2008 Photograph archive.

"2008" Photograph archive
Last updated on Monday, 05 January 2009

Photographs taken between 22nd and 30th December 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 05/01/2009

Monday, 22.12.08. A good consignment of sleepers awaits track laying works at Maespoeth...	...while the rough timber for Carriage Shed works is loaded ready to remove clear of the site...	...allowing timber shuttering panels to be brought up and stacked ready for future concreting works in the yard.
Sunday, 28.12.08. Dave Price pays homage to No. 7 outside the shed...	...or is it that he and Trefor have forgotten to empty the ashpan before stripping the loco down for it's boiler inspection?	John Reynard and Mr Shelley pay Dave and Trefor a visit.
By the end of the day, No. 7 has been partially dismantled...	...and is now an 0 - 4 - 0!	Andy Cooper starts preparing backing for the Carriage Shed south gable end doors.
One of...	...two turnouts have been stripped down ready for re-gauging.	Thomas and Paul visit Andy during his tea break! One door done, the second nearly finished...
...the third one being finished off...	...and the fourth one set up for tomorrow.	Tuesday, 30.12.08. Paul places a bolt in the turnout...
...then twirls it around with Thomas...	...which was a bit unfair!	The finished job - all ready for laying in place.
Earlier, the fourth door for the south gable end had been completed...	...and to finish off the day, a start was made on wrapping up the pit steels as a late Christmas present!

Photographs taken between 8th & 14th December 2008 (P1)
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 29/12/2008

Monday, 8.12.08. Early morning, light rain, and Dick and Mike pause for breath while moving ballast clear of the Ready Mixed Concrete lorries!	The first concrete is dropped, but a big lump needs clearing...	...before the rest can be shifted by hand...
...and followed up with the vibrating beam...	...until the longest conveyor in Wales runs out of concrete and a break can be taken - but not for long!	We have just had a delivery from the longest conveyor - perhaps this should be "Son of..."!
The second pour starts...	...is well on its way...	...until the last few grains are dropped!
It was not long before the concrete was roughly levelled...	...and the slight surplus ordered was loaded into the dumper...	...and transferred into barrows...
...so that the foundation for the retaining wall behind the platform can be formed...	...with a small surplus to form another step down from those created by Marten Bowtle.	With the work largely done until the floor concrete could be floated, other jobs were tackled, like forming a clean access to the rear door of the Carriage Shed...
...putting up a tarpaulin to stop the light rain spoiling the concrete finish...	...and put up another tarpaulin to screen off the Santa trains reception area inside the shed...	...and move items around to create a clear floor area for him!
By late evening, the concrete was just starting to go off, so the workers returned to give it...	...a floated finish.	Tuesday, 9.12.08. The finished job already shows the line of the rails!
Wednesday, 10.12.08. The west side cladding is advancing southwards...	...and some of the shuttering has been removed.	Thursday, 11.12.08. Preparations for Santa are to the fore...
...and Dave Gibson takes a walk to warm up!	Friday, 12.12.08. The west wall cladding is creeping steadily southwards...	Saturday, 13.12.08. ...and is being added to by Mike...
...until the south end is finally reached.	In between trains, shuttering is removed from inside the Carriage Shed...	...the flangeways are cleaned out...
...and rails cut...	...and welded in relaxed mode...	...shared by Dick, cleaning concrete off the rails while Richards clean up around him!
Another shuttering panel is removed - but who is that wandering around in a red suit?	The last rails have finally been welded into position on the east pit - and only one more consignment of concrete to go!	In the evening, it was Christmas dinner time - here, Bryn, Richard, Andrew and Keith.
Mike, Steve and Mrs & Mr Morrison-Smith.	Angela, Richard, Adrian and Chris.	Rev. Riley and Beryl, Helen (but the photographer is missing!).
Llinos, Huw, Gretta and Meinir.	David, Richard, Charles and Dawn.	Sunday, 14.12.08. Mike fixes boards under a lamp fitting...
Adrian welds the last steel sleeper under the east track...	...the boarding is finished...	...and Adrian gives final touches to a spacer...
...and as the light fades, the west side lights are tested (but three have not been connected).

Photographs taken between 8th & 14th December 2008 (P2)
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 29/12/2008

Friday, 12.12.08. Ho, Ho, Ho, who's in here?	Things are being made ready...	...for our special visitor!
In the evening, Trefor has put No. 7 on charge...	...and checks the electrolyte levels!	Special headboards...
....have been made...	...and the extended west side running plate has been painted.	Saturday, 13.12.08. No. 7 is steamed inside the shed...
...and later, sets off past the Signal Box...	...as Chris and Angela prepare the mince pies...	...and Steve tries to get the heating to work...
...lit just in time to greet our first visitors, escorted by the "Respectable" Fairy (Helen) and Angela...	...who are soon warmed by mulled wine and mince pies after the children have received presents from...	...Father Christmas, here seen in his Grotto!
Outside, Andrew fixes a wiring fault on No. 6 under the supervision of Trefor...	...before Trefor drives the 11.40 north from Maespoeth...	...returning later with the less respectable Fairy!
Mrs Lloyd and family pay us a visit...	...and all too soon, it is time to put everything to bed.	Sunday, 14.12.08. Andrew tests No. 7's air pump.
The first train is well loaded...	...and the cold weather gives spectacular steam effects...	...as No. 7 pulls away from a water stop.
Santa arrives to see his visitors away...	...and all the other assistants wave the train off...	...towards Corris...
...in glorious sunshine...	...with the cold weather causing the steam to hang in the air!	The mighty Quin helps the mightier Andrew oil No. 7...
...supervised by his parents...	...before the train heads north again...	...as the mist descends...
...which really is spectacular!	Packing up time again, here as Richard Foyn checks the road ahead after picking up carriage No. 20.

Photographs taken between 3rd & 7th December 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 08/12/2008

Wednesday, 3.12.08. Much of the shuttering is ready, only details to complete.	Sunday, 7.12.08. A start has been made on the west wall cladding...	...as Richard and Mike move tables for Santa and Steve sorts timber for the cladding...
...to feed the saw table set up in the Carriage Shed.	Steve prepares supports for the west wall lamps.	The floor is ready to receive concrete.
Richard cuts down the vegetation outside with the assistance of Stella.	The revised platform lamp arrangements on the west wall...	...here seen on a trial illumination.
More lights are functioning at the north end of the Carriage Shed as the mist descends outside...	...Santa's grotto has moved again...	...and been fitted out with carpet!
It is good to see Y Mochyn wrapped up against the freezing weather!

Photographs taken between 28th November & 1st December 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 04/12/2008

Friday, 28.11.08. Richard Saffery does a jig in the Engine Shed to keep warm...	...as Dave Gibson prepares Christmas lights in Carriage No. 21...	...and Peter Burbery psyches himself up for a spell of painting!
Yesterday, shelving units and storage boxes were moved in preparation to create space for the Santa Trains reception area in the Carriage Shed...	...the reinforcement bars have been tacked to the track panels...	...and the steel angle for the pit edge has been welded together.
Saturday, 29.11.08. Santa's Grotto has arrived in the Carriage Shed!	Work under way, fixing more reinforcement under the gaze of a number of spectators...	...as a hairless (victim of Children in Need) Richard Shipman tries to strike an arc!
Sunday, 30.11.08. It is that time of year again...	...with all the detail necessary!	The dumper has moved up to the top, ready to move concrete in due course...
...and the floor reinforcement is creeping towards the south end and the pit edge shuttering is in place.	Monday, 1.12.08. Yesterday, more safety rail post supports were welded up...	...inserts were cut (to stop the holes filling with concrete)...
...and the snow machine has been in production...	...but there was no necessity - it is all white outside!	More lamp units were added to the existing within the shed...
...which gives a rare opportunity for a high level view inside the shed!

Photographs taken between 18th & 23rd November 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 24/11/2008

Tuesday, 18.11.08. Daylight and not raining - get the point?	The waterproofing is close to the south gable end...	...and another track panel has been made up - just a couple of sleepers short!
The pile of track panels is slowly reducing...	...as the pile of sleepers on the other side of the access track grows!	Friday, 21.11.08. Last night, Andrew and Steph extended the waterproofing...
...which is now nearly complete.	Saturday, 22.11.08. The turnout has been unloaded ready to re-gauge.	Paul welds up the last section of track panel on the west side of the Carriage Shed...
...assisted by Richard and Andrew, who have just completed the waterproofing.	In the Engine Shed, Dave and Trefor are very happy, having completed the re-assembly of the loco, and trialled it to ensure the brakes work!	Richard Greenhough shunts the yard with No. 5.
Richard and Andrew move shuttering sections...	...as Paul checks measurements in between welding rails to the sleepers.	Sunday, 23.11.08. The west side of the floor is ready for reinforcement and shuttering...
...after the floor has been cleaned, ready to eat lunch off!	Richard is dismantling the last panel of track as delivered to Maespoeth.	A little while later, reinforcement mesh has been laid out on about half the remaining section of floor...
...and Richard has completed the dismantling job.

Photographs taken on 14th November 2008
Taken by Dick Kidner
Uploaded on 18/11/2008

Mansel Davies delivers 3 new sets of points.	A set being carefully lifted off by Ifan with the JCB.	One set is going onto the bogie waggon for transport to the new North Platform site...
...and is being swung round to face the right way...	...before being carefully guided onto the waggon by Richard and Derek...	No. 5 with an unconventional coupling prepares to ease the load up the hill.
The other two sets are neatly stacked.	The two panels on the right have been taken off the existing pile for easier dismantling.	The waggon with its outsize load won't go through! ...
...so the points have to be partially dismantled by Richard and Derek to...	...enable access to the platform...	...with eventual success!

Photographs taken between 10th &15th November 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 18/11/2008

Monday, 10.11.08. The longest one in Wales slowly uncoils itself...	...and tries to point into the Carriage Shed as Steph, Dick, Andrew and Richard await delivery of a good quantity of concrete in the floor.	By evening, it has been laid and floated...
...and the crew take a rest while pitch for the next section of floor is being heated...	...before it is poured out carefully by Richard (with hair!).	The platform lights help us move around the site safely...
...while temporary lights inside allow work to continue past 7.00 p.m.	Tuesday, 11.11.08. Early morning, and someone has been at it, removing polystyrene lost shutter from the flangeways.	Surplus concrete was used to extend the south platform edge wall foundation...
...and they must have been very busy yesterday - the west outer wall waterproofing mortar has been finished off - now more black waterproofer needs painting on (when - if! - it is dry)!	Thursday, 13.11.08. The south end temporary shuttering has been removed, and the line of rails and flangeways show clearly in the drying concrete...	...the east edge shutters have been eased away and most of the pit safety rail post sockets have been cleaned out...
...a good portion of the last section of floor has received its first coat of waterproofer...	...and bars have been dragged down for the next section of floor to be prepared.	Saturday, 15.11.08. Late afternoon, and the waterproofing of the rest of the Carriage Shed floor is well into its second coat...
...with Andrew playing around on the floor, supervised by Steph...	...while outside (in the rain!), Trefor and Paul discuss re-gauging work on a turnout as the last vestiges of light fail!	Later, lights are adjusted...
...lots of sticky pitch is removed from soles...	...the next track panel is placed in position and welded in place...	...and more polystyrene (for the flangeways) is dug out...
...until Andrew pours out the last dregs of pitch from the boiler before abandoning work for the night.

Concrete delivery (1) - 10th November 2008
Photographs taken by Dick Kidner
Uploaded on 10/11/2008

"Ready & waiting".	The first drop.	More being poured...
...and spread.	Still a way to go...	...and still being poured.
Spread and ...	...levelled...	...and some was used for the new platform edge...
...just South of the Signal Box.

Concrete delivery (2) - 10th November 2008
Photographs taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 10/11/2008

Concrete lorries.	Concrete lorry in shed.	Longest concrete conveyor in Wales.
Levelling concrete.	Fresh concrete.	Platform base.

Photographs taken between 4th & 9th November 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 10/11/2008

Tuesday, 4.11.08. Elwyn (Slate) has felled the tree just north of Maespoeth...	...but the trunk still needs trimming to give better clearances.	The Carriage Shed floor reinforcement is steadily creeping southwards...
...and eastwards...	...the walls are steadily changing colour...	...and the fresh fabrications on the centre door pillar have been primed.
Wednesday, 5.11.08. The floor reinforcement is all but finished, and the handrail post sockets are in place.	Plenty of water for the Fire Train!	Saturday, 8.11.08. Dave and Trefor re-fit the transparent slide bar on No. 7, supervised by John Reynard's stomach...
...while outside, Richard Greenhough shunts the yard to collect a delivery of sand...	...and in the Carriage Shed, Dick Kidner has primed another door frame...	...before pausing prior to starting on the last one...
...soon nearing completion!	Outside, Richard is dismantling a 2' - 6" gauge track panel...	...and Elwyn has cleared much of the felled tree.
Trefor and Steve spent some time getting the Ant to work...	...eventually successfully...	...so that the ballast pile can be trimmed back (with assistance from Richard) for access to the shed floor.
Meanwhile, Dave has the real slide bar fitted on No. 7...	...and reams out the bearings of brake assemblies...	...so that Dave and Trefor could get down and dirty to fit them...
...but there is an alignment problem, discussed with Steve...	...which when successfully completed, calls for a celebratory piece of cake!	Sunday, 9.11.08. The floor reinforcement and lost shuttering is all ready for concrete...
...No. 6 is storming Maespoeth bank with a good head of steam...	...which is more than can be said of Richard!

"The Happy Couple" 3rd November 2008
David & Fran Kingman
Uploaded on 03/11/2008

... on the occasion of the wedding of Mr & Mrs David Kingman...

Photographs taken between 27th October & 2nd November 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 03/11/2008

Monday, 27.10.08. Pieces of wood to put inside them?	Richard, Andy and Jack chat before starting work...	...and the Carriage Shed walls are looking good after Chris' efforts yesterday.
Tuesday, 28.10.08. Yesterday the south platform edge wall foundation had been cleared and blocks stacked for laying...	...but today Mike is inside, painting more walls in the Carriage Shed.	Other work yesterday was to start fixing the regauged turnout to sleepers...
...and finish off the extended footplate on No. 7...	...which is just as well, because it is a lot colder today!	Saturday, 1.11.08. Dave and Trefor work on re-setting up the driver's side slide bar on No. 7.
In the Carriage Shed, Peter Gray is continuing with the paint work...	...and something has attracted Stella's attention...	...like Steve, setting up the pit edge shuttering!
By evening, the Driver's side slide bar is fixed in position...	...but someone has machined too much off the Fireman's side!	The brake shaft awaits re-fitting, with new nylon bearings...
...although some of the smaller bearings have been re-bushed in bronze.	Sunday, 2.11.08. Peter is still painting inside the Carriage Shed...	...soon joined by Steve, who is preparing the steel angle for the pit edge, while a door frame is set up for cleaning and priming...
...and later, the door frame was primed, and reinforcement was being welded into place...	...work continuing into the twilight...	...the welding casting an eerie glow inside.
The reinforcement bar bending factory was set up again...	...and the Carriage Shed lights show up well in the dark.

Photographs taken on 26th October 2008
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 28/10/2008

In the museum - Roger Gray puts a coat of emulsion on the wall...

...while Peter Guest attends to the display...

..and Rosie Guest & Jill Oxford count and move stock around, briefly joined by Richard Saffery who will be taking stock to Derek Borrow for the Kew event..

Photographs taken between 24th & 26th October 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 28/10/2008

Friday, 24.10.08. Genesis Chapter 1...	...Verse 3!	Saturday, 25.10.08. Paul and Thomas start preparing mesh for the next section of floor...
...while Lego bricks have been transferred ready to build the next shed...	...but nobody can agree how many there were!	Steve Clarke drives the 11.00 ex-Corris diesel service train on its approach to Maespoeth, with Mike Floate as apprentice driver.
In the dry, Dave Price, John Reynard and Trefor Davies re-fit steel slide bars to No. 7, transparent ones having been found to be not too good...	...while No. 5 receives some TLC from early members Peter Firth and Geoff Smeaton.	...and Steve and Guard Dick swot up their Rule Books over a cuppa!
Barry gives our visitors the Shed Talk.	Dave Kingman and Fran (soon not to be Barton) pose with No. 9.	Back in the Engine Shed, the new nylon bush on the brake gear of No. 7 has been fitted and the bracket awaits re-fitting...
...but the Driver's side slide bar has been fitted and lined up.	About half the reinforcement has been cut and fitted for the next section of floor in the Carriage Shed...	...and Chris demonstrates faith in her husband's handiwork which Paul does not doubt!
No. 5 is looking a lot better for some fresh paint!	Sunday, 26.10.08. No. 7's slide bar has been polished...	...and, much to Roger Gray's relief, Adrian has extended the footplate on the Fireman's side...
...but there appears to be a piece left over!	Now that it is dry outside, Mike paints the second coat of waterproofer on the west wall of the Carriage Shed...	...while inside, Chris looks for something longer...
...to help her...	...reach the parts that other paint rollers won't reach!	In the Engine Shed, Trefor searches out an elusive rattle on No. 5...
...as Mike eases No. 6 to couple up the carriages...	...before drawing them back past the Signal Box, closely followed by Trefor in No. 5...	...before both sets are returned to their normal stabling positions, all closely observed by Richard Saffrey.

Photographs taken on Sunday 12th October 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 13/10/2008

One empty waggon...	...the contents now being in the skip. For how long, I wonder?	Dave Gibson wires lamps for the workshop area in the Carriage Shed. Very handy, that rail set into the floor!
And that storage rack!	The Great Little Drain has been completed and is running. All it needs now is more pipe to put in it!	One door frame painted...
...and another two flooring panels made up.

Photograph taken on Sunday 5th October 2008
Taken by John Rudkin
Uploaded on 13/10/2008

The Corris Sales stand at Locomotion, Shildon 05/10/08

Photographs taken between 3rd & 5th October 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 06/10/2008

Friday, 3.10.08. A masked man is caught early in the morning, fabricating door hangers on the south gable of the Carriage Shed...	...and two door hanging edges are already in position.	Late afternoon - any pots to be seen?
Steel is set up in the Engine Shed for more work.	The masked man unmasked! Andy has fabricated two door frames...	...and trims up a corner weld before...
...he is interupted by a visit from Richard Greenhough.	In the previous days, a platform light has been trial fitted...	...a Stella guard has been added to the S & T shed door with a very fine knob...
...and the side panels for two more bogie carriages have been delivered...	...together with bogie fittings and...	...clerestorey roof spars.
Saturday, 4.10.08. No. 7 pauses at Maespoeth during the operation of a Special in somewhat wet conditions!	Meanwhile, in the dry, Adrian, Andy and Andrew take a tea break...	...after a flowforge floor panel has been fabricated...
...which calls for a celebratory group hug with Richard. Watch your backs, lads!	Two door outer frames hung, the next pair being fabricated.	Trefor is an Angel, bringing tea for Andrew, busy completing the next section of waterproofing...
...before a group moves the next track panel into position...	...and a door panel is turned over to weld the other side.	A pre-prepared track panel has to be trimmed to fit by Paul...
...before he welds the connection while Andy also welds a door frame at the other end of the shed.	Andrew backs his Land Rover down, towing rails for more track panels - but where is Andy?	In the warm and dry, supping tea while a group discuss the programme of work to be done this winter on No. 7!
Sunday, 5.10.08. What a contrast with yesterday!	The door frames are finished and hung...	...almost ready for the fat lady to swing?
The rails have been brought into the shed, and the jim crow set up...	...to straighten them.	Photos taken, the south gable doors are removed for storage and painting by a pushmepullyou...
...before the end framing is dismantled...	...swung around...	...and slid the steel out of the way to give room for Ready Mixed Concrete lorries to access the shed.
Meanwhile, in the Engine Shed Dave Price pays homage to No. 7's brake gear...	...having earlier fitted transparent slide bars on the loco...	...but Trefor is more advanced on his side...
...despite being closely observed!

Photographs taken between 23rd & 27th September 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 29/09/2008

Tuesday, 23.9.08. Derek studies his measurements most carefully...	...while Graham attends to his belt...	...and John checks die block measurements on No. 7.
Friday, 26.9.08. Trefor works on No. 7, checking wear on slidebar shims.	Saturday, 27.9.08. Paul disappears in a cloud of dust after welding the next track panel into place...	...and Richard Foyn hides behind the dumper...
...as Paul cleans out flangeways in the concrete floor of the Carriage Shed.

Photographs taken on 20th & 21st September 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 23/09/2008

Saturday, 20.9.08. Lunch time!	The south gable end steelwork is being assembled on the Carriage Shed to check clearances and end steelwork design...	...and Paul Bailey is welding the last section (well, for now!) of rail on the pit steels...
...while Adrian adjusts the centre pillar for height by taking the end cap off, grinding down the excess...	...and welding it back on again!	Woah! It won't fit through there!
Steve arrives to shunt the yard with Trefor and Paul...	...as No. 5 struggles with a heavy train...	...but the new drill is now on another waggon to release the bogie waggon for other uses...
...which clearly amuses spectator Chris!	No. 5 gently propels the long train back, as Steve mans the waggon brakes...	...until the whole rake is safely stabled.
Adrian adjusts the position of the centre pillar...	...and moves the welder closer...	...but what he was really shifting for was a cuppa!
Sunday, 21.9.08. What a lovely day for it! Dave Ingram drives No. 7 forward to join its train...	...and after all the tests, starts off...	...towards Corris.
The end steelwork is set up...	...with rails to check clearances...	...but a lot of detail needs to be measured, discussed and agreed...
...before metal can be cut...	...and faces pulled!	Steve arrives to move shuttering with the assistance of the dumper...
...before moving track panels...	...one at a time...	...very carefully!
The plates for the door hinges have been welded to the centre post...	...and Andy measures up for the west side post...	...and checks carefully after welding the first one...
...before fixing the second one - at high level!	The first of the floor edge shutters are in place and fixed...	...and the track panels are roughly located, but can only be finally fixed when the waterproofing is finished!
To finish off the day, Steve, Trefor, Dave and Stella discuss the die blocks on No. 7!

Photographs taken between 8th & 14th September 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 15/09/2008

Monday, 8.9.08. The bogie waggon awaits a delivery on the car park at Maespoeth.	Tuesday, 9.9.08. My, that's a big one! A radial drill to replace our current one.	Wednesday, 10.9.08. The drill is safely tucked out of the way, ready for off-loading.
The early morning train crew take a break after the 11.00 down train - Dave, Richard and Malcolm.	Richard shows some of the passengers the inside of the Carriage Shed.	Barry entertains the passengers before they board the train.
The 12.40 Up train departs Maespoeth...	...and gets under way cautiously...	...because Malcolm is keeping an eye on a photographer!
Taking a break while the dust clears in the Carriage Shed!	Y Mochyn shades his eyes from the sun.

Photographs taken between 4th & 7th September 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 08/09/2008

Thursday, 4.9.08. Who would guess Trefor has cleaned No. 7 ready for Saturday?	Saturday, 6.9.08. On another day of rain, Trefor and Paul take No. 7 towards Corris, propelling Heritage waggons...	...and trailing plenty of steam...
...which soon clears!	Sunday, 7.9.08. Paul is welding pit rails in the Carriage Shed, work which is nearing the south end.	In a scene last performed 60 years previously, Elwyn Slate waters No. 7...
...after Malcolm persuaded him to give firing on the Corris a go, but...	...his lunch box has a long way to go to catch up with Trefor's! John joins him for lunch.	Elwyn swats a fly while heading up the line...
...and John tows the barbecue for safe keeping in the Museum...	...where Alf and Jill play host.	John entertains some of our visitors at Maespoeth...
...as No. 7 simmers gently, ready for the return train...	...which will be off as soon as the passengers are aboard...	...and the sun is shining somewhere!

Photographs taken between 29th & 31st August 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 01/09/2008

Friday, 29.8.08. The gantry is ready...	...and husband and wife Adrian and Chris shunt No. 6 and waggon ready,...	...later in the day, to receive a delivery of steel to complete the Carriage Shed.
In the evening, Trefor prepares No. 7 and kindling ready to drive on Saturday...	...which is evidently dirty work!	Saturday, 30.8.08. As part of the Corris Festival, the Barmouth Samba Band play in the Craft Centre...
...which gets a fair crowd moving!	Sunday, 31.8.08. Malcolm does the work on No. 7 while Dave and Richard relax with a cuppa before starting to operate the day's trains.	At the end of the day, Richard observes the train pull out of Corris prior to shunting the Heritage waggons on the rear.
Stephanie looks cleaner than usual after a full day's firing!	Dave gets back in the cab as Richard squeezes past to recover the mirror from Braichgoch Farm crossing...	...and then makes a vigorous start...
...on their way back to Maespoeth...	...where, later on, Dave educates Stephanie in shutting down procedures on No. 7.	It might be warm, but it is generally wet. Will nobody give Y Mochyn something to keep him warm and dry?

Photographs taken between 23rd & 25th August 2008
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 27/08/2008

A general view of a quieter moment at the Model Railway & Toy Exhibition.	Jack Cooper looked after the "Die alte Muhle" layout of John Parkinson.	Janet Williams was "behind the counter" on Saturday and Sunday - seen here speaking with Catherine Bailey. Husband Paul can be seen in the background catching up with Sue Phillips who came along to support us too.
Ian Packham was the driver on the newly acquired 7 1/4" train.	On Sunday evening we held the now customary barbecue at Maespoeth for exhibitors and volunteer staff.	Jill, Chris and Janet looked after us that evening, with a constant source of burgers and hot dogs.
At the end of the evening the attendees were safely transported back to their cars at Corris...	...on "an evening train"...	...leaving shunting to take place to put the stock back where it needed to be for the passenger services on Monday.

Photographs taken between 19th & 26th August 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 27/08/2008

Tuesday, 19.8.08. Another wet day at Maespoeth...	...and Tuesday gang members, John and new member Derek listen to Graham's instructions with bemusement.	The first train heads up to Corris, propelling Heritage waggons and...
...driven by Paul Bailey.	Roger Gray pays us a visit. Yes, it is warm, but the damp...	...ensures the steam hangs in the air.
Derek keeps a close eye on the mill and...	...John gets the measure of it!	Wednesday, 20.8.08. Trefor cleans out the cobwebs from No. 7's tubes.
Friday, 22.8.08. Much shunting is taking place to position stock and materials...	...for the Bank Holiday weekend (and after!).	Down in Machynlleth, Peter demonstrates to Rosie, Chris and Bill (setting up the Model Railway Exhibition), how to pump up appliances...
...while Alf prepares the counter...	...and Jill sorts out the class cutlery...	...while outside, the weather is clearing up at last!
Saturday, 23.8.08. Trefor must be around somewhere - No. 6 is in the shed (for servicing?) as John provides himself with refreshments before starting work.	Andy and Mike are preparing and fitting braces to the pit steelwork (they need painting, 'though - and the braces!)...	...as Andy trims up another one...
...while Mike drills the holes.	Stephanie joins the loco crew - with a clean face! (But not for long!).	Mrs and Mr Saffrey, train guards for today, take a rest between trains (yes, it is sunny!).
In the Model Railway Exhibition, Steve muses on a proposed repair of model wheelsets...	...while also in eating mode, Peter Gray makes a point (well, a piece of scenery) to Steve...	...while nearby, Mallard has another go at its world speed record!
A bird's eye view of Peter Gray's model...	...and a worm's eye view of Steve (Wheeler's) - the van needs turning around...	...Aberayron...
...and a more conventional view of one of the layouts.	A Stanier 8F looks badly in need of a wash and brush up...	...while a Pannier tank on light passenger train captures the viewers' attention.
Otto mans his stall...	...while a mixture of era's was to be seen on an N-gauge layout...	...of predominantly Great Western appearance...
...owned and operated by Richard Shipman.	Get the point?	Later in the afternoon, Richard and Andy move stored material and yes, the weather has reverted to type!
In the evening, a works train heads back to Maespoeth.	Monday, 25.8.08. The 13.00 down train heads towards Maespoeth...	...where Trefor, Stephanie and Mike entertain some of the visitors...
...which seems to wear some of them out...	...until Trefor returns, awaiting the "off" from Controller John Trott and Guard Graham Farley, while David and Alex Gibson take a brief break after installing cable trays in the Carriage Shed and before heading back to the Model Railway Exhibition.	At the end of the day, Trefor and Stephanie put No. 7 to bed...
...assisted by Mike.	No. 5 waits with train for the miniature railway equipment from Machynlleth.	Tuesday, 26.8.08. Peter Gray re-buries cable ducting outside the S & T shed...
...as Roger Gray cleans No. 7...	...and Dave Gibson finishes cleaning the carriages.	Roger and Dave have just finished shunting the Heritage waggons, watched by visitors and the Postman!
Summer at Corris, 2008.	No. 5 waits with a very mixed freight train at Maespoeth to cross with No. 7 - as soon as No. 6 has cleared into the yard!	Derek and John discuss the latest cut on one of the vertical mills.

Photographs taken between 12th & 18th August 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 20/08/2008

Tuesday, 12.8.08. All ready for our visitors - as John Trott chats with Bob Winchurch on No. 7.	Bob takes the controls as the first train heads up towards Corris.	Member Richard Slate stops at Maespoeth to photograph and measure diesel locos 5 & 6 for modeller's drawings.
John is all smiles as he machines axleboxes for Carriage No. 22.	It is raining for much of the day...	...which helps No. 7 leave a visible trail of steam behind it...
...but it clears up later in the day!	In the evening, the Aberystwyth gang appear and Stephanie soon acquires her usual tribal markings!	Andrew and two Richard's dismantle a turnout...
...while yours truly surveys the site...	...which involves much climbing through hedges!	Later on, the common crossing from the dismantled turnout is moved...
...and loaded onto the bogie waggon for storage elsewhere.	Thursday, 14.8.08. In the evening, dismantling of a further turnout commences, but the midges soon cause work to be abandoned!	Friday, 15.8.08. Trefor adjusts the position of No. 7 so that he can change wicks in the lubricators of the die blocks...
...while outside, Richard continues dismantling work on a turnout.	Monday, 18.8.08. Roger Gray walks to No. 6 to move the train into the platform as Andrew passes No. 7, gently simmering on the middle road...	...while the heritage stock awaits the train...
...which will be moved after the brake test is complete.

Photographs taken between 5th & 10th August 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 11/08/2008

Tuesday, 5.8.08. The sign board on the gantry has been changed already!	Birthday boy cleans up for his party after driving No. 7 all day!	In the evening, Trefor arrives to give more TLC to No. 7...
...by cleaning up the slippers on the slide bars.	Thursday, 7.8.08. Same scene two days later - has Trefor been home?	Richard Shipman takes a break from cleaning out the fire.
Sunday, 10.8.08. Malcolm removes couplings...	...and Bob prepares the fire...	...after an exceedingly wet Saturday - it persisted down all day!
Later in the day, Nick Haslam and Bob chat between trains...	...while Richard (and Bryn) are changing sleepers...	...duly photographed by our visitors.
In the evening, Bryn, Chris, Bill and Richard try out some 7.25" rolling stock...	...and Chris gets so excited, Bill has to hold her still to stop derailments...	...but there is no holding her back!

Photographs taken on 2nd & 3rd August 2008
Taken by Alf Oxford
Uploaded on 04/08/2008

Excited passengers, with bears, join the train...	...which had been appropriately decked out.	The honorary stationmaster for the weekend greeted the passengers.
Another train arrives back at Corris.	Paul Bailey prepares to drive to Maespoeth.

Photographs taken between 28th July & 3rd August 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 04/08/2008

Monday, 28.7.08. John Trott shows a group of passengers the inside of the Carriage Shed as...	...fireman Roger Gray debunks from the cab of No. 7 to take on water!	No. 7 basks in the midday sun at Corris.
At the end of the day, Roger drives No. 7 back to Maespoeth.	Tuesday 29.7.08. In the evening, Trefor arrives to give No. 7 a little TLC after its day's work...	...by fitting new wicks in the lubricators.
Wednesday, 30.7.08. Purely by accident while at work, an over-size steam train was spotted near Llandanwg!	Thursday, 31.7.08. Glyn arrives at Maespoeth to prepare the ground for a lad's (and lasses!) weekend...	...by levelling the trackbed to extend the future loop.
In the evening, Trefor arrives to clean No. 7 and prepare it for the weekend...	...by packing the slippers on the slide bars.	Outside it is raining heavily...
...and everybody shelters inside with a cuppa...	...and then provides one for Richard Evans, who...	...is digging a trench for the platform edge wall.
Friday, 1.8.08. Andrew shovels concrete out of the dumper - but why not tip it?	By evening, stone ballast has been delivered and some sleepers are in position...	...another worker has joined the party...
...and the weather is somewhat better...	...until, coinciding with Peter and Rose paying a visit, the dumper decides to stop.	Saturday, 2.8.08. By the evening, the new track is looking the part...
...but clearly, there is a way to go!	Sunday, 3.8.08. Trefor and Mike Davies put No. 7 to bed...	...and the new track is looking good...
...and turnout components are laid out but need further work...	...but after a weekend of Teddy Bear trains, the workers are feeling very tired!	With energy to spare, Mike supervises Paul and Trefor as they lay just a couple more lengths of track!

Photographs taken between 21st & 27th July 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 28/07/2008

Monday, 21.7.08. Mike Floate has been around, painting walls...	...and steelwork...	Tuesday, 22.7.08. ...and helping Trefor dismantle more of Sacradown siding...
...while Richard and Andrew had found more pitch and were heating it up...	...before spreading it thinly over the fabric reinforcement on the Carriage Shed floor.	Meanwhile, Trefor is shunting stock...
...but what makes you think he was cleaning No. 7's tubes earlier?	Thursday, 24.7.08. Mochyn cwl!	Maespoeth yard looks uncannily empty!
The Carriage Shed floor waterproofing has moved on well...	...but the sleepers of Sacradown siding still need removal...	...completed by the evening.
Mike and Trefor are hard at it, clearing stored material to the triangle...	...while Mike has cleared the pit area of building left-overs and Richard and Andrew are heating up more pitch...	...to extend the pit floor waterproofing -
but, the kegs need breaking up to speed melting. Andrew has a rest from the task while Stephanie watches Richard work up a sweat!	Saturday, 26.7.08. The first train is full to capacity - John Trott gives the main talk while others are entertained on the platform.	Andy Cooper has a rest while fettling the pit steel work...
Sunday, 27.7.08. ...and Richard Greenhough changes sleepers in the yard.	The pit waterproofing is nearing completion as Stephanie cleans up.	A good crowd on the first train again.
Dave and John clear a blockage in a coolant supply pipe...	...before Dave and...	...John get back to work on their respective mills, machining parts for Carriage 22.
Malcolm gives the thumbs up as the 12.40 heads up to Corris...	...and then services the air pump while Bob waters No. 7 on their return...	...before oiling round...
...watched by Stephanie, Richard, Helen and Andrew enjoying their lunch.	The 15.00 train's passengers listen intently to John. Any missing Lord's here?	The bucket is well patronised!
Later on, the train is re-formed for No. 7 to haul on the Up...	...for a Birthday party Special.	Andrew drives and...
...Bob fires.	The Birthday Special heads back over Braichgoch Farm crossing...	...before heading back up to Corris following a brief visit to Maespoeth.
Andrew heads No. 7 back towards Maespoeth...	...where Peter and Rosemary call while the train is shunted.	The wiring for the platform lighting has been put in.
Bob tries his hand at driving...	...but Stephanie and Helen look in need of refreshment!

Photographs taken between 15th & 20th July 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 21/07/2008

Tuesday, 15.7.08. More food for No. 7 has arrived - and gas for the waterproofing of the Carriage Shed - but has anybody got any pitch?	Thursday, 17.7.08. Stan Chatterton demonstrates how to erect shelving for the Carriage Shed, having transported it from Cheshire via. the South Coast!	Saturday, 19.7.08. Andrew smoothes off waterproof mortar to finish the west side wall of the Carriage Shed...
...then helps Trefor adjust the alternator on No. 6...	...before working with Paul and Richard to start dismantling Sacradown siding...	...but all this hard work builds up a thirst!
Meanwhile, Richard Saffrey calls to chat with John Reynard, just as No. 7 makes its appearance...	...and the crew of Mike Floate, Dave Ingram and Dick Kidner exchange banter as they finish their lunch.	Paul grinds off a joint in a pit rail...
...after having made up a much needed new terminal on the welder...	...before balancing precariously to weld more rail to the supporting steel. Let's hope the heat doesn't transfer too well!	After tea break, it is back to work for the Sacradown siding gang...
...but not for long!	The result of their efforts for the day.	The 17.10 ex-Corris arrives at Maespoeth, Dave Ingram driving and Mike Floate as fireman. Trefor was also hiding there somewhere!
Sunday, 20.7.08. A coach party arrived for the first train...	...which was driven by Malcolm, on his first morning of duties this year.	The group had a different tour of Maespoeth to the usual, having received a lecture on the railway last night!
The engine crew of Malcolm, Mike and Roger before...	...heading back...	...into Corris.
Y Mochyn has had a change of clothes for the summer!	Adrian (on Control) accepts a down train from Corris.

Photographs taken at Amberley on 13th July 2008
Taken by Dave Kingman & Fran Barton
Uploaded on 14/07/2008

Dave Kingman is on hand to assist Derek Borrow on the Corris Sales Stand at the Amberley Working Museum Railway Gala Weekend.

Has Dave sat down and grown a full head of hair ...?

No. It is Fran taking the weight off her feet.

Photographs taken between 8th & 13th July 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 14/07/2008

Tuesday, 8.7.08. No. 5 is ticking over...	...as the train in the "loop" siding is made ready...	...coupled up...
...and materials fouling the loading gauge moved...	...to enable waggons on Sacradown siding to be cleared...	...so that No. 6 could gingerly couple up...
...to move the rest of the stock...	...but not before the rails were swept by hand of ballast to smooth its passage (shades of dirty rails on 00 train sets)!	Wednesday, 9.7.08. The result is stock stabled out of the way on the Upper Corris branch siding...
...and all the immediately useful stock in the yard...	...with Sacradown siding clear...	...to enable it to be taken up and re-laid before long with permanent track.
Saturday, 12.7.08. Trefor hunts for tools to enable the diesel locomotives to be serviced in the engine shed...	...and John cuts steel in the hacksaw.	Paul Bailey spaces out rails on the pit rail support beams...
...prior to welding them in position.	Sunday, 13.7.08. Andrew has cleaned up the northern pit in the engine shed...	...and cleans himself up while Richard gives the shed talk to passengers on the last train of the day.
Taking the cue from another pit, fishplates enable the pit to drain!	The last Up train of the day passes Maes y Llan on the approaches to Corris.

Photographs taken between 1st & 6th July 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 07/07/2008

Stephanie paints more wall and the tar boiler is going...	...while Andrew and Richard set out...	...and drill more holes in the pit rail support steel work.
This enables the last of the pit steel to be erected...	...bolts done up...	...and tea to be drunk...
...until Stephanie hands over the last bolts to complete the assembly.	What makes you think Stephanie has been painting?	Andrew ladles out more molten pitch...
...for Richard to place on the pit floor...	...which adds to the atmosphere inside the Carriage Shed.	Wednesday, 2.7.08. The completed steel work the next day.
Thursday, 3.7.08. A repeat of Tuesday, Stephanie painting...	...Richard waterproofing the pit floor...	...and Andrew cleaning up so that...
...Andrew and Richard can flash over the existing pitch and roll out fabric reinforcement.	Stephanie has just stopped smoking, so finds a job in the roof to sample the fumes from the hot pitch!	Friday, 4.7.08. The state of play next morning - the shed...
...looks a lot brighter (helped by the sun!).	Saturday 5.7.08. A group of members chat while Barry gives the shed talk...	...while Stephanie looks on!
Nigel Bird looks the other way as one of his grand daughters takes photographs!	Andrew adjusts valve gear on the approach to Corris...	...as Stephanie puts the injectors on.
Barry gives a group of passengers on the last train the Shed Talk...	...as a passenger gets serious about his photography.	Making their way back to take seats on the train...
...before the train heads off...	...to Corris, where the Heritage Waggons are on display again.	Dave squeezes past Andrew to undertake reporting duties...
...before riding on the loco as far as Braich Goch Crossing, heading back to Maespoeth...	...and walking on to unlock the wicket gate at Maes-y-Llan...	...before rejoining the last train of the day.

Photographs taken on 29th June 2008
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 05/07/2008

Andy Cooper gives the alternative shed talk, to a group from the Welsh Railways Research Circle, in the carriage shed.	Peter Burberry painted the shed walls.	Phil and Andy bolt up the pit steelwork.
Andy & Phil doing more bolting - and yes, it IS meant to have a curve in the middle!	...while Peter just kept on painting.	Fireman Dave, Driver Dave and Guard Richard Sa....but someone isn't properly dressed...
...that's better ! (Although the Driver will never look as smart as the Guard)

Photographs taken between 24th & 29th June 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 30/06/2008

Tuesday, 24.6.08. Andrew and Richard assemble more pit rail support steel work during the evening...	...in the Carriage Shed...	...while waiting for more pitch to heat up.
It looks like they have been in the Slaters' Arms already...	...despite the care they are taking!	It looks even worse from the other end!
Getting near the end - Richard takes the load as Andrew adjusts a column.	Wednesday, 25.6.08. All assembled - but badly in need of adjustment...	...but a start has been made on the pit floor waterproofing.
Thursday, 26.6.08. They are back to line up the steelwork. A mock-up of the Carriage footboard has been welded to a trolley to test clearances...	...and Stephanie is painting more walls...	...which is all thirsty work.
Stephanie takes a breather while Andrew scoops up molten bitumen...	...to enable Richard to extend the pit waterproofing...	...before returning to break up more bitumen...
...by dropping it onto an angle iron...	...before ladling out more pitch...	...while Stephanie continues with the wall painting.
In case you wonder why the tar boiler is inside, it is persisting down outside...very heavily!	Friday, 27.6.08. The "completed" steel assembly looks better - and yes, the "kink" is deliberate.	The pit waterproofing has been extended.
Saturday, 28.6.08. Trefor is losing his hair, cleaning the frames of No. 7...	...while Dave Quinton adjusts the angle of Carriage No. 21's brake crank...	...Peter Burbery paints the walls in the Carriage Shed...
...Andy adjusts steel work...	...while Paul prepares to weld more rail...	...and later, Richard Saffrey holds up a fence while chatting with Dave Quinton...
...before being chased up a ladder by Bill Newton!	Paul welds more rail after it has been straightened...	...and you can see why this is necessary!
Sunday, 29.6.08. Richard Greenhough hides in the steps at the south end of the Carriage Shed...	...and more rail is ready for welding in position...	...and Peter is still painting walls...
...some of which are looking quite good!	The sign for the Teddy Bear's weekend has been modified...	...and the station sign has been renewed.
Dave Ingram drives No. 7 for disposal...	...the sign board is in position...	...and Richard, Peter and Dave discuss things at the end of a busy day!

Photographs taken on 21st & 22nd June 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 23/06/2008

Saturday, 21.6.08. Wow! Someone has been...	...clearing up in the Engine Shed - to create room to make a permanent connection to the water tank...	...and extended the waterproofing on the Carriage Shed floor...
...as well as set up the gantry to help...	...Andy, Jack and Paul assemble the pit rail support steelwork...	...but there is a snag. Paul 'phones a friend...
...and later all is going well...	...until Andy checks the drawings (again)!	Sunday, 22.6.08. Guard John Wormington greets a family awaiting the 14.40 train ex. - Maespoeth, on the approach road to Braichgoch Farm.
The loco crew consists of Andy, Trefor and Stephanie, who is gaining experience for her DoE Silver Award by gaining a new skill.	Meanwhile, in the Carriage Shed, Paul tacks a rail to the...	...first section of completed pit rail support steel work as Andy checks the measurements.
Andy holds the rail down (and in the right position!) as Paul tacks another weld.	Stephanie and partner Adam receive instructions on gauge glasses from Trefor (in the cab of No. 7), while Andy in a blur cleans up the motion.	The first section of pit steel is assembled and the rest...
...has been set out ready to assemble.	Josh tries his hand, driving No. 6 to put the carriages away after making a practice return trip to Corris.

Photographs taken on 14th & 15th June 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 16/06/2008

Saturday, 14.6.08. The next section of Carriage Shed floor has been cleared and swept...	...and pit steelwork moved...	...so that the waterproofing can be extended ready for the next section of floor to be screeded...
...requiring edge shuttering to be moved into position while the unpainted sides of steel are handy for cleaning and priming.	Peter Gray cleans up in the pit...	...before starting the clean up of the steel.
While waiting for another batch of pitch to melt, Steve digs the last bit of foundation for the platform retaining wall.	Sunday, 15.6.08. Only a little patch of floor waterproofing left to do for the next section of floor screed...	...and two beams have been painted and three cleaned ready...
...while more of the walls have received a priming coat of paint (in some odd patterns!)...	...and more pots have been filled with concrete on the north platform extension edge wall.

Photographs taken on 7th & 10th June 2008
Taken by Dick Kidner
Uploaded on 11/06/2008

7.6.08. Various shunting took place to give a different train formation for the photographers.	No. 7 leading for a change...	...with a mixture of heritage stock in the formation...
...sprawling to South of the platform.	The N.G.R.S. visitors disembark at Corris.	10.06.08. We play host for a "school visit".
At Maespoeth, Richard Shipman tells them all about the railway.	It was a diesel train formation today...	...but that did not deter from their enjoyment.

Photographs taken on 7th June 2008
Taken by Meinir Coleman
Uploaded on 11/06/2008

Saturday, 7.6.08. John Disley tries No. 9 for size.

Many hands lift the load (from L to R, DC, Richard Shipman, Jack Cooper, John Disley, Malcolm Cameron, Trefor Davies, Andy Cooper, Andrew Rawlins).

DC explains the proposed platform arrangements to John Disley...

...while Malcolm chats with Bob and Richard.

Photographs taken between 5th & 8th June 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 11/06/2008

Thursday, 5.6.08. Evening activity at the north end of Maespoeth as Trefor moves No. 6...	...and the 1 in 8 turnout to be laid out for re-gauging...	...but first, the dunny has to be moved...
...before the common crossing and stock rails can be off-loaded.	The remainder of the turnout then has to be re-located...	...before taking a tea break and reaching for the gnat swatter while perilously off-loading...
...carefully!	Then it is back to another cuppa!	Friday, 6.6.08. With special trains tomorrow, a small amount of smokey coal has been delivered for the photographers. Well, No. 7 really!
The 1 in 8 turnout components laid out for re-gauging.	Saturday, 7.6.08. Richard Shipman greets Meinir, who has brought down Carriage Shed sponsor (and former resident of Corris) John Disley (behind her) while Bob Winchurch has a laugh with Malcolm Cameron, chatting to Olive (out of sight in the S&T shed).	Andy Cooper humbles himself, welding another track panel together in the Carriage Shed...
...while Andrew and Jack move stored timber to provide room for work on the next floor section to commence...	...before Trefor joins in...	...and they set off at pace!
Sunday, 8.6.08. Founder member Peter Firth tries his hand at driving No. 9...	...closely observed by Phil Hatton!	Controller Alan Witts watches the 14.00 ex.- Corris train arriving in the platform at Maespoeth...
...where the train crew take on fluids on a very warm day!	In the Carriage Shed, the next track panel is nearing completion, the floor beyond has been cleared and...	...the shuttering has been cleared from the end of the inset track panels although there is not a lot of room for welding on the next section...
...but there is a touch more on the other panel...	...which does not have far to go before the pit steel needs erection!

Photographs taken between 27th May & 1st June 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 03/06/2008

Tuesday, 27.5.08. A big gust of wind yesterday felled the Maespoeth dunny, here lying on the north platform extension.	Electrical conduit for platform lighting has been erected on the west side of the Carriage Shed...	...and the next track panel is stored out of the way...
...and more rails have been straightened ready for the next panels.	It looks like there has been a change in the weather...	...but it was just more expanded polystyrene that has been cut - this time for the flangeways in the floor screed...
...and the conduits for power supplies have been added to the west wall.	Thursday, 29.5.08. Concrete for the first section of floor screed has been delivered from Porthmadog...	...because it sometimes pays to have a long one...
...but it takes...	...a lot of cleaning!	The back of the shed has been concreted...
Steve takes a turn to dance with the power float as Mike Bloomfield checks the door opening, and the dumper has been filled with spare concrete...	...after the floor had been roughly levelled by a home-made but effective vibrating floor screeder.	Mike mixes up mud pies before being...
...joined for a cuppa by Steve.	The finished floor looks good - only hope we can find the rails afterwards!	Outside, surplus concrete has been used to form an extended south platform edge foundation...
...and fill the pots in the north platform edge wall...	...and start the foundation base for the rear north platform retaining wall.	In the evening, Trefor is on site, cleaning out the firebox of No. 7...
...and re-fitting the brakes after doing a bit of homework on the pins!	Friday, 30.5.08. The battens and conduit for the west wall of the Carriage Shed have been finished and returned around the south end...	...and the rails make themselves known in the drying floor screed.
Sunday, 1.6.08. Paul clears up after...	...working on the turnout, now ready for the rails and sleepers to be bolted together.	In between trains, polystyrene shuttering is cut out of the floor screed.
Guard Graham Farley waits patiently to put his train away while Steve Clarke and Andrew clean out the ashpan of No. 7...	...supervised by Dave Price...	...and Graham (still waiting!).
All smiles as No. 7 is put to bed!

Photographs taken between 22nd & 25th May 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 27/05/2008

Thursday, 22.5.08. Lez has built up the south west corner of the Carriage Shed...	...and has arrived to fill in the remaining 3 panels.	By the evening, not much remains to be done...
...and more 150mm blocks have been delivered to enable the last blockwork to be completed.	Friday, 23.5.08. Trefor puts in the evening shift, rubbing down brake pins...	...but he seems to be getting the hang of it!
A fabrication has been made up to allow the mag drill to be used for drilling fishbolt holes.	Saturday 24.5.08. No. 7 moves off to join its train as Lez adds more blocks to the west wall of the Carriage Shed.	Lez has finished the walling work and Mike Floate...
...is moving blocks up ready for the final work...	...before going back to cleaning and priming steel rail support beams.	Paul prepares to re-fix and re-gauge tie bars on the turnout.
Mike Bloomfield fixes battens to the west wall ready for timber cladding.	Sunday 25.5.08. Lez has finished the blockwork on the Carriage Shed...	...and as usual, worked twice as hard!
Paul and Adrian work together to weld up more track panels for the Carriage Shed floor.	Mike infills the block cavity with waterproof mortar...	...after assembling electrical conduit for platform lighting and power supplies.
Chris takes a turn, driving No. 7 up to Corris. Nice hat!	At the end of the day, Steve Clarke empties the air reservoirs on the carriages as they are put away.

Photographs taken on 18th May 2008
(Race the Train)
Taken by Bob Winchurch
Uploaded on 20/05/2008

It really is a case of timing as Andrew and Dave get No. 7 ready to race....	....while the headmistress, Mrs. Griffiths, gets the schoolchildren ready to go...	...and "They are off"...
...with Andrew keeping lookout whilst driving...	...and taking spectators with him to watch and encourage their children in the race...	...and back to the platform.
The second race about to start...	...with Bob's son, Richard, leading the way (front left of picture).

Photographs taken between 14th & 17th May 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 19/05/2008

Wednesday, 14.5.08. The foundation trench for a retaining wall behind Maespoeth platform has been extended to its full length.	In the evening, Trefor explains the difficulty he has had...	...taking the brake blocks off No. 7...
...while Andrew 'phones a friend with internet connection...	...and then it is Trefor's turn, while Andrew tries to trace faults on the telephone exchange.	Thursday, 15.5.08. Dave Gibson has been by to work on the Carriage Shed electrics, adding this switch panel (but not yet installed)...
...and fixed a faulty pillar drill!	Friday, 16.5.08. The initial layer of crack control mesh...	...has been located on the track panels in the Carriage Shed.
Saturday, 17.5.08. It must have been left out in the rain overnight - the telephone exchange has shrunk!	No. 7 simmers gently...	...as Dave Price tries his hand at re-programming the new exchange...
...before supervising the starting of the air pump on No. 7.	Sheila, Andrew and Dave converse before heading up to Corris for "Race the Train".	The bluebells are out!
Andrew drives No. 7 through the spinney...	...before heading off up to Corris from the triangle (P. Way dump).	The message is clear!
The third race against the train is under way...	...and it is neck and neck!	The fourth race, and two girls turn while No. 7 still has a way to go...
...but it is soon on it's way back, too!	Going well in the last race!	Sheila waves off No. 7...
...and checks the time of departure on a school special after No. 7 has been watered.	The event was well advertised!	Sunday, 18.5.08. Andy takes the credit for drilling the fishbolt holes...
...after Andrew and Trefor had got the rail drill going again...	...before Trefor heads up to Corris with No. 7 on the 15.40 Up train.	Andy explains what he has done to finish off the mesh and flangeway shutters for the first section of Carriage Shed floor...
...assisted by Mike Floate, who has also cleaned up and primed more steel pit rail support beams...	...before Andy goes back to fabricating a bracket to support the mag drill to give us another option when drilling fishbolt holes.

Photographs taken between 6th & 11th May 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 12/05/2008

Tuesday, 6.5.08. Lez has bedded more blocks to protect the Carriage Shed waterproofing.	Wednesday, 7.5.08. A mini digger has arrived to excavate footings for a retaining wall at the rear of the Maespoeth platform extension.	Shuttering is in place for the first section of floor screed in the Carriage Shed...
...after the track panels have been fixed in place...	...together with the receptors for the north doors drop bolts.	In the engine shed, Trefor secures scotches under No. 7 as he addresses brake binding problems.
Thursday, 8.5.08. The shuttering by the rear doors of the Carriage Shed has been adjusted.	Sunday, 11.5.08. Yesterday, pit rail support beams have been turned over and some cleaned and painted...	...by Michael Huber, who is relaxing on the job!
A bright morning with No. 7 being prepared outside and the carriages already standing in the platform, as Steve Harris walks up to Corris.	With steam up, No. 7 moved into the shed and willing hands propel the brake van onto the rear of the train.	The foundation trench at the back of the platform extension is effectively finished - now for the concrete!
Holes were drilled for the re-gauged turnout - until the drill stopped working!	Advertising boards for some of our sponsors...	...have been erected on the platform fence.
Ali fixes a new ceiling in the S & T Shed.	Andrew tried to fix the telephone exchange, suffering from a suspected lightning strike.	The end of the day, and Trefor propels the brake van back into its siding.

Photographs taken between 23rd March & 5th May 2008
Taken by Richard Greenhough
Uploaded on 15/05/2008

Easter was early this year, and a snowy Cadair Idris looms over Corris as No.7 prepares to leave the station with a down train on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.	Tuesday 25th March, and Mike moves his trolley loaded with mobile mud pies...	...to help Steve lay the base for the new northwards platform extension at Maespoeth.
By Monday May 5th the chill has gone from the air, and No.7 waits at Corris to take the first passenger train of the day to Maespoeth.	Carriage 21 looks splendid in the sunshine, as Rosie leaves off chatting to Trefor to greet Olive as she comes out of her bungalow above the station.	No.7 is impatient to be away !
The train threads its way down the wooded Dulas valley.	An Up train approaching Triangle Crossing.

Photographs taken between 29th April & 5th May 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 06/05/2008

Tuesday, 29.4.08. The sewer vent pipe from the septic tank...	...has been modified to vent away from the public...	...and the end of the Carriage Shed floor waterproofing has been largely completed.
Wednesday, 30.4.08. The track panels have been positioned on the floor ready for levelling, reinforcement and concrete screed.	Stock has been moved around Maespoeth yard...	...and more materials...
...have been delivered for the Carriage Shed.	With space becoming a premium, these items might not last to 5th November!	Friday, 2.5.08. Richard Rugog has supplied a machine...
...to off-load another consignment of rail from Trecwn...	...which has been delivered to us by Jonathon, here enjoying a cuppa...	...while his lorry is unloaded.
The consignment mainly consists of turnouts...	...and fittings, here contained in a timber box.	Jonathon helps out, loading the machine bucket with point levers...
...and throwing down loose sleepers.	During the day, coal was delivered for No. 7.	Plenty of track about - of all sorts of gauges!
A 1 in 8 turnout is already loaded on trolleys for movement to the north platform extension for laying out and regauging.	There are plenty more awaiting attention afterwards!	To fill the trailer, more plain track has been acquired with the turnouts...
...and with the machine on site, opportunity was taken to dig fill...	...to fill up the north platform extension.	Saturday, 3.5.08. Lez has been along to complete another bay of block work.
Somebody has worked up a good shine on the brass work!	Andy, Adrian, Paul and Richard scratch heads over how to...	...re-gauge a turnout.
Bryn and Richard replace sleepers in a turnout...	...which was not proving easy!	Sunday, 4.5.08. Y Mochyn has turned football supporter (obviously not Corris U.F.C.)!
Trefor checks the air pump on No. 7 and the sleepers in the turnout have been changed successfully.	Trainee Guard John Wormington checks his train...	...and the platform extension filling has been roughly levelled.
John Trott supervises Dave Price driving No. 7 up to its train, while Lez continues block laying.	Trefor and Richard tamp the replacement sleepers.	Andrew stops work on re-gauging the turnout as No. 7 eases its train into Maespoeth while the fill is being levelled and checked for fall.
Steve Harris supervises Andrew and Richard, changing sleepers under the turnout to be regauged.	The dumper is being used to move blocks for Lez...	...and Richard uses the bucket of his machine to slew it onto his trailer...
...which is narrower than the machine tracks!	A mixture of names between lorry and machine!	Not bad for a weekend's work - one regauged turnout awaiting drilling and spiking...
....as Paul Bailey drives No. 7 on the last working of the day.	The platform levelling is advancing...	...ready to receive more turnouts for re-gauging.
Lez has set the edge blocks prior to the last of the waterproofing going on the west outside wall...	...and lots of blocks have been moved to keep Lez going!	One of the track panels has been levelled and packed prior to floor screeding.
Monday, 5.5.08. John Trott gives his shed talk to a small group of passengers as the train crew relax...	...and John Wormington, freshly passed out as Guard, eats his lunch!	The stock rail supports have been re-welded for the change in gauge.
Lez has laid another bay of concrete blocks...	...and the mixing point has been moved for the last three bays.

Photographs showing progress of bogies for carriages 22, 23 and 24.
Taken by Andy Cooper
Uploaded on 29/04/2008

Bughaus, Nottingham, is where the bogies for carriages 22, 23 & 24 sit alongside Volkswagens...	...lined up in very neat and tidy order...	...and taking up no small amount of floorspace.
All "present & correct".	The last of six cross-bogie stretchers is setup and tacked together in the jig.	Welding up cross-stretchers.

Photographs taken between 22nd & 27th April 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 28/04/2008

Tuesday, 22.4.08. The last load of structural concrete has been placed...	...at last!	A designed surplus of concrete has extended the south platform edge wall footing.
Wednesday 23.4.08. Stripping of the pit west wall shuttering has started...	...and by evening was completed and the surface patched up.	Friday, 25.4.08. A tar boiler has arrived...
...and been put to work to good effect, waterproofing the floor of the Carriage Shed.	Saturday, 26.4.08. The radio is playing classical music, but all is deserted...	...until Steve returns with more gas to heat the tar...
...to add to the waterproofing of the floor.	After all that activity, time for a nap while waiting for more bitumen to melt!	Sunday, 27.4.08. The first section of waterproofing is all but complete.
A driver's eye view from No. 7 working up the line...	...on a mostly overcast day...	...but the sun did come out later on...
...which brightened things up considerably!

Photographs taken on 22nd April 2008
Taken by Dick Kidner
Uploaded on 22/04/2008

Very elegant shuttering awaiting concrete.	The very last delivery of structural concrete for the carriage shed.	Steve and Bob Winchurch level the final concrete.
The surplus is used for the footings for the new South platform.	The footings for the South platform.	The very last load of structural concrete makes its way to the shed!
The job finished- the last corner is filled in!

Photographs taken between 14th & 20th April 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 22/04/2008

Monday, 14.4.08. Last thing on Sunday, the footings for the retaining wall for the 7.25" gauge carriage shed were concreted.	The Carriage Shed virtually complete - this time in sunshine!	Friday, 18.4.08. The skip has been emptied - and sand has been delivered.
Trefor quietly re-packs the regulator gland on No. 7.	More (suitable) sand has been delivered to keep Lez happy!	Saturday, 19.4.08. It is cold...and some volunteers think hard about work...
...but Lez is almost finished, adding another panel of blockwork to the west wall of the Carriage Shed.	The loneliness of the long distance bolt tightener - Andrew helps finish off the shuttering for the last section of west pit wall.	Lez is not content with the sand...
...or the chorus of "There's a hole in my bucket, Dear Liza, Dear Liza..." from the volunteers (So buy a new one, Dear Henry he retorts)!	Later in the day, Paul is caught packing up...	...having fixed the second handrail on the outside of No. 21.
Dick has cleaned and painted the top of two more pit rail support beams...	...and the shutter is now braced to receive concrete.	Steve and Joanna supervise Andrew laying concrete blocks...
...while Lez works by himself!	Paul explains to a smartly dressed visitor, how we are re-gauging turnouts.	Sunday, 20.4.08. "Tiger" is left on the siding for today...
...to produce a more photogenic train formation.	Andrew is coming along with his block-laying...	...but Lez has finished for the day!
One...two...three...hup! Moving turnout components prior to re-gauging...	...is heavy work...	...which requires co-ordination...
...and...	...a quick prayer!	Turnout component moving over, Andrew returns to his block-laying, which Steve enjoys supervising!
In the Museum, there is a good crowd of locals...	...and not so locals!	The passenger train having been put away, Steve shunts waggons...
...to place materials ready for further work on the Carriage Shed.	Andy's wall has come on well (for a beginner!)...	...but the turnout work hasn't progressed far!

Photographs taken on 13th April 2008
Taken by John Arnold
Uploaded on 14/04/2008

Early morning and the mist is still rising.	Our Controller for the day, Dave Kingman, arrives.	Trefor has a quick chat with Dave on his way to the Signal Box.
Still dull. No. 7 approaches the platform.	A little later, Andrew compacts tar planings for the new (North) path to the Carriage Shed.	Bob and Trefor tend to No. 7 between runs.
Paul Bailey brings more tar planings...	"About there!" Andy Cooper shouts.	"Well I didn't mean quite there, but that'll do".
With the Carriage Shed empty it looks just about ready for stock. But there are jobs to do inside first like screeding the floor and fitting rail etc.	Slate pailings are brought to the North end of the Carriage Shed too...	Paul and Andy lify them out and...
...stack them carefully, ready for later use.	A "guard's eye view looking back at Maes-y-Llan gate...	...The Triangle P.W. Dump...
...just about to enter Rock Cutting...	...looking forward (South)...	...coming through The Spinney...
...and into Maespoeth.	No. 5 (just about seen on the left), No. 6 and No. 7 all in use at Maespoeth this weekend.	Andrew Rawlins takes a breather after a considerable amount of digging and shifting today.
Trefor and Andrew drop concrete in the footings where needed...	...with Trefor on the way to get some more.	Our "stalwart" No. 5 rests in the siding at the end of the day.

Photographs taken between 9th & 13th April 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 14/04/2008

Wednesday, 9.4.08. The bitumen pots for the waterproofing join the fabric reinforcement for the Carriage Shed floor.	Saturday, 12.4.08. On Thursday night, Trefor and Andrew extracted a turnout ex-Trecwn, and moved it up to the north platform extension for laying out...	...and regauging.
Lez lays more blocks on the west wall of the Carriage Shed...	...watched by Sam, who is in the "dog house" (kennel?) for running away repeatedly, after a bitch.	By way of a diversion, Lez completed the blocks around the dunny culvert manhole, ready for a manhole cover and frame.
By early afternoon, Lez had gone but left the blocks ready for a more determined run in the week.	In the Carriage Shed, Dick has cleaned down and is now painting in primer, two short pit rail support beams...	...followed by the top surface of several longer beams.
At the back of the Carriage Shed, Andrew watches Joanna working on a temporary ramp to give dumper access to the north platform extension...	...and then uses the Wacker to consolidate the ground.	Fill for the ramp is excavated from the bank to the south of the Carriage Shed, but the excavation work is held up by visitors Meinir and Clive (the Dulas)!
Later in the day, yours truly compacts more fill, some excavated from a foundation trench for a retaining wall for the Carriage Shed access path (in the foreground)...	...which by evening, is complete.	The hole in Braichgoch farmyard with water connection is still open...
...so as a brief diversion, Joanna and Andrew fill it in...	...soon completed...	...and then compact it under the close supervision of Andy...
...who assists by topping up as necessary...	...before topping off and compacting the finished job.	Sunday, 13.4.08. At end of day, Bob and Trefor coal No. 7...
...while No. 6 still with waggon attached from yesterday, waits to shunt the passenger stock.	The ground behind the north platform extension edge wall has been partially filled and levelled, and the dumper has made it up the new ramp, as steam drifts away from No. 7's blow down.	Inside the shed, the shuttering for the last section of west pit wall is mostly in place (but needs a top section adding and lining, levelling and bracing).

Photographs taken on 8th April 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 09/04/2008

Tuesday, 8.4.08. It has got a touch colder!	The Tuesday gang hard at it on machine tools in the engine shed...	...until startled by a third member!
Lez's extra cuppas have not inspired him to move very far, blocking the west wall of the Carriage Shed!	The Maespoeth north platform edge wall now needs back-filling, as the services duct is now in place.	The reinforcement and lost shutter is in place in the Carriage Shed for the last section of west pit wall to be concreted - when the outer shutter is in place - and the floor is now complete!
A small surplus of concrete has formed the start of the foundation to the new Maespoeth south platform edge wall.	Stella warily sniffs bitumen pots awaiting floor waterproofing work in the Carriage Shed...	...as do rolls of geotextile to reinforce the waterproofing prior to concrete screeding.

Photographs taken on 2nd April 2008
Taken by Mike Bloomfield
Uploaded on 08/04/2008

Steve prepares to lay blocks for the north platform extension...	...and gets straight to it.	An afternoon passenger train leaves Maespoeth.
No. 7 waits for passengers at Maespoeth.	You can appreciate the size of the Carriage Shed...with a ReadyMix lorry inside it.	Having disposed of it's load, the Carriage Shed looks remarkably empty ... for a while.

Photographs taken on 22nd March 2008
Taken by John Arnold
Uploaded on 07/04/2008

Cader Idris just with a dusting of snow this morning...	... looking like a picture-postcard.	Everything seems quiet...
...with no-one about yet?	Inside the carriage shed Steve and Dick move pit rail supports for cleaning and primering.	Mike puts cladding on the North doors.
Steve checks on Mike.	The South end approach to the carriage shed is now pretty much clear.	Jack, Thomas and Dick dispose of surplus material.
Richard Saffery calls a quick meeting with Andy and Adrian...	...while David tidies up a bit...	...under the work areas as well.
Looks like the rubbish disposal continues amidst (very) temporary sunshine.	Later it started to go dull with rain and further snow forecast.	Inside the museum various changes have been made to the Harness Room ...
...which opens it up a bit.	We are now able to have two sets of tables and chairs for visitors to enjoy a hot drink and a snack.	The Coach House has also been re-arranged...
...with display boards moved into here as well.	Roger Gray makes changes to the Parcels Office by mounting a display on the wall.	A guards eye view approaching Maespoeth.
At the end of the day Controller Dave Kingman changes the Station Limit board to "Unmanned" and formerly closes Control and the Block Post.	Jack and Thomas help in sorting spikes and other materials in the P.W. waggon.	A view that won't be seen for too much longer - the East side of the carriage shed roof taken from the South-East corner scaffold.
I was joined by Chris and Adrian Brichford & Jill and Alf Oxford.	The rake is set in the North Loop Siding...	...and Dick locks down the first vehicle.

Photographs taken between 25th & 30th March 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 31/03/2008

Tuesday, 25.3.08. Dave Gibson has brought his tools down to the Carriage Shed, but then disappeared!	Wednesday, 26.3.08. Yesterday, the start of the blocking of the north platform edge wall commenced...	...and the centre scaffold in the Carriage Shed has started to come down...
...and the rainwater down pipes were finally fixed!	Thursday, 27.3.08. With the scaffold removed (but not all materials collected), the extended building looks impressive...	...from the other side of the valley.
Yesterday the platform edge blockwork was completed...	...but they ran out of mortar just before the last block was placed on the manhole over the Dunny culvert.	With the scaffold removed, the Carriage Shed can now be more readily seen...
...from various angles.	In the evening, Trefor re-seals the blast pipe on the chimney of No. 7...	...after thoroughly cleaning the firebox!
Richard Saffrey has left his contribution to the Guard's work load!	Saturday, 29.3.08. Trefor and Andrew are getting soft - lighting up inside the shed today.	Yesterday, the next section of west pit wall in the Carriage Shed was wired and shuttered...
...and Lez arrives - he reckons he works twice as hard, so he justifies two cuppa's!	It is raining, so Trefor gets Andrew to drive, here being seen off from Corris by interested spectators!	The crew comprises Dick (waiting to greet passengers)...
...while Trefor gets "Line Clear" from Control...	...before warming himself inside No. 7's cab on the way back to Maespoeth.	In between showers, Trefor and Andrew fill up ballast in front of the north platform edge wall at Maespoeth...
...before heading back to Corris with steady boiler pressure...	...and a good fire.	A perilous fireman's view on the way up the line.
Sunday, 30.3.08. A family greet No. 7 arriving on the first Up train.	In the evening, steam rises from the ashes after No. 7 has gone on shed, and No. 6 is about to propel Carriage 20 into the shed - when the points have been changed!	Lez has made an appearance, starting on the last course of blocks on the west side of the Carriage Shed...
...the telecoms cables have been fed into a duct behind the north platform extension edge wall...	...and the next section of west pit wall braces itself for ready mixed concrete - ordered for tomorrow morning!

Photographs taken between 17th & 24th March 2008
Taken by David Coleman
Uploaded on 25/03/2008

Monday, 17.3.08. Gareth prepares fittings for the centre light glass.	Gerwyn, Gareth, Ian and Phil enjoy the morning sunshine, finishing off the glass panelling on the Carriage Shed.	Aled and Dean measure up for rainwater goods.
That's a pain! By evening, only two sheets need to be fixed - unfortunately broken during the fixing process.	During the day, the Aber lads have been concreting the north platform extension edge wall foundation...	...almost to the end.
Richard cleans up afterwards...	...while Andrew fixes the remaining battens on the east wall of the Carriage Shed...	...continuing after dark