Historic Oswestry signal box on track to reopen
An historic railway signal box that has stood virtually unused in Oswestry for about half a century is to reopen later this year.
The Oswestry 'south' signal box has been restored by volunteers on the Cambrian Heritage Railway as part of its plans to run trains once again, in the short term, to Weston wharf just outside the town.
Built in 1892, Oswestry South signal box was operational until the 1970s. Unlike much of the town’s railway infrastructure, it escaped demolition in the late 1960s and early 70s, but was stripped of its contents.
Volunteers reinstalled the traditional frame of levers recovered from the Wellington signal box.
During the open day on May 12 members of the public will be able to visit and see just how mechanical signal boxes, once common across the country, operated.
Railway chairman, Rob Williams, said an expert would be on hand to explain to the public how everything works.
“We hope that former or current signalmen, whether local or from the wider system, will join us on the day too.”
Grant
There will also be trains running in Oswestry and Llynclys, a Community Railway event at Gobowen station outlining plans for the future and Tanat Valley Coaches’ 1961-built Leyland Tiger Cub heritage bus will link all three sites.
Part of the work was funded by a grant from the local Triple Niners charity from funds raised at the town’s annual bonfire.
The heritage railway will start its season this weekend with an Easter egg hunt and visit from the Easter bunny.
Steam trains will be running on Easter Sunday and bank holiday Monday from 11am until 3pm at Oswestry Station. Tickets cost £5 adults and £3 children, and every child accompanied by an adult can take part in finding clues leading to a free chocolate Easter egg.
