Cambrian Heritage Railways opens its new line to Weston Wharf
Railways officially opened its line from Oswestry to Weston Wharf on April 1, with public services starting the following day. Originally opened for freight, the Weston Wharf site has been sympathetically transformed into a passenger station, located just short of the A483 level crossing on the southern edge of Oswestry. The new station features an historic goods shed on the site, which once served the Morda Valley. The office at the Oswestry end of the goods shed has been converted into a period waiting room, with exhibits helping to tell the story of the railways history, complementing CHR’S long established Cambrian Railways Museum at Oswestry.
The opening day special was top-and-tailed by hired-in Barclay 0-4-0ST steam locomotive 2217 Henry Ellison from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association and CHR resident Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 165DE Alun Evans.
After arrival at Weston Wharf, a plaque was unveiled and a ceremonial ribbon cut by North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan.
Fare-paying passengers were carried from April 2 by Henry Ellison and Class 73 E6036 City of Winchester (73129). The ‘ED’ has regained its former name on one side of the locomotive, with the second plate still to be fitted.
CHR trains are timetabled to run along the 1¾-mile line on weekends and bank holidays until September 25 – with steam haulage on bank holiday weekends. There will be six timetabled departures per day from Oswestry to Weston Wharf.
As there is currently no run-round facility available at Oswestry, most trains are operated in top-and-tail formation. On non-steam operating days E6036 and Ruston & Hornsby Alun Evans will be in use, and one of the line’s two Class 144 ‘Pacers’ – 144006/007 – may also be used. On steam days it is expected that E6036 will be used alongside the steam locomotive on services, with Alun Evans available as a back-up.
The railway is also promoting tours of the Stonehouse Brewery, which is located adjacent to the new Weston Wharf station. The brewery is an active supporter of the railway.