IN THE MAIN MUSEUM BUILDING (Buffer Depot) ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE:

Traditional newspaper stall from Chalfont & Latimer Station – when mum or dad went to work in the morning they could buy their favourite paper to read on the journey from the W H Smith stall right on the platform.

Ganger’s trolleys – small trucks (designed for permanent way staff) - the hand-propelled versions have featured in many old comedy sketches with the cops and/or the robbers pumping the handles up and down as they chase down the track! More recent designs were engine driven and even had a roof!

Post Office Railway – see an example of one of the driverless trains that used to carry mail beneath the streets of London.

Signalling and safety devices – have a go at operating a coloured light signal from a miniature control panel and see how a safety trip-switch works.

Walk round our demonstration freight train and see the kind of things we used to transport by rail – listen to a description of the guard’s role as you walk through his guard’s van at the end of the train. See the furniture loaded into one wagon and fruit and vegetables in another. Notice the coal truck and special china clay wagon. And perhaps see the video describing rail freight operations.

We are preparing the steam locomotive, at the head of our demonstration freight train, to allow public access to the footplate. Whilst this engine will not be in steam, you will at least get a feeling of what it was like for the driver and fireman who would have worked here. (NOT YET COMPLETE)

See the horse drawn dray from the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway with hand operated crane alongside lifting sacks.