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.

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.