{w!p} Corris Coach - TR17 *finished*

Back in 1958 the Talyllyn Railway rescued an ex-Corris Railway coach from near Oswestry, this was restored and entered service in 1961. www.cs.rhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=3753
A claim to fame is that it carried Diana, Princess of Wales in November 1982. But after over 60 years of service, by the 2018 season it had been withdrawn, as it needed some repairs. Work was started, but the condition revealed during the early examinations indicated it needed specialist attention from expert restorers. After we examined it in Wales, and agreed the costs and timescales involved with the TR, No17 made the trip to Haltwhistle for further examination, as additional work would almost certainly be needed. After almost completely stripping it down to the frames, we held a further meeting with the TR. Having shown that the coach was in a worse condition than the initial inspection had indicated, agreement was quickly reached for the additional work. The first stage was the structural repairs, we then repanelled with high quality marine plywood (using extra large sheets). The next major job was to recover the external roof, using a modern membrane, which requires less maintenance than the traditional canvas covering.The decision had already been made to re-glaze with safety glass, but the repairs required around the window frames allowed the fitting of double glazed units [this should greatly reduce the problem with condensation running down the glass, which not only spoils the passengers' view of the passing scenery, the moisture then rots the frames]. After refitting the internal panelling, the refurbished doors were refitted, and then we painted the outside and varnished inside the carriage. A number of other minor items were also attended to during this last phase. {As expected, the Covid Pandemic did slow the pace of work down on this project, and introduced some delays, including difficulties obtaining some materials.}
The Corris Coach was returned to the Talyllyn on the 13th August 2020 (which I watched by webcam). It still needs the signwriting and a few minor items still need to be finished, such as the refurbishment of the bogies.
Photographs will be added shortly ...
The first 45+ images are from the initial inspection in Wales, then another 7 showing the arrival in Haltwhistle (after dark on the 19th November 2019, and it was very cold).
The next section will show the further dismantling undertaken to determine the full extent of the work required. [To add}
The following section shows the work in progress, culminating in painting and varnishing the coach. {to add}
The last few show the departure from Haltwhistle and the final images will be of the re-launch into service (due 2021, Covid-19 permitting).

Back in 1958 the Talyllyn Railway rescued an ex-Corris Railway coach from near Oswestry, this was restored and entered service in 1961. www.cs.rhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=3753
A claim to fame is that it carried Diana, Princess of Wales in November 1982. But after over 60 years of service, by the 2018 season it had been withdrawn, as it needed some repairs. Work was started, but the conditi…  (read more)

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