A Little Bit of Weston

With a fair wind we should soon be starting work at Weston on the upgrading of the site, adding facilities which will allow us to welcome guests.  Before the work starts we have a couple of pictures which we can then use for a comparison on completion of the modifications.  Thanks to Guy and Noel for the pictures and information.

We start with the view of the line arriving from Oswestry.  In the background can be seen the row of poplar tress that have been in the distance of photos taken from the recently replaced cattle creep.  The long straight run down to Westin ends just before the station in a gentle curve.  The recently moved tank wagon rests at the entrance to the station.  Hopefully it won't be too long before we see loco hauled trains arriving here.

Looking the other way we see the site at Weston with the raised area to the right which will become the platform.  There are already materials on site for the trackwork but the platform wall will need stabilising and rebuilding.  The wall shows the many changes that have occurred over the years at Weston.  A simple loading dock was extended and then raised/extended again resulting in a variety of heights and stability.  The brickwork on some sections is poor to say the least, on other sections it has already collapsed.  The only solution acceptable to be able to use for passengers is to rebuild starting from new foundations.  

The new platform will also house the new toilet block which will be a welcome relief for all and possibly of vital importance given the brewery next door. The track layout will consist of a run round loop on the left side of the picture and a bay platform to the right of the running line. 

The goods shed will become a useful space for conservation and restoration work and the small office will be used to show the history of the site and house the station office.
 
There is a great deal of work still to be done and although we have received a grant to cover a lot of the cost we still need to raise around £30k to complete the works.  All donations are welcome.  Timing will depend on how quickly we can raise the money but we hope by next year to be well on the way to having Weston station ready for trains.

Thanks to Guy for the pictures.

Until next time.