Chinnor Class 31 crash with DATS HST under review

DATS Class 43 power car No. 43054 is being assessed for damage to its cab end after it is understood that it was hit by Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway’s Class 31 No.97205/31163 during the C&PR’s Spring Diesel Event on April 2. The ‘Goyle’s’ front end is also thought to be seriously damaged. Details of the collision, believed to have taken place at the end of the line at Chinnor at a low speed, have yet to be released. But the C&PR told Rail Express that it was discussing the incident with its insurers and had informally informed the ORR. A third party had already alerted the RAIB.

The power car was one of several visitors to the line, including another

DATS power car No. 43066, a DATS Mk.3 coach and Class 50 No. 50008. The

Mk.3 was already parked as it was not in passenger service and No. 43054 was parked with it, having failed.

A special additional running day was added on April 4, utilising No. 50008, but sadly the loco failed and services were taken over by No. 37227.