​Santa Special trains debut for Corris Railway steam locomotive

Corris Railway’s Santa Special headed by ‘Tattoo’ steam locomotive Number 7

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A new steam locomotive will be heading the annual Santa Special trains on Corris Railway for one of the first time in decades.
 
For most of the last 20 years, ‘Tattoo’ steam locomotive Number 7, built new for the railway in 2005 has done the honour. This year, however, the starring role goes to Number 10, a “Falcon” class loco delivered new to the Corris in 2023,
 
After a spell as Britain’s newest steam loco, it has had a busy 2024, starring in gala events on both the Corris and the Talyllyn Railways. It also played a leading role in the Talyllyn Railway’s ‘Awdry Weekend’ where it assumed the guise of ‘Sir Handel’ from the “Thomas the Tank Engine” books.
 
The carriages, built by the Corris Railway’s volunteers, headed by Number 10, will give passengers a taste of everyday travel in the Dulas Valley at the start of the 20th century. The carriages are based on the Edwardian originals which ran until 1930, whilst the first ‘Falcon’ locomotives were built for the Corris in 1878.
 
The journey is from Corris Station to Maespoeth Junction where Santa will be waiting with presents for children whilst his helpers will have seasonable refreshments for everyone. The round trip will take around an hour.
 
There are four trains scheduled to run on December 7 and 8, leaving Corris at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Fares are £7.50 for adults and £10 for children. With 70 seats available on each train, early booking is advisable, particularly if passengers are planning their day around a particular train time. Advance booking can be done online at www.corris.co.uk .
 
The Museum and Shop at Corris Station will be open on both days allowing visitors to see artefacts from the history of the railway, which once linked Machynlleth and Aberllefenni, or to buy items of clothing, books, cards or children’s gifts ahead of the festive season.
 
The range of children’s books includes ‘Hugh Goes Sliding’ by Christopher Awdry, author of some of the ‘Thomas’ tales, plus other children’s books written by a Corris Railway volunteer.