Chinnor Independent Line - Relaying Progress

This is how the project has been progressing.

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.

« Back To Explore the Railway