Six months after the launch of its appeal to build a new “Falcon” 0-4-2 Saddle Tank locomotive the Corris Railway Society has seen contributions reach nearly £20,000 of the £250,000 target and the first stages of practical work on the project are getting underway.

Project leader Peter Guest explained. “So far we have benefited both from some very generous individual donations and also from people signing-up to pay regular smaller monthly sums by standing order, which means we are now at the stage of commissioning work on the vital engineering drawings. The work is being tackled by two very experienced men, Graham Morris who will take care of everything above the frame including the boiler and David Potter who will do the work on the plans below the running plate. David’s past experience includes preparing successful drawings for the recreated “Elephant” locomotive from the early 19th century based on an oil-painting of the original engine.”

Peter continued:- “David and Graham have been to Tywyn where they met Dave Scotson and John Bate and were able to discuss the work and modifications carried out on the surviving “Falcon”, Corris, Great Western and now Talyllyn Railway number 3 in the half-century since it moved to the Talyllyn. Our thanks go to the TR for the loan of various sketches of the engine which will be copied and the originals returned”.

To assist with fund raising for the engine the Corris Railway Society has commissioned a limited edition print of a “Falcon” heading a mixed train at Pont Ifans on the section of the original line which the Corris Railway revivalists are working to bring back to life. This will give purchasers a view of the both the past and the future of the Railway. The original painting is by well- known artist Jonathan Clay and the 150 prints (to match the 150th Anniversary of the Corris which falls in 2009), each of which will be numbered and signed by the artist will be packaged with a certificate of authenticity. The full colour A4 prints will cost £27.50 including u.k. postage and packing each and are available from CRS, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, B97 5YS. Cheques are payable to Corris Railway.

Also still available are the enamel badges of Number 10 (which is the number the new “Falcon” will take in Corris Railway service) which can be obtained for £3.75 including p&p from CRS, 42 Bluebell Close, Taunton, TA1 3XQ which is also the address for information about the “Falcon Project”.

ISSUED BY: John Simms on 01823 323106.
Corris is five miles north of Machynlleth and eleven miles south of Dolgellau in Mid-Wales.
Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9SH