Catch 22

Well it probably isn't catch point number 22 but we still need to build this before we can connect the sidings to the running line.

Thanks to CHR Facebook here are some pictures of the latest progress at Weston. We start with the team checking the gauge at the catch point to make sure all is correct. Once confirmed that the rails are in the right position the chairs can be bolted down.

The rails are then cut to the correct length using the rail saw. Many years ago this was done by a hand powered device, which I used once and was lovingly called the 99 change hands. It used to take ages but now there are such wonderful machines that take (most of) the sweat out of the process.  However when the rail saw has a problem everyone shuffles around nervously not wanting the manual saw to make an appearance.  A quick trip back to base and some TLC of the rail saw allowed it to return to service and the volunteers breathe a sigh of relief. The photo shows this hard working device on it's half term holiday on the bench.

With the saw available again it was time to turn the attention to the point that connects the siding to the running line. Here we are looking north towards Oswestry and if you look closely you can see the stock stored on the running line beyond the site fence.  Thanks to the earlier clearance work the materials for the point were now on hand to allow assembly to start.

Looking the other way we can see the components being moved to their final locations and a start made on their installation. The space to the left is for the run round loop which will be constructed later.

The photos don't really show the true weather conditions but the shiny effect is not varnish.  Here the catch point is checked during a period of lighter rain.

A very big thank you to all the volunteers who turned up in atrocious weather to continue with the track laying.  Thanks to CHR for the photographs.

Until next time.

To The Point

The three day week at Weston continues. Volunteers are working on site Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as we build the new station.

Recent progress has seen the points start to be assembled. The following pictures from CHR Facebook show the current status.

We start at the point where the two sidings begin. The one to the right leads along the brick wall and ends before the goods shed.
The other siding will run along the back of the main platform and will run into the shed.

Looking the other way we can see the siding heading north to where it will then connect with the main running line.

The GWR style prefabricated platform has arrived and the support bases are under construction. Once these have set and the siding's track work is complete we will be able to erect the platform.

With a bit more work the rails for the siding point are being bolted into position.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped and to CHR for the pictures.

Until next time.

Be Prepared

Although it might seem quiet there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes. The planning of the activities needs to be worked out in order to allow materials to get to the right place at the right time. With all of the site clearance going on that requires a clear vision of the project as a small hiccup can have a big impact.  So far things are on track but the weather may yet intervene.

In the shed at Oswestry work continues with the coach and with winter maintenance.  As part of the scheduled inspection routine of the steam locomotive the internal surfaces of the firebox are cleaned to allow inspection.  As shown in this photo, courtesy of CHR Facebook, that means getting dirty.

Keeping on top of boiler maintenance is key to ensuring that we are able to have the loco available to haul the trains. A very big thank you to all of the volunteers who give up their time to support the project.

When the winds die down we should be able to make more progress.

Until next time

S(l)iding Along to Weston

Down at Weston work to transform the site in to a working station continues every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Sometimes it might seem like progress is slow then on other days things come together and there is really something to see.  Andy G was on hand with his camera to catch the latest developments.

The siding continues it's push northwards and has now reached the place where a catch point will be installed. A catch point is a safety feature which prevents runaway vehicles from the sidings accessing the main line. The first picture is looking along the newly extended siding towards Oswestry.

The second view shows the start of the point from the main line to the sidings. Still quite a way to go but materials are on hand to continue.

Some of the material required to complete the running line remains at Oswestry so an early temporary connection will allow us to move this to the right place.

The previous seemingly endless days of cleaning the site and moving materials around have allowed us to make significant visual progress in the last few days.

The volunteers will continue with work on the station and are grateful for all of the support received.

Elsewhere normal activities continue preparing for the start of the operating season.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and to Andy G for the pictures.

Until next time.

Platform Souls

It's February and we have so far been blessed with dryer weather than the rain at thr end of last year.  The dryer weather has allowed us to continue unearthing and clearing detritus from along the trackbed.  There really is everything hidden along the line, including the kitchen sink.  Gradually the trackbed is opening up allowing us to move things into their almost correct positions.

The CHR Newsletter gives further details of the current situation including this CHR photograph of the sectional platform which has started to arrive.

During February these sections should start to be assembled by the Weston Station team, these wonderful souls.

The sidings are now more or less complete, they require packing and leveling. Further north the line is being extended to link up with the existing track.  The first connection will allow further materials to be delivered from Oswestry and we can operate our temporary freight link.

The line north of the station to the cattle creep will require significant work to allow passenger trains to pass but can be used for a work's train.  Beyond the cattle creep is now part of the operational railway.

We will continue to update you with progress, many thanks for your continued support.

Until next time.