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Here is a quick rundown of news from the CRS and projects both associated with and those in the surrounding area. Anyone requiring news items for publication should contact Press & Publicity Officer and CRS Webmaster Gareth Evans via "gaz the jurno AT hot mail DOT com" [remove spaces etc]. Gareth writes full-time for a national weekly & also contributes items to several national transport titles.

NB. For captions relating to the photographs below, please pass your mouse over the thumbnails. For a larger view, left click your mouse.

# The wagon works
The wheels of wagon restoration projects continue to turn...

Two wagon restoration projects are currently underway at the Society's Oswestry town centre base - in the shape of a brake van and a 'plate wagon'.

Owned by the Cambrian Diesel Group [CDG], the 'BR Standard' brake van is numbered DB 95505 and was acquired from Shrewsbury. It was once something of a familiar sight for enthusiastically-eyed rail users passing through Shropshire's county town on the Aberystwyth and Cardiff lines for it resided at Coleham yard for a number of years, until being rescued by the CDG. A concerted effort is currently underway to return the vehicle to active service.

The other wagon restoration project was started a couple of years ago but was put on hold owing to more pressing priorities at the time, but has now thankfully recommenced. Numbered KDB 932335, the 'Plate Wagon' also arrived from Shrewsbury's Coleham yard, although it was obtained during the Railtrack era, having latterly been used by the Signalling & Telegraph Department. Owned by the Society, the wagon is currently used for the transport of ballast.

The following photographs were kindly supplied by CRS volunteer & photogher Alun Evans and illustrate the work underway. For the captions, please move your mouse over the relevant thumbnail, which can also be enlarged.

              

# Third diesel locomotive arrives to aid 'The Branch Project'
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A third diesel locomotive arrived today, Monday May 18, 2009 at the Cambrian Railways Society's Llanddu compound to aid the re-opening the Llynclys Junction to Blodwell railway line.

The following photographs were kindly supplied by CRS volunteer & photogher Alun Evans and illustrate the unloading of the locomotive. For the captions, please move your mouse over the relevant thumbnail, which can also be enlarged.

    

The arrival of D1201 'Jana' completes the quartet of locomtives owned by CRS member Andrew Briddon currently based on CRS metals. Mr Briddon's other locomotives on site comprise Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0 'Claire', Hunslet 0-4-0DH no.9222 and English Electric no.D1230 'Kimberley'. A full history of the D1201 Jana will follow on this website shortly.

# Pointing in the right direction
'The Branch Project' continues to steam ahead...

The Society's project to re-open the Llynclys Junction to Blodwell railway line broke more new ground yesterday (Saturday), after a small group of volunteers spent the day cleaning the east (Oswestry) end point of Blodwel loop. The result is that the point has now been returned to operational condition, enabling its use by engineering trains in the not too distant future.

CRS photographer and track volunteer Alun Evans, who was one of those present explained: "The task was first started by myself and a few others on March 21, 2009. However, today (Saturday May 9) a different group of us were determined more than ever to completely clean this point out once and for all in preparation for eventual use by works trains. It took us a total of four hours to achieve as it involved a lot of hard digging, which at the same time had to be undertaken carefully to prevent damage to the components. There was lots of stone and soil which had been compacted into the lever frame during the several years that it was out of use. I must thank fellow CRS volunteers Andy Rudd, Ken Owen and Rob Williams for their efforts."

The eight photographs below were kindly supplied by Alun Evans and show how the task progressed. For the captions, please move your mouse over the relevant thumbnail, which can also be enlarged.

                                  

Please note - there is no public access to Llanddu, Blodwell or 'The Branch Project' at this time as the railway is still under restoration.

# Two diesel locomotives arrive to aid 'The Branch Project'
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Two diesel locomotives have arrived at the Cambrian Railways Society's Llanddu compound to aid the re-opening the Llynclys Junction to Blodwell railway line.

They comprise English Electric 0-6-0 No.D1230 and Hudswell Clarke D1388 'Claire'. Owned by CRS member Andrew Briddon, the locomotives, which are both in working order, were previously based at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth in Derbyshire and arrived on CRS metals on Monday April 20, 2009.

              

In an interesting twist of fate, 1967-built 'Claire' has now returned to the county of Shropshire, having previously formed part of the Shropshire Locomotive Collection. Further details of the history of both engines will be included on this site soon.

However, the same low loader that delivered D1388 took Yorkshire Engine Company-built 0-4-0 diesel no.2675 to the Derwent Valley Light Railway at Murton, near York, where it was off loaded on Tuesday afternoon.

Please note - there is no public access to Llanddu or 'The Branch Project' at this time as the railway is still under restoration.

# 'The Branch Project' update
Formal lease now agreed. Work continues on Llynclys Junction – Blodwel branch restoration project

Restoration of the recently acquired track from Blodwel to Llynclys Junction has taken another step forward following receipt of the formal lease from Shropshire County Council. The news sets the lease agreement (see news March 19) in stone.

Ken Owen, vice chairman of the Cambrian Railways Society said: "I'm delighted. The news paves the way for restoration work to continue in earnest. There are exciting times ahead!"

Meanwhile, work on the ground has continued to steam ahead. A small team of volunteers led by CRS photographer & regular Alun Evans has started digging out the east (Oswestry) end point of Blodwel loop. The point has been buried under years of compacted ballast, leaf mulch, soil and greenery.

Alun Evans said: "Using handtools, we have unearthed part of the point mechanism, including the rodding. However more work is required."

Other work undertaken on the line in the Blodwel area has included cutting back dead brambles, an unglamorous yet necessary task.

         

>>..For further information about the project, visit 'The Branch Project' homepage, where a link can also be found to an illustrated 'Route Description'.

# The Nantmawr Branch - all is not forgotten

While the society may be focussing its energies on 'The Branch Project', the Nantmawr Branch has not been forgotten either.

Volunteers have recently been carrying out routine maintenance on the Nantmawr line, which includes clearing the ditches. The unglomorous yet highly important task is required to preserve the formation and restoration work already undertaken on the line by CRS volunteers.

         

For captions, pass your mouse over the thumbnails above. For a larger view, left click your mouse.

# Ex Shelton steelworks 'Warflat' wagon

The refurbishment of the society’s bogie 'Warflat' wagon has reached a further important stage.

As seen in this photograph taken by CRS webmaster and press officer Gareth Evans on Sunday March 29, 2009, the west end (Welshpool) bogie has now been placed back under the vehicle following restoration. Pictured left to right are Ken Owen, CRS vice-chairman, Andy Rudd and Rob Williams, CRS chairman.

The 1940-built wagon now awaits the re-fitting of its through vacuum brake pipe, together with the hand brake. The vehicle is destined for use on the restoration of the Llynclys Junction to Blodwel branch ~ see 'The Branch Project' homepage.

# Burma Ellesmere Port tank wagon no.101 (LMS 163100)

The CRS-owned former Burma Ellesmere Port tank wagon no.101 (LMS 163100) has now received an overall coat of primer paint. As previously reported here, the project is bring undertaken off-site by stalwart volunteer Noel Elstub.

# Lease Agreement signed for Trackbed
Plans for the Gobowen – Blodwel branch step up a gear with lease contracturally agreed

Members of the Cambrian Railways Society (CRS) and the Cambrian Railways Trust (CRT) are celebrating the culmination of many years of complicated negotiations, with the completion of their lease agreements with Shropshire County Council.

At long last the two bodies have possession of the eight-mile line between Gobowen and Blodwel. They can now make progress together on the project to create a major heritage railway, which is expected to bring up to 100,000 extra visitors per year to the Oswestry area. At a time when many local businesses are struggling, the heritage railway will bring many new opportunities and can play an important role in improving the town’s fortunes.

The Trust’s short line at Llynclys South will again see steam trains starting this Easter, and work is already in hand to secure funding for extending these trains into Oswestry by 2012. At the same time Society volunteers plan to run their trains from Llynclys Junction towards Blodwel, and links will be improved to the Montgomery Canal, the Llanymynech Heritage Area, and other nearby attractions. The County Council also plans to construct a cycleway and footpath alongside parts of the railway track.

Trust chairman Ken Ryder and Society chairman Rob Williams both said they were delighted that the uncertainty over the future of the line is now over. They want to convey their thanks to those in the council who have worked so hard to achieve this lease, and especially to Owen Paterson MP for his energetic support.

Rob Williams, Cambrian Railways Society chairman said: "Following almost two years of hard work from both the Cambrian Railways Society, Cambrian Railways Trust and Shropshire County Council, I'm delighted that we've reached this stage. It's a major step forward and it will allow initial restoration work to commence. This will include house keeping, such as maintaining the drains and inspecting the infrastructure. We hope to announce further details in due course."

The formal completion date for the lease is due on April 1, 2009.

The news comes only weeks after an histroic legal agreement was signed between the two neighbouring heritage railway groups to work together on the project ~ see separate below ~ .

>>..For further information about the line, visit 'The Branch Project' homepage, where a link can also be found to an illustrated 'Route Description'.

# Plans for the Gobowen – Blodwel branch step up a gear with signing of historic agreement

On Friday January 30, 2009, the chairman of the Cambrian Railways Trust (CRT) Mr Ken Ryder and vice chairman of Cambrian Railways Society (CRS) Mr Ken Owen signed an historic legal document confirming that the two bodies will be working together in restoring the railway from Gobowen to Blodwel. The significant event was witnessed by Shropshire MP Mr Owen Patterson in Oswestry’s Guild Hall.

The agreement between CRT & CRS is the legally binding document for the two heritage railway bodies to work together for the promotion of the project. The next stage is for Shropshire County Council (SCC) to issue the lease agreement, which is expected imminently, and which will pave the way for the issue of a formal lease.

Ken Owen, vice chairman of the Cambrian Railways Society said: “We are delighted to have reached this stage. Both heritage railway groups are now eagerly awaiting the lease agreement.”

As previously reported here, Shropshire County Council (SCC) announced in early July 2008 that it had exchanged contracts with Network Rail for the acquisition of the Gobowen - Blodwel railway line. Under the terms of the agreement, the CRT will operate the line from Oswestry to Llynclys, where it will meet its existing operation from Llynclys South to Penygarreg Lane, on the edge of Pant, while the CRS will run the remaining stub of the former Tanat Valley Railway from Llynclys Junction to Blodwel via Porthywaen.

While the two railway groups now await the granting of a lease from SCC, the council has granted permission for clearance work to be undertaken at various locations along the line. Indeed, volunteers from both groups have joined forces on several occasions to further the cause of their respective sections of line. To date, work has centred around Llynclys Junction, Porthywaen station and level crossing and also at Blodwel.

A prime example of the co-operation between the two groups came in November when volunteers made a start on tidying up the track through Oswestry station. Refreshments were kindly laid on by Andrew & Elaine Wilson of the CRT. Donations received for the latter on the day raised £30.30, which was presented to Andy Vance of the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

It must be stressed however that the line is not open to the public as yet, with much work to complete over the coming months and years. Visitors are however welcome at the CRS museum in Oswestry town centre and the CRT premises at Llynclys South.

    

# The wagon works

The society’s bogie 'Warflat' wagon is currently undergoing refurbishment in preparation for use on the restoration of the Llynclys Junction to Blodwel branch.

Built in 1940 by the Birmingham-based Metro-Cammell Carriage & Wagon Co Ltd, the vehicle was acquired from Shelton steelworks in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire several years ago.

Refurbishment work has seen years worth of rust and grime removed from large areas of the vehicle, cleaned and painted. This has included the removal of both bogies for overhaul. As this update went to press, work was rapidly approaching completion.

         

# Scottie scrubs up

Cambrian-Diesel Group-owned Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 diesel shunter ‘Scottie’ (412427 of 1957) remains operational. The locomotive, which was formerly based at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells, has recently benefited from a tidy up of its bodywork. The work will continue over the coming months.

# Operation clean-up

Further work has been undertaken on improving the appearance of the society's Oswestry town centre site. In these pictures kindly supplied by CRS volunteer Alun Evans, the platform has been weeded, while more redundant material has been disposed of.

    

# The Gobowen - Blodwel branch

Negotiations are continuing towards the signing of the lease with Shropshire County Council (SCC). Further details will be announced once these are complete.

A spokesperson for the Cambrian Railways Society said: "Negotiations are currently in hand between ourselves, the Cambrian Railways Trust and Shropshire County Council for the signing of the lease. It would be premature to make any further comments at this stage in what is after all, a complex matter for all concerned."

# Neighbours work towards closer ties

As previously reported, closer working links are being forged with the neighbouring Cambrian Railways Trust (CRT) at Llynclys - the most recent example being the CRS coming to the aid of the CRT.

When the CRT's stalwart steam locomotive driver Brian Rowe fell ill, the CRT was left with the possibility of being unable to operate its regular steam-hauled service. However, CRS chairman Rob Williams duly stepped in, generating much goodwill between the two heritage railway organisations.

# The Cambrian Railways Museum, Oswestry

Efforts to improve the appearance of the CRS' Oswestry town centre site continue. Ex British Railways Mk1 BSK coach no.35342, destroyed in an arson attack on Wednesday August 30, 2006 and previously advertised for sale, has departed for pastures new. Similarly, ex British Railways Mk2 BFK (Brake First Corridor) no.14123 has now left Oswestry, along with the GWR Toad brake van. An information board detailing current society projects has also been affixed to the outisde wall near the entrance to the museum.

# The Nantmawr branch

A steady stream work has continued on the line in recent months. This has included regular track walks in addition to such tasks as ditch cleaning from White Gates level crossing to Llanddu Junction, using both manual and mechanical labour. Much of this work unfortunately lacks the glamour of some other tasks involved with railway restoration but is nonetheless vital to keeping the project quite literally 'on track'. The two pictures below have been kindly supplied by Alun Evans.

    

# The Gobowen - Blodwel branch

The story of this line has now entered a further stage. Following months of negotiation, Shropshire County Council (SCC) announced in early July that it had exchanged contracts with Network Rail for the acquistion of the Gobowen - Blodwell railway line.

The move was greeted with much enthusiasm in several quarters. However, the next stage is the completion of a lease from SCC to both CRS and CRT for operation of their respective sections of railway. The CRT will operate the line from Oswestry to Llynclys, where it will meet its existing operation to Penygarreg Lane, while the CRS will run the remaining stub of the former Tanat Valley Railway from Llynclys Junction to Blodwel via Porthywaen, where it will join the Nantmawr Branch.

A CRS spokesman said: "It would be premature to make an announcement at this stage pending the official handover, which is expected soon. All points of disagreement between the local authority and the two railway groups have been ironed out".

Much work on the project is being expended by CRS volunteers behind the scenes, principally in drawing up plans for the restoration of the line. The CRS therefore hopes there that some physical work will be able to commence once the lease from SCC has been obtained ~ Watch this space! ~ c