‘New’ Corris station ready by Easter

A PROJECT has begun to remodel the track layout at the Corris Railway’s Corris headquarters and construct a new platform before services resume over Easter.

Last autumn, sleepers made of recycled plastic were delivered and Corris Railway Society volunteers worked to equip them with the necessary fittings to support the rails. The sleepers are expected to have a 30-year life before needing to be replaced.

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. Construction of the traverser, which will allow locomotives to run round, was begun at Statfold Engineering, near Tamworth, in Staffordshire.

After the Santa season ended, work at Corris began with the completion of lifting of the existing track and the removal of sections of the existing station platform. 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. During January 29/30, new track was laid between the farm crossing and the station throat. The plastic-sleepered track will be used between the station and crossing, but traditional wooden sleepers will be installed in the station area.

Once the traverser has been delivered, the run-round loop will be installed and a new platform constructed.

The original Corris station was demolished in 1968; because of present-day site restrictions, it is not possible to completely recreate the former station. However, the new structure will eventually include an overall roof, a feature that made its predecessor an iconic part of the British narrow gauge scene.