Passengers are being invited to take an unusual ‘time-warp’ trip on the Chinnor-Princes Risborough heritage railway on Saturday 25th September with the return of the line’s once celebrated Watlington Donkey to run services throughout the day.
The unique coach – known as an auto-trailer - once trundled between Watlington and Princes Risborough stopping at halts and stations along the line. Built over 90 years ago, it was a feature on the line for over 30 years until services ended in 1957.
“We hope lots of people will want to see just what travel was like for local villages back in the mid-20th century.” Richard Robinson, Commercial Manager of the heritage railway explained. “The auto-trailer was officially called the Watlington Flyer - but became affectionately known as the Watlington Donkey. And it certainly helped to keep this tiny rural branch line alive giving many years of service.”
The type of carriage had been designed to allow a driver to operate the locomotive remotely from the front of the coach using a series of levers and handles. If used, it meant the driver did not need to uncouple the engine and change ends for a return journey back up the line.
For some local people the return of the Watlington Donkey will be a nostalgic sight. Cuxham resident Nick Nixey fondly remembers the much-loved coach: “I remember it wasn’t really very fast at all. That’s how it got its nickname. In fact, some of the girls used to ride their horses along the Icknield Way and they’d outrun the train. When the last service ran, our whole family took the trip, just so we could say we travelled on the last service.”
On Saturday 25th September, Watlington Flyer coach will depart from Chinnor at regular intervals for the 50-minute return journey to Princes Risborough. For the trip back in time the auto-trailer will be pushed and pulled by a Great Western Railways pannier tank steam locomotive (no. 6412).
Children under 4 travel free and there is a flat fare of just £3 for accompanied 5–15-year-olds. Seniors get discounts and local residents can travel half-price.
“We expect the return of this much-loved character to the line will make the day very busy, so we recommend everyone books in advance.” said Richard Robinson. The timetable and details of how-to book are online at www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
For general enquiries, call 07979 055366 (The line is open daily from 10.00-16.00).
