Oswestry Update

website updated!

http://www.osrail.co.uk/

 

The museum continues to involve the local schools whilst work continues with the renovation of Oswestry station and surroundings

http://www.cambrianrailways.com/html/latest_news_2014.html

Track laying continues to connect to the level crossing.

 

A press release issued by myself on behalf of Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) in recent weeks - see below.
For pics, check out this gallery on my personal Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/14627018@N00/sets/72157640185360524/with/12155630893/

(head)Gobowen station deal brings Cambrian trains a step nearer

Plans by the Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) to restore the railway line between Gobowen, Oswestry and the Welsh border have been given a major boost with the acquisition of a vital piece of land.

The property, which once formed part of the old coal yard in Gobowen has been gifted to the CHR by its owner, who is selling part of the site to the Wrekin Housing Trust for affordable housing.

Describing the piece of land as “a vital piece of the jigsaw,” CHR Director Roger Date, explained: “CHR has worked with its partners to promote the housing scheme, which includes the gifting of an area of land essential to the railway’s aspirations to operate a public railway service between Gobowen and Oswestry.

“The land will allow improved access and car parking as well as accommodate the planned cycleway link proposed by Shropshire Council and Oswestry Town Council within their recently approved 2020 Town Plan. Significantly, this document has also highlighted the proposed railway link between the two locations as a high priority which will greatly contribute to the local economy.”

CHR trains will use a new-build platform in the former coal yard as well as the surviving Gobowen bay platform face. This will enable trains to be run around with ease and also facilitate the possibility of having a future main line connection.

In further good news, CHR press officer Gareth Evans said work is currently “at an advanced stage” on the Transport & Works Act Order and that it is hoped an announcement will be made by the summer.

Gobowen lies on the Shrewsbury to Chester line and is served by Arriva Trains Wales services from Birmingham, Cardiff and Holyhead. Despite its Welsh-sounding name, the village lies inside the English border. Gobowen is located two and a half miles north of Oswestry. It also serves as the junction for the branch to Oswestry and Blodwell.

 

Great news and I can see the need for a loop but why the new-build platform in the coal yard? Will NR not let them use the existing (bay) platform? Ray.

 

Wake up Ray !. Post 124 says that they will use both platforms.

bob.

 

It's going to be a nice terminus at Gobowen but plenty of hard work and volunteers needed to make it happen. As mentioned in the press release the key to all of this is the Transport and Works Order. So much is going on beneath the surface ready for that day.
Steam loco Oliver is progressing well
Track clearance ongoing
Rolling stock being made ready
Track laying on one missing section
Oswestry station becoming beautiful once again

There are a multitude of opportunities for anyone wishing to get involved.

 

Okay maybe I should have said do they NEED the second ie coal yard platform. After all the GWR & BR made do with just one (the bay) platform face for a hundred + years. Cheers mate. Ray.

 

Better to have the land and the possibility now rather than when the land has been sold to other users

 

Absolutely - I was just puzzled by "CHR trains will use a new-build platform in the former coal yard". Best of luck to them, I have fond memories of riding the Gobowen -Oswestry auto in the early 60's. Ray.

 

Progress of one of our steam locos...

http://www.osrail.co.uk/oliver_veltom_overhaul.html

 

Thankyou for that. I drove from Nantwich to Oswestry yesterday at lunch time so see how things are looking, I was hoping there would be someone around at the museum but I couldnt see anyone, I did have a walk along the platform and drove to the level crossing to see the work on the track there. Im presuming that once a loop is in they will have to cross the level crossing every time to run around? Similar to what they do at the mid norfolk?

 

Gav. I think everyone was hiding from the weather! Work was ongoing at several places and the gang were out on the lineside having a clear up.

The station layout will develop over time and the run round loop I think will be over the crossing. There are a few other 'little jobs' to do first before the runround can be installed. There can be no operations over any public right of way until the T&W Order is approved.

 

More of the guard rails went on the platform bracket signal in Oswestry at the weekend allowing some more unusual views of the site. The long platform will look great with a rake of chocolate and cream coaches and a green engine on the front.

http://www.cambrianrailways.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=93&start=60#p3215

Plus trackwork and lineside clearance carry on.

http://www.cambrianrailways.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=522#p3212

 

It's been a while since there was an update so here are some progress reports on the various projects.
http://www.cambrianrailways.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=528

Plenty more to do and lots of opportunities for those who want to get involved

 

Another big step taken with the project. A lease has been granted for the parts of the line owned by Shropshire County Council
http://www.cambrianrailways.com/html/latest_news_2014.html
Next big step (on the 'paperwork side) is to get the TWO sorted for operations

 

osrail updated today...

http://www.osrail.co.uk/

dont forget to like it on facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/osrail

 

and a video of the first train on the latest section of relaid track.,....

 

Steam calls again at Oswestry Station. Come and see the first train since 1965 leave the main platform at Oswestry station. I wish I could say I remember it but being born in 1965 I can't quite go back that far....

August 16th and 17th is the first of two weekends of steam with the visiting Avonside Nr 1827.

 

Avonside or Beyer Peacock???