Ross-on-Wye station was built at the junction of the Hereford, Ross and Gloucester Railway and the Ross and Monmouth Railway. It had three platforms and quite a grand station building. It opened in June 1855 with the completion of the railway to Hereford and was publicised both locally and nationally. A party was held for local children in the goods shed and there were plenty of flags and bunting to celebrate. At this time the railway would have been broad-gauge but when the Great Western Railway took over, the line was converted to standard gauge in 1869.
Ross-on-Wye Station in the early 1960s
The original station was replaced in 1890 with the building that remained there until the railway's closure. Over the decades the railway station site saw changes in its layout; further track for sidings, buildings re-sited or replaced. However, the railway was not to last and the Beeching Report of 1964 saw the last trains leaving Ross-on-wye station later that year. It served the community for nearly 110 years. The nearby Town and Country Trail follows the line of the Ross, Monmouth Railway and can be walked from Hildersley to Tudorville.
The last train in 1964
To find the location of the cache you will need to do a little online research and answer the following questions. Once you have your values, put them into the formula and hopefully all will be well!
What date in June did the station open with the remainder of the line to Hereford? = A
The party was for how many local children? = BC00
How many feet and inches was broad gauge set at? = D' 1/E"
What date did the last trains leave Ross-on-wye station? = F November, 1964
Two 060 Pannier Tank Locomotives pulled the last train. One, GH12, has been preserved on the West Somerset Railway.
Checksum = 26
N51 (A+E)(H×A).(B+D)(G-B)(D-A) W002 (G÷F)(E-C).(G-H)(D-B-A)C
The engine shed in view is one of a couple of buildings that remain. It is now a popular garden centre and café. Parking is available at the final location too.
Thanks to Ross Town Council and to the owners of the site where the cache is hidden for this allowing this cache to be placed.
About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website