New Corris No. 10 needs £20k for last lap – as boiler passes pressure test
THE boiler of new-build Corris Railway Hughes Falcon 0-4-2T No. 10 passed its hydraulic pressure test at Alan Keef Ltd’s workshops at Lea, near Ross-onWye, in July.
The boiler was constructed by Israel Newton and Sons, then based in Bradford in 2012, and before being taken to Alan Keef in August 2020 it had been displayed at Maespoeth Junction on the CR as part of the fundraising appeal towards the overall £400,000 cost of building the locomotive, a replica of the line’s original Nos. 1-3 that were built in Loughborough.
Further progress has been made on the project, with the mounting of the control springs for the pony truck and work beginning on fitting the smokebox. With the boiler out of the frames for the hydraulic test it was possible to look to mounting the ashpan, made by Keef from a wooden pattern constructed by a Corris volunteer. Meanwhile, volunteer work continued on the construction of the saddle tank.
While it is planned to steam No. 10 at as part of Alan Keef’s annual open day on September 24, more work needs to be done in order for it to enter service in 2023, including fitting the buffers and sanding gear and painting, followed by delivery to Maespoeth Junction locoshed.
This final work is estimated to cost £48,000, with the Corris still needing to raise £20,000. Next year will mark the 140th anniversary of the introduction of CR steam services. ➜ Donations for the new engine in order to meet the timescales are invited and may be made online at www.corris.co.uk or cheques, payable to Corris Railway, can be sent to: Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch B97 5YS.