Oswestry Update

Blog now updated with additional photos.

https://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

 

Latest arrival for restoration is another MK1 Suburban. This is E43046 built in 1954 and comes from York.
Funds are still needed to cover the transport costs, donations are welcome.
Thanks to CHR for the picture.

This coach will be restored at Llynclys and will form a pair with our existing Sub.
The latest newsletter is out and I updated the blog with some drone photos. I need to add captions later in the week. So far this week I have been busy with other things not related to railways.

 

Is that the one ex NRM?
Has it been Deaccessioned and sold off or just rehomed?

 

Yes, ex-NRM and yes, deaccessioned.

 

I love following your blog and look forward to my next visit to Oswestry. The coach will be a very useful asset, particularly during the pandemic. While it clearly needs a tidy up on the exterior, how bad or not is the interior please?

 

Yes, this will help us form a train typical of the final years of operation through Oswestry and on to the branches. All we need is the 2MT....
The latest arrival will be restored at Llynclys by Tony and the team. They do make a nice job of them.
There are a few other pieces of rolling stock close to being secured for the line so watch this space. If you want to donate specifically to help with the rolling stock put Stock Fund in the donation category on the website.

 

I'll see if we can get Tony to give a run down once he's had a chance to do a full assessment. The interior is generally complete but time has not been so kind to the upholstery. The major thing to check is the extent of any corrosion around the ends and crash pillars. You only get to see the full extent when you strip the panelling off. Not having a toilet helps in this case.

 

Many thanks for your reply; I hope it's all solid. Looking forward to a ride in it before too long

 

[QUOTE="ilvaporista, post: 2600092, member: 374 Not having a toilet helps in this case.[/QUOTE]

I think ilvaporista you will find that you have two toilets to deal with, as the coach in question is a CL. I like these vehicles because of their internal layout, and the way in which each side is constructed differently.

 

I hope that you do not mean any remaining toilet residue.

 

I think ilvaporista you will find that you have two toilets to deal with, as the coach in question is a CL. I like these vehicles because of their internal layout, and the way in which each side is constructed differently.[/QUOTE]
Yes I should have looked at the build records. I have not seen the coach in the flesh yet to see if the toilets are still in place. Having dealt with the overspill found during other carriage restorations I can assure you that the effects are quite dramatic and the aroma of stale urine and being closed for a long time is not easily forgotten...

 

I have added some captions to the aerial photographs to help identify the various parts of the Oswestry station site.

https://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

 

First visual inspection of the exterior shows that there is much to do. It will not be a quick clean and a repaint. There are some rust holes in the bodywork which will require cutting out and replacing with new material.
The insides are still in place with five second class compartments and three first class. The two toilet cubicles are still in place. All internals require a lot of work.
The coach has arrived at Llynclys and awaits positioning for restoration. Photo Guy N.

 

Brilliant, thanks for the pictures and captions. It’s an impressive site even if it has shrunk a little since its heyday, it’s got the potential to be one of the best locations of any heritage railway and it will be an asset to the town.

 

I agree, but then I'm biased!!
The site has massive potential and will be a real jewel once complete. However raising the funds will be the challenge. It's very much a long term project, particularly for an organisation the size of CHR.

 

Monday saw the start of a week-long working party at Weston. The repainted bridge beams received their timbers and track laying began alongside the station platform. Photo courtesy of Andy G.

 

Pictures from day one of the working week now on the blog.

https://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

As the pictures come in I will keep updating the blog so don't forget to keep an eye open.

 

Re the installation of the Waybeams on the bridge. From the Blog.
Is there any reason why they were end installed rather than the usual practice of dropping them in from the top.

 

Yes, the cross braces between the beams would need removing. The tricky bit was feeding the beam under the braces but going slowly the guys managed to thread them through.
Edit: In addition our available equipment does not have a long enough reach to be able to lift the timbers to the far side of the bridge span.

 

Day two sees the track begin to edge past the platform.