What a job Lee has. I bet he himself, and his family are proud. An excellent insight into the day to day runnings of a cargo train. I cannot wait for the return journey. All my best wishes to all our amazing UK train drivers.
I’ve watched quite a few of your videos, this has to be the best, mostly based on the last 30 minutes. To actually see the driver going about his duties in the cab and seeing what goes on behind the scenes during the turnaround is just brilliant, thank you, well worth the 2 hours 40 viewing time.
What a fascinating insight to an unusual part of the railway scene. Thank you Don and Lee for explaining and demonstrating the skills needed to drive a freight train. The drivers are are the unsung heroes of the railways. The inframe pictures are always appreciated. Well done Don and Lee!
Thanks Don, another excellent video - thanks also to Lee and DBS. The bridge and tunnel architecture, particularly on the Calder Valley, is amazing - much better on the eye than the concrete beams that would probably be used today. It's a pity much of it is lost to all but the driver. From the late 1950s through to the early 1980s at least the view from the front of a first generation DMU allowed passengers to see and appreciate more of the route (if you were lucky enough to get a seat behind the driving compartment and the driver hadn't put the blinds down!)
I really enjoy the ride, seeing some great scenery and really enjoy the history of the various places you add along with the details of the rail operations. Thanks for sharing these. Thanks to the driver for assisting you in making them as well.
Tell you what, Did i like that. That was a journey & a half and brilliant to watch. Freight massively important and i love the video. The organisation and rules that have to be carried out and the safety i love it. The bridges are as solid now as back when they where built, we should be proud of our once great builders that laid the tracks and build the bridges. brilliant video thank you Don. Fantastic mate.
Even though you're not driving Don, this is one of your best cab ride videos. (Many thanks Lee.) Once derided by the 'enthusiast' the Class 66s have proved to be wonderful locos. Thanks again for a great video.
Don that was brilliant, the best rail video i have watched. Once again brilliant information along the route. Big thank you to yourself and Lee. Looking forward to the return.
Thank you Don for another very interesting video, also please thank the driver Lee Yarker for a very good drive across country. That is a hell of a way to reverse one would have thought of having another way into the site or maybe there is a limit on space so this was not possible. Thanks again for a very interesting video. WELL DONE DON>
Facinating .... an amazing insight of the rail transportation of our waste, the efforts to take it away from our cities, the people & machines required to do it, the time it takes & the commitment to the safety of all involved, the unsuspecting general public & the environment...... thanks foe sharing.....
Fantastic video, so informative. Lovely scenery, It is not just working the engine but all the other aspects of control, speed etc are equally important as was shown in this video. Thanks Don for these videos really entertaining.
Let's get this damned straight from the off; I'm not getting all soft and sentimental on you. God knows, I like giving you a good kicking at every opportunity, but, in these times of trouble, your videos give me a much needed oasis of solace and peace, and for that you have my undying gratitude. If there's anything I can do to return the favour, just let me know, and you'll get it.
I don’t mind being a virtual punchbag if it helps you vent ;-) Seriously though, that vis much appreciated. Every now and again I think I’ve caught a tiger by the tail but then a really nice comment pops up and it makes it all worthwhile. All the best to you.
Hi Don, Just wanted to say what an interesting, but at the same time sad, this video was. It hurts to see the grand stations, like Wakefield, truncated and reduced to their present condition, also the reduction of four lines to two has left so much architecture neglected and spoiled. Thank goodness you produce such videos to enable people to see whats there and whats so great about our engineering past, also, just maybe, people will want to preserve and restore what is left.
Railroad engineering is pretty incredible in and of itself, But when you factor in that this line was surveyed and built in the 1840's without the benefit of the technology we use today and take for granted. It's a pretty incredible piece of work. Your videos are a great insight to the world of the UK rail system and I really enjoy watching them and seeing how the rail system operates over there. Thanks so much for sharing a super great video. Always enjoyable to watch.
I must say Don, you done yourself proud with this one,. Can't wait for the return journey in full I hope, Oh when will it be coming to your channel Don, I await it with baited breath.
Sorry for the very late reply! I imagine by now you’ve seen it John. Some comments got annexed and I couldn’t see them until recently hence this reply. Anyway, I hope the new videos are to your satisfaction!
Brilliant first part there Don and great to see the all the different views inside the cab and out as well seeing the train getting loaded inside the facility. I've watched all your videos involving the Pennine routes and I gotta say that the villages and some of the towns look like time has stood still, they have a kind of Victorian era about them. I love the fact that those places are steeped in history which is why I enjoy your videos so much.
Another great video and commentary. Loving the history lessons and slow passes of interesting features. If you ever get the Harrogate to Leeds run filmed, the north entrance of the Bramhope tunnel is quite something!
Thanks Don & Lee, what a fascinating and informative insight into freight working. The heavily engineered ,Transpennine route amazes me, they did it all with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. It was good to hear the 66 working hard, it sounded just like a 2 stroke 125cc motorbike I had in the '50s,, a bit less grunt but just as unbreakable! Roll on part 2.
I see the wagons parked up at the kirkby depot every day on my way home from work. I've always wondered where they came from and where they travel to, now I know 👍
Congratulations, Don, a fascinating insight into the high degree of skill involved in piloring a freight train. The strain on the couplers must be considerable, requiring a sensitive and sympathetic touch. Endless admiration for Lee's mastery of his craft. Massive thanks to him and DB are also due!
I had heard that some of the very long freight trains in North America; the ones needing multiple engines, sometimes distribute the locos in 1 or 2 places within the formation, rather than all at the front, to specifically reduce the strain on the couplings. They are all controlled from the front loco obviously.
Occasionally we run in tandem or multiple(both at the front) or top and tail them over here as well, the Lickey Incline is a notorious spot where they have to do this.
Crow Nest Junction had a homely signal box, smoke always emanating from its stove pipe chimney. The fast lines past Daisy Hill Atherton etc took non stop Southport/Manchester commuter trains (DMUs in the 60s) and the steel girder bridge just beyond Hindley (North) was one of my spotting perches. That area was then covered in colliery slag heaps rather like black alps. Totally different now. I mentioned Healy Mills earlier - there was a parallel yard at Carlisle Kingmoor which met the same redundant fate.
When you mentioned the cost of that one station, it got me thinking, what would it be if we were building the rail network from scratch today, it's not often we think of the problems the Victorians had.
Sorry for the very late reply, UA-cam keeps finding these from way back. Occasionally they build fantastic stations like Luton but usually they are more “lightweight” affairs which have a sensible budget.
Thank you Don and all concerned with you video. Yet another Great Video it gave a grate in site into freight working and a side of the railways that you do not normally see.
Watched this yesterday on the train going to Hereford. Dark outside but daylight on video. As we got nearer to Hereford ,they cancelled the rest of the journey of the train to South Wales due to a landslide. Bus connection for the passengers. Silly weather x Chris x
Thanks a lot for making and posting the video, it was very interesting to watch. I used to spend many hours at Smithy Bridge and Clegg Hall and its great to see these locations from a viewpoint that I have never had. Its rather sad to see that so many semaphore signals and signal boxes have gone forever. I have fond memories of the signal box at Smithy Bridge and recall the signalman opening and closing the mechanical crossing gates by turning a giant wheel. Many a time freight trains would have to stop at the crossing because the signalman could not get a gap in the road traffic, he had no traffic lights to stop the traffic ! Nice to see Rochdale station with additional roads but Manchester Victoria, how sad. No Class 25 banker, no parked up class 45's, no Class 40's snatching the couplings on un-fitted freights in a desperate attempt by the driver to get some momentum to assist the journey up to Miles Platting.
Great to hear you're looking forward for the return trip, we don't actually go through the station at Ashton, from Stockport we go past Reddish South and Denton stations and then join that line at Ashton Moss North junction; which is just the other side of the station.
Wow, thanks so much for that video, I found it really interesting. Seeing all that goes on in a freight train. It made a Sunday afternoon fly by, thanks Don.
Just one slip up, Mossley Station is in fact Moston Station ,really enjoyed the video more so as I have travelled by passenger train many times Manchester to the Yorkshire area
I know Susan, it haunts me but I can’t edit it now it is uploaded.. I have added an addendum to the video description and as the return journey goes live on Monday, you can rest assured I checked it twenty times. I’ve probably called Mills Hill - New Mils or something daft!
I agree Don this was a very interesting trip with you filming & Lee driving plus seeing "behind the scenes" footage at the end - very informative as well!
Video quality is noticeably better than during the premier. Looks like youtube messes with either the bandwidth or the compression when premiering, which is nog a good thing, imo.
Just watched in full. A real treat during this period of self isolation and will watch all your other videos (again in some cases) during the next few weeks/months.
A bit late to the party partly because I had to watch the video over a number of days. Anyway, thanks Don for another excellent video. The comments on freight operation compared to passenger operation were very interesting and added to the enjoyment.
In England: Double tracks everywhere. Meanwhile in Norway: The track between the two biggest cities is mostly single track with occasional side track at meeting points. The difference is huge.
Don, this is a gem of a video. Thank Lee for me. I've stopped it just to comment (so far) on Healy Mills. As a young trainspotter in the 60s it was a new yard and living in Lancahire at the time it was an ideal location to get the less travelled WD 2-8-0 Austerities from that part of Yorkshire. As early as 1966 there was quite a bit of diesel traction too and the place buzzed. To see it now, back to nature, is quite sobering but it does show land reclaiming itself - assisted by a bit of tree planting.
Don, you've got it wrong in saying Adam Bridge, in Wigan, is "the first prestressed concrete bridge in the UK", as it's not. It's the first 'precast' concrete bridge in the UK.
Oh! I got my information from Wikipedia which isn’t always right but they do put quite a lot of emphasis on it being prestressed. You may well be correct, I’m not an expert on the subject. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Viaduct
Watched in two settings. Very interesting and entertaining. Hard to believe what that facility was. It looked good. I’ll be watching for the return trip. Thank you, as always.
They have a second key, ours goes in to a token block machine at Knowsley; which allows Rainford to clear their signals and then the second key is issued to the passenger train to be used as a staff.
@@leeyarker9896 I was wondering about that myself, thanks for the explaination and thank you to both of you for a really interesting video. There is so much more to railways than just passenger routes that we don't see. Keep up the good work please :)
My goodness Don, this is your best yet superb from start to finish. I'm old enough to remember the last days of steam. I watched an old film over Christmas and it was called 'fully fitted freight' and showed you how labour intensive the railways were in the 50's and 60's. Watching those containers being loaded at Knowsley would have been science fiction to those lads hauling crates around back then. How about repaying Lee with a bit of grease for his squeaky seat. Happy to subscribe. Peter
Thanks Don; that was great and really interesting and a nice change (no criticism implied) from main line passenger services. And thanks for the 'sneezes and sniffles' explanation - when I first watched a 66 cab ride I wondered why the driver wasn't tucked up at home with a brandy and lemsip. Many thanks again. MIKE
Sorry for the very late reply, UA-cam keeps finding these from way back. If you’re following the latest videos, you’ll be perfectly familiar with the 66’s permanent cold!👍
@@leeyarker9896 thanks!....love learning shit!....the cab rides fascinate me ..traveled all over Europe including British Isles in the 70s but never had a front seat...love the comments and info thats passed on!
By heck Don, My backside was twittering coming down Miles Platting Bank! I’m only half way through this video at the moment but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Great commentary and great driving make this an absolute gem of a watch. Cheers guys.
Excellent video again.Thanks to Don and driver Lee.I have a greater understanding of all the things we,as passengers take for granted because of all the signalling rules and regs..also,those built in safety features on the tracks are reassuring...happy new year and look forward to more videos in 2022....
Excellent video and superb captioning. A real insight into the skills a driver of a freight train has to have. Well done Lee. Possibly the best video to date. Can't wait for the return journey. Thanks to you and to Lee.
....and yes, a BIG thank you to Lee too. I would love an insert of him operating the controls. A good time of the year to film, as we could look through the foliage and see the places you were describing. Subscribed.
Epic - Thanks to all. I'm glad you gave the coupling link a mention, it seems unbelievable that all that force could be transmitted through a piece of steel, that diameter, and threaded at that!
As a non-train nut, weirdly I found this quite fascinating. I chanced upon the channel and will be looking out for more videos. Nice knowledge of the local environment combined with an interesting look at the ways of freight. Thank you
I thoroughly enjoyed that Don, Nice to see freight in action and the mighty power of the Class 66 I also look forwards to seeing it work for a living going in the other direction. Again thank you and the others for your efforts in bringing us this footage.
Another Masterclass From Don. Seeing how a good freight driver Lee uses his knowledge to coax a 400 mtr train along is a revelation. I am now waiting to see how he copes with another 1000 tons . Well done.
Hi and sorry for the very late reply. Well as you’ve seen we did that trip some time ago but I got overwhelmed with comments and this went to the archives. I hope you’ve been following the Buxton quarry videos too 👍
That was a fantastic production, Don. Many thanks to Lee. It is good to see a journey along lines that are less in the limelight such as the Atherton and Kirkby lines seen here as well as the signalling disciplines for single lines. We can now appreciate a little bit more just what is involved with freight trains at the end of their journeys. Looking forward to the return journey. 👍🏼
Finally gotten round to watching this one and as usual most informative and enjoyable. The comment about the engine twisting the loco frame reminds me of an effect anyone who rings church bells will be familiar with - the bells twist the tower. If you've ever stood on top of a tower whilst the bells are being rung the whole thing can lurch alarmingly.
Superb, thanks Don. Great viewing and commentary - thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have your other videos. They just seem to keep getting better and better. And thanks to DB Cargo. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you for all your information and it’s not just Video. I live beside one of these lines on the map and have always wondered what these blue things carried, now I know and I also know where there going. So informative! Please keep up the good work.
I enjoy watching your films immensely and am especially appreciative of all the effort you put into the local knowledge as well as the trackside and pw information. This film is your best yet. Many thanks all the way from Germany!
Thanks Don, Lee and all who made this fantastic video possible. Entertaining and very educational ,captions are excellent ,now I know what happens to these trains when they pass York. Thanks
What a job Lee has. I bet he himself, and his family are proud. An excellent insight into the day to day runnings of a cargo train. I cannot wait for the return journey. All my best wishes to all our amazing UK train drivers.
Much appreciated Chris. Lee will see your comment.
Something strangely therapeutic about long cab rides through the countryside. Keep them coming 👍
Will do!
I’ve watched quite a few of your videos, this has to be the best, mostly based on the last 30 minutes. To actually see the driver going about his duties in the cab and seeing what goes on behind the scenes during the turnaround is just brilliant, thank you, well worth the 2 hours 40 viewing time.
Thanks Dene. That opportunity was created by Lee who got all the permissions to do it. I’d like to do more but not all companies are as willing.
Thanks Don, most interesting thoroughly enjoyed it in all respects. Dave.👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Thanks as always 👍
What a fascinating insight to an unusual part of the railway scene. Thank you Don and Lee for explaining and demonstrating the skills needed to drive a freight train. The drivers are are the unsung heroes of the railways. The inframe pictures are always appreciated. Well done Don and Lee!
A very late reply but thanks David, much appreciated.
Thanks Don, another excellent video - thanks also to Lee and DBS. The bridge and tunnel architecture, particularly on the Calder Valley, is amazing - much better on the eye than the concrete beams that would probably be used today. It's a pity much of it is lost to all but the driver. From the late 1950s through to the early 1980s at least the view from the front of a first generation DMU allowed passengers to see and appreciate more of the route (if you were lucky enough to get a seat behind the driving compartment and the driver hadn't put the blinds down!)
I know, its a pity you can’t see out of the front but these videos go some way to compensate!
I really enjoy the ride, seeing some great scenery and really enjoy the history of the various places you add along with the details of the rail operations. Thanks for sharing these. Thanks to the driver for assisting you in making them as well.
Thanks Feliciana, Lee will see your comment.
Tell you what, Did i like that. That was a journey & a half and brilliant to watch. Freight massively important and i love the video. The organisation and rules that have to be carried out and the safety i love it. The bridges are as solid now
as back when they where built, we should be proud of our once great builders that laid the tracks and build the bridges.
brilliant video thank you Don. Fantastic mate.
Thank you very much!
Excellent video Don. Thank you and thank you for share it. Your work, enthusiasm and patience is admirable.
Glad you enjoyed it Gabriel and I appreciate your sentiment.
Even though you're not driving Don, this is one of your best cab ride videos. (Many thanks Lee.) Once derided by the 'enthusiast' the Class 66s have proved to be wonderful locos. Thanks again for a great video.
Sorry for the late reply Mike. Yes, we all like to see a classic BR loco but these Gm 66s eclipse them in terms of reliability.
Don that was brilliant, the best rail video i have watched. Once again brilliant information along the route. Big thank you to yourself and Lee. Looking forward to the return.
Cheers David.
Another superb video Don and highly educational too... Thank you my friend...
My pleasure Peter. More content soon.
This is my favourite video you have done so far, really enjoyed it hope you can make more freight train cab view again
Watch this space
Lee Yarker Thanks Lee. Good driving. Only scared me twice.
One of your best Don, helps the self isolation no end. Take care and thankyou. Nice to see the young lad driving.
Glad you like it Tony. Next episode airs on Monday.
Again, a wonderful video. Thanks Mr Coffey for the hard work that went into this.
Ditto that,thanks.
Thank you Don for another very interesting video, also please thank the driver Lee Yarker for a very good drive across country. That is a hell of a way to reverse one would have thought of having another way into the site or maybe there is a limit on space so this was not possible. Thanks again for a very interesting video. WELL DONE DON>
He’ll see your comment Phil. Reversing save running round more than once.
As always Don, skillful editing, and riveting viewing. Thank you, and thank you to Driver Lee for the soundtrack!
He’ll see your comment Andy.
@@doncoffey5820 Did I see the EWS 'Beastie' symbol on the cab at 2:25:20? I confess I thought that had gone long ago!
Brilliant archive footage! Really enjoyed watching! Brings back a few memories!
Good to hear from you Henry. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@doncoffey5820 This comment was actually meant for you Crewe to Bootle Docks video! At the end of that video it must have gone strait on to this one!
Outstanding work, thanks Don, you just get better and better. Thanks Lee and DB also
Good run.... I will now come back with you on the return journey. ;)
I'm sure this train is related to my washing machine, they sound exactly the same.
They do indeed, mine too.
Facinating .... an amazing insight of the rail transportation of our waste, the efforts to take it away from our cities, the people & machines required to do it, the time it takes & the commitment to the safety of all involved, the unsuspecting general public & the environment...... thanks foe sharing.....
Welcome Mikey.
Great to see this back.
Fantastic video, so informative. Lovely scenery, It is not just working the engine but all the other aspects of control, speed etc are equally important as was shown in this video. Thanks Don for these videos really entertaining.
Glad you like them Donald. I try to anticipate the questions I would be asking if watching it as an enthusiast.
Let's get this damned straight from the off; I'm not getting all soft and sentimental on you. God knows, I like giving you a good kicking at every opportunity, but, in these times of trouble, your videos give me a much needed oasis of solace and peace, and for that you have my undying gratitude. If there's anything I can do to return the favour, just let me know, and you'll get it.
I don’t mind being a virtual punchbag if it helps you vent ;-) Seriously though, that vis much appreciated. Every now and again I think I’ve caught a tiger by the tail but then a really nice comment pops up and it makes it all worthwhile. All the best to you.
thanks a lot mate and Lee. . without this footage we would never know what hard work these blokes do .
Yes, driving those freight trains takes it up a notch. Lee and Vinny are great guys.
Hi Don, Just wanted to say what an interesting, but at the same time sad, this video was. It hurts to see the grand stations, like Wakefield, truncated and reduced to their present condition, also the reduction of four lines to two has left so much architecture neglected and spoiled. Thank goodness you produce such videos to enable people to see whats there and whats so great about our engineering past, also, just maybe, people will want to preserve and restore what is left.
Luckily there are still parts left. Not everyone appreciates it.
Railroad engineering is pretty incredible in and of itself, But when you factor in that this line was surveyed and built in the 1840's without the benefit of the technology we use today and take for granted. It's a pretty incredible piece of work. Your videos are a great insight to the world of the UK rail system and I really enjoy watching them and seeing how the rail system operates over there. Thanks so much for sharing a super great video. Always enjoyable to watch.
Its fascinating when you consider what they achieved Feliciana. Glad you enjoyed it.
I must say Don, you done yourself proud with this one,.
Can't wait for the return journey in full I hope,
Oh when will it be coming to your channel Don,
I await it with baited breath.
Sorry for the very late reply! I imagine by now you’ve seen it John. Some comments got annexed and I couldn’t see them until recently hence this reply. Anyway, I hope the new videos are to your satisfaction!
Don and Lee: many thanks to both of you for another marvellous video!
Brilliant first part there Don and great to see the all the different views inside the cab and out as well seeing the train getting loaded inside the facility. I've watched all your videos involving the Pennine routes and I gotta say that the villages and some of the towns look like time has stood still, they have a kind of Victorian era about them. I love the fact that those places are steeped in history which is why I enjoy your videos so much.
I love my job Paul but a good part of it is down to the constant awe of the railway infrastructure. Glad you like them.
Thank you for capturing this journey. The information scrolling is very helpful and informative. Great video.
Glad you liked it Paul.
Another great video and commentary.
Loving the history lessons and slow passes of interesting features. If you ever get the Harrogate to Leeds run filmed, the north entrance of the Bramhope tunnel is quite something!
I’m looking forward to that one Richard.
Thanks Don & Lee, what a fascinating and informative insight into freight working. The heavily engineered ,Transpennine route amazes me, they did it all with picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. It was good to hear the 66 working hard, it sounded just like a 2 stroke 125cc motorbike I had in the '50s,, a bit less grunt but just as unbreakable! Roll on part 2.
Crikey, that was some motor bike 😉👍
I see the wagons parked up at the kirkby depot every day on my way home from work. I've always wondered where they came from and where they travel to, now I know 👍
More to the point, what're they bringing, where's it going and who's paying for it?
Congratulations, Don, a fascinating insight into the high degree of skill involved in piloring a freight train. The strain on the couplers must be considerable, requiring a sensitive and sympathetic touch. Endless admiration for Lee's mastery of his craft. Massive thanks to him and DB are also due!
I appreciate the admiration and you're welcome, I think mastery takes quite a few more years to claim.
I had heard that some of the very long freight trains in North America; the ones needing multiple engines, sometimes distribute the locos in 1 or 2 places within the formation, rather than all at the front, to specifically reduce the strain on the couplings. They are all controlled from the front loco obviously.
Occasionally we run in tandem or multiple(both at the front) or top and tail them over here as well, the Lickey Incline is a notorious spot where they have to do this.
Crow Nest Junction had a homely signal box, smoke always emanating from its stove pipe chimney. The fast lines past Daisy Hill Atherton etc took non stop Southport/Manchester commuter trains (DMUs in the 60s) and the steel girder bridge just beyond Hindley (North) was one of my spotting perches.
That area was then covered in colliery slag heaps rather like black alps. Totally different now.
I mentioned Healy Mills earlier - there was a parallel yard at Carlisle Kingmoor which met the same redundant fate.
Crow Nest is now a desk in the back of the signalling centre at Piccadilly. I remember the box quite clearly.
as always a brilliant informative video of the highest quality.Thanks Don and Lee and all Who contributed to to this work
Much appreciated Brian. Sorry for the very late reply!
When you mentioned the cost of that one station, it got me thinking, what would it be if we were building the rail network from scratch today, it's not often we think of the problems the Victorians had.
It wouldn't get built,we couldn't afford it and you'd never get planning permission!
Sorry for the very late reply, UA-cam keeps finding these from way back. Occasionally they build fantastic stations like Luton but usually they are more “lightweight” affairs which have a sensible budget.
Thank you Don and all concerned with you video. Yet another Great Video it gave a grate in site into freight working and a side of the railways that you do not normally see.
Watched this yesterday on the train going to Hereford. Dark outside but daylight on video. As we got nearer to Hereford ,they cancelled the rest of the journey of the train to South Wales due to a landslide. Bus connection for the passengers. Silly weather x Chris x
Thanks a lot for making and posting the video, it was very interesting to watch. I used to spend many hours at Smithy Bridge and Clegg Hall and its great to see these locations from a viewpoint that I have never had. Its rather sad to see that so many semaphore signals and signal boxes have gone forever. I have fond memories of the signal box at Smithy Bridge and recall the signalman opening and closing the mechanical crossing gates by turning a giant wheel. Many a time freight trains would have to stop at the crossing because the signalman could not get a gap in the road traffic, he had no traffic lights to stop the traffic ! Nice to see Rochdale station with additional roads but Manchester Victoria, how sad. No Class 25 banker, no parked up class 45's, no Class 40's snatching the couplings on un-fitted freights in a desperate attempt by the driver to get some momentum to assist the journey up to Miles Platting.
I think you’d enjoy Manchester’s Railways on Facebook. You can join here; facebook.com/groups/manchestersrailways/
Since I can't get out of Idaho might as well take another fantastic train ride with Don thru the English countryside
We’re the same here Terry although I am allowed to go to work as I’m classed as a “Key Worker”. Keep safe and healthy.
Incredible video. You feel as though you are there sitting in the cab. Thanks for posting!
My pleasure, glad you liked it 👍
I’m looking forward to seeing the return journey especially around Ashton-under-Lyne
Great to hear you're looking forward for the return trip, we don't actually go through the station at Ashton, from Stockport we go past Reddish South and Denton stations and then join that line at Ashton Moss North junction; which is just the other side of the station.
Lee Yarker that’s ok it’s Ashton Moss past Cineworld that I’d like to see
We certainly go past there and then come out at the back of M&S.
Brilliant video from start to finish and what an impressive drive thru.
And we're back!
Yes, albeit slowly!
Wow, thanks so much for that video, I found it really interesting. Seeing all that goes on in a freight train. It made a Sunday afternoon fly by, thanks Don.
Thanks Anthony 👍
Just one slip up, Mossley Station is in fact Moston Station ,really enjoyed the video more so as I have travelled by passenger train many times Manchester to the Yorkshire area
I know Susan, it haunts me but I can’t edit it now it is uploaded.. I have added an addendum to the video description and as the return journey goes live on Monday, you can rest assured I checked it twenty times. I’ve probably called Mills Hill - New Mils or something daft!
I agree Don this was a very interesting trip with you filming & Lee driving plus seeing "behind the scenes" footage at the end - very informative as well!
Thanks as always GBE.
Video quality is noticeably better than during the premier. Looks like youtube messes with either the bandwidth or the compression when premiering, which is nog a good thing, imo.
Just watched in full. A real treat during this period of self isolation and will watch all your other videos (again in some cases) during the next few weeks/months.
Glad you liked it Bob. The next is an epic 3:49 so you’ll need a brew and some biscuits ;-). It will premier on Monday at 12:00.
Going to be a long 4 days Don! 👍
Bear with us John. Both myself and Lee are free to watch it with you on Friday.
A bit late to the party partly because I had to watch the video over a number of days. Anyway, thanks Don for another excellent video. The comments on freight operation compared to passenger operation were very interesting and added to the enjoyment.
Glad you enjoyed it
In England: Double tracks everywhere.
Meanwhile in Norway:
The track between the two biggest cities is mostly single track with occasional side track at meeting points. The difference is huge.
Yes, I’ve seen RCGs videos and it is definitely different.
Don, this is a gem of a video. Thank Lee for me. I've stopped it just to comment (so far) on Healy Mills. As a young trainspotter in the 60s it was a new yard and living in Lancahire at the time it was an ideal location to get the less travelled WD 2-8-0 Austerities from that part of Yorkshire. As early as 1966 there was quite a bit of diesel traction too and the place buzzed.
To see it now, back to nature, is quite sobering but it does show land reclaiming itself - assisted by a bit of tree planting.
Silver Birch and Ash seem the only occupants now. When I show the return video it runs through the loop at Healey Mills on the far side.
Don, you've got it wrong in saying Adam Bridge, in Wigan, is "the first prestressed concrete bridge in the UK", as it's not. It's the first 'precast' concrete bridge in the UK.
Oh! I got my information from Wikipedia which isn’t always right but they do put quite a lot of emphasis on it being prestressed. You may well be correct, I’m not an expert on the subject. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Viaduct
Watched in two settings. Very interesting and entertaining. Hard to believe what that facility was. It looked good. I’ll be watching for the return trip. Thank you, as always.
Great video. Thanks. But how does the Rainhill signaller get the staff back so other trains can use the single track?
They have a second key, ours goes in to a token block machine at Knowsley; which allows Rainford to clear their signals and then the second key is issued to the passenger train to be used as a staff.
@@leeyarker9896 I was wondering about that myself, thanks for the explaination and thank you to both of you for a really interesting video. There is so much more to railways than just passenger routes that we don't see. Keep up the good work please :)
My goodness Don, this is your best yet superb from start to finish. I'm old enough to remember the last days of steam. I watched an old film over Christmas and it was called 'fully fitted freight' and showed you how labour intensive the railways were in the 50's and 60's. Watching those containers being loaded at Knowsley would have been science fiction to those lads hauling crates around back then. How about repaying Lee with a bit of grease for his squeaky seat. Happy to subscribe. Peter
Just goes to show you dont need be over 40 to drive a 66 well lol..top stuff as per.
Hi Don. Once again a great video. It gave an insight to the professionalism of train drivers and the driver in this case must be congratulated.
I’ve tried to get in touch with you Ray.
When does the driver get to have a break,is it during the unloading section?
There's a messroom facility at Knowsley, you tend to get several 15 minute breaks between each set back and usually a good hour + after loading.
Absolutely fascinating Don thank you. I look forward to more freight cab action.
Coming later in the year Paul 👍
Don. I,m a bit worried about you and Lee! You've been at Kirkby depot for over two weeks. When are you's coming back?
Haha! We found a decent cafe but we’ve left now!!! I promise to start work on the return journey real soon David ;-)
Thanks Don; that was great and really interesting and a nice change (no criticism implied) from main line passenger services. And thanks for the 'sneezes and sniffles' explanation - when I first watched a 66 cab ride I wondered why the driver wasn't tucked up at home with a brandy and lemsip. Many thanks again. MIKE
Sorry for the very late reply, UA-cam keeps finding these from way back. If you’re following the latest videos, you’ll be perfectly familiar with the 66’s permanent cold!👍
i must have missed something...whats in them?
Household waste
@@leeyarker9896 then what?..land fill?..incinerate?
@@guitarwolf1000 Goes to a waste to energy site in Wilton to be used to generate electricity.
@@leeyarker9896 thanks!....love learning shit!....the cab rides fascinate me ..traveled all over Europe including British Isles in the 70s but never had a front seat...love the comments and info thats passed on!
You're welcome. I try answer as many of the questions as I can. As long as I know the answer.
Excellent video Don. Thankyou for all the time and effort you put into these videos.
Great relaxed night in, glass of decent red wine, couple of beers & comfy bed 😀 Look forward to the return trip 🙂
Beer and wine? Go easy ;-)
Don, thank you so much for posting this fantastic and very interesting video. Please keep them coming!!! 👍🙂
Thanks, will do!
By heck Don, My backside was twittering coming down Miles Platting Bank!
I’m only half way through this video at the moment but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
Great commentary and great driving make this an absolute gem of a watch.
Cheers guys.
Thanks Keith. I speak to Lee quite a lot so I’ll pass on your comment. 👍
Excellent video again.Thanks to Don and driver Lee.I have a greater understanding of all the things we,as passengers take for granted because of all the signalling rules and regs..also,those built in safety features on the tracks are reassuring...happy new year and look forward to more videos in 2022....
Much appreciated Alan.
Excellent video and superb captioning. A real insight into the skills a driver of a freight train has to have. Well done Lee. Possibly the best video to date. Can't wait for the return journey. Thanks to you and to Lee.
Glad you enjoyed it
....and yes, a BIG thank you to Lee too. I would love an insert of him operating the controls. A good time of the year to film, as we could look through the foliage and see the places you were describing. Subscribed.
Sorry for the very late reply, UA-cam keeps finding these from way back. Thanks for the feedback, Lee will see your comments 👍
Congratulations on an excellent video with excellent sub-titles, the driver deserves praise for a very professional journey.
He’s a great guy John 👍
Thank you for another excellent trip into your world and the technical aspect
Our pleasure!
Epic - Thanks to all.
I'm glad you gave the coupling link a mention, it seems unbelievable that all that force could be transmitted through a piece of steel, that diameter, and threaded at that!
Amazing really isn’t it Roger. We add another thousand tonnes to it for the return.
Lovely video Don,thanks for bringing it to us and thanks to Lee and DB for allowing us along for the ride.
He’ll see your comment.
As a non-train nut, weirdly I found this quite fascinating. I chanced upon the channel and will be looking out for more videos. Nice knowledge of the local environment combined with an interesting look at the ways of freight. Thank you
Sorry for the very late reply but glad you found us Mike.
really enjoyed this journey , nice to see it from a freight perspective and the slight differences to passenger operations , Well done and thanks
Brilliant video again Don, 100% enjoyable!
And thanks to driver Lee. 👍🙂
Interesting and informative. Thanks
Fantastic video and commentary, very informative. Looking forward to the return trip.
Another very good video Don nice to see what goes on with a freight train probably your best yet. Well done Don
I thoroughly enjoyed that Don, Nice to see freight in action and the mighty power of the Class 66
I also look forwards to seeing it work for a living going in the other direction.
Again thank you and the others for your efforts in bringing us this footage.
Cheers John.
Another Masterclass From Don. Seeing how a good freight driver Lee uses his knowledge to coax a 400 mtr train along is a revelation. I am now waiting to see how he copes with another 1000 tons . Well done.
Hi and sorry for the very late reply. Well as you’ve seen we did that trip some time ago but I got overwhelmed with comments and this went to the archives. I hope you’ve been following the Buxton quarry videos too 👍
That was a fantastic production, Don. Many thanks to Lee. It is good to see a journey along lines that are less in the limelight such as the Atherton and Kirkby lines seen here as well as the signalling disciplines for single lines. We can now appreciate a little bit more just what is involved with freight trains at the end of their journeys. Looking forward to the return journey. 👍🏼
Thanks as always Ian.
What a great piece of driving and a fascinating look at freight working! Thanks Don and Lee.
Superb video, Don, extremely informative. Thanks also to Lee and DB Freight for allowing this to happen.
Lee will see your comment - thanks.
Finally gotten round to watching this one and as usual most informative and enjoyable. The comment about the engine twisting the loco frame reminds me of an effect anyone who rings church bells will be familiar with - the bells twist the tower. If you've ever stood on top of a tower whilst the bells are being rung the whole thing can lurch alarmingly.
Yes it’s amazing what forces get set up when you start swingling large weights about. That’s an interesting analogy and I bet an unusual experience 👍
Superb, thanks Don. Great viewing and commentary - thoroughly enjoyed it, as I have your other videos. They just seem to keep getting better and better. And thanks to DB Cargo. Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks Roger. It premieres at 12:00 on Monday.
Thank you for all your information and it’s not just Video. I live beside one of these lines on the map and have always wondered what these blue things carried, now I know and I also know where there going.
So informative! Please keep up the good work.
I enjoy watching your films immensely and am especially appreciative of all the effort you put into the local knowledge as well as the trackside and pw information. This film is your best yet. Many thanks all the way from Germany!
Glad you liked it Philip. The second part is coming soon.
Don Coffey I‘ll look forward to that. Thank you for kind reply!
Thanks Don, Lee and all who made this fantastic video possible. Entertaining and very educational ,captions are excellent ,now I know what happens to these trains when they pass York. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it Bob.
This series of videos absolutely fabulous please keep them coming.
Will do.
Great video and fascinating to see the day to day life off the train driver some nice scenery too👍
Really interesting video. Thanks for all your hard work Don.
Glad you enjoyed it
Absolutely glued to this one, best yet. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.
You're very welcome
That was great! Thoroughly relaxing experience! Looking forward to the next episode....
Hope you are well Steven 👍
Always look out for one of your videos, it reminds me why I'm a transport enthusiast and satisfies the inner train driver... thanks again 👍
Glad you enjoyed it.