RMweb Premium Popular Post Andy Kirkham Posted June 18, 2023 RMweb Premium Popular Post Share Posted June 18, 2023 (edited) I have long been familiar with most of the narrow gauge line of Wales, but I had never visited the revived Corris; however a week's stay at Machynlleth presented an opportunity which could not be refused. I have to say that I was highly impressed. Replica "Tattoo" class No.7 waits at the current southern terminus: Maespoeth, formerly the junction for the horse worked Upper Corris branch. The original corris loco shed is seen in this view. Maespoeth carriage shed, with a new coach nearing completion. I have to say that if the passenger numbers at may visit were typical, then the current carriage stock would be more than enough to accommodate all comers. The lovely train of replica Corris coaches, none seemingly quite the same as any other. Inside the clerestory vehicle. Views from the train on the short but picturesque journey. Please be assured that I was not endangering my life by leaning out of the open vestibule: I was merely extending my arm with the camera clutched in my hand. Arrival at Corris. The intention is to build a near replica of the original station building demolished in 1968, complete with overall roof. The new traverser in use. Running round. Ready for another trip. Unfortunately it is not possible to exend northwards to Aberllefenni along the most scenic part of the old route, because the trackbed north of Corris station has been incorporated into the back gardens of many houses. A southerly extension is being progressed, but I do wonder if its charm might be limited by its proximity to the main A487. Also included was a visit to the Vale of Rheidol. I was too early in the year to see the new museum being created out of the old GWR loco shed, which will house at least part of Peter Rampton's "Collection X" The new museum will be entered through a suitable grandiose portico, rescued from the former South Eastern Railway offices in Tooley Street, London. Not exactly in keeping with the Welsh Narrw Gauge, but undeniably impressive. The interior of the new corrugated pagoda-style station building. It would be nice to think that the three (four?) ticket windows might, at least occasionally, be needed to meet demand. No.7 at Devil's Bridge. I was sorry to see that the locomotives are running without their names at present, and that their green livery is unlined; it seems that the late owner Peter Rampton detested everthing to do with British Railways, and would not permit any feature dating from after 1948. The views in the upper valley are as dramatic as ever, and are unimpeded by trees. A sight unavailable when I had last visited the line - trains crossing at Aberffrwyd. A sign that the dead hand of the former owner does not determine everything is the blood-and-custard livery of the Up train. One slight complaint is that passengers are locked into the carriages so there is no possibility of getting out and photographing such scenes at intermediate stations. Finally a trip to the Talyllyn, a line which changes so little that most of the photos I took are superfluous here. However there is a new development: a newly created replica of the old watering point at Ty Dwr on the Nant Gwernol extension. Surely this was the inspiration for Peter Sam's nemesis in Little Old Engine. Apparently this was also the site of the original engine shed when the line first opened From Aberynolwyn we took a walk to the beautifully situated Castell-y-Bere Then back to the station for a lovely cup of tea while watching trains cross And finally a quick stop at Dolgoch for a brief look at the falls I don't seem to be able to delete this duplicate picture. Edited June 19, 2023 by Andy Kirkham 17 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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