Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Museum | Aylesbury | England | United Kingdom
The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Aylesbury, England, is a vibrant steam railway museum and a significant heritage railway center located on a 25-acre site amidst the picturesque countryside of Buckinghamshire. It houses one of the largest collections of locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia in the United Kingdom.
Key features of the exhibition:
Locomotives and carriages: The collection includes a variety of steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and historic carriages, including the Metropolitan Railway E Class No.1, the GWR 4073 Class No.5080 Defiant, and the South African Class 25NC 4-8-4 No.3405. These exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into the development of railway technology over the years.
Historic buildings: The center features several historic buildings, including the former Rewley Road Station Building, which was transferred from the Science Museum in 2002 and rebuilt on site. This building now serves as a visitor center and houses offices of the Quainton Railway Society.
Demonstration tracks: Two footbridges connect the two halves of the center, each with a demonstration track. These tracks allow visitors to experience various locomotives and carriages in action and learn more about their operation.
Events and activities: The center regularly hosts steam days, where visitors have the opportunity to see steam locomotives in operation and take rides. Additionally, various events such as vehicle rallies and themed events for children are offered.
Visitor facilities: The center offers a café, a gift shop, and a secondhand bookshop with a wide selection of railway, aviation, military, and road transport books. These facilities help make the visit enjoyable for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a living museum that not only preserves the history of the railway but also actively contributes to the preservation and restoration of historic vehicles. It offers an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages and is a must-visit for railway enthusiasts and history buffs.
