Heritage Open Days

Over the last two weekends CHR has participated in the Heritage Open Days that have seen several sites in Oswestry open their doors to the public.  It was our pleasure to show off to many visitors the restored Oswestry South signal box.  It has taken a lot of effort by many people to restore the signal box and to support these open days.  Many thanks to those who helped and to those of you that visited.  We hope you will return to see the progress on our project as we push towards Weston.  The weather on the final weekend was perhaps not as good as it could have been but by Sunday afternoon it had cleared up enough for Guy to take some pictures.

The view from the signal box shows the Company Secretary waving from the brake van as our passengers take a trip along the line towards Weston.  There were two locos in operation during the day taking turns and assisting with movements.  To the right of the brake van are the sleepers waiting for when we have access under gasworks bridge to relay the line towards Weston, the Thursday gang continue with preparing these in between all of their other projects.  

 The train is seen heading over the crossing and away down the line.

Inside there were continual demonstrations of how the 'box would have been operated during the steam years.

The lever frame and interlocking was explained and a run through of how each train was handled on it's way to the next signal box was demonstrated.

Including the necessary bell codes which identify which type of train and actions needing to be taken to ensure safe passage.

Whilst keeping a good look out to ensure situational awareness of where everything is and where it needs to go! Quite a job on a busy day.

The range of block instruments were also explained, these identify when a train is in the section under the control of the signal box.

 Kenton keeps a good look out to see what is going on from the restored balcony

The previously restored and hung gates were in action to keep the visitors safe from passing trains but yet allow access to the signal box.

 Here the train rolls across the crossing during a shunting move.

 Additional freight stock was added to the train during shunting operations

Lastly our new arrival basks in the glorious Oswestry sunshine ready to help as required.  Thanks again to all who made this happen.

Until next time.