After a meeting between representatives of the Corris Railway and Alan Keef Ltd at Lea near Ross-on-Wye on January 23rd, progress with the new Falcon steam locomotive should see it entering public service on the Corris Railway metals later this year.
Following the first steaming in September last year much more fitting out has continued including work on mechanisms for the braking system, injectors, and drain cocks. Corris volunteers with appropriate skills and workshop facilities have produced the hand rails for the saddle tank top and refurbished a brake valve, the latter reducing the cost of that particular component by ninety percent.
At the time of the meeting one item being constructed was the coal bunker which will be inside the cab, which is adapted from the design carried by the original trio of Falcons on the Corris Railway, and loaded via a hinged section of the upper left cabside sheeting. A weakness of the originals was that coal dust could accumulate at the bottom of the bunker and cause rusting but this will be obviated by a removable section for access and cleaning.
Although components are being added to the locomotive a remaining major stage will see it being stripped down to allow painting and then being reassembled. This, together with the move by road from Keef’s to Maespoeth Junction, will cost a five figure sum and fund raising continues. Donations can be made online via www.corris.co.uk or cheques, payable to Corris Railway, can be sent to Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, B97 5YS.