The Corris Railway: The Story of a Mid-Wales Slate Railway

The Corris Railway was a 2ft 3in gauge narrow gauge railway in Wales that was built to carry slate from quarries to wharves on the river Dyfi. It was a forerunner in encouraging tourists and was taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1930 but closed by British Railways in 1948. The last two steam locomotives and some rolling stock were saved by the Talyllyn Railway and the Corris Railway was revived in 2002. Historian Peter Johnson has uncovered the railway's origins, development, operation, and revival.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The 2ft 3in gauge Corris Railway, one of Wales' oldest narrow gauge railways, was constructed to transport slate from numerous quarries in the Dulas valley to wharves along the river Dyfi. Initially prohibited from using steam locomotives or carrying passengers, the railway overcame these challenges and became an integral part of the community it served. It also pioneered the promotion of tourism, offering inclusive tours to nearby Talyllyn, where passengers could enjoy both train and road services operated by the railway. In 1930, the railway was acquired by the Great Western Railway, which subsequently closed it in 1948. Fortunately, the last two steam locomotives and some rolling stock were rescued by the nearby Talyllyn Railway, which played a crucial role in preserving them. After years of contemplation and numerous twists and turns, the Corris Railway was revived in 2002, with the first passengers being carried on a short section. Historian Peter Johnson has extensively researched various sources to unravel the intricate details of the railway's origins, development, operation, and revival.

Weight: 778g
Dimension: 216 x 281 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399077262