Oswestry Update

Years ago I ran a welding shop running on three shifts 24 hours a day. There were always complaints and moans about how the previous shift left the shop and equipment. Getting fed up about this I called all three shifts in for a clear the air session and to agree on a standard for handover. Once we had agreed and I had made the requirements very plain and punishable by death, one of the team pipes up. We are not the problem it's those f...ers on the fourth shift.

 

A tidy workshop is a workshop that's doing no work!

 

From the state of my workshop that means I will be working for centuries...

 

A messy bench is a clear mind. Anyway. When tools are put away. You can never find the damn things.

 

That's not untidy - you can still see the floor!!

 

Another update on the blog and work is ongoing to tidy up the site and connect the S&T equipment.
To the north of Weston the work continues on the upgrading of the running line.

 

The working week is in progress and more track panels have been tackled. In some cases the old ballast has been excavated. Pictures will come later in the week.

 

So far around seven panels have been upgraded, these were some of the worst ones. Alongside the line the cesses have been cleaned and the drainage channels are now clear. Still plenty more panels to go. Andy's camera had a few issues so no pictures yet.

 

Well I have put my house up for sale...
Seriously there is next to no chance of arriving there from any direction. Even a mega lottery win may not be enough. All efforts and monies are going into the current project. The crossing of the A483 is going to take serious money.

 

Is a level crossing over the A483 completely out of the question? Isn't there one being planned for the Rother Valley?

Steve B

 

A level crossing is almost impossible over a Trunk road. The CHR TWAO specifically excludes the two crossings of trunk roads. This was a key condition of the order. Both the A5 and the A483 are destined for upgrades which would incorporate new bridges for the railway. However these plans are looking decades ahead. It will take a significant investment to bring forward any plans. All this is for the future, time now to concentrate on opening the section Weston.

 

Thank you

 

Pictures from the working week will arrive next week, until then have a look at Colin's video from the works train returning to Weston. Don't forget to give his video a thumbs up!

 

The Cambrian Railway could do with the most Diplomatic locomotive in preservation for the opening........The Ferro Roche of the Heritage movement! ........hint hint hint..........look left!

 

813 would be lovely to see! I would definitely attend something like this!

In fact if you could have a vintage bus connection to Llynclys it would make a good connection and show people the railway. I'm sure many wouldn't have been before, but would make the trip for something special.

 

There will be a big celebration for the opening. Motive power is an open point at the moment but the availability of 813 has been noted!
The vintage bus is a usual feature of the Heritage Open Days with connections to Gobowen station for the national network.

 

The blog has been updated with some pictures from the end of the working week.

http://ilvaporista.blogspot.com

The week was rounded off in style with fine dining in the TSO. Well a good helping of pies and fish accompanied by chips. It just does not get any better than this!!

 

More trackwork for the Tuesday Gang. Changing a couple of panels to concrete sleepers.

 

I've been following the impressive progress but - as a new member - I wondered how much of the track from Oswestry to Weston is up to passenger train standards?

If I have been following correctly, works trains make that journey.