Llangollen Railway - Corwen extension.

Maybe the train from " Portaloo " .....

 

It's actually the bog standard model.

Bob.

 

Work on the extension is now being delayed by a shortage of concrete sleepers, due to Network Rail not wanting to sell any at the moment. If anybody knows of 1000 concrete sleepers suitable for 113lb flat bottom rail being available then i'm sure the railway would be interested.

Bob.

 

We use a Loorol on the NYMR

 

There might be a few on the beach at Dawlish!!! Ray.

 

I believe the plan is to open to a temporary platform (Corwen East) at first (very soon now!) with a run-around loop a bit further back up the line - is that right?
What is the medium-term plan for the station at Corwen?
At one point in the 1990s there were plans for quite a major station with an overall roof - is this no longer the plan?
I guess there is the possibility at some future point of getting back to the old station, but it would mean relocating various local businesses who are important employers in the town.

 

So what is the eventual plan for Corwen?
I know that probably at the moment everyone is focussed on getting there in the first place!

 

The plan is for phase 2 to be built beyond the phase 1 platform, & incorporating a run-round loop, but I don't know how many platforms there will be.
The ideal option would be to relocate the trailer showroom from the existing station & to rebuild Green Lane bridge (at a higher level than the original).
This would cost a large sum to achieve , but is no bigger than some schemes on other railways.
The track laying should recommence shortly & should reach the buffer stop at Corwen 6-8 weeks later.
This leaves the ballasting & visit by a tamping machine, building of the platform, & inspection prior to opening.

Bob.

 

Is the trailer company proprietor receptive to a move?

 

The business is apparently now run by Ivor Williams' sons who are not very keen on the idea.

Bob.

 

http://corwenstation-new.co.uk/extension-update-april/4583845071

Check out the latist update and pictures here. Last thursday the volunteer track gang reached the West end of the temporary platform site. Then on the Friday placed the buffer stop in position. Great progress by the team.

 

The hired in tamper is working on the extension this week & will be finished by Friday latest. It is hoped that work on constructing the temporary platform will start shortly, & as soon as this is finished & the work inspected we can start services.
Loco hauled trains will be be propelled back to Carrog using a drivers position attached to the corridor end of a mark one coach as used by other railways.

Bob.

 

Brilliant news, I was going to ask for an update but you read my mind.

So a good chance of riding into Corwen at the Along Western Lines Gala at the end of August then?

 

It says in the new Heritage Rail mag that Corwen run round and station won't be started before next year? The estimates from contractors are not back yet to build the temp platform when it went to press.
It also said originally they were hoping to run trains on extension from August, but now say it won't and to keep watching the website for updates.
Be nice to get this in action ASAP now.

 

The project team were having a meeting early this week with a scaffolding company, & subject a successful outcome the work will commence as soon as possible. The scaffold structure should take a few weeks, followed by the timber decking & ramp leading to the new footpath across Corwen Common. We're basically in the hands of the scaffolders now.

Bob.

 

Good to see it moving on, it does seem to be an age now, but that's most probably me wanting a ride of full length of line now.
Best of luck getting it sorted and completed as soon as possible.

 

There's a nice update showing it in action here.

Actually, I hadn't realized it (although I'm sure most of the rest of you had worked it out , but there's a per-month update page for 2014 here, with nice monthly reports (well illustrated) for each month.

Noel