Corris makes progress with new-build locomotive as extra funds sought
WHILE progress continues with the erection of the‘bottom half’of the new-build Corris Railway Hughes Falcon 0-4-2ST No. 10 at the workshops of Alan Keef Ltd, the design of another major feature is almost complete - ahead of quotations being obtained for the cutting of the metal.
The locomotive cab will follow the general design and appearance of that carried by No. 3 during its time on the Corris, but will stand taller in order to accommodate 21st century footplate crews. It will have the coal bunker inside the cab, unlike the arrangement which No. 3 now has on the Talyllyn Railway, where it runs as Sir Haydn.
To accommodate this while allowing for ease of coaling at Maespoeth Junction, there will be a hinged upper cab side sheet on the left-hand side. Work has been done at the design stage to make this as visually unobtrusive as possible.
In addition, the upper part of the cab back sheet will be removable to boost the comfort for the driver and fireman on hot days, and will also allow passengers in the front compartment of a Corris carriage a view, with their all-round visibility, of the working of the engine. The original Corris coaches were in effect Victorian/ Edwardian observation carriages, and this is a feature of the modern-day recreations. The back sheet will also be removable for filming purposes.
Volunteer work on the new locomotive continues on the newly-cast brake blocks and brake column. In another volunteer’s workshop, the construction of the smokebox hinges and work on the baffle plate is underway.
When the locomotive is in service, it is intended for it to run round its train at the new Corris station by means of a traverser as the smaller area does not allow provision of a headshunt – destined to be an unusual and interesting feature when in action.
The traverser will cost £8000, and a £2000 grant towards this work has been obtained. But the Corris has to make up the deficit before being able to move forward with the new track layout and platform arrangements.
Donations towards both the Falcon project and Corris station funds can be made online at www. corris.co.uk. Alternatively, cheques can be sent to: Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, B97 5YS for the locomotive, or to Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH for the station fund. Cheques should be payable to Corris Railway and please indicate for which purpose they are payable.