Chester to Birmingham International
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Once again we are off with Transport for Wales on a beautiful summer’s day. This time we head through rural Wales and on into England’s border counties to Shrewsbury and on through Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International. We’ve been on the Transpennine services to Manchester Airport but this is the service that originated at Holyhead and we pick it up at Chester. Loads of interesting sights to see along the way so step onto our Class 158 and ride with us.
Addendum
11:37 should read 158 and not 185
The comment about the Snow Hill line passing under the north tunnel is incorrect. It actually passes under the south tunnel.
Every time I watch this video I 'wave' at my mum's house. Between Wellington and Oakengates there used to be a halt, Hadley Halt, to be precise. I used to get off there when coming home on leave from the RAF many moons ago. Thanks for bringing back some great memories Don.
My pleasure Gaz. Glad it evoked memories.
Another superb production. I subscribe to a few other 'driver cab' videos, but yours are the best in terms of video quality and captioning. I'm sure I'm speaking for all your subscribers when I say how much we appreciate your significant efforts - and your helpers, of course. The busy area around Wolverhampton and Birmingham was most interesting. I'm about to watch that part again! Keep 'em coming please.
Sorry for the very late reply! I really appreciate that Ray. I hope you’re still following and enjoying how the videos have evolved 👍
Birmingham is where my husbands family or part of it came out to Canada.
Thanks for sharing Evelyn.
I watch quite a few rail videos from UA-cam, but what makes these special for me is Don's comments. It's really nice to know what it is we're actually looking at. Don't ever stop DC.
He’s great isn’t he Steeve ;-)!!! Glad you enjoy them. I wish I could bring you all on a real cab ride - I’d talk you all to death!!! Its the kind of “stuff” I find interesting and helps answer some of your questions.
Very nice and informative. Im from Ireland and very many of my extended Family emigrated to Birmingham in the 40s to 60s and were glad to be able to do so to make a life for themselves which was not a real option in Ireland in those days. and sadly Lots of them NEVER came back home even for holidays. Times have improved somewhat thankfully. We owe Great Britain for facilitating them, (some fell by the wayside but NOT Britains fault). Keep up the good work Don
Cheers. Sean.
I used to come to Naas working Sean and rest assured you wouldn’t stop me from coming on holiday - I’ll be coming next year all being well. Glad you liked the video 👍
Chester...occupied by the Romans since 1AD ???
The Roman conquest of Britain was a process that consisted of the conquest of territory located on the island of Britain by occupying Roman forces. It began in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius, and was largely completed by 87 when the Stanegate was established. Wikipedia
You could be right but it depends what you read. I get all my research info off the internet. Much of the train information is from my own knowledge or understanding.
What a ride for all of us! Love the commentary and points of interest you highlight. Thanks for sharing these journeys with us:)
Thanks Rob. I didn’t drive that one but I try to anticipate the questions and comments we’d discuss if you were riding in the cab with me.
Cant you just tell it is Smevick ( how the locals pronounce it my old home town )
The absences of lineside vegetation is stark in old railway photographs. This wasn't just to mitigate fires, but also to prevent poor rail adhesion.
They can’t win with vegetation Geoff. If they let it be it takes over and the trains struggle and if they cut it back the press hail it as decimation.
Bridges for a city wall?! Would never have guessed that there was such a thing... Thanks from Germany for your awesome videos! :D
Much appreciated. Yes, they are fascinating aren’t they.
And don't forgetb the wonderful RAF Museum st Cosford!
Of course!
Really looking forward to this as I'm a guard that signs international-shrewsbury
Nice one Mark, its a nice run. I’m on Hull’s tomorrow!
Nice to see you driving through my local station, Marston Green 🤩
Nice one Joel.
Thanks, Don for another great video! I really appreciate the railway operation info, the “what to look for’s” and and historical information along the way. Can’t wait to be able to travel again so I can return to the UK and ride the rails.
Sorry for the very late reply! Glad you liked it Arthur. Let me know if you visit, I’ll try to say hello 👍
loved this video and I like the mention of the Severn valley railway, beautiful run down to Bewdley, can highly recommend it, (Bit biased there as I live not far from it) some nice beer to be had in the station as well
It’s on my bucket list Mark. I’m filming up at the Worth Valley on the 14/4 too.
While leaving Shrewsbury, it that a massive signal box (mansion) in the middle of the junction east of the platform. Haven't seen one that large in any video before.
Thanks for a great ride as always. I want to write more but I need to go to bed. Will come back in the morning.
You can catch up any time Geoffrey.
Great film Don. It's so unsatisfying to see all the deserted stations, particularly New Street. May we soon be able to travel normally again.
Sorry for the very late reply John, I’ve just found this. We’re getting there now although it’s still some way to go. You’ll see more people in the new videos 👍
Lovely scenery the videos are superb full of information and the speed and acceleration of these modern units a wonder to behold
Thanks Brian, the wide angle lens gives a false impression but the later videos have a more representative perspective.
Looking forward to another Don Coffey premier ! I down load and play through my new modal Samsung smart TV,super entertainment for railway enthusiasts,or anyone else for that matter. Keep them coming Don.
If you’ve got a decent sound system, it has an HD soundtrack Brian. Enjoy mate.
Really enjoyed this video Don. Don't know why I didn't watch it earlier. Nice to see new areas, stations, track etc. Kind of depressed seeing the mostly empty stations but that's Covid for you. Cheers.
Hopefully back to normal in the not too distant future 👍
The siddings at Coton Hill just outside Shrewsbury are still used occasionally for the servicing of steam hauled services, that have either come from our direct travel, or from Wales or Bristol up the line from Hereford.
Nice one, thanks for that Stephen. They often use a location where they can get a water tanker alongside.
So many new houses along the Route
Nice one Don, Thank you for all the heritage information along the line. This channel is only 1 of 3 that will make me stop what i'm doing, to make sure I get my fill. Thank you again, keep up the good work! Best viewing on a Saturday night!
That’s certainly an accolade Bob. Many thanks.
My late brother was a taxi driver in Shrewsbury and he used to convince American tourists that they built the castle near to the station for the convenience of the local Knights. He also spent quite a lot of time ferrying railway employees to Crewe from Shrewsbury.
Perhaps they had a good knight out! Glad you liked it Roger.
So happy that this journey is available in HD 🙂 👍
We have very high standards 😉👍
I assume this was during covid lockdown as the passing roads are almost empty?
Yes, correct, it was.
Not only a railway trip but also a history lesson chucked in .A great video THANKS
I try to mix the route, the operation of the train and history into all of them Anthony 👍
Finally, I have time to watch one of these!
I've often wondered what happens if a train breaks down, how you contact someone for rescue. These days we have mobile phones but years ago we didn't, how did drivers cope?
The onboard radio we have these days is excellent and works even in the longest tunnels. In the older days they had NRN (National Radio Network) radios that mostly worked but before that, if a train didn’t reach a signal box in a certain time they would send somebody to look for it. If it turned out to stranded they’d arrange recovery.
Why I want to see your face please like who you are face my face like that too I love it so
I can’t imagine why you’d want to see my face put its in the profile picture.
Great video - up to your usual high standard. Even better for me as I know part of the route. Keep 'em coming!
Hi Deepak. Sorry for the ridiculously late reply. Many more to come.
Absolutely love these videos. I'm in Erie Pennsylvania USA. UK railroading is fascinating to me. Keep these great videos coming.
Slightly delayed reply but thanks Michael, I hope you’re still with us 👍
Gobowen is my local station and very well served as the town railway was a casualty of the beeching closures in the 1960s. And has a beautiful café run by students of Derwen College and David Lloyd travel. Sadly, Oswestry will never its station back, and the trust at Gobowen works extremely hard to maintain an excellent service at Gobowen. I love this line but have only managed to get as far Conwy or Wellington. Maybe one day I may get time to travel the whole line. I love these videos, Don can take us anywhere in the UK without us leaving our homes. Riding through beautiful views and getting a marvellous history and engineering lessons in one. Please keep up the good work.
Thanks Sarah, much appreciated. They are an escape aren’t they - I don’t know what it is with trains, they are captivating. A common comment through Covid was that people felt they had got out.
A wonderfully fascinating and informative video Don. Thank you. Now to get some circulation going again in my lower reaches!
The Rolls Royce Eagle engine, as with other RR engines had all the internal screwed fixings lock-tabbed and were a pain when the tabs used to snap off when the bolt was tightened. This was common on the bearing oil gallery in particular. I used get a suitably sized split pin and jam one side of the opened cotter into the hole with the tab then tighten the bolt. The other issue on these engines that had seen some service was a tendency somehow for the corner of the cylinder head to chatter and leave a depression. Many a cylinder block had to be surface ground and the wet liner recesses cut deeper to allow the head gaskets to seal. Sometimes even the water gallery "bobbin" holes had to be deepen too! Maybe the design has changed, as it was many decades ago the last time I found a large torque wrench in my hand?
On another minor note; I believe the residents of Shrewsbury prefer the term "Shrew" as in the mouse like creature.
I’ve had those Eagle engines in bits too Andrew. I’m a qualified mechanic and spent a lot of time on heavies. We used to have trouble with corrosion round the top of the wet liner cavity then those three rubber seals would let water into the cylinders. Belzona was the fix recommendation from Rolls Royce. Good engines though.
Another good and informative video Don. Thank you.
Sorry for the very late reply! Much appreciated Mel 👍
Excellent job once again. Keep up the amazing work you do. Love from Australia
Much appreciated Jose. Sorry for the late reply.
DOUBLING TRACK
Can't see where 'Very Expensive' comes from for continuing the doubling.
The formation seems to be intact....and apart from two bridges it is just trees...
Not much expenditure compared with any number of other current railway projects.
With regard to the bridges, it is clear that when they were installed a decision was taken to install single-track bridges, which was no doubt seen as saving money.
Installing them as double-track.........with an eye on future traffic growth........would have been the sensible thing to do.
The difference in cost between single and double-track would have been negligible.
James Hennighan
Yorkshire, England
As innocuous as it seems, I can assure you it would be off the scale. Railway schemes are mega expensive.
Hello, I cant find your email address, may I have your consent to copy your video/this video and run it on my un-monetized you tube channel please? Looking forward to your response, kind regards, Nserve :-)
You can usually get me via messenger. Go ahead with your project though.
Hi Don... Can't wait... Stay safe my friend...
You too Peter!
Another great video Don,thank you, especially Wellington to Wolverhampton,in early 1960’s as a fireman at Stourbridge (84F)we used to work a evening freight, from Kingswinford over Wombourne branch,Wellington/Market Drayton/Crewe Gresty Lane/Breakfast/back light Engine a lovely little job. Kind Regards.
Sounds idyllic Ramon, thanks for the feedback.
no mention of Wolverhampton “high level” and “low level”stations which I recall from my journeys to school near Didcot from Manchester in 1960’s . Can you explain the original links of these two stations ? Love your informative videos , Thanks for all the hard work
You know what, it’s quite a while since I researched it and I can’t remember what I covered. I’m not expert on that route because I don’t sign it but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Great video as always! However, the info approaching New Street saying the GWR Snow Hill to Solihull/Stratford line passes below this line in another tunnel is incorrect. It actually passes over this line as it leaves New Street. You can look down on this from Moor St station.
Yes thanks Paul. I do know about that error and there is a correction in the video description. Keep those comments coming though because there’s plenty I don’t know.
Amused that you mark Wrexham as Wrexham CENTRAL. Wrexham Central is the terminus of the line from Biston, which dives under the former GWR line just south of Wrexham GENERAL!
Its an error. The BBC make far more than I do and they don’t give all their revenue to charity. I should stop sitting up late editing them. ;-)
37:11… I bet he won’t have the guts to do that again. 😁 🪰 😝
I know who you mean. The last thing to go through his mind was his backside!
I think, Don, that Shrewsbury is pronounced Shroosbury locally. petty of me and its a great video as we have come to expect from you.
We’ll I did spend some time around there some years back and they seemed to consider your version as foreign. Might have changed, I’ve not been for some years.
also at Kronospan the smell some days the it smells really nice as Cadbury have a factory next door where the cook the cocoa beans to make chocolate and that with the smell of fresh cut wood ............. yes the chocolate does now go by road in tanks, they also bag up powder which goes to Knighton near Newport shropshire.
Sorry for the very late reply! I love both chocolate and fresh cut wood (woodworking is a passion of mine). Cheers Mark 👍
ooo, at 1:46:50 you state when a driver is given a proceed signal at a mid platform signal, they will ALWAYS move down the platform. This isn't the case at P5 of Birmingham New Street where the mid platform signal is always cleared, but if you're on the 22.54 to Holyhead, you just stop at the yellow with a 2 car.
I can’t remember what I said but I doubt I implied it as a universal statement, you only have to look at Picc or Occy Rd 👍. Just looked at it and was explaining why you dropped right down with a four car. Sometimes at Leeds we are booked to turn back and would normally stop just inside the return signal but if we get the mid point signal we are told to go right to the end in case they want one in behind.
Another great and well researched video, Don. The route that is full of interest and makes fascinating viewing. Thanks to everyone involved in making it.
Thanks Gerry, I’ll pass your comments on to Divvy who helped.
Never heard of Thomas Brassey
He pops up in a lot of UK industrial history stories Fiona.
At 16.54 your route map labels the Wrexham stop as being Wrexham Central. This is incorrect, this stop is at Wrexham General. Wrexham Central is a small single platform terminus station at the end of a short branch off this line .
I know. Most of the videos have corrections if you drop the video description down. I think the term for that one is brain fart 👍
Question....accommodation crossing...farmers moving livestock...how many head are we talking about and does the train have to stop?
That’s a good question Mike. When the investors first planned the railways back in the early to mid 19th century, they had to get the plans passed in parliament and they had to get permission from the land owners. One of the conditions of getting permission was to honour the existing footpaths (public right of way) and the other was to appease the farmers by providing access for cattle to cross where necessary. This was done by a combination of bridges, tunnels and level crossings and there are literally thousands of them, often unnoticed. The ones at track level cause the railway the most concern as even today there are numerous accidents on them, sometimes fatal. As for how many head, we’ll often none. They either never were or have become virtually unused but nevertheless are required to be maintained by law. Of course some are used for farmers to cross an entire heard (nothing compared to many countries - maybe up to fifty) but that does take quite a lot of cooperation from both the railway and the farmers.
Actually the locals (or 80% of them) call it SHROOZBURY. I lived there until is was 20 and almost everyone pronounced it like that - I still go up every month to visit my mum and nothings changed in pronunciation.
SHROZEBURY is the BBC was of pronouncing the name.
Apart from that enjoyed watching this.
The ones I know called it shoozbury!!!
The Staffordshire terrier was bred originally in Birmingham. They couldn't call it the Birmingham bill terrier. Not much of a ring to it
Sorry for the unbelievably late reply! I quite like the the Birmingham version! BBT 👍
I`m probably in a minority but find I end up with eyes acheing after trying to enjoy the excellent view AND read the numerous captions at the same time. Personally I would prefer a more uninterrupted view of the line ahead and fewer stops for lineside objects but probably others will disagree.
I’ve changed the format a bit Reggie so I’m more inclined to show the title of a relevant video than a clip of it. These videos have evolved through feedback but it’s very hard to please everyone. Thanks for watching and I hope they prove more acceptable.
Watching from America. Thank you for your great videos. Just as you finish describing the Wolverhampton Viaducts (1:31:54), there’s a light colored building on the left that has the Deutsche Bahn trademark on it. Please forgive my ignorance… Can you tell me more about the purpose of the DB facility?
Thanks for watching and commenting. I believe the building is a steel loading facility. DB operate many of the freight services in the UK and have a number of such facilities.
I regret not travelling on these spectacular secondary lines, so thanks for these videos. Is MU speed difference (approx. 10:00) due to the track or the weight of MU units. I have seen this situation on a number of your videos. Is there such a thing as a non-mu passenger train still in existence, other than fan specials?
Hi Richard. Yes, the MUs tend to be lighter and Network Rail rank them by axle weight and potential track damage. There are many none MU types like loco hauled stock but specifically in terms of multiple units, the Class 185s that I drive are often prohibited from MU speeds as they have particularly heavy axles.
Why are there still semaphore signals around Shrewsbury but coloured lights in the surrounding area?
Generally speaking, semaphores are positioned where they can be pulled by a wire and colour lights are able to be positioned more remotely. Those around Shrewsbury have some historic and heritage value so I can see them being preserved.
Is that a poor bird on the windscreen
Probably Brian, I’m afraid it happens a lot. 😞
Great as ever thanks Don. Sad to say that being of a certain age 'China In Your Hands' is lost on me😉
Where are we going next?
I’m no spring chicken myself! As you can see this reply is obscenely late - sorry! You will have seen several videos since this one but the next one is back with Metrolink.
G'day Don,
Thanks so much for a great video. I was in the UK for two weeks travelling by train in January and went along this route from Shrewsbury to New Street. It was fun to travel along it again with commentary.
Sorry for the very late reply Tom, I’ve just found this. Glad you liked it and it gave you a new perspective 👍
0:50 Where did you find that map ?
New Adlestrop Railway Atlas and they gave me written permission to use them.
The actual full route of this train goes from Holyhead to Birmingham International. Without changing trains
It does Sarah. It comes into Chester and then reverses.
Love your channel....would love you to do the Conwy line , Llandudno Junction to Blaenau ffestiniog
I’d love to do them but TfW can’t always accommodate filming. Keep your fingers crossed.
Lovely route, Don. Hope you're well. Out of interest, how accurate do drivers have to be in regards to stop markers? Pretty bang on, or are there allowances?
It depends on the station but mostly you want the sign slightly before the front of the cab to right alongside the driver’s window. At some stations, if you aren’t bang on you might have a door off the platform but you learn which they are.
On this particular route, Wellington needs to be bang on with a 6 car 158, all the others don’t need to be as accurate.
I really enjoyed watching,Don Coffey's eye view,thank you Don very much ,
Much appreciated Roger.
Another top quality presentation with an even more informative commentary. It is strange to see Shrewsbury, a major station and junction still signalled by 19th century semaphores. Presumably these are on borrowed time.
Ordinarily I would say yes but I suspect those are listed and even Network Rail wouldn’t want to change them. If they do I hope they find a way of working them into the scheme.
The leaves on the line in Autumn wouldn't happen is the railway could be bothered to cut back the lineside vegetation.
They do cut it back and the environmentalists all feint and call the newspapers.
I'm curious that the speed signs are in MPH does the UK still use KPH? and the mileposts are in miles not kilometers
All the line speeds are in mph in this video. Some tram routes use kmh. There are some dual speed signs which essentially separate freight and passenger trains.
As a Bridgnorth lad born and raised, it pains me to see it spelt incorrectly as Bridgenorth.
Well I try to get things as accurate as possible. I didn’t realise it was spelt that way until reading this. I am slightly dyslexic and I had a poor education but this was just ignorance on my part.
Lovely rural scenery, very nice video.
It would make a nice ride wouldn’t it Tony!!!
Yet another well videoed and clearly informing video, Don is the undisputed master of this Genre.
I consider that an accolade Norman. Much appreciated 👍
Perfect thing to watch on the morning of my birthday
Happy Birthday!
Many happy returns! Happy Birthday.
Never mind. Had I waited 10 more seconds before posting, I would have received the answer to my question. :)
😊
Another fantastic journey video, packed with information.
Glad you liked it Neville.
Another top video Don. Really enjoyed. Take care.
Thanks David, same to you.
Woo, the 158! Can't remember if I've ever seen a 158-cabride, but I think this is a first. 🤩
Our driver cranks this one up to 90mph for good stretches Michel.
@@doncoffey5820 that's amazing!! 🎉
At TPE, you used to have 158, but not anymore, right? I imagine you have driven them yourself in the past.
(love the engine sound especially of the Cummins-engined ones. It's the closest thing to our former DM90, which I posted in our group, a couple of months ago. ☺️)
I have driven them Michel but at Northern some years ago.
Loved the ride, hated all the commercials and weird pauses. Bailed at 16:46. Hopping onto another train to finish my morning commute.
Sorry for the very late reply! I can’t stop the adverts Mark because the fund the donations to charity. If you watch the premiere there are none.
Is there a Bham Int to Chester video by any chance
There is and I will edit it up at some stage soon.
Don,
Do you drive trains with buffers and screw link couplers, or are they all DMUs??
I drive only Class 185s which have a Delner auto coupler.
if its replaced where does it go from there?
I’m not sure what you are asking me Evelyn - where does what go? Don’t reply to this, leave me a new question because this will be hard to find.
Why don't they just fit compressed air blowers and brushes to each train to clear the leaves?
Sorry for the very late reply! It doesn’t work. You could make millions if you solved it but so far only high pressure water does it.
Great video and very educational.
Many thanks Alan 👍
Sorry new model !!!!
should read excellent
Thanks Don for another trip .
My pleasure 👍
Enjoyed the commentary !
Thanks John. Much appreciated 👍
Are there supposed to be ads every 2 minutes?
No Rodney, that would drive me round the twist. I think its UA-cam resetting the defaults. I can’t see them but I think I’ve removed them - hopefully. There should only be one near the beginning.
Sad seeing ugly housing estates going up in these ancient towns
It’s only going to get worse I’m afraid.
I remember taking this line before when I visited Chester Zoo. Brings back memories. Haha.
Sorry for the very late reply! Glad you liked it 👍
you never dissapoint Don Wton to Bham travelled may times even in steam days excelled video and points of interest thank for your time and effort
Thanks Brian, much appreciated.
Nice Men
Thanks!
Wow, the brakes on this train are amazing. It stops on a sixpence. All the seats must be back facing or all the passengers would end up in the driver’s cab. 😱
It’s actually a perspective thing but with new cameras and editing it’ll look different in future videos.
It is a shame that trains in Lincoln in 2017 is not as good in 2007 :( I checked out lincoln used to have turbostars popping in (central trains) but EMT do not have turbostars. They use express sprinters instead :/ , I ride on turbostars few times to Melton Mowbray- they got nice pork pies there :)
You are in luck Jonathan because EMR Regional will get all 23 sets from WMT and a further 5 from Scotrail.
What I say is perfectly true ,superb videos ,you deserve total credit ,keep it up please
…..and I sincerely appreciate it Brian.
Brilliant as ever thanks Don. I was surprised it reads 1AD for the Romans!
You and me both but I think that was from Wiki.
Really nice video! Cheers from Sweden!
Hi Sweden, I’m afraid to be suffering a little satellite lag! Glad you liked it 👍
Very sorry to have heard of the accident near Aberdeen.
Sorry for the very late reply! Yes it was very unfortunate Keith 👍
Awesome video - love the little facts
Sorry for the ridiculously late reply. Thanks also for the positive feedback 👍
Can’t wait. It will be a perfect way to start off my stay-cation - staying at home as it is still too dangerous here to travel.
See you later George!