The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway is offering special driving experiences with visiting Class 26 diesel locomotive No. 26043.

Based at the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway and owned by the Cotswold Main Line Diesel Group, No. 26043 will be running at Chinnor’s Diesel Gala from 20 – 22 March. During its visit, it is scheduled to run on Tuesday, 17th March and Thursday, 19th March, on diesel driver experience days, offering members of the public the rare chance to drive a Class 26 on a heritage railway.

Under the guidance of one of the railway’s driving instructors, the experience day will begin with a safety briefing before heading out to the locomotive at Chinnor station. A tour of the locomotive will follow, accompanied by a presentation on its operation. Then participants will move to the cab, where they will familiarise themselves with the layout and controls.

Two participants will be able to travel on a single return trip, one driving and one acting as a second man on the outward journey, before changing roles ready for the return run, allowing both participants to drive and observe operations. The run will include tackling short, steep inclines along the line, including 1 in 100 and 1 in 68 gradients guaranteed to test the locomotive.

Participants are allowed to bring up to six guests, who will receive a free ride on the train behind the locomotive. Participants and guests are welcome to stay longer for further rides on the train before or after their time in the cab.

Food will be included as part of the experience day. Bacon and sausage rolls, biscuits, crisps and homemade cakes will be available. Guests will be able to purchase their own refreshments.

Information on how to book this special experience can be found on the Chinnor Railway website.