Oswestry From Above

Thanks to Les W here are some pictures from the air showing the area around Oswestry station. Work has been ongoing to cut back the vegetation that has sprung up during the recent months.  

We start at the north end of the station, the area being cleared is on the down platform on the right.  You can see how much vegetation has grown over the lockdown period.

Looking south you can see the area that has been cut and what is still to do.  Also note the Dean coach body on the platform.  In the centre road is some of the stock moved from Weston.  Hiding in the undergrowth are various signal parts that will eventually find a use along the line.

The sleeper pile has grown again and these await sorting and rework as necessary.

In this view we see the remaining buildings of Oswestry works to the left and the access footbridge used by the works' staff.  Note the point at the northern end of the loop.

Here we are looking north from under the footbridge as volunteers tackle vegetation along the fence line.

The footbridge is a listed structure but is not currently in use.

This picture from the south of the station looking north shows a lot of the stock in the station, the down platform is to the right under the vegetation.  As you can see there is quite a bit of vegetation to cut back.  More hands are always welcome!

The view of the station shows the fish dock with the stored wagons, at the left hand side is the hard landing where stock deliveries take place. 

The museum and running shed are visible in this picture with the Barclay undergoing cosmetic restoration to the right.  The portacabin is the mess room.

The restored signal box is in the centre of this picture with the Coney Green pedestrian crossing cutting across the running lines.

The view from above the station throat shows the main running line on the left curving away, the two lines to the right of the running line carry on down to the bridge on Middleton Road and were the location of the cattle pens for livestock movements.  The original station shuttles used these lines whilst the running line was still being used for stone trains for the national network.

The view to the south shows the general layout to the Weston end of Oswestry station.  Originally all of the green area to the left was filled with railway sidings which continued through where the road and houses now stand.

We finish with two lovely view of the impressive station building.  This was the head office of the Cambrian Railways system. You can see the imposing dimensions of the building and the beautiful style.  There are still various repairs and upgrades required to return the station to it's former glory.  

The final photo could almost be a model.  Many things have changed since the station building was constructed, very soon the walls with echo again to the sound of passengers and trains using the station for it's intended purpose. 

Many thanks to Les for the pictures and to all who helped.

Until next time.

Weston Platform

 

Following lots of moving and lifting the Weston platform has now reached the required length.

This type of platform was widely used by the Great Western Railway for country stations as it could be easily transported and assembled. The concrete prefabricated sections are assembled on to support blocks and the whole structure locks together for strength.

The latest pictures from CHR show the assembled platform. 

We start with a view looking south from the current platform length. You can see that the track next to the platform has not yet been laid. This was to allow the machines access to assemble the sectional platform. The rails for the run round loop to the left are already advancing towards the point to the south of the station.

The view from the side shows how the platform is supported on the precast sections and you can see the posts to support the rear fence are begiñing to be installed. Also note that the toilet block has the shiplap covering installed and awaits the finishing touches.

Looking north along the platform we see the goods shed to the left and the line of fence posts that will eventually have railings installed as required.

The fence posts are attached to the platform leg sections with clamp brackets.

The work on the station will continue and to the south of the platform work has concentrated on clearing the space and preparing for the installation of the southern point.

Thanks to CHR for the pictures and to all the volunteers for their efforts.

Until next time.

Park Hall

Further work including a chainsaw session has cleared the lineside around the halt. New team member Michael had travelled some distance to be with us and lend a hand with the ongoing work.

Norman took a few pictures showing the progress during the day.  We start with a view north showing the area around the platform now with the track visible again.

Here is the before the clearance view looking towards the A5 crossing.

Following clearance of the larger shrubs the view towards the level crossing has been opened up.

Thanks to all who participated and to Norman for the pictures.

Until next time.

Llynclys Update

Norman and the team have been working their magic at Llynclys this weekend.  Following the return work there has been a concentrated effort to tidy up all sites and remove the growth that built up during the time when access was restricted.

At the same time various maintenance tasks were undertaken to repair or update items around the station.  Norman took some photos during the day of work in progress.

We start at the crossing where a couple of life expired timbers were replaced.

The new timbers in place.

The major work was clearance of the undergrowth on the slopes behind the station.

The station railings also had some attention.

The picnic benches are due some attention and here we can see the first one rubbed down and treated with preservative.

The clearance work continues behind the staging for the carriage repairs.

Looking further along the line to the north you can see the next area to be tackled.

Thanks to Norman for the pictures and to all the volunteers who helped. Llynclys is looking good.

Until next time.