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 travelling 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.

PETER JOHNSON is a historian specialising in North Wales's railways, particularly its many narrow gauge lines. Writing nearly 40 books since 1984, he brings together threads from many original sources to produce informed and readable accounts of their histories and development. A retired local government officer, he was editor of the Ffestiniog Railway Society's quarterly magazine from 1974 until 2003 and a director of the society for 11 years. In 2003 he was appointed the Festiniog Railway Company's official photographer. From 1991-2019 he also contributed a narrow-gauge railway news column to one of the national railway magazines. This is his fourth book for Pen & Sword Transport, following two on the Festiniog Railway and one on the Welsh Highland Railway.