As part of our 2025 Diesel Gala, taking place from 4 to 6 April, we are offering three days of special diesel driver experiences featuring guest locomotives. On Saturday 29 March, participants can take the controls of Class 31 No. 31108; on Tuesday 1 April, ‘Peak’ No. 45108; and on Wednesday 2 April, No. 50015 Valiant.

Trips will involve a round trip between Chinnor and Princes Risborough. The locos will be working hard on the 1 in 100 between Thame Junction and Risborough – and even harder on the 1 in 68 of Chinnor Bank. Exciting stuff! All this will be under the friendly guidance of one of our experienced driving instructors. We are confident you will have a great time! Your session will begin with a safety briefing, followed by a familiarisation session with the locomotive to show how it works and how the controls operate. We'll get you used to starting and stopping the train safely along the seven-mile round trip of the line. You will actually get two trips in the cab—one as driver and the other as an observer. You can also bring along up to six guests for a free ride in the passenger coaches if arranged in advance – share the fun with family and/or friends! Your party is free to travel on the train on as many trips as they wish (five in all). In addition, you and your guests are welcome to stay for more trips along the line. Please discuss this with Chris via the email below. The price is £325 for each session, except for the last one of the day (which omits the observer ride), which is £270.