Oswestry Update

Hi Martin,
Actually we're both right. Before the grouping the Gobowen branch trains ran into the GWR station which later became a goods station. Sometime after the grouping the branch trains started to use the bay platform in the Cambrian station and this continued up to closure although some Gobowen bound trains also departed from the main up platform. The photo below shows 5421 preparing to leave the bay on the Gobowen auto in 1962.
Cheers,
Ray.

 

You're not really cut out for this social media lark, are you?

Tom

 

I think the buildings in the background are still there, but between them and where the wagons are parked is now a Range supermarket (with an Aldi next to it).
The bay platform road is now infilled with loose material (and often used as a reception area for 2nd hand track deliveries). Between the Bay and the wagons is a road coach park.

 

It is probably best not to get too excited about this possible development just yet. If, aiui, a bridge under or over the A5 is required I can see that being an early financial showstopper, given that the restored railway is likely to be of limited value to the denizens of Oswestry, Gobowen and even beyond.

 

The dualling of the A5 has long been talked about and that, I feel, is the key that unlocks the railway between Gobowen and Oswestry. I doubt any business case works if the rail connection alone has to fund a new bridge. If on the other hand the current crossing can be reinstated at minimal cost that would also work. The chances of this being allowed across a major trunk road are pretty slim. However after the decision for the Rother Valley Railway there may be a glimmer of hope.

 

Perhaps we can finally get rid of the scaffolding surrounding the building. It doesn't do CHR or the town itself any credit to have one of it's historic buildings covered in scaffolding for the last few years.
PS. The building is owned by the town council. CHR are just tenants.

 

A sad day on the railway yesterday as we waved goodbye to Grant Ritchie 272. We would have liked to keep it for 2024, but Ribble Steam Railway needed it back to use on their own services.
(http://www.heritage-railways.com/locosdb/locosdb2.php?RefNo=1411)

We are obviously looking for a replacement for hire during 2024, but no luck as yet. So if anyone knows of a spare small tank loco that might be available for hire. . . Must be capable of hauling 3 coaches up modest gradients over a 1.5 mile line.
(If you PM me contact details, I can pass them along to CHR Managers)

 

Cranmore is shown in the current issue of TractionAds as available for hire. The Andrew Barclay at Spa Valley that is for sale is listed there too; if there are not interested buyers perhaps the owner of that might be open to hire given it will otherwise see limited/little use?

 

Full text here https://www.bordercountiesadvertize...r-issued-oswestry-cambrian-railways-building/

 

The latest Steam Railway has a feature on Project 62 which actively lays out it's stall at the end that 30075 is available for hire.

 

Thank you. I expect that would be fun to play with and it does seem like they are nearly done, but. . . I suspect not in time for this summer season. Will pass on the details anyway, but . . .

 

What is the current situation with your own Barclay? ISTR there was a team actively working on the Peckett some years ago but the project seemed to stall.
Ray.

 

Progress on Barclay 2261 has been very slow due to staff being too busy running the railway in 2023 (a consequence of our first full season operating over the longer line). It is currently awaiting a NDT boiler test before that can be progressed. Mechanically it is in pretty good condition so not much needs doing there.
http://www.heritage-railways.com/locosdb/locosdb2.php?RefNo=656

Re: Peckett 1430. No one has been working on that since I been there (approx 18 months). Not sure what the condition/status is (other than partially dismantled, so presumably someone has had a close look at what needs doing).
http://www.heritage-railways.com/locosdb/locosdb2.php?RefNo=1713

 

Thanks for the reply. Actually I was referring to the other Peckett, 2131 Oliver Veltom, which, at one time, was your regular 'home' loco. I'd forgotten about Adam (P1430).
Ray.

 

Ah! Oliver Veltom is also waiting on boiler work, which is slowly progressing. I don't know what condition the rest of the loco is in (Frames etc still in museum).
http://www.heritage-railways.com/locosdb/locosdb2.php?RefNo=2019

 

A nice article and old pictures of Oswestry Station on the local paper website

Oswestry and the Tizer grew from railway's arrival to town
https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/24201224.oswestry-tizer-grew-railways-arrival-town/

 

Shropshire: Planning lodged for Oswestry station restoration
The scheme proposed by Shropshire Council themselves will see the existing asbestos roof tiles replaced along with repairs to the building’s ornate stonework.
https://www.bordercountiesadvertize...planning-lodged-oswestry-station-restoration/

 

Meanwhile . . .

Cambrian Heritage Railways has been successful in gaining the necessary support and funding for the Children's Fitness Trail at our Weston Wharf Station... https://www.spacehive.com/childrens-outdoor-activity-facility

Also. . . Plans are afoot to open our Llynclys site a few more times in 2024 (I think we only managed it once last year - mainly due to staff shortages!). Details from the CHR facebook site read as follows
"Cambrian Heritage Railways is pleased to confirm that we will be providing a home for Pacer 142055 at our Llynclys site. CHR look forward to working with 055 owners to see the unit enter service, this will enable CHR to offer seated passenger accommodation as opposed to brake van rides at this site for the first time since 2019. Going forwards it will simplify the Llynclys operation and allow us to expand the range of operating dates at this site. " https://www.facebook.com/cambrianheritagerailways