As the 2021 operating season comes to an end, Corris Railway Society volunteers look forward not to a break, but to working on the revival of the Mid Wales narrow gauge line.

There is a new track layout and station platform at Corris, as well as a traverser constructed by Statfold Engineering. This, together with a new point being installed to complete a loop, means locomotives will be able to run around their trains at both Corris and Maespoeth Junction.

Alongside that work, the refurbishment of the ground frame is in progress in Maespoeth Junction workshop and new sleepers have been delivered, as well as track fittings.

The modified layout requires the building of a new platform as part of a large scale and long-term intention to build a new Corris station which will include new roof like the one that sat on top of the original station.

Work on the new track layout will start after two days of Santa Trains on 11 and 12 December.

Warm weather through most of September allowed for construction work to take place on the embankment. This is to replace a lost section of the original track bed south of Maespoeth Junction and will eventually allow trains to run further southwards along the Dulas Valley.

Work already completed includes the connection of a drainage system.

A new carriage, number 24, will offer First Class accommodation and an observation section is being worked on in the carriage shed at Maespoeth Junction, with the flooring complete and hardwood sections being fitted to the outside of the vehicle.

Donations to assist with the work at Corris station or the southern extension embankment can be made online at www.corris.co.uk or cheques payable to Corris Railway can be sent to Corris Railway, Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH. Please indicate for which work a cheque donation is intended.