A few months ago, I was on my way back from a photo shoot, and spotted a sign for the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. Out of curiosity, I followed it, and arrived just as they were shutting up. This wasn't a big problem, and at least reminded me that I am old enough to remember when their main building as a derelict station, beside Oxford station.
I promised myself that I'd go back, but their opening times are a little odd.
And then a random post on social media told me that on Sunday, there would be a vintage vehicle rally. As it happens, a productive Saturday had left me with the time to go. So I did.
First impressions are good. The station is light and airy inside, and beautifully restored, A couple of trains are in the platforms, and the cafe sells amazing cappuccino cake.
Outside, there is so much to see!
A 7 1/4 railway, and a 45mm garden line for a start. I was recognised and enticed on a train ride, which at nearly 1km, is pretty impressive.
Then, in the yard, there is an Egyptian railcar set, and lots of other stock to look at. OK, some of it is in need of serious restoration, but it's all worth a look. They seem quite relaxed too - entering the restoration shed, I was told to be careful, but other than that, wander at will.
And then there is the museum. Amazing. I particularly like the restored four-wheel goods stock with doors open so you can see inside properly. Does anywhere else do this?
It's not just this. There are displays of small objects, and all sorts of random stuff, including more small locos. Everything is well displayed, and the whole site, which is bigger than expected, does so too.
This is a bit of a quick rundown, but there are more photos over on Flickr.
Full details from the Bucks Rail Centre website.
3 comments:
Been there thrice, an Aladdin’s cave of railway heritage, the rolling stock is well presented
I popped in for a couple of hours a while back, it really is something of a hidden gem. I totally agree on the quality of the cakes! Quainton Road was also the junction for the Wotton Tramway (later, the Metropolitan Brill branch) which, in its early days, was about as marginal a standard gauge railway as ever existed!
It is a lovely place and as you say, full of stuff to see and lots of undercover exhibits (this is England after all). I used to take my grand daughter there on the Wednesday steam days when she was a toddler and we had great times there. Amusing a 2 year old for 4 hours isn't an easy task but we managed it there with ease.
I would say that the bare facts about the track length make it sound like you don't get much of a train ride but as it is unlimited rides then you can get your fill. And a 10 minute ride down the short track and back twice is often enough for little ones.
Just one thing to bear in mind about Wednesday steam days that sometimes the engine refuses to work and you will not know until you arrive on site that there is no services that day. So can be disappointing but the rest of the site is a delight.
George
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