Corris Railway History
Southern Extension Works
Train Simulator Corris Add-On (error code 403)
Corris Railway trains operate between Maespoeth Junction and the station platform at Corris next to the former horse stable which is now the Corris Railway Museum located across from the platform. Trains are pulled by their Ruston and Hornsby diesel hydraulic locomotive, Austrian purchased 0-4-0DH Orenstein & Koppel, plus 0-4-2ST steam engine number 7, "Tattoo" - 16 Jun 2019.
One of Wales' oldest narrow gauge railways, the 2 foot 3 inch gauge Corris Railway was built to carry slate from several quarries in the Dulas Valley to wharves on the river Dyfi (Dovey). At first forbidden to use steam locomotives or to carry passengers, it overcame these obstacles and became an essential part of the community that it served. It was also a forerunner in encouraging tourists, offering inclusive tours to nearby Talyllyn, passengers travelling on the train and on railway operated road services. Taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1930, the railway was closed by British Railways in 1948, apparently for good. Fortunately, the last two steam locomotives and some rolling stock was saved by the nearby Talyllyn Railway, where it played an essential role in that railway's preservation. Eventually, the thoughts of enthusiasts turned to reviving the Corris Railway, and after many twists and turns, the first passengers were carried on a short section in 2002. Historian Peter Johnson has delved into many sources to uncover the intricacies of the railway's origins, development, operation, and revival.
The Corris Railway (Rheilffordd Corris) is a narrow gauge preserved railway based in Corris on the border between Gwynedd and Powys in mid-Wales. The line opened in 1859, and originally ran from Machynlleth north to Corris and on to Aberllefenni. Branches served the slate quarries at Corris Uchaf, Aberllefenni, the isolated quarries around Ratgoed, and quarries along the length of the Dulas Valley. The railway closed in 1948, but a preservation society was formed in 1966, initially opening a museum. A short section of line between Corris and Maespoeth was re-opened to passengers in 2002. The railway now operates as a tourist attraction. A new steam locomotive was built for the railway, which was delivered in 2005. The two surviving Corris locomotives, plus some of the original rolling stock, are preserved on the nearby Talyllyn Railway. The gauge of the railway is 2 foot 3 inches. Illustrated with black and white photos plus line maps and diagrams.
On 20 Aug 1948 a small saddle tank steam engine, in a livery of faded red, accompanied only by a diminutive brake van, ran slowly under the dilapidated roof of Corris Station, and left the village for the last time. Few people bothered to come out in the rain to say farewell. Enroute, it passed its home of seventy years, the engine shed at the former junction of Maespoeth. For the loco and van, a new life would beckon, a few miles away on the Talyllyn Railway. For the railway they had served it seemed the end. On 20 Apr 1985, an even smaller loco, in shining red paint, but this time diesel powered, ran triumphantly up the line from Maespoeth and into Corris Station yard, to the applause of a large crowd of well-wishers who were almost deafened by the blasts from its whistle. This time, the train had managed to dodge the showers, and the Corris Railway returned (from the back cover of the first edition). Photographs and maps in the text.
Step 1: To download this Wallpaper click on the small photo above which will enlarge it. After it is enlarged to its full size use your mouse to right click on the enlargement and a dialog box will appear. Within the dialog box select the option "Save image as..." A second dialog box will pop up showing the folders on your personal computer. Select your desired folder then click on the "Save" button. The image will then be downloaded to your computer.
Step 2: To install the image as Wallpaper on your screen right click on the Windows Start Button and select Settings - Personalization. Select the Browse button to locate the image where you previously saved it and Choose the image. Windows will install the image for you.
