Wildlife Fly-Past For Passengers On The Red Kites Special Conservation Train

Published 19th June 2012

Wildlife Watching Trains

CHINNOR - The reintroduction of Red Kites 30 years ago in the Chilterns is becoming well known and the best way to see them is from a 1960s train on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway.

The 100% volunteer-run preserved railway has combined forces for another year with volunteers from the Chilterns Conservation Board to operate special wildlife watching trains on June 16, July 14 and August 11.

Red Kites and Deer

The train was built in the early 1960s and affords all-round excellent views of the scenery and wildlife as the train makes its 7 mile round trip. Red Kites are seen on 99% of the time along the route and on 15 April, 14 were counted spiralling above Chinnor railway station, where the train departs from.

Deer are also to be seen on occasions so passengers will need to keep their eyes open on the trains which depart at 1030am, 12 noon, 130pm and 3pm from Chinnor on all dates. Tickets cost £9.50 Adults, £8.50 Seniors and Children just £5.

New Steam Locomotives At The Railway For Murder Mystery And Cream Tea Trains

The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway has a new steam locomotive operating services until June. It is the 80 year old Peckett 0-6-0ST named Sir Gomer built in Bristol No. 1859.

This engine will be used on services run in conjunction with the Classic Car rally on June 4 and Fathers’ Day specials on June 17. It will also be used on Murder Mystery dining train service in the evening of July 7. A murder takes place and the plot thickens over a three course silver service meal on the train. The railway also offers cream teas on several Sundays every month and as these usually sell out, advance bookings are advisable.

Former GWR No. 12 To Work At Chinnor

A curious steam locomotive which was tested on the Great Western Railway will be operating at Chinnor from June. This is a Sentinel named Isebrook built in 1926 vertical boilered high pressure locomotive and will be used on lighter trains on selected Sundays.

New Coach Arrives At The Railway

The popularity of the railway has grown and this has led to the purchase of another coach providing 64 extra seats a train. This arrived straight from mainline railtour duty at the end of February.

Old Coach Leaves Railway

A Great Western Railway coach left the railway bound for the West Somerset Railway on March 13. This will be restored and be used in their GWR train.

External Links

• Chinnor Railway