowered over its holding down bolts, guided by Andrew and Mike.
The first truss is held in position while awaiting the final tightening of the nuts and bolts.	Alan Witts enjoys the change from painting his house!	Richard secures the bolts on the last of the lowered channel bracings.
Steve finishes off the bolts on the first of the frames, while Richard Rugog holds the rafters steady.	A pair of rafter sections are lowered to the shed floor for assembly.	Saves changing the points!
A column and another pair of rafters are railed to the work site...	...while Clive (from the Dulas Valley Hotel) interrupts John's work.	A combined effort - Adrian and Richard tighten up bolts on another rafter section.
The next frame is lifted into position.	Steve waits for the next rafter assembly, while Andy and Mike prepare to bolt down the next column and Paul Bailey and Richard Shipman tighten bolts on the last section of channel bracing.	The last column is lowered carefully...
...into position at first attempt!	John and Alan relax over lunch while the penultimate rafter section is bolted into position. Stella is quite relaxed over the good progress!	The last frame is held in position, awaiting volunteers to catch up with the bolts!
Steve gives instructions from the top of the ladder, while the rafter is held in perfect position.	The last pair of pit rail support steels are secured before being lowered to the work site.	Jack and Richard rail end section door frame supports towards the work site before lowering to site.
During all the excitement, John continues with machining axleboxes for No. 22.	Various waggons are temporarily stored on the main line, out of the way.	A brief pause in proceedings after the initial erection has been completed!
The now redundant shutters for the east pit wall are lifted out of the pit.	Pit steel support columns are lifted down to the shed.	Adrian checks the last outside section of east pit wall shutter is lifted satisfactorily clear.
After sorting, Paul and Mike drag rail support columns further into the shed for cover (and later, cleaning and painting - volunteers, anyone?).	Adrian relaxes while Steve and Andy tighten bolts on the top horizontal bracings...	...and the Metsec eaves section.
Pit columns are lowered into the pit for storage out of the way.	Bracings in, eaves sections up, and everybody starts to clear up...	...at the end of a good productive day.
Sunday. The Craft Centre celebrated 25 years since first opening this weekend.	To celebrate, all the workshops were decorated and the occupants dressed up to suit...	...Kim, Ben and Debs were the ultimate winners of the competition in the Candles workshop.
Some Pirates had got blown off course!	Andy Cooper stops cleaning up after the weekend as Harry Worth drives No. 7 into the shed.	The first row of Metsec purlins and bracings have been fixed...
...and the east side columns levelled.	The end of a very good weekend.

Photographs taken on 1st & 2nd September 2007
Taken by Alf Oxford & Martin Riley
Uploaded on 03/09/2007

Saturday. There was brisk trading in the museum shop from the start.	Even some exhibitors at the Corris Show popped in for a hot drink and a snack, mingling with other visitors.	In the school playground the band played to entertain the visitors to the Corris Show...
... and a shop was in a good place to catch trade too.	Familiar faces entertain visitors in the museum.	At the end of the Corris Show the winners were presented with cups to mark their achievement.
Sunday. The first train was very full - despite the change in the weather.	Driver Malcolm Cameron stands to attention on the footplate as passengers alight.	The 12:00 leaves Corris Station. The steam seemed to hang around for a while due to the weather conditions.
Again, familiar faces in the museum, this time chatting to Mrs. Gray (Ken & Peter's mom).	The last train of the day just passing through Braichgoch Farm Crossing...	...and into Corris Station.

Photographs taken between 29th August & 2nd September 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 03/09/2007

Wednesday. Lez has moved on to finish the last panel of inner blockwork on the west wall of the Carriage Shed.	Friday. All action today - Lez takes a breather before laying bricks on top of the blocks to bring them to the correct height...	...but is interupted to move his car for a fresh supply of coal to be delivered...
...but by evening, only one bay has been completed.	Saturday. Trefor tries to pour oil on Dave's problem - a seized padlock!	Dave looks on as with weapon in hand, Trefor offers to resolve the problem - permanently!
Dick Kidner is Guard as Trefor starts No. 7 on the first Up train of the day.	With a damp atmosphere, No. 7's steam hangs clearly in the air.	In Corris, Roger Gray is working on the Metropolitan carriage in the Museum...
...while at Maespoeth, John continues machining axleboxes for No. 22...	...until lunchtime, when he is joined by others.	After lunch, Steve takes concreting supplies down to the gravel pile...
...where a pile of sleepers and pallets is topped by the concrete mixer to discharge straight into the dumper...	...which is used to carry about six mixes at a time up to the top level of the Carriage Shed...	...where it discharges its load ready to be shovelled into the cavity of the retaining wall...
...while in a new move, Dave Kingman gives the shed talk to a group of passengers, which bewilders one of them!	No. 7 disappears from sight (in the distance) on the 16.40 ex. Maespoeth, just as the concrete infilling has been completed (foreground).	It's the day of the Corris and District Show, and Y Mochyn has taken part - with some success!
Sunday. Trouble at Shed?	No. 7 clears the Shed, so Malcolm can light up!	With a light drizzle falling, today is going to be very atmospheric!
Pity then, for the organisers of Corris Festival, who have set up a large marquee as venue for some concerts over the weekend. Let us hope one years' bad weather doesn't put them off!	Corris in the rain!	Never mind, it does not deter our passengers!
Typical steam effects...	...travelling up the line.	The loneliness of the Corris Controller - Alf sets off to change the Station Limits board before No. 7 heads south for disposal under Engineer's Possession.

Photographs taken on 25th, 26th & 27th August 2007
Taken by Alf Oxford & Paul Merriman
Uploaded on 29/08/2007

Saturday. The 3:00pm leaving Corris a little later than planned on a gloriously sunny day.	The 3:00pm returns to Corris and passengers alight. I see Ian Chatterton and family making the most of the sunshine.	Bob Winchurch is fireman today and Malcolm Cameron driver. Malcolm takes advantage of some fresh air outside the cab.
Dave Kingman is guard for the weekend.	A couple arrived just in time for the 4:00pm train in a superb open top car.	At the end onf normal services it is off to Maespoeth...
..where Jill Oxford has joined us straight from the Model Railway & Toy Exhibition in Machynlleth to cook a barbecue...	...assisted by Chris Britchford & Janet Williams.	It is a good chance for exhibitors and Corris members to get together and have a burger, a hot dog and a chat.
Jill keeps the barbecue going as long as burgers and hot dogs are required...	...and then once the train has returned the visitors to Corris it is put to bed for the night...	...closely followed by the carriages.
Work for the driver and fireman does not end there though. Here Dave Price (driver) attends to the loco on the outside...	...while Rosie Guest (fireman) deals with draining water etc. from the inside.	Monday. Paul takes over with the camera at the MR & TE for the day, as I was based in the museum.
There were many layouts...	...all of them extremely "busy".	The show was well attended as usual.
It does make you wonder just how...	...you can squeeze such a lot into a reasonably small area.	The scenery was terrific.
Just one of the many young admirers who attended the show...	...and perhaps not so young.	All the models were fighting for space in what was available.

Photographs taken between 20th & 28th August 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 29/08/2007

Monday. The Corris School's time capsule came out for burying in the foundations - here is the front...	...and the back.	It wouldn't be strong enough by itself to withstand the concrete pressure with vibrator, so Steve makes a box to house it in...
...before dropping it carefully into the last section of east pit wall...	...where it will be encased in more reinforcement to hold it in position.	Mike drives another bracing bar across the last section of east wall shutter.
The last few cones are made ready.	Steve sets up the laser level to check the height of the cone assemblies after the access scaffold has been assembled.	The shutter set up for the last section of east pit wall - incorporating two columns, the first time since the very beginning of the east wall.
A glimpse of the Time Capsule, fixed in position before concreting.	Wednesday. The wierd structure assembled in the shed a fortnight ago is positioned outside - to do what?	The last pour of concrete on the east wall begins!
The sun is just creeping over the mountain as Adrian joins in the work.	Higher up (and in the sun), No. 7 is oiled up.	Many hands make concrete flow!
So that explains the structure! Steve tips spare concrete into (eventually) the structural retaining wall...	...where it is encouraged down the cavity by shovel.	Lunch time!
The weather is good as Y Mochyn testifies!	An office 'phone call agreed that it was very warm. I said I was in a Sauna with a glamorous young lady. They said pigs will fly...so here's the proof!	Catching up on progress, Lez has blocked up the first (southern) inner panel on Tuesday to clear space for the Ready Mix Concrete lorry...
...and the newly placed concrete is curing in the warm afternoon sun...	...so much so that most passengers seek the shadow as Adrian gives his shed talk from another of the seats!	Chris spent most of the day driving.
Thursday. No. 7 (without sufficient pressure to move itself) is shunted onto the back of the train by No. 6...	...as Paul Bailey waits patiently inside the shed for the delivery of steel which he is to work on!	The shutter is stripped and...
...all is looking good!	Friday. Paul adjusts his dress as No. 7 is prepared early in the morning...	...and later, polishes No. 7's smokebox.
Later still, Lez turns up to lay blocks in another panel.	John Trott chats with trainee fireman Richard Greenhough	Two panels (almost) completed, together with the east pit wall.
John continues machining axleboxes for Carriage No. 22...	...until he notices he is being photographed!	Saturday. At the Model Railway and Toy Exhibition, Steve explains to a visitor how he moulds slate walls...
...while Peter Gray works on the next 4 seasons model!	One...	...of many...
...superb models...	...on display...	...in...
...the...	...model railway...	...exhibition.
Not to forget the toys (one of the hover mowers works!).	Some toys!	Not to forget the trader's stands...
...here manned by Steve Harris and son Ali being questioned by show organiser Bill Newton.	On display on the Society stand, new lines for...	...early Christmas shoppers!
Meanwhile, back at Maespoeth, Adrian drills steel at high level...	...while Andy gets down to it on the floor...	...and John takes it easy (again!).
Andy fettles a hinge plate for the Carriage Shed door frame (laid out in the foreground) while Adrian works on the pit steel on waggon 218.	Steve and Ali have escaped from the exhibition and are moving the partition in the S & T shed / stable.	Nice to see preparations well in hand for going down Maespoeth bank!
Signs out for the Model Railway Exhibition.	Monday. The Carriage Shed door frames nearing completion on the engine shed floor.	Dave Ingram has spent the day as Trefor's fireman.
Trefor drives No. 7 forward for disposal at the end of a good day.	Lez - star of the small screen ("Mountains" on Sunday night) - has laid a third panel of blocks.	Dave Kingman drives No. 6, propelling a waggon loaded with almost completed pit steel, to pick up the carriages.
Tuesday. Lez has been at it again - only one more panel to go!

Photographs taken on 21st August 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
(A Morning on The Corris 21st August 2007 )
Uploaded on 06/09/2007

It is a typically sunny morning at Maespoeth as the volunteers assemble - Guard Sheila cleans out the carriages ready for the passengers.	Fireman Bob keeps an eye on the fire while mugging up on the Rulebook.	Graham & John take it easy before starting work in the workshop.
Controller Alan opens up the blockpost.	Rosie prepares to welcome visitors to the Museum.	John & Graham get to work on the milling machines, making axleboxes for carriage 22.
Steve rides the Bucking Bronco !	Having managed to control his steed, Steve fills up Mike’s dumper with gravel for more carriage shed works.	Driver Dave takes a break from the engine to set up his camera.
The wheelchair ramp comes into use as a lady passenger enjoys her ride on “The Friendly Line”.

Photographs taken between 14th & 19th August 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/08/2007

Tuesday. Another strange structure takes shape - well, it is Rugby World Cup year!	Somebody's been having a good clear up in the S & T shed! I wonder how long it will last?	The passenger control fencing above the Carriage Shed has disappeared!
Piles of 100mm concrete blocks are spaced out, awaiting a block layer.	One of the timber structures from Sunday has received a coat of paint.	With the return of the rain, the swimming pool has filled up again!
Y Mochyn appears to be preparing to emigrate to San Francisco.	Wednesday. Some of the retaining wall at the north end of the Carriage Shed has received concrete infill - at last!	More rail has been brought down for track panels, and straightened.
The last section of pit floor edge has been concreted - ready for the last section of east pit floor.	The penultimate section of east pit wall has been concreted, along with the floor - no more swimming pool!	Thursday. Even more rails straightened - awaiting the attention of welders!
The penultimate east pit wall section's shutters have been stripped, and the last section of reinforcement mesh cut and fixed - let me out!	Posters have appeared for the Corris Festival - does the lower left illustration indicate that Lez will be singing?	Friday. The passenger control fencing has been reinstated.
More cement has arrived - by the dumper load!	The mesh, angle and shuttering for the last section of wall...	...is progressing.
More blocks and gravel has arrived.	Saturday. It looks like the first train of the day is going to be double headed - or is that tailed?	The rain bounces off everything!
To keep working, Steve and Mike set up a gazebo.	No. 7 blasts past the Signal Box on a training run.	Trefor carefully measures out steam oil.
Richard Greenhough tries out his new Marigold's, watering No. 7.	The complex arrangement of shuttering to finish off the end of the east pit wall - to avoid trapping shutters after casting.	The blocks have been moved to give Lez room to work - but where is he?
To keep the younger passengers amused, and dry, the toy train set has been moved into the stable.	Good lad! Dave Price chops morning sticks for No. 7.	Y Mochyn reflects on the drizzly weather.
Hats are the in thing - but Clive is not so sure!	Sunday. The last bit of shuttering and mesh is almost finished.

Photographs taken between 7th & 12th August 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 13/08/2007

Trefor wields the vacuum cleaner in company with a cuppa!	Lez has been at work - closing up the north end of the blockwork above the services ducts.	Another track panel has been assembled and a third largely laid out ready for welding.
Two bays of 150mm blocks laid to height - and another scaffolded and loaded to continue further.	Carriage 21 is bearly full of passengers!	Trefor and Malcolm reassemble the drivers side clack valve on No. 7, which had become scored and was leaking.
Thursday. Y Mochyn is not an infallible forecaster - today is bright and sunny!	Early afternoon. Malcolm prepares No. 7 for a Photo Charter.	Lez puts some elbow grease into cleaning his shovel...
...after finishing the 150mm blocks to height along the rest of the shed...	...while Sam and Stella play nearby.	Smokey coal was on order for No. 7 and the Photo Charter!
In the Museum, Dave Gibson was in charge for the coach party of Australians who had chartered the train. Mary took pity on him and pitched in...	...making and serving drinks to the rest of the party!	Before long, they were making their way down to Maespoeth...
...where, after a Shed Talk (including a tour of the Carriage Shed site) and several starts from Maespoeth, they re-boarded their train for the next location.	The smokey coal was producing the right effects!	No. 7 and train sets back after discharging the photographers...
...whose main concern was whether there were any snakes!	There was a second run-past...	...which appeared to satisfy all...
...so back on to the train. Andrew guides Malcolm back.	One carriage loaded, setting back for the second...	...and back in Corris, time to re-board their coach.
Back at Maespoeth, Andrew gingerly drives No. 7 ready for disposal.	Andrew's driving is filmed by a passing visitor.	An attempt is made to record coins donated by the Australians going down the chute as evidence - without great success!
Meanwhile, Steve has been dragging down reinforcement mesh for the retaining wall, using the dumper.	Friday. A new sign has arrived for the gantry, brought down by Andy...	...who has been clearing up in the stable.
The east pit wall shutter is complete and access scaffold provided - but the Ready Mix drivers have run out of hours!	A section of floor not completely up to level, has been cleaned out ready for topping up.	It is not long before the sign is up!
Saturday. Steve uses the dumper to raise (and here, lower) the steel channel to enable the reinforcement mesh to be slid into position.	The 220mm blocks previously stored inside the shed are moved out...	...to enable the floor to be cleared for waterproofing.
100mm blocks are brought down for the next leaf.	Steve, Mike and Stella take a rest between trains!	Steve drives the Ant to fill the dumper...
...to improve the access to the top of the Carriage Shed retaining wall.	Andrew gets to his feet after emptying No. 7's ashpan...	...before Trefor blows down!
Sunday. Various constructions are under way in the engine shed (in anticipation of rain!)...	...any guesses?	Professor Dafydd Gwyn tries his hand at firing with Andrew and Malcolm...
...while Professor Dave Price gives the Shed Talk to a trainload of passengers.	In the engine shed, Mike Bloomfield fits a floor to a P. Way trolley.	Malcolm drives another train of passengers down to Maespoeth...
...who were missing extra delights on offer in the Institute (long may this initiative continue!).	Does Malcolm know his settee is outside? He does now, as Meinir 'phones him!	More mysteries?
Steve supervises the submersible pump, cleaning up in the bottom of the pit.	A further structure under construction in the engine shed!	It is so hot, Y Mochyn goes au naturel!

Photographs taken on 4th & 5th August 2007
Teddy Bear's Picnic Weekend
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 09/08/2007

No.7 has a Bear behind.	A Bear passenger.	Jill's Diner (with a bear chef).
A Bear stationmaster.	Many Bears make carriage work.	Richard waters No.7 while Trefor keeps out of the way.
Making up track panels to be concreted into the carriage shed floor.	The ex-Aberllefenni Quarry rail was sorted ready for use in the carriage shed.	The easy way to move rails around.
Bryn creosotes the cut ends of the sleeper stock.

Photographs taken on 4th & 5th August 2007
Teddy Bear's Picnic Weekend
Taken by Alf Oxford & David Kingman
Uploaded on 07/08/2007

Just in case anyone had forgotten to bring their teddy bear there were plenty on hand to take onto the train.	Our first customers on Saturday - ready for an early lunch.	It rained all day on Saturday but we still had a fair number of visitors.
An atmospheric view of the formation leaving Corris.	At the end of the day it was time for an "MRE Meeting" between Steve Parr and Bill Newton...	...and before the main Management Meeting to be held in the museum a chance of a sit down and a proper meal for Rosie, Jill & myself.
Sunday. Sunshine! What a difference a day makes...	...Catherine, Thomas & Emma Bailey ran the tombola out on the car park...	...and even thought the weather was much brighter (beach weather) we still managed to draw the crowds in.
The barbecue area was well patronised throughout the day.	Alf & Jill cook themselves a burger during the first quiet spell of the day.	Passengers were given their normal shed talk and views of Maespoeth.
As the weather was kind "splat-the-rat" made it's appearance at Maespoeth, with Thomas & Emma in charge...	All the time, Number 7 waits patiently to take the passengers back to Corris.	After a good spell of rain the plants and other greenery at Maespoeth looks resplendent.
A young passenger aids David Kingman in waving a train away.	David had other assistance all weekend as well.	Jan (Corris Post Mistress) came to sell plants, peg bags and other craft items, taking over the school gate.
Throughout the day, there always seemed to be a few people sat at the tables either eating or chatting.	All the trains ran on Sunday with respectable numbers of passengers on all of them.	Bill Newton has been busy again, this time putting a better display cabinet on the far end of the counter for us.

Photographs taken between 30th July & 1st August 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 07/08/2007

Better weather this week!	Monday. Oops! Trefor searches for a dropped copper washer while attending to a leaking clack valve early in the morning.	Malcolm has a good fire going already, as the train is drawn out of the shed.
Branches seem to be in need of trimming south of the signal box!	The newly completed paintwork on Carriage 21 poses in front of Corris station sign board.	The scrap skip is exchanged.
Malcolm plays ball on a down train!	Tuesday. Phew! Y Mochyn escaped again last night!	The 13.40 ex-Maespoeth heads up towards Corris with a healthy load.
Wednesday. Birthday boy dresses up for duty!	Carriage 21's door is open to take on push chairs as clearance is sought to head south again.	I can see you! Most passengers listen intently to John Trott's shed talk.
Frank Walker adds to the kaleidoscope on the east Carriage Shed wall.	Dave Gibson has added to the graffiti on the walls - this time to show the position of electrical switchgear.

Photographs taken between 23rd & 29th July 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 29/07/2007

Monday. The start of the infilling of blockwork at the very north end of the Carriage Shed - up to the services ducts.	One course of blocks started to be laid to start finishing off at the south end of the shed.	But what's this? Only 100 blocks to hand!
Tuesday. Plenty of blocks now, waiting to be laid.	Inside the shed, somebody has been sitting down on the job - but it looks impressive!	Wednesday. Paul Welsh at work, adding in the detail on the east side of No. 21.
A close up of the work.	At lunch time, Paul chats outside in the sun, with John.	One garter almost finished.
Back to work - and Paul checks detail before applying brush to timber.	A study in concentration!	Just going back to finish off more detail.
Meanwhile John watches the world go 'round!	The finished job - very impressive! All it needs is varnish to protect it.	In the evening, Trefor checks diesel in No. 6.
Malcolm discusses Trefor's legs in stockings and suspenders as viewed through the back sheet of No. 7. Trefor is not so sure!	Thursday. Lez looks exhausted after laying just a few blocks!	Lez calls on Paul, who is just about to varnish the carriage panels.
Friday. Let the dog see the rabbit! Lez makes a late start on block laying.	The completed lettering and garter on carriage No. 21.	By evening, blockwork is well advanced.
Saturday. No. 6 fumes with Malcolm!	As a good trainee Guard, Nicholas Haslam cleans carriage windows...	...while No. 7 is being prepared outside.
On reflection, not bad for a cleaner...using steam oil!	A promising sign - the air pump comes alive.	Getting all steamed up - warming the cylinders!
Drawing the train out of the engine shed.	No. 21 sees daylight after the garters have been painted...	...and the other side!
John has arrived - and cuppa in hand, contemplates what to do!	An illustration of the normal amount of clearance on the west side of the train, as it heads up to Corris.	The almost completed, waterproofed and painted carriage No. 21 poses at Corris. Only a few internal arrangements need to be completed.
Train crew meet Museum staff - Nicholas, Richard, Chris and Malcolm.	Sam relaxes as Lez does the work!	Dick works on the outer shutter for the penultimate section of east pit wall.
By evening, the block wall is progressing well...	...and the top of the outer shutter is in position on the east pit wall.	Sunday. Trefor all kitted out to add treatment to the loco's water tank!
The first Up train departs as clothes dry in the morning sun after a very wet night!	Lez lays more blocks as the tub in the foreground is replenished with rain water accumulated in the pit.	Work is going well, and the stored blocks are going down - or up on to the scaffold!
Nicholas does a last minute bit of swotting before his Rules Test (passed comfortably)!	Meanwhile, John entertains the passengers from the first train.	By lunchtime, Lez has gone, but things are ready for him to call again!

Photographs taken on 22nd July 2007
Taken by John Arnold
Uploaded on 23/07/2007

Alf Oxford puts the museum clock right for the day.	The Brake Van and a heritage waggon spend the day in the siding.	Malcolm and Dave await the next set of passengers.
Steve Wheeler and David Coleman mix concrete...	...for screeding.	No. 6 sits patiently in the yard.
The sun did come out in short spells during the day.	Richard Shipman prepares to shunt with No. 6.	No. 7 safely in the shed at the end of the day.

Photographs taken on 22nd July 2007
Taken by Richard Foyn
Uploaded on 23/07/2007

Something afoot?	No. Just Number 7 producing a bit of smoke inside the shed.	The formation is all set up and ready to leave for Corris.
Richard Shipman, Controller, Dave Kingman, Guard, and John Arnold, Assistant Guard, flag the train off on it's trip to Corris...	...and then take up position in the guard's compartment of Carriage 21.	Passing through Maespoeth Gate...
...and approaching The Spinney.	The shuttering progresses on the South-East side of the Carriage Shed.	Controller Richard Shipman awaits the next train to arrive from Corris.

Photographs taken between 17th & 22nd July 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 23/07/2007

Tuesday. Roger Gray is desperate for working space - here setting up in the car park at Corris!	A trial fit of the sliding door in the Museum's bogie carriage - but nothing is square!	The dumper has come into its own - moving gravel for the west edge floor screed of the Carriage Shed.
Wednesday. Teddy Bear weekend material has arrived.	Trefor is outside, emptying No. 7's bunker...	...assisted by Malcolm...
...who is removing two buckets of accumulated slack from the bunker.	With a puff of smoke, No. 7 heads back into the shed.	Thursday. Pit edge angle has been welded up and the next section of inside east pit wall shutter has been assembled in position.
Two replacement planks for platform benches dry outside...	...and display boards have been added to.	A good collection of multi-coloured spare paint destined for the Carriage Shed has arrived!
Also arrived is a tool cutter grinder, here waiting to be connected up.	Friday. Paint dries on two refurbished platform benches...	...and a plastic tube (for some reason...).
Saturday. After being delayed by a road traffic accident, Richard Foyn and Dave Price make haste to catch up time before the first train.	Services ducts for the Carriage Shed are in place.	Barry Sleath entertains a group of visitors during one (very long and persistent) downpour.
At the end of the day, Richard drives No. 7 back for stabling in the shed.	Richard coals No. 7 to relieve the vertically challenged Dave Price, while Dick Kidner makes his farewell.	Richard toots as he eases No. 7 into the shed (well, in practice, it was No. 7 that tooted, not...)
Will he, or won't he?	He did!	Sunday. Richard Shipman moves lost shuttering panels on a trolley, which amuses Dave Gibson...
Steve cuts mesh as concrete mixes during one of many showers in the afternoon!	But the sun comes out occasionally.	John Arnold (assistant guard) and Dave Kingman (guard) go off duty as No. 7 is made ready to be put away. Wrong formation - more works planned on carriages?
An angel brings down a cuppa for the workers!	The edge floor screed completed to the south end.	Progress has been made on the wall shutter as well.
An engine shed as it should be!	A good supply of light fittings for the Carriage Shed has arrived...	...together with switchgear and pit light fittings.

Photographs taken between 9th & 15th July 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 16/07/2007

Monday. Lez takes a break before starting to lay blocks...	...to the sound of power saws as the self-planted understorey is cut down on the mountain above Maespoeth, prior to the felling of the remaining trees. (Look carefully for three orange capes!).	Sam can't bear to look as Lez prepares to lay the first mortar bed...
...but then curiosity gets the better of him!	Tuesday. Only one more panel to go to complete this section!	As seen from the inside.
Wednesday. Trefor prepares No. 7 for Saturday - stabled at the other end of the engine shed to usual.	Suggestions for the design of the next loco? You must be joking!	Friday. Andy Cooper just starting to get to grips with completing the waterproofing of 21's roof.
By evening, it was down to the finishing touches!	Saturday. Trefor uses No. 7 to extract the carriages from the shed...	...guarded by Helen.
Preparing blockwork for Lez, first water is pumped from our storage tanks...	...then the scaffold is moved and blocks set up to dry...	...and a few bags of cement brought down.
The remaining west side columns were grouted (at last!)...	...and the area between cleaned up ready to extend the floor edge screed.	Andy Cooper cleans up the corner of the engine shed - engine crew despoil at your peril!
That is - after fabricating extensions to sign support steelwork, has been painted and is drying.	Paul and Trefor move the jim crow down to the Carriage Shed...	...and start to set up to straighten rails...
...until Andy puts his head around the end of the shed, asking if anybody wants a cuppa!	Afterwards, Andy sets up the sign board advertising the Teddy Bear's weekend on 4th/5th August.	On Sunday, the last (for now) of the blockwork panels has been completed...
...and the first of the track panels has been welded up - complete with trolley to carry materials!	More engine shed tidying - you can now see the workbench top - let's hope it remains that way!

Photographs taken between 3rd & 8th July 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 12/07/2007

Tuesday. Lez is taken by surprise as Sam neglects his duties (as guard dog)!	Dick arrives to give Lez a hand with the next panel of blockwork.	Wednesday. Steel for the north gable doors of the Carriage Shed has arrived.
Three west side panels completed and scaffold and blocks ready for the next one. Even rails delivered for track panels!	Saturday. Lez starts laying bricks for the next panel of the Carriage Shed west wall.	John Trott converses with Dave Price while preparing No. 7 for the day's service.
Lez and Sam take a break from block laying.	Sam doesn't look happy at being blocked in!	Andy Cooper sorts out the stores in the S & T shed...
...while son Jack sorts nuts and bolts in the engine shed.	Graham makes adjustments to the milling machine clamp.	Meanwhile in the Museum, Rose plays host to the launch of the new edition of Slate Quarrying at Corris by Alun John Richards and Peter prepares to serve the nibbles.
Lez is just about to disappear from sight...	...while Ron Morris (Brian Roberts' QS) does a time and motion study on him!	In the engine shed, Graham de-burrs an axle box...
...while John takes it easy!	In Corris, the book launchers arrive to take a trip on the train...	...and at Maespoeth, listen to John Trott's shed talk.
Before returning to Corris, Alun John Richards poses on the footplate of No. 7.	Dave Price waters No. 7.	Sunday. Meinir chats with Malcolm while the two Dave's chat together (after Dave Ingram had been unblocking culverts) and Bob (in cab) does the work!
A good load on the last train with steam to spare!	On the final approach, Malcolm does a Harry Worth!

Photographs taken between 26th June & 1st July 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 02/07/2007

Tuesday. In the evening, Trefor returns to the shed for a weedkiller refill.	During the day, Huw Jones Brynmelin cut some of our new sleepers in half...	...but there are a lot more left to do!
Friday. Lez has secured one of the windows at the back of the shed - here awaiting timber cladding.	Saturday. Steve has got the dumper going, but details need finishing - like a seat!	Beavers have arrived in Corris - funny they weren't detected in the wildlife surveys!
Ten fingered Dave Quinton and Trefor load steel beams ready to fabricate the supports for the pit rails in the Carriage Shed.	The waggon is almost full.	Lez stops the dumper from moving as Steve completes the finishing touches to it...
...and disappear into a smoke haze as the engine springs to life...	...and the hydraulics are tested to empty the bucket of accumulated water...	...before it moves off to ferry materials to the Carriage Shed site.
Malcolm arrives to discuss the No. 7's lubricator with Trefor.	Meinir calls by to view progress!	Lunchtime - and Adrian is drilling holes in the pit steel while the others get ready to resume work.
By the end of a very wet day, the steelwork is ready to be exchanged with other undrilled steel outside.	Most of the sleepers have now been cut...	...including a few at varied lengths for pointwork.
The north end bay of the carriage Shed has been scaffolded and the dumper is very handy for delivering blocks at the right level!	Sunday. The air is very still - and nobody has told No. 7 about the smoking ban on 2nd April!	The air is hanging heavy...
...which requires the air line for the second week running, to get the fire burning the right way.	Lez arrives to continue the blockwork.	It's a very wet day - and Malcolm 'phones a friend before taking a down train.
John Arnold continues painting the inside walls of the Carriage Shed, just as Lez has put the last block in the first panel of inside blocks of the west wall...	...before coming outside to give the blocks their finishing touches.	Many foxgloves line the sides of the trackbed.
Steve has just arrived with another load of concrete blocks...	...to add to the sand delivered earlier.	John clears up after his painting efforts.
In Corris, a rapidly moving shower is about to descend.	Another healthy load of passengers returns to their train after the shed talk.	By evening, the scaffold has been moved, loaded with blocks ready for Lez to weave his magic sheep poo hands again!

Photographs taken between 19th & 24th June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 25/06/2007

Tuesday. A little bit more coal has arrived...	(Wednesday)...and the latest bit of shuttering has been stripped from the east pit wall of the Carriage Shed.	The end of the construction phase is drawing nearer...
...and the last of the 100mm inner block walls for the first half of the shed has been completed.	This looks suspicious!	One of the dumper's hydraulic motors is out on the bench for attention.
Saturday. The block lower inner leaf has been brought up to final height with bricks...	...and the next wall section's reinforcement has been cut and fixed.	Hopefully, the last load of 150mm blocks for the shed has been delivered.
Paul adapting buffers destined to be fitted to No. 5 in due course.	Sunday. The air is still - and the fire is not drawing. Recourse is had to the air line!	Malcolm gives No. 7's chimney a final polish - before starting the air pump!
Malcolm beats No. 7 for smoke production - outside the cab as required by law!	But No. 7 is determined to compete!	Not more tools dropped down the cavity???!!!
Despite suffering an industrial injury with a splinter, Lez lays a mortar bed before the steel channel bracing is dropped on to it, while Paul looks on.	Lunchtime - and Trefor toasts his rump while tucking in!	Trefor and Malcolm enjoy the company of one of the children who have just attended the Cymanfa Ganu in the village, while waiting to operate the 4.00pm train.
Bob Winchcome practices shunting with No. 6, under Trefor's watchful eye.

Photographs taken on 19th June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/06/2007

Lez is blocking himself into a corner!	The first of two loads of concrete swims back towards the Carriage Shed as Steve and Rob wait in the background.	The first concrete is soon on its way!
Steve aims to splash Richard Shipman's coat (successfully!).	Rob and Richard watch Steve vibrating the new concrete.	The second load of concrete starts off going into the wall...
...the remainder going in the floor as the wall concrete is vibrated. The lorry moves off...	The completed job...	...a cup of tea, delivered by Richard Saffery!
He has been clearing up in the engine shed, to great effect.	While waiting for concrete, another layer of mesh has gone into the west wall, ready for more 100mm blocks to be laid in another bay.	Let all know what is not to go in this skip!

Photographs taken on 16th & 17th June 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 20/06/2007

0395 - Replacing rotten sleepers in Maespoeth Yard. The replacements are standing on end to allow creosote substitute to soak in before they are put in the track	0396 - In celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Summer of Love, the carriage shed gains a psychedelic mural (!)	0398 - Following leaks from the roof of carriage 21, Andy & Jack Cooper fit a waterproof lining.
0402 - Richard Saffery helps Jack Cooper fit the new roof lining.	0404 - Steve Wheeler was busy trying to get the dumper truck to work.	0406 - the carriage shed west wall continues to rise.
0408 - the east pit wall is ready for another concrete delivery	0410 - seen from the Powys side of the valley, the carriage shed's wooden cladding will soon blend into the landscape.

Photographs taken on 16th & 17th June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/06/2007

Great activity in Maespoeth Shed - Trefor polishes No. 7...	...while Jack and Andy Cooper re-roof No. 21...	...and Sam keeps guard over Lez, laying yet more concrete blocks.
By lunchtime, the 150mm blocks are up to height along another bay.	In the yard, Richard tests his knee, spot re-sleepering.	Inside the Shed, Dave Ingram and John Reynard discuss the finer points of machine tools.
Richard Saffery joins in on the roof work...	...while Steve Wheeler works on the dumper...	...and Richard has moved on to hedge trimming while listening to the test match.
Later, John and Steve take a break while Richard starts on another sleeper.	That's torn it! Jack removes protective coverings as Richard Saffery fixes more roof.	Shunting stock, Trefor wonders who has left a trolley in the yard.
John relaxes while the milling machine does its work and Paul Bailey works on the radial drill.	Who the b****y hell left this steam loco here!?	Richard Saffrey waves to Trefor, shunting No. 7 and train ready for the morning.
Sunday. Helen gives the guided tour to some of the passengers.	Malcolm seeks what breeze there is!	The spot resleepering has moved on down the yard.
Richard drills spike holes.	An Up train heads back to Corris, as seen from the Carriage Shed.	At the end of the day, the carriages are shunted into the shed, as seen from the cab of No. 7.
Steve is still working on the dumper!	New shelving has appeared to tidy the Museum displays...	...and the bogie carriage remains are approaching a reasonable reconstruction at one end.

Photographs taken between 9th & 15th June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/06/2007

Sunday. More timber for the Carriage Shed and baby food for No. 7 has been delivered!	No. 7 eases up towards its train for the first Up run, supervised by Dave Price...	...and soon departs northwards.
The Pig is warmed from both sides!	John Arnold paints steelwork on the Carriage Shed, as seen from high up in the forestry above Maespoeth.	The view towards Corris and Aberllefenni.
Friday. Corris Institute was formally re-opened and the main street was crowded as in past days. Richard Rugog waits in his lorry for the ceremony to finish!	Mrs Meinir Owen, Chairman of Gwynedd Council, accompanied by our own Cllr Gretta Jones and AM, Dafydd Elis Thomas, performed the opening ceremony, here seen posing for photographs.	Our Local Policeman finds a friend to 'phone!
It was announced that the Corris & District Silver Band had been re-formed. Here they give their first concert (and make a plea for more players...)...	...with Mrs Lloyd listening in under a clock dedicated to the late William John Lloyd, above the fire he used to sit by.	There was a good crowd present (with many more upstairs!).

Photographs taken on 3rd June 2007
Taken by Peter Oxford
Uploaded on 14/06/2007

Paul Oxford (my nephew) and his fiancee Brooke from Canberra, Australia get their first view of the Tattoo locomotive formation.	Paul, Brooke, Diane (Paul's aunt), Pauline, (Paul's other aunt and my sister-in-law) and Graham (Diane's husband) on the down trip to Maespoeth.	The Tattoo gets fed and watered by Stan Knight.
Brooke and Paul on the return journey to Corris.

Photographs taken on 5th & 6th June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 11/06/2007

Tuesday. Sam alerts Lez to an intruder...	...who has come down to photograph Lez...	...working!
During the day, the light hinges of the gate have been replaced with stronger ones.	By evening, the next layer of blocks is finished over 5 bays.	The end shutter is finished.
Wednesday. The shutter including holding down bolt assembly, is ready for concrete - when we can get some!

Photographs taken between 29th May & 3rd June 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 04/06/2007

The roof water drainage completed so far on the west side of the Carriage Shed.	On Tuesday, Lez laid the first of the innermost leaf of blocks on the west wall.	Saturday. Trefor and Roger clean No. 7 in preparation for the day's services.
Jason's wall has been painted!	Trefor had been struggling to make steam, so had to resort to the air line (foreground).	Mike and Steve extend the west side floor edge screed - in progress...
...and completed.	Concrete mixing continued, to fill up the cavity between inner and middle leaves of blockwork on the west wall of the shed.	Sunday. Alan is about to give the "Right Away" at 10.00 for the first train up to Corris.
A man bearing (very welcome) gifts!	Richard was supposed to be filling the cavity with concrete!	Mike and Steve get on with fixing the shutter for the next section of east pit wall.
Finished the cement, gravel and wall filling by lunch time.	The train crew relax between trains - Dave, Stan and Malcolm.	By evening, the shutter had been stripped from the edge screed, and Steve had extracted his trailer from beyond the far end of the shed.
The east pit wall shutter only needs the end on again, and we are ready for concrete.	The general view.

Photographs taken between 17th & 28th May 2007
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 01/06/2007

On Thursday night, after leaks had been discovered in Carriage 21's roof last weekend, Trefor and Malcolm finish off a fresh coat of paint.	Corris Craft Centre proclaims its 25th anniversary of opening.	Road side signs have been put out to attract interest in the school "Race the Train" on Saturday.
Saturday. Dave, Trefor, Sheila, Rob and Andrew exchange banter before the first Up train departs Maespoeth.	The banter persists as Dick and Sheila guard on the departing train.	The locomotive is steaming well!
Lez is mixing mortar and laying blocks while sand is being sifted and blocks (and scaffolding) moved in the Carriage Shed.	Dave and Dick wave off the second Up train. Half of a coach party from the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway have just arrived.	Plenty of atmosphere as No. 7 moves off!
Race the Train - one of the first of the youngsters in the first race rounds the cone as No. 7 heads southwards.	Sheila and Dyfrig look on as the adult race takes place.	That's strange! The cone appears to have moved - but then, Trefor didn't go back to his turning point, either!
The Races over, No. 7 is flagged down by Sheila on the supposed last Down train - except it was full of race participants!	Some of the participants - some in party mode!	Andrew waters No. 7 after a number of return runs participating in the races!
No. 7 returning the children to Corris.	To finish off the afternoon, Trefor attends to No. 7's lubricator.	One little job not recorded before, the advertising boards have been re-erected at Maespoeth after alterations to the fencing resulting from the Carriage Shed works.
During the week, Steve Wheeler has been working on the surface water drainage system for the west side of the Carriage Shed...	...which included a new manhole...	...discharging into the main drainage system.
Saturday. The first Up passenger train of the day awaits the boarding of the last of the passengers...	...before heading northwards in a cloud of steam.	In the Engine Shed, Dave Quinton is changing gears on the vertical mill...
...while Adrian welds more pit steel columns for the Carriage Shed.	Having got the mill going, Dave machines another part for a screw coupling...	...until Adrian tells him he is machining his mug!
Later, Dave cleans up the last of the rafters.	Richard has been busy, cleaning up the Ballast Loading dock.	The surface water drainage has been extended as rain is forecast for tomorrow...
...and the Pig was taking no chances!	Sunday. Dave paints the rafter cleaned yesterday.	Barry Sleath (the Shed Talker for the weekend) takes notes between trains.
The rafter is finished!	Dave goes back to machining screw coupling parts...	...while Paul Bailey sets up to tack the last pit column...
...which Adrian later finishes off...	...leaving Paul to clean up.	The completed columns line up in ranks, awaiting their last colleague.
Outside, Richard is filling the scrap skip...	...while Trefor has just emptied his lunch box!	Later, Richard replaces the old oil tank in its place after the end has been cut out.
But before doing so, he set up a screen so that no-one could observe his hobble!	Down at the Carriage Shed, the north end land drain had been excavated, cleaned out and replaced.	Inside, one of the channel bracings had been raised to pass reinforcement mesh behind the columns - with difficulty!
Outside, many hands arrive to help Richard...	No. 7 arrives back at Maespoeth with a beaming Chris, who had just driven it back from Corris.	Trefor eases No. 7 ready for disposal while much discussion is centred by those around the oil tank...
...who later emerge from the mist as Trefor blows down!	The channel has been lowered into position and bolted, and during recovery of the hoist the pudger dropped down the cavity. This was how it was recovered!	The finished reinforcement mesh job from inside.
Four pit columns and short longitudinals have been set up to check dimensions for future fabrication.	Monday. The line-up looks impressive!	Between trains, two Richards shunt while Steve controls.
The completed train moves forward...	...before setting back.	By evening, after the floor had been cleared, about 200 blocks had been brought down ready to be laid in the last leaf of the west wall.
To make space in the shed, the pit columns have been moved out...	...into the Heritage rake, re-formed for the first time since last autumn!

Photographs taken on Monday 28th May 2007
(Some people had a wet Bank Holiday Monday, but in Corris the sun was shining)
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 31/05/2007

The NE corner of the carriage shed with its wooden cladding. The concrete will eventually be covered by landscaping.	Phase One of the carriage shed is nearing completion.	The eastern side of the carriage shed. When Phase Two is completed it will double its length.
The stack of newly-delivered sleepers waiting to be cut in half and used in the track.	Carriage 207 and Loco 8 wait their chance to be brought into the sheds for restoration.	Andrew Rawlins' Land Rover is pressed into service to move blocks into the shed.
Landy with blocks unloaded.	Landy looks at home in the shed - could the carriages have a rival for their new home ?	The size of the shed is apparent with Landy to provide scale.
The welding team has finished fabricating the pillars to support the rails over the pit in the carriage shed. Now we need volunteers to form a painting team !	Passengers being shown around the yard above the carriage shed southern extension.	Barry Sleath holds forth to the passengers while delivering the shed talk.

Photographs taken over the weekend of 26th, 27th & 28th May 2007
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 29/05/2007

Adrian carries on welding - working on the metalwork for the pit.	Another truss awaits painting.	David Coleman prepares the ground for the drainage pipework on the West of the Carriage Shed.
Trefor investigates a small leak on the loco - nothing serious.	Steve Clarke answers some tricky questions posed by these two young visitors.	This little girl was fascinated by the noise of coins falling into the bucket. (THANK YOU!).
Our friend Mike Goodwin paid us a visit with some friends from Aberystwyth.	As did members Crispin, Melanie and Joseph Butler from Aylesbury.	Malcolm brings the passenger train back into Corris station.

Photographs taken on 19th & 20th May 2007
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 21/05/2007

Saturday saw a special visit by a coach party of our good friends from Welshpool earlier on followed by ....	... "Race the Train" along with the Corris School after lunch.	Some parents (and brothers & sisters) took advantage of being able to watch their children running.
A final sprint to the line for this young man to beat the train back to Corris.	There were other attractions and in between races some children had their faces painted by Alison.	One of the many races - almost ready for "the off".
The Museum sports a smart new sign nowadays.	On Sunday, Peter Guest was busily working on the seating for Van 220...	...before turning his attention to the roof.

Photographs taken on 5th, 6th & 7th May 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Over the course of the MayDay weekend, the north wall of the carriage shed approached completion.
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0321 5/5/07 On the Saturday morning there were still some courses of blocks remaining to be laid.	0324 5/5/07 Looking north from inside the shed, there was still plenty of daylight to be seen through the north end.	0359 6/5/07 By the Sunday evening, the blockwork was complete - seen from the inside…..
0360 6/5/07……and from the outside.	0361 7/5/07 On the Monday afternoon, with the mortar on the blocks having dried, work was under way to fit the timber cladding. Here Steve saws planks to shape.	0363 7/5/07 Planks being attached to the wall.
0364 7/5/07 Mike peers up through the scaffolding.	0366 7/5/07 Welsh slate and glass….a roof based on the design of the railway's original carriage shed at Corris Station.	0367 7/5/07 The cladding reaches the doorway.
0369 7/5/07 Stereo hammering !	0370 7/5/07 The east wall is now fully clad with timber; soon the scaffolding will come down.

Photographs taken on 5th & 6th May 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Ex-Trecwn bogie waggon 222 has been sitting on the ballast dock for the last two years, waiting for its wheelsets to be re-gauged. On the Saturday the bogie frames were brought up to the hoist and the wheelsets lowered into place.
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0342 5/5/07 Once the wheelsets are in the bogie frame, the hoist is used to turn the bogie unit over…..	0344 5/5/07 ….and ease it down onto the 2'3" rails for the first time.	0345 5/5/07 No.5 collects the bogie, while the waggon body waits patiently in the background.
0347 6/5/07 On the Sunday the re-assembled bogies were eased under the waggon body and No.5 hauled it onto the rails.	0349 6/5/07 Waggon 222 carries its first payload - a load of sleepers delivered to the car park.	0352 6/5/07 With the brakegear on 222 not yet re-gauged, No.6 is brought up to provide additional braking power to bring the waggon down the steeply-graded Upper Corris Tramway siding……
0356 6/5/07 …..and park it on the Brynllwyd headshunt. Now it is mobile it will be able to be brought into the carriage shed in due course for full restoration.

Photographs taken on 5th May 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
A few weeks later…..and the sun is STILL shining !
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0308 5/5/07 Trains normally run with the loco at the Maespoeth end due to the limited platform length at Corris Station. Here the train is running up Maes-y-Llan Bank towards Corris….	0310 5/5/07….with the loco at the rear....	0311 5/5/07….approaching Braichgoch Farm Crossing….
0313 5/5/07….pausing to fit the safety mirror on the crossing….	0314 5/5/07….and then proceeding over the crossing….	0315 5/5/07….and rounding Pioneer Curve….
0317 5/5/07….into Corris Station.

Photographs taken on 15th April 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
On 15th April the weather was typically Corris - warm and sunny (!) -
and No.7 paused in the Spinney en route to Corris with the empty coaching stock for photographs.
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0126 15/4/07 First she had to get up steam….	0128 15/4/07…..and collect the carriages…..	0130 15/4/07…..before heading up the line to Bluetit Curve…..
0132 15/4/07….and rounding the curve…..	0134 15/4/07…and over Nant Garwood…..	0135 15/4/07….into the Spinney.
0143 15/4/07 No.7 passes a length of traditional slate fencing….	0144 15/4/07….with a short train made up of Carriage 22 and Van 204.	0153 15/4/07 Passing the gnarled deciduous trees…..
0154 15/4/07 ….with the coniferous forest in the background…..	0155 15/4/07….and rounding the bend…..	0156 15/4/07 ….over the culvert.
0159 15/4/07 A pause for the photographer - don't try this shot when the train is moving!	0161 15/4/07 Setting off again for Corris….	0162 15/4/07….and passing over Braichgoch Farm Crossing….
0163 15/4/07….entering Pioneer Curve…..	0166 15/4/07….and passing Holy Trinity Church on the way into Corris Station.	0172 15/4/07 Back at Maespoeth No.7 shunts to form the regular passenger train.

Photographs taken between 9th April & 5th May 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
The surrounds of Corris Station have other points of interest
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0069 9/4/07 This is where young aspiring engine drivers can start…..	0071 9/4/07 …..while keeping an eye on the real thing !	0168 15/4/07 Driver's eye view.
0124 14/4/07 Mark & Dickon help to put up the restored poster board advertising our neighbours….with Corris No.4 prominent on the poster.	0304 5/5/07 The station has a new nameboard…..	0305 5/5/07 ….and looks a picture as it waits for the first train of the day.

Photographs taken between 9th April & 5th May 2007
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Over the winter the Museum building at Corris has had its roof repaired and new timber end-boarding fitted.
Uploaded on 14/05/2007

0055 9/4/07 The new timber with a coat of Corris Brown paint on the south end of the building.	0056 9/4/07 The rear of the building - the repaired roof is on the hayloft section to the right.	0057 9/4/07 A close-up of the southern end of the building.
0045 8/4/07 To match the repairs to the rear, the woodwork on the front of the building has also received a much-needed coat of paint. First the undercoat…..	0046 8/4/07 …then John Arnold applies the top-coat.	0054 8/4/07 Steady progress……
0058 9/4/07 ….and a smart result.