Park Hall

Les W has taken his drone for a flight over Park Hall Halt so you can see some of the progress that Norman and the station team have made.

We start with the before pictures, firstly looking towards Oswestry and the A5 crossing.

The next view shows the view looking North towards Gobowen

After the attention of the team the trackbed looks a lot clearer and the halt platform can be seen on the right as we look north.

Looking south you can see the hospital car park and the cleared area around the halt.

The final picture was taken by Norman from ground level where the track has emerged from beneath the undergrowth.

Many thanks to the large number of volunteers who have helped with the clearance plus to Les and Norman for the pictures.

Until next time.

A Haircut for Gobowen

A recent excursion to Gobowen by Les resulted in vegetation clearance of the CHR compound adjacent to the station.  Now we can reach the cabin, which is vital as that's where the tea making ritual is held, most important for progress at CHR sites.

Together with the strimmer Les took along his camera for some before and after shots.

We start with a before shot with the cabin almost lost in the weeds.

After a good short back and sides the way is clear.

There is even space for vehicles.

The cabin and hardstanding are now visible.

At the end of the day the site is now clear. It's amazing what grows in just a couple of months. Hopefully with access now possible we can keep the vegetation under control.

Thanks to Les for the concentrated effort and the pictures.

Until next time.

Clearing The Deck

Recent works at Weston have seen the area south of the road bridge being cleared of track so that the alignment for the loop point can be marked out. In the space between the station bridge and the A483 the line crosses the river Morda.

The existing track on the bridge deck has been taken up.  Andy G was on hand with his camera as things progressed.

After loosening the clips the first rail is pulled from the bridge deck.

Closely followed by the second rail.

Next it was the turn of the longitudinal baulks of timber to be pulled out.

With both timbers now removed the bridge and track fixings can be inspected.

The team looking pleased with the work so far.

The last job was to make the site secure and erect fencing.

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

Until next time.

Weston Progress

Thanks to Les W and his drone we can share some superb pictures from the 21st July showing the latest progress at Weston.

Let's start with a general view of the station looking north towards Oswestry. The brewery is on the left and the station to the right.

The next view shows the brewery and station side by side and well within staggering distance. The position of the platform alongside the goods shed can be clearly seen.

Now we are looking along the main line and run round loop to the right and the siding to the bay platforms on the left.

With the camera now looking south you can see the station layout. This time the sidings are on the right and the main lines to the left.

In the next view you can see the position of the sectional platform as it is being assembled.

Now we take a look at the platform as it is extended by adding new sections. Further sections will be added on top of the base blocks which have already been set in position.

The platform is now the same length as the goods shed and you can see the next support in position.

The final view shows the platform materials in position awaiting assembly. Once the platform has been assembled the running lines can be extended to complete the loop. For the moment we need access with lifting equipment to assemble the concrete sections.

Thanks to all of the volunteers involved with the works at Weston station and to Les W for the pictures. Les travels some distance to work on the railway.

Keep watching for progress on the CHR project.

Until next time.

Park Hall Progress

There have been two working parties at Park Hall Halt recently to trim back the vegetation.  Norman and the regular crew were joined by new members Les and June, a very warm welcome to you.

The recent vegetation growth was cleared back, the enforced time off has allowed nature to encroach the station and track again. Norman's pictures show some of the activity with some before and after shots.

We start with a general view of the platform and you can see the activity on the platform.

Weedkiller was applied to the section up to the bridge. You can see how in a short time the weeds have come back to cover the track.

On the platform surface the tarmac has been exposed once again. There is still plenty more to uncover if you fancy lending a hand.

The strimmed track looks a little clearer.

Thank you to all the team members who took part and to Norman for the pictures.

Until next time.