Weston Works

The effort at Weston continues. There is much to do clearing the trackbed ready for the main running line to be laid.

Years of growth need to be cut back to enable access for machinery and materials. This work needs to be done quickly if we are to remain on target.  With the recent wet weather it has churned up the trackbed a bit which will need more ballast to harden it up.

The push is on to extend the sidings up to where they will join the main line.  With this connection made we will be able to bring down materials currently stored at Oswestry.

Andy G was on hand to take some pictures.
We start with a view looking towards the brewery with the end of the siding playing temporary host to two narrow gauge skip wagons.

The second view is looking back towards the station from the current siding railhead.  Behind Andy the line runs back to Oswestry and will be passable by works trains for deliveries before not too long.

Hopefully the weather will improve soon so that we can push on with the station.

This weekend the team will continue to move materials into position in order to allow us to build further track panels.

Until next time.

January Work

Although there are not so many picture updates so far this month there is still plenty of action both on the ground and behind the scenes.

The CHR Annual General Meeting was held to update members on the project and the management of the company.  Generally the situation is good.  As ever the closed season brings expenditure with no income from fares so all donations and support are very much appreciated.  A big thank you to those who have donated over the last 12 months.

The colder weather has not stopped work, deliveries and planning at Weston.  Piles of materials continue to appear.  The  undergrowth clearance creates nice warm bonfires which seem to be a very popular gathering point. The tea urn continues with the production of high quality beverages whilst plans are made to continue the construction of the new station.

Inside the sheds and rolling stock the ongoing restoration and maintenance continues. There should be some nice surprises when the new running season starts.

The running calendar is being worked on and several special events are planned for 2020.  Keep your eyes open for details and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our trains.

Until next time.

Video Update

Colin has taken a brief video of the latest work at Weston.

Many thanks to Colin for the video.

Until next time.

Tuesday Gang

Despite the overcast weather the work at Weston continues and moves up a gear as we proceed with the construction of the station.

The Tuesday volunteers were in the thick of the action as deliveries were made and materials moved into position.

Andy G was on hand with his camera to catch some of the developments.  We start with the cleared trackbed receiving piles of fresh ballast. These deliveries continued throughout the day.

The on-site mess cabin is proving to be a big hit and lunch was had in the relative warmth. The second picture shows most of the team taking a well earned break and testing the quality of the tea.  The dents in the door were there before and are not the results of the volunteers seeking to exit quickly to continue their work.

Gradually the site is being reorganised to allow work on the sidings to be completed. The stacks of sleepers on the tracks have been relocated allowing access for fettling and final alignment.  The last picture shows the current status.

There is still plenty to do and many opportunities to get involved.  Keep watching the blog for updates.

Again thanks to the volunteers who helped and to Andy G for the pictures.

Until next time.

From The Archives

Here is a nice video from YouTube of the final years of steam through Oswestry.

It's interesting to see how much has changed since this film was made. Gradually we are bringing the railway back to life.

Until next time.

Thursday Gang

It was back to work for the Thursday Gang volunteers and a chance to shed some of those extra pounds gained over the Christmas holidays.  Thursday's activities were concentrated at Weston where the race is on to assemble the points before the sectional platform is assembled.  Once the platform is in place there will be no access for machinery.

Andy G took the following picture as Pete M continued to lay out the point components. Don't worry there are not two different gauges, the final alignment requires some leverage to put the rails in the right orientation.

In the background the team continues with vegetation clearance. The warmth of the bonfire seemed to be very popular.

More materials for the station are due to arrive shortly so space is at a premium and it is vital to have the area cleared.

The Saturday volunteers will continue with the work at Weston and we will keep updating you with progress.

More volunteers are always welcome and the important tea making facilities are now on site at Weston. These facilities have been thoroughly tested and confirmed fit for purpose, by multiple users.

Although it might be cold outside there is a passion burning in the hearts of CHR members as we seek to maintain the impressive progress of 2019 in to 2020.

Thanks to all who braved the weather to volunteer and to Andy G for the picture.

Until next time.

20 20 Vision

Happy New Year and welcome to the start of another year of progress on the CHR project to connect Oswestry to Weston by a heritage railway.

Firstly a very big thank you to all who have supported the Santa Specials over Christmas. This includes all of the volunteers and helpers who put on a great show but mostly to the customers who rode on the trains.  The trains were pretty much full for the duration. Thank you one and all.

The latest newsletter has just been published, have you signed up? You can sign up on the CHR homepage.  In the newsletters you can read about some of the plans and the back story to current activities.

Now that the running season is over it's time to get back on with restoration and improvements, once the decorations and props for the festive season have been packed away.

In the shed at Oswestry the suburban coach restoration continues with the roof having received attention and a new coat of paint applied.

Many thanks to CHR Facebook for the picture.

Work at Weston will pick up again after Christmas with the intention to get the trackwork in place whilst access is still possible.  The Cambrian shuffle will start again as materials need to be brought down from Oswestry to complete the station.

Looking forward 2020 looks to be another important year for the project. There is so much going on it's a great time to get involved. You can also put in to action that new year's resolution to get fit and lose weight. What better way than to get involved, have lots of fun and help the railway to move forward!! We look forward to seeing you.

Until next time.