Progress with Corris Railway steam locomotives and carriages

At the end of its main operating season the Corris Railway was very pleased with the performance of steam locomotive number 7 after the winter work carried out at Statfold Barn. Footplate crews reported that it was noticeably using less water and had a reduced demand for coal whilst working trains in the Dulas Valley. In addition during the Railway’s Gala it showed itself to be now easily able to restart three carriage trains on the steep gradient at the southern end of Maespoeth Junction.

Meanwhile some significant progress is underway with the construction of the next steam locomotive (number 10) for the revival of the Corris. Steel tyres for the driving wheels have arrived from South Africa at the workshops of Alan Keef where construction is proceeding as fund-raising allows and generous donations towards the construction have covered the cost of casting and machining the cylinders and the production of the cylinder covers. Money is also coming in for the manufacture of the connecting and coupling rods as a result of further donations and sales stands work. This brings the “rolling chassis stage” considerably closer. Information about the two steam locomotives can be seen at www.corris.co.uk or a leaflet concerning number 10 can be obtained from 42 Bluebell Close, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3XQ.

Meanwhile construction of the next two carriages, numbers 23 and 24 is continuing in the carriage shed at Maespoeth Jnc and at the homes of the volunteer carriage builders. Number 23’s roof timbers are now fitted and exterior body work nearly complete with internal fitting out getting underway. Steelwork on number 24 is almost completed and the manufacture of bogies for the pair of coaches is being carried out.

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