Background
As you may know, we have been running our trains into our rebuilt Platform 4 at Princes Risborough since August 2018 by the temporary expedient of passing through a half mile long Network Rail siding when it is not otherwise in use.
We need to complete the extension project by recommissioning our own line alongside, on the former trackbed of the original Watlington branch. This had become derelict since it was closed in 1989. Our income during the pandemic years suffered a major decline, and we are now seeking help in acquiring the remaining materials needed.
The necessary Transport and Works Act Order for the Chinnor Independent Line was made by the Secretary of State in April 2021. We have already cleared the trees, dismantled and removed the old derelict track components (some for re-use), flattened the track bed, installed buried services and erected some signal posts! We recently placed the last of the new (to us!) track panels and joined them up all the way from Princes Risborough to Thame Junction and have had several hundred tonnes of ballast delivered.
But it isn't finished yet! Next, we need to move all the ballast into the right places, and “tamp” the line. This involves hiring a Tamping machine as used on the main line, which lifts the track to line and level, setting the right curvature and cant, and tightly packs the ballast underneath. Then the track circuiting and signalling will all need completion.
Of course there are ancillary items to complete too: cabling and power supplies, removal of a disused point at Thame Junction, completion of the Risborough layout by addition of a short siding, etc.
May we ask for your donation and support please
How much money do we need? It depends.... if we had pots of cash, we could employ contractors to get tasks done quickly with all new materials. We don’t, so we do it our usual way – seeking opportunities to acquire and transport mainly second-hand materials as the money becomes available and doing the work ourselves. We are all volunteers.
Would you like to play your part by supporting the extension project financially? Use the section at the bottom of this page and please do consider including Gift Aid if appropriate (as this will add an extra 25% to your donation without it costing you any extra!)
Any sum of monies is very welcome - but for those with generous wallets and purses you can select +£100 and add in any multiples, e.g. Quantity 2 will donate £200 etc.
Alternatively, you can donate by cheque payable to 'C&PRRA Ltd' and post it to: PR Extension Appeal, CPRRA, Station Road, Chinnor OX39 4ER.
Don’t forget that you can also support the railway by visiting regularly to enjoy travelling on the trains and using the refreshment facilities!
Thank you for your support. It is greatly appreciated.
