First test rain run at new Corwen Central station

Llangollen Railway has announced that its train was run in order to gauge clearances to platforms and other structures following the completion of track work.

The train consisted of a rake of empty passenger coaches, running with special permission under an engineering possession.

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It was hauled by historic Class 47 diesel locomotive No 1566, which has been at work in North Wales for over 40 years.

The train was crewed by expert volunteers Mark Smales, Iain Ross and Mike Williams, who between them have given over 70 years of voluntary service at Llangollen.

Richard Dixon-Gough, Corwen Station Project Manager said “Seeing the test passenger train arrive at Corwen was a real delight for our dedicated team of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to build our new station from scratch, all largely funded by donations from supporters, well-wishers and grant aid from the Welsh Government.

"It was a perfect late-spring evening and the train looked superb in our new station under a clear blue sky. We’ve got a bit more work to do before we can run public trains.

"We’ve the station building and canopy to complete and then the whole project will require final sign off from the Office of Road and Rail. But we’re getting close and this test train took us a step closer.

PIC: The Corwen Station is nearing completion.

"Corwen station will be open to the public over the Jubilee weekend to see what we’ve been up to and one of our works trains will also be on static display for people to take a look at”.

Corwen resident Owen Reynolds- Rees, whose house looks over the new station said. “I was sat in my living room, looked up and was amazed to see the train pootling gently into Corwen Station, so dashed upstairs to get some photos. It was a lovely thing to see, especially on such a beautiful evening.”