Rheilffordd Corris Railway

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Author: David Coleman

Photographs taken between 2nd and 31st March 2025

1st April 20251st April 2025 David Coleman 1 Comment Photographs

Saturday, 15.3.2025. No. 10 and train are put through their paces after the winter lay-off ...

Sunday, 2.3.2025. During the week, No. 7's boiler (amongst other things) has been subjected to non-destructive testing to ensure it is sound for another 10 years. It passed!

Tuesday, 4.3.2025. Floor squares are off-loaded by hand for the workshop - but they were (apparently) the wrong ones, and had to be swapped for the correct ones on another day.

Adrian calls by to remove a wheelset from the Heritage waggon.

Waggons are shunted to place them in usable locations ...

... while delivery is taken of components of a Signal Cabin destined for installation at Goedwig South (in due course).

Some tasks performed, the waggons are returned to the headshunt ...

After working in the Museum, Steve replaced defective timber in a picnic bench ...

... while at Esgairgeiliog, the refurbished running-in board has been reinstated.

Tuesday, 11.3.2025. With a rise in temperature, Peter varnishes components for carriage No. 24.

Meanwhile in Corris, the rail barrier outside the Museum has (mostly) been cleaned down and primed ready for repainting.

Saturday, 15.3.2025. No. 10 and train are put through their paces after the winter lay-off ...

... to check all is well before the Training Weekend ...

... supervised from above (the second pass was much lower)!

Meanwhile, Andy works on components for carriage No. 24 ...

... and the wheelsets and axleboxes for Loco No. 7 have moved back into the Engine Shed prior to despatch for checking over by third parties.

Sunday, 16.3.2025. Andy experiments with trimming window seals on carriage No. 24.

Tuesday, 18.3.2025. The Gardening Club take on the patch south of Maespoeth's Signal Box ...

... before securing the sagging gate post at the south end of the Carriage Shed.

Minor items for carriage No. 24 have received their second coat of varnish.

Friday, 21.3.2025. Training weekend - No. 10 is driven back into the Engine Shed at the end of the day.

Saturday, 22.3.2025. Training weekend - the classroom session takes place at the beginning of the day at Maespoeth Junction.

No. 10 departs Maespoeth for a light engine working up the line ...

... before returning to take a passenger train.

The labels on the levers within the Signal Box have been changed ...

No. 10 runs around while others enjoy their lunch.

The train heads north again ...

...and Ben undertakes shunting with a trolley.

No. 10 is fussed over between trains ...

... until the carriages are put away.

Sunday, 23.3.2025. Training Weekend. It is a diesel (only) day today for operations to be practiced ...

Photographs taken between 2nd and 25th February 2025

27th February 202527th February 2025 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Sunday, 2.2.2025. Sarah has been preparing and painting further coats on carriage No. 24 ...

... before joining Sam, Ifor and Ben in the Signal Box ...

... for a Take-away!

Over the past week, contractors have installed a new 'bus shelter at Pont Evans. The railway ran on a shelf behind the barrier.

Tuesday, 4.2.2025. A waggon has been separated out for return to the Carriage Shed ...

... ready to receive some tlc ...

... but all the stock has to be removed (and put back) first!

Sunday, 9.2.2025. Yesterday, No. 7's boiler was finally completely de-tubed and then placed on the TR's boiler carrier waggons after removal from the frames ...

... which are still at the far end of the Engine Shed.

Tuesday, 11.2.2025. Yesterday, the boiler of No. 7 was subjected to Non-Destructive Testing - and passed!

Peter keeps warm by rubbing down components for carriage No. 24's body work ...

... while nearby, replacement planks for platform benches have been shaped, primed and have now started to receive undercoat.

Meanwhile in Corris, a cupboard has been created to take single line instruments.

Tuesday, 18.2.2025. Over the weekend, No. 7's frames have been lifted and the wheelsets run out so that the bearings can be examined ...

... leaving No. 7's frames (sans smokebox) on a waggon chassis for mobility.

With dry weather, opportunity is taken to top up behind the copings on the South Platform to remove trips ...

... before re-arranging waggons to get them in the right order to suit priorities ...

... but then a delivery of boiler tubes arrives for No. 7 ...

... which have travelled far!

Tuesday, 25.2.2025. All the stock had been removed from the headshunt to allow the hedge cutters to work without impediment (including the railway side), and are put back in a different order to suit the work programme.

The flagpole removed from Corris receives its gloss coat ...

... with the Drop-Side waggon mounted on packing, ready to receive attention ...

... and Ade interrupted by welding work on No. 7's valve quadrant delaying waggon work.

In Corris, the single line instruments have been mounted on the cupboard, wired in and the cupboard stained to match its surroundings.

Photographs taken between 7th January and 2nd February 2025

3rd February 20253rd February 2025 David Coleman 0 Comment Photographs

Tuesday, 7.1.2025 Platform benches are moved into winter storage.

Saturday, 11.1.2025 No. 6 receives copious attention outside the Engine Shed.

Tuesday, 14.1.2025 The battery charger in the Carriage Shed has been repaired, and No. 9 is connected up once more.

Saturday, 18.1.2025 About half of the tubes are now out of No. 7's boiler ...

... with Nos. 10 & 11 loitering outside the Engine Shed ...

... framing No. 10 through the Mess Room doorway nicely!

Monday, 20.1.2025 Further tubes were extracted from No. 7's boiler yesterday - not many left to go!

Tuesday, 21.1.2025 The platform benches have largely dried out in the Carriage Shed, so work on refurbishing them can commence ...

... while in Corris, Stevie has been trimming the Churchyard hedge.

Saturday, 25.1.2025 A floral tribute is left in the railway's close neighbour Dai Allen's 'gator.

Work continues in extracting boiler tubes from No. 7 ...

... leaving a good stack of extracted tubes nearby.

In the Machine Shop, modifications have been made to No. 7's Valve Gear handle to reduce slack...

... while outside, Tony cleans the car park steel safety fence above the Engine Shed.

Sunday, 2.2.2025. Ben and Sam are surveying our curves to update our internal records ...

... and to aid in planning future works on the railway's infrastructure.

By taking a chord of the curve, Ben can measure the offset and generate the radius of the curve using formulas and a bit of help from Excel!

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) ...

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Corris Railway Gala

24th May 2025 10:30 - 15:30
Celebrate the Corris Railway’s heritage, with activities for all ages and enthusiasts alike!

Model Railway Exhibition

23rd August 2025 10:00 – 16:30
24th August 2025 10:00 – 16:30

Santa Special Steam Trains 🎅

13th & 14th December 2025
A train ride along the picturesque Dulas Valley to meet Santa and his helpers in his Grotto!

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20th April 2025 11:00Steam Loco
20th April 2025 12:00Steam Loco
20th April 2025 13:30Steam Loco
20th April 2025 14:30Steam Loco
20th April 2025 15:30Steam Loco

What’s New

A trip up the Dulas valley on the footplate of Corris Railway No.10 Falcon steam locomotive. 360°
Photographs taken between 2nd and 31st March 2025
Annual Training Weekend Report
New token machines fitted at Maespoeth Junction and Corris Station

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