A Santa Trains Debut For A Steam Engine On The Corris Railway

For most of the last twenty years the annual Santa Special trains on the Corris Railway have been headed by “Tattoo” steam locomotive No. 7, built new for the Railway in 2005 and as seen in the photograph above. However in 2024 a newer engine will be taking a starring role at the head of the trains and no doubt featuring in family photographs and videos.

This is Corris No. 10, a “Falcon” class machine delivered new to the Corris in 2023. After a spell as Britain’s newest steam loco it has had a busy 2024, starring in gala events on both the Corris and the Talyllyn Railways and also taking a leading role in the TR’s “Awdry Weekend” where it assumed the guise of “Sir Handel” from the “Thomas the Tank Engine” books.

The new build carriages, built by the Corris Railway’s volunteers, headed by No. 10, will give passengers a taste of everyday travel in the Dulas Valley at the start of the 20th Century as they are based on the Edwardian originals which ran until 1930, whilst the first “Falcon” locomotives were built for the Corris in 1878. The journey is from Corris station to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting with presents for the children whilst his helpers will have seasonable refreshments for everyone. The round trip will take around an hour.

There are four trains scheduled to run on December 7th and 8th, leaving Corris at 11.00, 12.30, 2.00 and 3.30. Fares are £7.50 for adults and £10.00 for children. With 70 seats available on each train early booking is advisable, particularly if planning your day around a particular train time. Advance booking can be done online via www.corris.co.uk/tickets

The Museum and Shop at Corris station will be open on both days allowing visitors to see artifacts from the history of the Railway, which once linked Machynlleth and Aberllefenni, and the area generally or to buy some late items of clothing, books, cards or children’s gifts ahead of the festive season and 2025. The range of children’s books includes “Hugh Goes Sliding” by Christopher Awdry, author of some of the “Thomas” tales, plus other children’s books written by a Corris Railway volunteer.

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