Oswestry From Above

Thanks to Les W here are some pictures from the air showing the area around Oswestry station. Work has been ongoing to cut back the vegetation that has sprung up during the recent months.  

We start at the north end of the station, the area being cleared is on the down platform on the right.  You can see how much vegetation has grown over the lockdown period.

Looking south you can see the area that has been cut and what is still to do.  Also note the Dean coach body on the platform.  In the centre road is some of the stock moved from Weston.  Hiding in the undergrowth are various signal parts that will eventually find a use along the line.

The sleeper pile has grown again and these await sorting and rework as necessary.

In this view we see the remaining buildings of Oswestry works to the left and the access footbridge used by the works' staff.  Note the point at the northern end of the loop.

Here we are looking north from under the footbridge as volunteers tackle vegetation along the fence line.

The footbridge is a listed structure but is not currently in use.

This picture from the south of the station looking north shows a lot of the stock in the station, the down platform is to the right under the vegetation.  As you can see there is quite a bit of vegetation to cut back.  More hands are always welcome!

The view of the station shows the fish dock with the stored wagons, at the left hand side is the hard landing where stock deliveries take place. 

The museum and running shed are visible in this picture with the Barclay undergoing cosmetic restoration to the right.  The portacabin is the mess room.

The restored signal box is in the centre of this picture with the Coney Green pedestrian crossing cutting across the running lines.

The view from above the station throat shows the main running line on the left curving away, the two lines to the right of the running line carry on down to the bridge on Middleton Road and were the location of the cattle pens for livestock movements.  The original station shuttles used these lines whilst the running line was still being used for stone trains for the national network.

The view to the south shows the general layout to the Weston end of Oswestry station.  Originally all of the green area to the left was filled with railway sidings which continued through where the road and houses now stand.

We finish with two lovely view of the impressive station building.  This was the head office of the Cambrian Railways system. You can see the imposing dimensions of the building and the beautiful style.  There are still various repairs and upgrades required to return the station to it's former glory.  

The final photo could almost be a model.  Many things have changed since the station building was constructed, very soon the walls with echo again to the sound of passengers and trains using the station for it's intended purpose. 

Many thanks to Les for the pictures and to all who helped.

Until next time.