Cholsey and Wallingford

As a former member of the society its nice to see that progress is being made on restoring the ex maidenhead canopy that will be getting erected over the wallingford station area

 

Yes, there's some interesting pics on their Favebook page. https://www.facebook.com/CholseyWallingfordRailway/?fref=ts

Hopefully this propels the line up a league or two - despite being a complete branch with main line connection in an affluent area, it always seems a bit of an amateur operation to me. Although I enjoyed the 64xx and autocoach a few years ago.

The Maidenhead canopy is great news, I thought it had been damaged beyond repair when removed from its original location. Looks like the Railway Heritage Trust have stepped into the breach to fill the funding gap.

 

I enjoyed 1466 and autocoach there decades ago (1971?). It's not quite a complete branch though, the gorgeous terminus and engine shed were lost. Otherwise I agree with your comments.

 

This is good news as I thought this line had ceased operating. I travelled on it last almost 20 years ago and thought that it had the potential to recreate what it had once been (and more of course as more is demanded of such attractions these days).

 

It's so close to Didcot, you'd think there'd be more interaction. Maybe they don't get on?

 

I've thought that too, I know Didcot have a bit of a shortage of operational steam locos at the moment, but I have wondered whether there was potential for cooperation between the two sites, maybe having an autocoach and a pannier on long term loan there and sharing volunteers? (I understand there might well be political or practical hurdles to overcome, but apart from anything else, a nice bit of WIBN for some people to criticise :') )

 

I was thinking more of a loco and coaches working out in the morning , running up and down all day and returning home at night, or even just running in turns, much better than shuttling up and down at 81E

 

I recall seeing photos of the 14xx and autocoach on the Wallingford line so it certainly happened at one time.

 

While Didcot and Wallingford are geographically close, I think the costs associated with locomotive movements out of the rail-locked site at Didcot are likely to prevent regular transfer of stock between the two attractions. Maybe joint ticketing arrangements could be considered though, in the spirit of cooperative working?

I recall a mention in one of the mags a few years ago that someone connected to the Cholsey and Wallingford proposed relaying their line as a broad gauge branch. Now that would have been something!

 

Looking at Google maps, the CWR isn't actually connected to NR either, so that makes things a little trickier again!


Keith

 

I rode on it so I can confirm that, and the branch was connected then, although I've a feeling the 14xx and the autocoach were diesel hauled there.

 

https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/60s/680415gw.html

 

Didcot & Cholsey are or were* part of a scheme, along with Pendon, Chinnor & Princess Risborough and Swindon & Cricklade where if you buy tickets for one you get a voucher for a discount on a visit to one of the other four, special events excluded.

*I'm not sure if this is still going, as a member of Didcot I get free entry & as such I don't get a voucher. My visits to the others tend to be on special events.

 

It's still going, now expanded to include STEAM.

 

To provide an update on the canopy that has been at Wallingford since being removed from Maidenhead, this is due to be errected at Wallingford later this year.

Restoration of the Canopy that stood over the platform at Maidenhead Station for over 130 years is about to start. It was erected in the 1880’s but is thought to have been moved from another local station where it may have been installed under the supervision of Brunel himself. It certainly originally saw Broad Gauge engines passing beneath it. The restoration of this historic building is being undertaken by McCurdy’s and is being financed by the Railway Heritage Trust.

Work starts in earnest on 29th January, if you would like to see the work involved do come down to Wallingford Station on a Saturday or contact us beforehand if wishing to visit on another day.

To keep up to date on developments and everything happening at the CWR then like facebook page.

 

Thanks for the update CholseyWallingfordMedia - excellent news

 

Work started on the Maidenhead canopy at Wallingford station with some dismantling of the structure ahead of being lifted to an offsite location.

The crane is in position and has an 18m reach and can lift over 700kg.

 

Another picture of the crane on the CWR Facebook page

https://m.facebook.com/CholseyWallingfordRailway/