The Corris Railway has agreed on a completion date for its new Falcon steam locomotive with builders, Alan Keef Ltd.

The agreement follows on from the ordering and cutting of the materials for the cab.

Alan Keef Ltd holds an open day every two years in the Summer / Early Autumn, and the next one will be in 2022 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the business.

As part of the 50th celebrations, the Falcon locomotive is hoped to be completed to be the centrepiece. After this, it will be moved to its new home at Maespoeth ahead of test runs and running in.

It is then expected that the locomotive will be in service at the Corris Railway before the end of 2022.

When the Falcon locomotive enters service, it will be the first time since 1930 that two steam locomotives owned by the Corris Railway are in service in the Dulas Valley. The Falcon will partner with 2005-built ‘Tattoo’ No. 7.

However, funding for the remaining construction is £100,000 – and for the Corris Railway Society, this sort of money is a challenge. If you would like to donate, please do so via the Corris Railway website.