The Chiltern Bubble Cars - The end of an era... Drivers Eye View

This film commemorates the final day of first-generation DMU operation on Network Rail, 19th May 2017, when the two Class 121 “Bubble Cars” owned by Chiltern Railways completed their last regular passenger services on the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury branch. Video 125 captured the units in the weeks leading up to their withdrawal, preserving both their operational history and the atmosphere of their final days.

The project was initiated by Tony Parkins, former Managing Director of Chiltern Trains Holidays, who co-wrote, researched, and presents the film. It begins with a concise history of the Class 121, illustrated with archive footage and photographs, before moving to 2017 and the Chiltern Railways Aylesbury depot. Here, the Production Manager explains the background and operational significance of the DMUs.

Tony also visits the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway to speak with enthusiasts responsible for restoring their own Bubble Cars, as well as a former driver who operated the units on the Bedford to Bletchley line. Returning to Aylesbury, the senior Chiltern driving instructor demonstrates the start-up procedure, before taking unit 034 out of the depot and into platform 1 to begin the afternoon diagram. A full Driver’s eye view follows along the Princes Risborough to Aylesbury branch, accompanied by commentary on the line’s history and the operation of the Bubble Cars.

On the final day, the Chiltern Railways Managing Director delivers a farewell speech. Both Class 121 units are coupled together for the last services, and despite the light drizzle, the final train completes its journey, marking the end of the last DMU service operated by a national train operating company on Network Rail.