SIR PETER HENDY INSPECTS PROGRESS AT CORWEN
Network Rail Chairman Sir Peter Hendy visited the Llangollen Railway’s Corwen Central station on May 30. He was given an escorted tour of the new-build terminus, where the latest progress has included laying the first ‘Easi-Blocs’ to form the six-coach Up side platform wall, in preparation for the anticipated opening of the station in 2019. Acknowledging the need for resources to complete the job, Sir Peter said: “It is quite hard to build a railway station, as all at Network Rail know, and the Llangollen Railway is doing a brilliant job of building a station to modern standards.” Work has also commenced on the base for the former Weston Rhyn signal box, for which the metal window frames are being refurbished, while eight of the cast iron columns recovered from Blackfriars are being restored to support the future platform canopy. With the western end of the station complete except for the disabled access path, the GWRstyle water tower was erected at the eastern end on June 12. The GWR lamp hut, which covers the borehole feeding the tower, is complete except for its roof. Following the completion of the run-round loop, which is anticipated in the autumn, the final challenge will be the reconstruction of the missing embankment at the station throat, reconnecting the site to the LR’s running line. The temporary platform of Dwyrain Corwen East is to be closed and its materials recovered at the end of the 2018 season, with trains terminating at Carrog during the Christmas period. For details of the ‘Big Push’ share issue, write to Llangollen Railway Share Offer, The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire LL20 8SN, or email admin@llangollen‑railway.co.uk Donations towards the ‘Tenner for a Tonne’ appeal, for the platform infill, can be sent to Treasurer Paul Bailey at Dolwen, Bryneglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY (cheques payable to ‘CCRD’).