New Corris Falcon is on track for September 2022 steaming

THE construction of the Corris Railway's new-build Falcon 0-4-2ST No.10 continues to make progress towards the scheduled completion date of next September.

Following the trial fitting of the boiler, work has continued on the construction and erection of the locomotive in the Ross-on-Wye workshops of Alan Keef Ltd.

After an initial trial assembly in the Nottingham workshop of a Corris Railway Society volunteer, the sections of the cab – a taller version of that carried by the original trio of Corris locomotives – were taken to Keef 's workshop and were placed on the frames for the first time. While some minor adjustment work will be required, this part of the project has gone well.

Elsewhere, a Derby-based society member has been working together with Keef staff to produce brake gear components, while volunteer-produced buffers have been sent from the railway's workshops at Maespoeth Junction to be eventually united with the new Falcon.

Footplate sections are in place with some pipe runs that will fit beneath them in situ and drawhook blanks have been delivered ready for machining. The regulator quadrant has been produced.

A deadline of the end of February has been set for the railway to supply components to Alan Keef, including boiler fittings, springs for the trailing truck and draw hooks, cab windows, CAD design and laser cutting files for the saddle tank. In addition, there are the air brake valve and mechanical lubricator and, in liaison with the Talyllyn Railway, the air pump, and injectors.

Donations can be made via www. corris.co.uk, or cheques made payable to Corris Railway can be sent to Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, Worcestershire B97 5YS.