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A podcast from an active Corris Railway volunteer for Rail200

John Davey 0 Comment Press Releases, Videos
Steve Parr Podcast

An active volunteer guard on the Corris Railway and lifelong rail enthusiast, Stephen’s passion for the steam railways started in the 1960’s, travelling from Birmingham’s Snow Hill station to Reading where he would visit his grandad Wilfred.

His enthusiasm for the railway has taken him on trains around the world. But it is his connection to Wilfred, a GWR clock maker that makes this story special and takes us full circle, the clock in Corris was most likely one of the over 200 clocks repaired by his grandfather.

Annual Training Weekend Report

John Davey 3 Comments Press Releases
David undergoes ETS training on the Corris token machine

The weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of March saw the annual Corris Railway training event take place. Volunteers from all over the UK came for a programme of refresher exercises as well as practice sessions on the newly implemented ETS system. On Saturday morning, before movements began, the old staff system was retired and the Railway commenced all operations using the ETS system. Volunteers had already prior access to online training materials so the weekend was an opportunity to reinforce the theoretical learning with practical hands-on experience at both Maespoeth signal box and the Corris block post.

Volunteers also had the opportunity to drive and fire steam locomotive No. 10 as well as driving turns on No. 6 and No. 11. Guarding and signalling operations were also undertaken by volunteers and the fine weather and good turnout resulted in an enjoyable weekend for all.

Whilst operational volunteers were enjoying the fine weather, Ian and John were busy in the machine shop, laying a new floor of special rubber tiles. This makes the area more pleasant to stand in for long periods of time when working at a machine, as well as helping with thermal insulation and acoustic sound deadening.

After the weekend a couple of volunteers stayed on to get on with work on No. 7. John and Mike prepped and painted the boiler for No. 7 prior to it being retubed. They were greatly aided by the good weather, as was Peter who repainted all the platform edges ready for the new running season.

Saturday, 22.3.2025. John gives the initial briefing.
Ben, driving instructor, brings No. 10 off shed.
Jay tops up the tank on No. 10.
Patrick brings No. 10 onto the Corris traverser.
David undergoes ETS training on the Corris token machine.
Helen on a Guarding turn.
The training group on Saturday.
John laying a final tile.
John and Ian spent the weekend flooring the machine shop with rubber flooring tiles.
Peter starts the long run at the Southern end of the platform.
Exemplary use of masking tape under a slightly threatening sky.
Monday, 24.3.2025. Work continues on No. 7 with the boiler being prepared for retubing after the non destructive testing.
Mike begins by removing the old paint from the boiler of No. 7.
John applies a base coat of heat resistant paint to the barrel.
Mike starts with a base coat on the firebox.
After the first coat is finished, the boiler is ready for shunting back into the dry storage.
Tuesday, 25.3.2025. The second coat dries in the clement weather.
John and Mike put the finishing touches to the second coat of heat resistant paint on the boiler of No. 7.
After two coats the boiler is ready for retubing, after which the back of the firebox can be stripped and painted.

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