As planned, work is underway to remodel the track layout at Corris Station and construct a new platform before train services on the Mid-Wales narrow gauge Corris Railway resume over the Easter Weekend.
During the autumn of 2021 new sleepers made of recycled plastic were delivered to the Railway and Corris Railway Society volunteers worked to equip them with the necessary fittings to support the rails. As well as making good use of recycled material the plastic sleepers are expected to have a life of thirty years before needing replacement. The volunteers also planned and prepared the vehicles that would make up the works train and various components for the new track plan were prepared in advance in the Maespoeth Junction workshops.
Whilst this preparation was taking place construction of the traverser which will allow locomotives to run round their trains had begun at Statfold Engineering near Tamworth in Staffordshire.
After the 2021 Santa Trains had run, work at Corris began with the completion of lifting of the existing track and the removal of sections of the existing station platform. Recovered rail including the existing point at the station and sections of the platform will be used again during the revival of the Railway. Work continued during January to lift all track as far south as Braichgoch Farm Crossing.
At the end of January a new point for the station was delivered and over the weekend of January 29th and 30th new track was laid between the farm crossing and the station throat. Measurements were taken to calculate where the new point will be positioned. The plastic sleepered track will be used on the section of line between the station and crossing but traditional wooden sleepers will be installed in the station area.
Once the traverser has been delivered to Mid Wales and installed the rest of the trackwork comprising the passenger line and the run round loop will be put in place and a new platform constructed.
The station rebuild is part of ongoing work to revive the oldest narrow gauge railway in Mid Wales. The original Corris station was demolished in 1968.
Because of present day site restrictions it is not possible to completely recreate the former station as it was but the new structure will eventually include an overall roof, a feature that made its predecessor an iconic part of the British narrow gauge scene.
After this latest phase of the work is completed further progress will require considerable funds to be raised via donations and, if they can be obtained, grants.
Donations towards the station project can be made online via www.corris.co.uk or cheques payable to Corris Railway can be sent to Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH.
Thx for keeping me up to date