A Coach Trip

Today we took the almost complete suburban coach for a short trip to the main Oswestry station platform.

Following the combined efforts of many volunteers over nearly two years on the coach hardware the stored upholstery was professionally deep-cleaned.


The day started with the coach bring eased out of the shed inch by inch, we don't want to scratch that nice new paint do we.

After a short trip the coach arrives in the station for attention to the upholstery.  Although it was a bit damp the mood was bright and cheerful as we are close to having two coaches available for service.

The internal fixed upholstery is given a thorough clean. Here we are using the services of a Shropshire business putting money back into the local economy.

The still to be fitted seat cushions were treated to a clean indoors. Here you can see the nearest one has been completed, with work about to start on the second one. You can see the difference!

Another great day for CHR and a nice reward for the volunteers to see the results of their efforts out in the open.

There are still plenty of jobs to complete before the coach will be ready for service but we can definitely see the finish line now.

A big thank you to all of the many volunteers that have invested time in the restoration of the suburban coach and to Andy G for the pictures.

Until next time.

Technically Tainted Thursday

We are now in the season where inside jobs become the major focus for the volunteers. Guy wanted to take some pictures of the suburban coach restoration in Oswestry shed but a broken camera made that impossible.

Reg, 'The Body' has reached the last external panels and together with the others was working to prepare the surfaces for priming.  

Inside the coach, John 'The Wood' along with Glynn, was working in compartment number four to fit and finish the varnished woodwork.

The guard's compartment received further paint to the inside decor.  Guy's only photo shows Alan making progress.

Thanks to all who have braved the weather to volunteer. And to Guy for the picture, hoping the camera can be repaired or replaced without too much pain.

Until next

Park Hall Progress

Sunday was the last scheduled day this year for Norman and the rest of the extreme gardening group at Park Hall Halt.

Following the clearance Norman took a couple of pictures looking away from the halt.

Here is the view of the now clear section from the halt to the A5. If you look closely you can just see a white van crossing the line.

Looking the other way towards Gobowen you can see how much is still to do.

Both the vegetation and the volunteers will now take a break for Christmas. Both we are sure will come back refreshed to continue the battle.

Many thanks to Norman K and all of the volunteers who helped to keep the vegetation under control, may you enjoy you break.

Until next time.

Wet n' Dry

As we move towards winter the weather takes a bigger role in deciding what is possible.  This week, between the showers,  the volunteers continued with vegetation clearance and tracklaying at the Weston site.

In the first picture from Andy G we can see that the crock of gold that hides at the end of the rainbow must be on the trackbed.  However we were unable to locate it this time so we will have to continue to raise funds through more normal channels.

The team of volunteers carried on regardless extending the sidings on the freshly laid ballast bed.

Many thanks to Andy G for the pictures and to all who helped.

Until we find that crock of gold we continue to welcome donations of money, time or moral support.  You can donate through the website and thanks for your support.


Until next time.

Weston Sidings

Despite the cold then wet weather the work at Weston continues.  The freshly laid ballast bed was soon filled up with track.

In the first picture the team are keying up after placing the rail in the chairs.

At the end of the day here is a view of the growing second siding which leads in to the goods shed.

A good turnout of volunteers helped the work along. Many thanks!

Thanks also to CHR Facebook for the pictures.

Until next time.

Wet Working

As with most parts of the country it's been a bit wet so progress is limited in these conditions and photographs are of puddles.
Inside jobs seem to be favourite in these conditions. I wonder why?

Clearance work continued at Weston and some further ballast was moved into position.  Mechanical help arrived to help load sleepers on to the sidings.

The clearance south of the overbridge has started for what will be the end of the run round loop.  This area had become very overgrown and will need further work to create space.

Thanks to Glynn for the update and to all who braved the weather to help.

Until next time.

Halloween Fun

To add to the experience even the weather was dark and threatening on the day of the Ghost Train.  Great fun was had by all and our guests were treated to a not to be forgotten event.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who took part and to all who turned up. Due to the success it will be repeated again next year on the 31st October 2020.

Here are a couple of pictures from Dave R showing some of the attractions on display.

Who is this handsome chap??

Instead this one looks to have missed the food on offer, better luck next year.

The food went down very well with the living as well!

Until next time.

DMU Fleet

The team at Llynclys are starting on the overhaul and restoration of a 2 car Diesel Multiple Unit.  There is plenty to be done and they would love any help, encouragement or spare parts. Get in touch if you can help in any way.

There will be further updates as the work progresses but we start with a few pictures of the units in their current condition.

Thanks to CHR for the pictures.

Here we have one end which is DMCL 51512

The other power car is DMBS, the cars are coupled together here for electrical testing which showed up another couple of jobs to add to the list.

Work is already underway on the repainting of the bogies.

Until next time.

Santa Specials at Oswestry