BRITAIN’S latest new-build steam locomotive, Corris Railway’s Falcon 0-4-2ST No. 10, which is being constructed by Alan Keef Ltd, was publicly unveiled in steam at the manufacturer’s September 24 open day at Lea, near Ross-on-Wye.
While still some way from being completed, the loco steamed back and forth along a short section of 2ft 3in gauge track throughout the day, having received a boiler certificate during its official steam test at the works on September 20.
Work still to be undertaken before this 21st century evocation of a design dating from 1878 can enter service on the revived section of the Corris Railway includes fitting buffers, couplings and an air brake pump. Riveting the cab sheets still needs to be completed, along with making the internal coal bunker, cladding the boiler and manufacturing the wheel splashers and sanding gear.
The new loco will then have to be dismantled for painting and
