A NEW £400,000 steam locomotive being built for Corris Railway in Mid Wales took a significant step forward when its boiler passed a hydraulic pressure test last week.
The boiler, built by Israel Newton and Sons in 2012, was tested at the workshops of Alan Keef Ltd in Lea, near Ross-on-Wye who are building the new loco.
Before being taken to Keef’s, the boiler had been displayed at Maespoeth Junction on Corris Railway to boost fundraising for the new locomotive which will become number 10 in the fleet.
Number 10 is a 21st century evocation of a trio of steam engines built for Corris Railway in 1878 by the Hughes Company in Loughborough. One survives and works on Talyllyn Railway.
It is hoped to steam the new loco on September 24, as part of Alan Keef’s Annual Open Day, but more work is needed before it enters Corris service in 2023. This work is estimated to cost £48,000, with the railway needing to raise another £20,000 to reach the target.
Next year marks the 140th anniversary of the introduction of steam services to Corris Railway. There will be a fundraising stand for the new loco at Corris Railway Society’s Model Railway Exhibition which will be held at Y Plas, Machynlleth on August 27 and 28.
Donations for the new loco can 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.
