The Llangollen Railway ran its first steam test train to the new Corwen Station today (Monday, May 22).
The first steam-hauled test train was sent to test the water tower and run-round line that will be used for all Llangollen and Corwen Railway services from Saturday, June 3.
The train used a 1943-built Austerity tank locomotive No 68067 and was driven by Harry Barber, who was been a volunteer at the railway for over 30 years, and fireman Phil Morrey.
Dedicated volunteers are putting the final touches to the superb new station before it is officially handed over to the Operations Department for a grand opening weekend, starting on June 1 for LR Members.
June 2 will then see a special ceremony where Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Chairman of both Network Rail and the Heritage Railway Association) will formally open the £1.25m station, which has taken six years to build.
Members of the public will then be able to ride trains into the new station over the weekend of Saturday, June 3 and 4.
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This will see a busy hourly train service using steam, diesel and railcars and a large model railway layout of Corwen as it was in the 1950’s on display in Corwen’s Canolfan Ni (Village Hall).
A vintage fire engine will also be on display at Llangollen station.
Phil Coles, chairman of the Llangollen Railway Trust, said: “Seeing our station open on June 2 will be a very special day. It is the realisation of the vision of our founders 50 years ago to reopen the railway between Llangollen and Corwen.
“It’s been quite a journey, but we have finally made it. We’ve seen such incredible commitment from dedicated volunteers and supporters; from those who have laid the bricks and tracks to those who helped secure government Levelling-Up funding for our station canopy, including our local MP Simon Baynes.
“I am proud to have been part of the team that has put a station back on the map in Corwen after Dr Beeching closed the original nearly 60 years ago”.
More information and advanced tickets for the opening weekend can be found by visiting https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/.
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