The ongoing project to construct a new Falcon 0-4-2ST for the Corris Railway reached a major milestone with its first public steaming which took place on September 24th as part of the annual open day at the workshops of Alan Keef Ltd in Lea near Ross-on-Wye. The engine had been first steamed earlier in the week inside the workshops and passed its official steam test and received its boiler certificate on September 20th.
Work had progressed rapidly in the weeks leading up to the steaming with the completion of the work on and inside the smokebox and the fitting of the ashpan after the boiler had been temporarily removed from the frames for its hydraulic test. The cab, whose profile is based on that once carried by the original Falcons on the Corris, was completed after the boiler was tested and received its certification.
Although the locomotive has steamed there is more work still to be done before this 21st century evocation of a design dating from 1878 can enter service on the revived section of the Railway which currently runs between Corris and Maespoeth Junction in the Dulas Valley north of Machynlleth. Jobs still to be done include fitting of buffers and couplings, fitting of an air brake pump, riveting the cab and making the internal coal bunker, cladding the boiler, wheel splashers, making and mounting the sanding gear and finally taking the machine apart, painting it and then carrying out reassembly. This will require further fund raising and the Corris will be grateful for any donations which can made online via www.corris.co.uk or by cheques payable to Corris Railway which should be sent to Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, B97 5YS.
Three narrow gauge locos, Woto, Taffy, and Peter Pan were in steam at the Open Day and visitors were able to enjoy a short train ride in the newly restored carriages which once ran on the now defunct Dalmunzie Estate Railway in Scotland. Also present was a steam roller Trotter of Coleford. An exhibition traced Keef’s history over the last half century and there were refreshments available plus trade stands. Visitors could also see ongoing projects include work for the Isle of Man and Talyllyn Railways.