One of Wales' oldest narrow gauge railways, the 2ft 3in gauge Corris
Railway was built to carry slate from several quarries in the Dulas
valley to wharves on the river Dyfi. At first forbidden to use steam
locomotives or to carry passengers, it overcame these obstacles and
became an essential part of the community that it served.
It was also a forerunner in encouraging tourists, offering inclusive
tours to nearby Talyllyn, passengers traveling on the train and on
railway-operated road services.
Taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1930, the railway was closed
by British Railways in 1948, apparently for good. Fortunately, the last
two steam locomotives and some rolling stock was saved by the nearby
Talyllyn Railway, where it played an essential role in that railway's
preservation. Eventually, the thoughts of enthusiasts turned to reviving
the Corris Railway, and, after many twists and turns, the first
passengers were carried on a short section in 2002.
Historian Peter Johnson has delved into many sources to uncover the
intricacies of the railway's origins, its development, operation and
revival.