Another Job Ticked Off the List

Sorry for the delay in updates.

A quick plug for the Cash For Your Community token appeal.  If you have any please drop off at Oswestry Station as soon as possible, we need to get these sent off so we can register them.

Another milestone was passed last week, the sleeper stack at Oswestry has been flattened and all that are useable are now on their way down the line.  Here is a little bit of history and a summary.  Below is a early shot of the pile and the team going through the sorting procedure.  If you like playing Jenga you will love this job.

With the starter signal planted behind you can see how much everyone enjoys this in the good weather and the strategically placed mugs of tea.  Thirsty work this is!

Once sorted into categories the sleepers are overhauled and any remedial action taken on those can be reused. 

The last lot were done in pretty grim weather so many thanks to the Thursday Gang that finished off the job and to anyone that has helped with this operation, it's been a long time but we have got there, 

The last five sleepers from the pile, now a quick was a brush up of the track and we can go right up to the crossing.

Thanks to Andy Green for the pictures.  

But what we really need is a nice restored signal box to work all of the points and signals.... Hang on a minute....

Here are the details of the signal box and the upcoming event on May12th for the reopening ceremony of Oswestry South. Taken from the CHR Website.

Railway signalmen of the past, present and future are being invited to Oswestry station on Saturday, May 12 for the reopening ceremony of Cambrian Heritage Railways’ (CHR) historic signal box – which will coincide with an open day at the railway.

Built in 1892, Oswestry South signal box was operational until 1970. Unlike much of the town’s railway infrastructure, it escaped demolition in the late 1960s and early 70s, but was stripped of its contents. The ‘box regained a lever frame recovered from Wellington (Shropshire) when it was restored in 2005/6.

As part of the structure’s recent refurbishment, CHR volunteers have sourced and installed additional appropriate equipment. Although there is still much to do, it is now in a position whereby members of the public will be able to visit and see just how mechanical signal boxes, once common across the country, operated.

Part of the work was funded by a grant from the local Triple Niners charity from funds raised at the town’s annual bonfire.

CHR Chairman, Rob Williams, said: “We are delighted that ITV Central News' Transport Correspondent, Keith Wilkinson, has agreed to undertake the formal opening for us and we will also have a signalling expert on hand to explain to members of the public how everything works.

Also ticked off the list on a personal level was the first appearance of my loco and brake van after a few years of hard work.

Until next time