Ruston and Hornsby- Ruston 165DE 0-4-0 and other unique pieces of history in Oswestry UK

Having been in regular use at Llynclys 'Alun Evans' was swapped with fellow CHR diesel 'Telemon' during April 2022. 'Alun' now operates from the Oswestry site on services to Weston Wharf on Timetable B days and used on works trains.

Heritage Infrastructure It is fortunate that despite the fact that many years have elapsed since the last British Rail passenger trains ran to Oswestry, a surprising amount of Oswestry’s rich railway heritage survives today. Firstly, the track and track bed is intact from Gobowen to Blodwell. Secondly, such treasures as the main Station buildings at Oswestry and Gobowen still survive. Also still in existence are the Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon works at Oswestry, together with the pedestrian footbridge to it. All these structures are ‘Listed’. During the 1950’s and early 1960’s British Railways operated the line very much as had the GWR. Brunswick Green locomotives and “Chocolate and Cream” station name boards could be seen.

Following withdrawal of all passenger services in 1966, one train a day continued to run through Oswestry to and from Blodwel Quarry, but the infrastructure at Oswestry declined, with various elements being demolished or sold off. In an attempt to protect what was left of the Cambrian system around Oswestry the Cambrian Railways Society was established in 1972 by a group of local people including former railwaymen and enthusiasts.