Rheilffordd Corris Railway

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Author: David Coleman

Photographs taken between 10th December 2024 and 4th January 2025

13th January 202513th January 2025 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Tuesday, 10.12.2024. Work proceeds to dismantle the (unused) Santa arrangements following the effects of Storm Darragh ...

... and place items in store for next year as the new gazebo is slowly dismantled.

After lunch, a grand shunt takes place ...

... to place carriage No. 24 back in position, ready for the painters.

Saturday, 14.12.2024. The fallen trees up the line have been cut down ...

... with some timber awaiting collection.

Andy works in deep shadow, fitting First Class seat forms in one end of carriage No. 24.

Sunday, 15.12.2024. Ifor clears coal out of No. 10's bunker ...

Andy continues his work ...

... fitting components for First Class seat bases in carriage No. 24 - work to be continued from home.

... while the yard locomotive watering system is drained for the winter.

Tuesday, 17.12.2024. No. 6 and train heads up the line, but has to stop to enable the flangeways in Braichgoch Farm's Accommodation Crossing to be cleared of debris washed down by Storm Darragh.

Tuesday, 31.12.2024. No. 7 sits in the Engine Shed, partially stripped down for its second 10-year boiler overhaul ...

... with the sheet metal work stored on waggon No. 218 in the Carriage Shed.

A flagpole from outside the Museum in Corris that was collected last week, has been cleaned down and painted in primer.

Wednesday, 1.1.2025. In the Engine Shed, new tappets are rivetted to locking bars for the Signal Box ...

... while in the Carriage Shed, Sarah starts painting undercoat on carriage No. 24 .

Thursday, 2.1.2025. Good progress is being made on carriage painting ...

... with company, sorting out Christmas decorations - keep, repair - or dispose of

Sam basks in warmer climes ...

... fitting the new interlocking bars (with a few tweaks here and there) ...

... while reinforcements help on carriage painting.

Friday, 3.1.2025. Smaller components have advanced to an initial gloss coat ...

... as has much of the carriage body - with heaters to take the chill off.

Sarah has now progressed to the vestibule ...

... while the lever frame in the Signal Box is slowly re-assembled and tested - complete with frame lock.

Saturday, 4.1.2025. The paint (in the Carriage Shed) is still tacky, and the temperature has dropped significantly, so work is abandoned for another day.

Photographs taken between 3rd and 8th December 2024

8th December 20248th December 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Tuesday, 3.12.2024. Over the weekend, the engineer's bench at the back of the Engine Shed, has been cleared ready for the dismantling of No. 7 for its second 10-year boiler exam.

Outside, the air is still and mist hangs ...

... but later, the sun starts burning the mist away, revealing the delightful Dulas valley.

Friday, 6.12.2024. No. 10 starts away from the Triangle ...

... and approaches Corris with Trefor beaming - it has just passed its hot boiler test!

The Traverser is worked across to ensure no sticky snags tomorrow ...

... and we hope the Christmas Elf in the cab is not a hostage to fortune ...

... as we await the arrival of an important guest!

Everything tested, and No. 10 returns towards Maespoeth ...

... where Andrew is glum - news of Storm Darragh with "Red" warning has just arrived. No trains tomorrow!

Saturday, 7.12.2024. Rain water comes across the car park at Maespoeth and down the steps into the engine shed and ... (JD)

... across the floor and into the pit. (JD)

The rain water also comes down the access steps to the yard alongside the S & T. (JD)

Sunday, 8.12.2024. An inspection this morning reveals two trees down here ...

... with a third one just beyond. Measures are in hand to clear them. No trains today, either!

Photographs taken between 4th and 30th November 2024

5th December 20245th December 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Monday, 4.11.2024. No. 10's boiler components are stripped down and laid out in anticipation of its cold boiler examination ...

... but all the recent works in the Engine Shed have left both locomotives rather dusty!

Tuesday, 5.11.2024. The board advertising Santa Trains to passing motorists, has been installed ...

... and a start has been made on clearing part of the Carriage Shed in anticipation of Santa's visit.

Meanwhile, the station nameboard at Esgairgeiliog has been removed for refurbishment over the winter.

The repaired platform bench from Corris has been re-assembled and placed outside at Maespoeth, in anticipation of it being returned in due course.

Monday, 11.11.2024. Over the weekend, a grand shunt has taken place in the Carriage Shed in order to accommodate Santa.

Friday, 15.11.2024. Unfortunately, there has been some vandalism to our lineside wall in Corris.

Monday, 18.11.2024. Scrap metal has been collected over the weekend, and awaits collection at the end of the headshunt at Maespoeth.

Meanwhile, No. 10 passed its cold boiler examination, and cab components have been reinstated ...

... but the safety valves still need re-assembly.

Tuesday, 20.11.2024. One (new) gazebo has been erected as we prepare for Santa ...

... with the second one following, and all before lunch.

Tuesday, 26.11.2024. Over the weekend, all the remaining boiler fittings were reinstated on No. 10.

In the Carriage Shed, we can now see what we are doing!

Saturday, 30.11.2024 . No. 10 blows off steam outside the Engine Shed as part of the process of re-setting the safety valves following the recent cold boiler examination.

Southern Extension. Pont y Goedwig Deviation Project Tuesday, 5.11.2024. The side slope to the embankment supporting the access track leading to Braichgoch Farm's fields at the north end of the Deviation, is trimmed after soiling.

Monday, 18.11.2024. Welsh Water have dug up part of the trackbed just south of our Deviation project, in order to find and cure one of two leaks. The material piled on the new trackbed alignment in the background, is there in anticipation of utilisation as part of Phase 3 of the Project.

Photographs taken between 1st October & 1st November 2024

12th November 202412th November 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Tuesday, 1.10.2024. Timber is delivered for forthcoming works at Maespoeth ...

... while steel components for the new stairs to the Signal Box are primed.

Saturday, 5.10.2024. No. 11 is operating trains today, but before commencing in the early morning sun, No. 10 has been shunted out for a bit of tlc.

Ifor and Trefor adjust No. 10's lubricator settings ...

... and sweep the tubes - which allows a photo to be taken looking through them; the blast pipe blocks access to the centre row from the smokebox end, hence resort to sweeping those from the cab end.

No. 10 viewed end-on.

Tuesday, 8.10.2024. The components for the new Signal Box steps received attention.

Wednesday, 11.10.2024. The Drop-Side Heritage waggon was returned today after riveting work undertaken by the Vale of Rheidol Railway.

Saturday, 12.10.2024. Ben blows No. 10 down before starting the day's services ...

... and at the end of the day, No. 11 draws No. 7 out so that No. 10 can go to the far end of the Engine Shed ready for its annual boiler examination.

Tuesday, 15.10.2024. The Talyllyn Railway deliver ballast waggons surplus to their requirements - but they are vastly better than anything we have used in the past!

The area around the Signal Box is cleared of accumulated debris to enable the steps to be replaced without hindrance in due course ...

... while in the Carriage Shed, the steel components for the steps have received an initial coat of gloss paint.

Saturday, 19.10.2024. No. 7 is steamed for services today - another bright sunny one!

Unfortunately, the same steam joint in the smokebox failed again, so No. 11 handled the last train of the day. Andrew does not look happy!

As a result, there is a change of plans, with No. 10 being brought out of the Engine Shed ...

... ready to operate trains on the following weekend.

Monday, 21.10.2024. The steel components have been loaded on to waggon No. 218 for transport to site, the timber components being added the next day.

Tuesday, 22.10.2024. New components have been prepared to replace rotten ones on the platform bench from Corris Station ...

... while Peter has been varnishing components for carriage No. 24.

Saturday, 26.10.2024. (AGM weekend). No. 10 is steamed in unseasonably bright sunshine ...

... with Andy filling the outside of carriage No. 24 ...

... as veteran volunteers Angela and Richard call by.

No. 10 sweeps leaves aside as the first train departs from Maespoeth ...

... as it heads towards Corris.

There is much activity in and around the Signal Box ...

... with single line block instruments being fitted and wired up.

Sunday, 27.10.2024. The old (rotten) Signal Box steps have been removed ...

... patch treatment of No. 24's body has continued ...

... while wiring and testing of communications between Maespoeth and Corris is carried out.

Photographs taken between 26th August and 29th September 2024

4th October 20244th October 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Monday, 26.8.2024. A sample glass panel for carriage No. 24 is tried for size ... (Andy Cooper)

Sunday, 1.9.2024. ... and the folding seat frame for the north saloon has been delivered.

No. 10 is gently steamed ready for the day's services.

Having been put back together, No. 7 emerges from the Engine Shed ...

... and lines up with No. 10 (after the latter has run around) for a trial run up to Corris and back ...

... so that upon No. 10 and train returning after lunch, No. 10 is watered while running around, with No. 7 dropping on to the service train ...

... to depart double-headed, No. 7 (sans air pump) being left to do most of the work as a real test.

Later trains were run top-and-tailed ...

... with crews swopping around, and Andrew clearly has some affection for No. 7!

Tuesday, 5.9.2024. The superbly refurbished running-in board has been re-fixed ...

...as a queue forms on the new Signal Box steps!

Sunday, 8.9.2024. The air is still and humid, so that No. 10's steam hangs in the air.

Monday, 9.9.2024. Over the weekend, No. 7's air pump has been re-fitted.

Tuesday, 10.9.2024. Recently, an excellent universal mill has been acquired and here is being trialled after the electrician has wired it up.

The Signal Box steps have been completed, so Mark hoovers up prior to staining the new timber.

The Heritage drop side waggon restored by Adrian, has received new rivets to finish off the job in the works of the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth ...

... and is receiving a coat of red oxide prior to despatch back to us (when we have paid the bill). All assistance with this would be appreciated!

Saturday, 14.9.2024. Tony (on a now rare visit) watches No. 10 depart on an afternoon Up train ...

... but the sun comes out later, as No. 10 runs back for disposal, and No. 6 is ready to put the carriages away.

Saturday, 21.9.2024. All is being made ready to start services for the day in bright-ish sunshine!

No. 10 takes on liquids ...

... as does No. 6!

Tuesday, 24.9.2024. After being missing for quite some time (and after modification) the plaque "officially" opening the Carriage Shed is at last erected on the Shed!

Meanwhile, inside the Shed, James is treating components for the new Signal Box steps ...

... and by the end of the day, the steps themselves have been treated, and all timber work removed from the steel landing and support legs to allow painting.

Thursday, 26.9.2024. Ian turns feet as Phil cleans up in the workshop!

Zach and Andy arrive in the Carriage Shed where they have been working on carriage No. 24 ...

Sunday, 29.9.2024. ... where they (with Theo) have prepared it for painting in due course.

A loco is being steamed today, and the extraction fan is in use ...

... for "Railway for a Day" participants, here seen running around at Maespoeth after a return run to Corris ...

Photographs taken between 22nd July and 20th August 2024

24th August 202423rd August 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Monday, 22.7.2024. The drop-side waggon restored by Adrian and the Tuesday Gang is loaded onto road transport to take to the Vale of Rheidol Railway, so that the body can be rivetted professionally in due course.

Monday, 29.7.2024. No. 10 is eased off road transport at Maespoeth under many watchful eyes ...

... back onto Corris metals. (Photo courtesy of Richard Evans).

Meanwhile, Theo (and Zach) are preparing carriage No. 24 for painting ...

Tuesday, 30.7.2024. ... with Zach assembling seats.

Sunday, 4.8.2024. Zach drives No. 10 away from Maespoeth on the empty stock working to Corris ...

... before returning to the Carriage Shed to varnish the newly assembled vestibule seat for carriage No. 24.

Doors and partitions have been primed and are lined up for further work in due course.

Tuesday, 6.8.2024. The base for the new signal on the approach to Maespoeth has been finished, and has been bolted in position.

The advertising board for the Model Railway Exhibition in Machynlleth at the Bank Holiday weekend, has been erected.

Saturday, 10.8.2024. Andrew enjoys his birthday ride on No. 10 as others push the locomotive across on the traverser at Corris ...

... and on a later train at Maespoeth, engages the attention of some young passengers! (Posted with permission of the parents).

Tuesday, 20.8.2024. - 76 years since the operation of the last train on the original railway. The Maespoeth Running-in Board receives some tlc ...

... as has the machine shop in the past weeks.

The final details of the replacement Signal Box steps receive careful consideration!

Photographs taken between 25th June and 18th July 2024

6th August 20246th August 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Southern Extension Pont y Goedwig Deviation Project Tuesday, 25.6.2024 The bottom of the north end of the new embankment has been trimmed to shape ...

... while near the south end of the deviation works, the surveyor fights his way through the undergrowth to record levels on his last day of site work.

Thursday, 18.7.2024 The very last loads of suitable filling material have been delivered and stock-piled on site. Hopefully, they will start to be used very shortly!

Friday, 5.7.2024 . No. 7 is steamed, and Jack has arranged a headboard for "Race the Train" with Ysgol Corris ...

... but first we have to wait by the school.

After the first races with the infants, older pupils run - with encouragement from their teachers. The train is still reversing down!

The later trains (for older pupils to run) are well occupied by parents, class mates and others offering encouragement.

The final trains (for oldest pupils and later, adults) go much further, and there is more prospect of the train being competitive ...

... as it vigorously breasts the grade on the run into Corris ...

... but at least the driver won a medal for competing!

Monday, 8.7.2024. The TR has arranged a Photo Charter featuring Falcon engines ...

... with No. 3 leading the cavalcade at Pendre ...

... with No. 10 and Corris stock bringing up the rear, here at Rhydyronen where the train was divided ...

... with separate run-pasts of the two locos and trains ...

... in turn ...

... it was then move further up the line for further opportunities ...

... such as this ...

... before moving on to Dolgoch, where our presence was announced!

No. 3 watered at the new water column and moved on while No. 10 posed by the old one (and later, took water there) ...

... before each train set performed run-pasts ...

... in turn.

Finally, it was on to Ty Dwr, where the locos were posed in turn taking water ...

... or running past in the gathering gloom.

It was then to Nant Gwernol, where the train was re-formed, with No. 3 running past No. 10 ...

... and the waggons and van re-shunted by hand ...

... to create a completely re-arranged train for the return to Tywyn.

Tuesday, 9.7.2024. Andy has spent some time working on components of carriage No. 24 ...

... to fit glazing, and prepare them for painting.

Over the weekend, Graham has fitted a newly machined number plate for loco No. 9.

Wednesday, 10.7.2024. No. 7 is steamed for Specials for Young Rail Professionals (complete with their own headboard) ...

Photographs taken between 12th June and 2nd July 2024

5th July 20245th July 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Saturday, 29.6.2024. The last Up train of the day (and the last one to be operated by No. 3 - for a while) heads up the line.

Tuesday, 18.6.2024. Adrian welds inside the corners of the landing for the replacement Signal Box steps ...

... before broaching holes through the fixing plates and the body itself - a long drawn-out process.

In the evening, a group of local members collected together to move (on its side) a slab waggon underframe in the Museum ...

... to place it in the same room as other rolling stock exhibits ...

... with other exhibits being re-arranged to suit.

Wednesday, 19.6.2024. The surveyors largely employed on the Southern Extension works, are surveying around Maespoeth Yard in order to tie everything up.

Monday, 24.6.2024. Over the weekend, much warmer floor coverings have arrived in the machine shop area of the Engine Shed.

Tuesday, 25.6.2024. Adrian cleans up the legs to support the Signal Box steps landing ...

... while a consignment of timber has arrived to form the rest of the arrangement.

... while Bill (and others) have been cutting and shaping timber to form the new landing.

The four legs for the landing have been largely formed - only the top plates to go on.

Wednesday, 26.6.2024. TR engineering staff have come over to check over No. 10 before it goes there, taking it for a trip up the line.

Thursday, 27.6.2024. Adrian has been putting in a bit of overtime, welding the top plates to the legs to support the landing for the Signal Box steps just as the fixing bolts arrive ...

... and he looks a little weary!

Saturday, 29.6.2024. Our tree surgeons have been around in the past week, tagging and marking trees of concern to the railway following an inspection.

The first train of the day heads towards Corris ...

... before returning and whistling to give notice to the Controller at Maespoeth.

A later Up train hits the gradient ...

... and continues towards Corris.

The last Up train of the day (and the last one to be operated by No. 3 - for a while) heads up the line ...

... and upon return, No. 3 is waved towards the Engine Shed by Bill after leaving its train in the North Platform.

Inside the Signal Box, Bill has a Trainee Controller ...

... providing him with sustenance as No. 3's fire is dropped and No. 11 makes ready to return the carriages to their shed.

In due course, the carriages make their way past ...

... while the TR crew await clearance to put No. 3 in the Engine Shed, propelling No. 10 in while at it.

Monday, 1.7.2024. Stevie drives No. 6 hauling No. 3 ...

... as it is propelled down the line and loaded onto a trailer ...

... which will transport it back to Tywyn.

Tuesday, 2.7.2024. Robin pays close attention to an item that will make up part of carriage No. 24 ...

... while Adrian prepares another piece of steel ...

Photographs taken between 7th and 16th June 2024

19th June 202418th June 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Saturday, 15.6.2024. Probably for the first time ever, three locos were in steam in the Engine Shed at Maespoeth Junction and when ready were lined up outside for the occasion, in the order of (L to R) No. 3, No. 10 and No. 7, to be recorded by all!

Friday, 7.6.2024 Adrian continues his work on the landing for the Signal Box steps ...

... welding and grinding away ...

... while opposite the old Corris station in Machynlleth, No. 4 passes on its way back to Tywyn in a new livery after overhaul on the Vale of Rheidol railway. No. 4 was originally delivered to the Corris in grey primer.

Saturday, 8.6. 2024 Trefor watches as No. 3 pulls away from Maespoeth ...

... to return later with Charlie's birthday headboard ...

... as a party is held in his honour on part of the platform.

Meanwhile, in the Engine Shed, Trefor and Ifor are working on parts to get No. 7 back into service ...

... and at the end of the day, opportunity is taken to re-order our steam locos ...

... which gives the first opportunity to take a photo of a lined out No. 10 in sunshine ...

... just before No. 3 runs back off the last train, for disposal.

Sunday, 10.6.2024 This places the two Falcon locos next to each other in the Engine Shed ...

Wednesday, 12.6.2024 ... and provides ready access to engineers from Keef's to carry out modifications to No. 10's brake gear ...

... with a break for lunch in the sun.

As the forecast is for the brief dry spell to be followed by days of inclement weather, advantage is taken to spray the line with weedkiller - the forecast was spot on!

Thursday, 13.6.2024 The heritage waggons have been pulled out for two days of Photo Charters ...

... as Nos. 3 and 10 top and tail a shortened passenger formation ...

... before double heading for more runs ...

... in spectacular style - aided by the damp, misty weather.

No. 10 is separated off and the two locos lined up for comparisons to be made before a day is called - it was an 05.00 start for some of the crew!

Friday, 14.6.2024 A freight train has been thoroughly photographed ...

... before a single carriage is added to represent a typical 1920's mixed train ...

... with photographers all lined up ready!

No. 10 puts on a show as it storms the top of Maespoeth Bank ...

... several times, with the photographers very pleased with their results!

The same formation heads northwards for more photos ...

... before the short formation is treated to double heading!

In due course, No. 10 goes off for disposal as No. 3 drops back for its full(er) passenger train ...

... before heading back to Corris behind No. 3 to re-unite the photographers with their cars.

Saturday, 15.6.2024 Probably for the first time ever, three locos are in steam in the Engine Shed at Maespoeth ...

... and are lined up outside for the occasion to be recorded by all!

Photographs taken between 30th May and 6th June 2024

7th June 20247th June 2024 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Saturday, 25.5.2024. Passengers depart from the 14.05 train ex-Maespoeth, with diesel operation today.

Late Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 27.5.2024. The Jowett Car Club is running a "Rally by the Lake" today, with an array of interesting cars lined up by The Slaters' Arms.

The train crew check that they have got the whole train inside the Carriage Shed, as they clear up for the day.

In the Engine Shed, timber is being prepared ...

Thursday, 30.5.2024. ... to partition off the machine shop from the running line inside the shed ...

... complete with insulated finish on the machine shop side ...

... while in the Carriage Shed, the landing for the Signal Box steps is ready for final welding ...

... and Tony has primed the earlier fabrication.

Friday, 31.5.2024. Another group from the Swanage prepare No. 7 for a "Railway for a Day" ...

... while a carriage is brought up from the Carriage Shed ...

... and that Shed is shunted.

With steam up, No. 7 joins its "train" for the first of a number of trips to Corris ...

... where much of the crew stay for lunch, leaving Maespoeth to bask in the sunshine!

Lunch over, and operations resume ...

... and the Engine Shed floor has been cleared ready for the next task.

In the machine shop, a fabrication has arrived to form the base for a relocated signal post.

Saturday, 1.6.2024. Trefor passes through Maespoeth with train, as he puts stock away at the end of the day ...

... followed by No. 6 into the Carriage Shed.

During the day, the base for the new signal post location was concreted in by the TR "Tracksiders" ...

... the pelton wheel pipework was cleaned up ...

... and the handrail to the steps leading down to the Carriage Shed was renewed.

Monday, 3.6.2024. It looks strangely like a steam locomotive coming up the road past the embankment works ...

... before reversing direction ...

... where a small reception committee is waiting.

... but first, the defunct roller has to be moved out of the way.

A ramp is soon set up ...

... and No. 6 propels waggon No. 208 up to No. 3 ...

... which, after coupling up, follows up the line while the ramp is dismantled behind.

Stevie checks brakes and valve gear while No. 6 runs around ...

... and then propels No. 3 into its old home ...

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