After a week off taking in the mountain air it's time to catch up with events in Oswestry. Thanks to Glynn two N's and CHR here are a couple of views from 'on high' of progress on the excavation. These were taken from the footpath either side of the Shrewsbury Road bridge.
First is a view looking North towards the station with the cycle path on the right. Here you can see the diamond shaped concrete cap over the sewer being prepared for the pour, the reinforcement is in place, just the mix to be poured in to the waiting form. Also visible are the first gabions (wire mesh cages filled with stones) which are in place to support the re-graded cutting sides. In the centre there will be the single track of the railway to Weston. Also Glynn notes that the sighting boards have been removed so no further work will be done on the levels, we have arrived!
In the view looking South we can see the route almost complete. The drains run under the clear ballast on the right and the concrete retaining wall can be seen on the left. The day of track laying is getting closer.
The weekend saw the special Remembrance Service for the Cambrian Railways employees who fought and died in the First World War. A further post will follow.
Whilst on holiday I also caught up with work on the
Valsesia Railway Museum based in Varallo, Italy. The latest project has been to restore and re-hang the engine shed doors. Here they are propped in place whilst the mortar around the hinges cures. These are very heavy and double skinned, you can see the wood that has been replaced on the inside face.
The view from outside shows how much of the outer door has been replaced. Just in front of the engine shed lies the small turntable which is still operational. There are also the two original water cranes still fed from the water tower from 30m deep bore hole.
The line is still operational and sees steam specials on a monthly basis.
Until next time
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