A MILESTONE has been reached in fundraising towards a new steam locomotive based at a railway station near Machynlleth.

Having announced a target of £44,000 to complete the bottom part of its new steam locomotive, this has been achieved.

This is so that it can be demonstrated working by means of compressed air in September 2020 during the Open Day at Alan Keef Ltd, Corris Railway is pleased funds are now in place to complete the outside motion.

This work will cost £8,000 but the next major steps to complete the inside motion and its assembly between the frames of the 0-4-2ST require a further £22,000 so major income is still being sought.

Donations can be made online via www.corris.co.uk or cheques payable to Corris Railway, sent to Peter Guest, 38 Underwood Close, Callow Hill, Redditch, B97 5YS.

Looking at other areas of the project it is estimated that in excess of £30,000 from the final overall bill will be saved by the work of Corris Railway volunteers constructing some parts of number 10.

It will be a 21st century version of one of the ‘Falcon’ locomotives that served the Corris in its independent, Great Western Railway and British Rail days.