Oswestry Update

I’m not sure that does answer my practical questions, but I take the inference that Porterbrook wouldn’t be so keen if there weren’t the local expertise.


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Hi '35B'.

Addressing your concerns regarding the units' deterioration, this is the relevant paragraph in The Railway Hub story I was referring to: "Currently stored in Gobowen station’s old coal yard – land which was purchased by CHR in 2016 – the units are expected to move to CHR’s Oswestry headquarters in due course. In the immediate future, the Pacers are set to available for use on CHR’s services from Oswestry to Weston Wharf, where a new station is rapidly taking shape alongside the popular Stonehouse micro-brewery visitor centre."

Therefore, that the units are due to move to Oswestry and be available for use on CHR's passenger service means they are unlikely to deteriorate as they'll see active duty. CHR has among its volunteer workforce those who are employed by a several main line rail industry companies, who possess the necessary expertise.

I hope this helps.

 

It certainly helps. Out of interest, will they be able to move on rail or do they require road transport?

 

The matter of how the units will move to Oswestry is currently the subject of internal discussion within CHR. I'm sure further details will be available in due course. CHR's media approach for several years has been to not announce details prematurely. Therefore, something will be said when appropriate. Hope this helps

 

We sneaked past the border guards into England earlier today and
went over the level crossing on the A5. The track looks pretty clear (Network Rail standard, not preserved line standard.)

Bob.

 

I'm not sure it "helps", but I completely understand the position - and also note that it does not exclude use of rail, with or without machetes!

 

Thanks for the reply. I did read the article before posting my questions. I noted the reference to the units being moved to Oswestry so they can be used on the service to Weston. As I recall, the TWAO excludes the use of the level crossing over the A5 so it was not clear to me how or when they would get to Oswestry. I pictured them being stuck at Gobowen for the coming autumn and winter seasons and had visions of the damage that can occur very quickly in cold damp conditions. I note your reply that CHR have people with the necessary experience to keep the units safe. I wish you every success in your endeavours and might even get there one year to see for myself!

 

I take it that NWR Standard means 30 year old Buddleia?

 

This is Norman's photo of the view from the halt towards the A5 at the end of last year. The way might be clear but the track has not seen any rolling stock for many years.

 

Another arrival today. A Mk.3 sleeping car. I will post details tomorrow on the blog.

 

The sleeper car arrived by road and was quickly unloaded and run round to the station for inspection. 10722 is a Mk3 sleeper car last in use on the Caledonian services. Again a disposal from the Porterbrook fleet. A big thank you to the Porterbrook staff who have helped with these moves and to CHR for the picture.

 

We now have details of the required funds to mitigate the Corona Virus in 2020. It is unlikely that trains will operate before September at the earliest, which will mean that the overall net financial impact will be around £17'500. That's a large sum for a small organisation such as CHR. So far we have raised over £5'000 from donations and the appeal remains open, details on the website.
In spite of the situation we are going forward and as seen above there is still much going on. Planning for re-starting work at Weston is almost complete and I will resume website updates.

 

Here is a picture which gives a better view of what is going on at Weston.
Thanks to Les Walker for the picture.


The blog will be updated tomorrow with details of the latest progress.

 

For those not familiar with the layout at Weston I have described in the latest blog post some of the details and plans.

In the CHR newsletter there are maps and diagrams of how the station will be. You can sign up on the CHR homepage.

Details on the blog.
http://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

 

A blog update on the status of the coach restoration in Oswestry shed, we hope to be able to resume restoration soon.
http://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

 

Looking good!

 

The CHR Facebook page shows what is called another load of 17 new flat bottomed rails recently arrived at Weston.
I am not sure if this is the second delivery or a picture of the first lot. Edit, it looks to be a new delivery still with mill scale protecting the surface before it turns the normal rail colour.

Elsewhere work has restarted to uncover (again) Park Hall Halt. Luckily it's been found again!

Details on the blog.
http://ilvaporista.blogspot.com/

 

I gather the old victorian footbridge down the Cambrian at Newtown is being removed, presumably for scrap at this time.