Hull to Piccadilly 2020
Вставка
- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- The full trip from Hull to Manchester on a Transpennine Express Class 185. Filmed in January 2020 just before Coronavirus took hold. New for this video, the image inside tunnels has been intensified so you can see pretty much what the driver sees. There’s some side by side footage showing the old semaphore signalling v the new LED colour lights.
The most informative driver pov youtuber, I always learn something new.
I appreciate that thanks. I try to add something different to every video so followers build up a wide and varied knowledge.
I honestly don't think the majority of railway passengers realizes the skill it takes to be "an engine driver" as they used to say. Your videos really bring it home as to what it takes to drive a train. So "chapeau" to you Don and all your fellow drivers.
Much appreciated Richard. Yes, things have changed over the last few decades and in this age of liability and litigation, the demands and responsibilities have increased somewhat. I still think steam engine drivers were heroes though. Imagine trying to escape the heat of the boiler and fire on a really hot summers day and then having to lean out in a blizzard - no thanks, I quite like my suspension seat in my air conditioned cab!!!
Just finished this. Great video. As a little bonus for me at the end when we were waiting for the Piccadilly to Huddersfield stopper (?) to clear the junction, as it passed I got to see a switch move the rail in real time so that we could move into the platform recently vacated. A simple thing, maybe but it's what makes railroading possible.
Well spotted Michael. They can’t move the first set in preparation for us moving as the points are interlocked with the signals. They call it “flank protection” so if my train failed to stop (maybe sliding) or I started in error, I couldn’t possibly threaten the approaching train. Its all safety based on previous cases where something unfortunate happened!
Looking forward to a new video. Yours are always very interesting to me as a former Northerner (mainly Manchester area) who now lives in Australia. All I need now is to come to grips with the time difference. Even after 48 years I have difficulties!
Hi David. I’ve started running them at 9pm UK time so you guys can catch it in the morning without getting up too early!
How I would love to see the Preston-Blackburn line run, to see my then girl friend ,now my wife of 70 years, 21 on thursday, married on saturday and in the army on tuesday ,that;s how bit was then.
Thats a heartwarming story Frank, congratulations. I had planned to film that route but this pandemic has a lot to answer for. It might happen one day but I can’t say when.
Another goodie Don
Was going to talk about my visits to Hull in the early seventies and eating my lunch under one of the Humber Bridge supports when it was being constructed but won't bother.
I like listening to peoples memories about the various lines.
Keep thinking im on train simulator game .This is brilliant .Real eye for history as well .
It’s the real deal Gaz. Take care.
Excellent Don, most informative. I love the enhanced view of the tunnels, Standedge tunnel is the third longest in country at 3 miles 64 yards. It’s worth noting the not all semaphore signals are fitted with AWS, normally the distant before usually is, leaving the home signals to pick out in all weathers! That really is where route knowledge kicks in!
Exactly EM. Only the distance have a magnet and finding them in foggy weather can be challenging to say the least. The next video out on Wednesday takes us through Totley Tunnel, the second longest in the country (until HS2 comes along!).
I can remember Hull as a child in the early 50s, all the smoke and the traffic jam by almost permanently closed level crossing gates near the station! Looking forward to seeing some of it again. Regards, Mike S.
Hope you enjoyed it Mike.
This is my favorite of your films, of the ones I've seen. There's a good variety of lineside scenery, showing both the natural beauty of the Pennines and - to a former American railroader who hasn't been on a train in about a year - the comforting familiarity of railway infrastructure. Thank you for your fascinating commentary: combined with the video, it soothes my wanderlust to travel and learn new things from people with first-hand knowledge.
Hopefully it won’t take long to get back to something like normal Tyler. We’ve just been advised that we will make the first stage of our timetable recovery at the end of March which will take us to about 66% of our pre Covid activity. I’m really pleased you enjoyed a trip through our countryside.
I grew up in Cross Gates, Leeds, in the 1950s and was an avid spotter, happiest spending the day at York watching ECML expresses speed through. Now I'm old and live near the south coast with little likelihood of ever going north again, but your excellent films give me hours of pleasure and bring back wonderful memories. Thank you very much.
Glad they bring you home Mike. I once sat with a mate at Church Fenton and watched the 47s thunder past.
Tried to identify the location of Farnley Junction MPD which I used to "bunk" regularly with my father in the 60's but it's vey hard to spot these days. I think it was around the 1.06.50 mark?
Go to the top of the class, that’s exactly where it was. Use the slider on this map to have a play. You’ll see the depot in the middle of the triangular junction. www.archiuk.com/cgi-bin/build_nls_historic_map.pl?map_location=%20Newthorpe%20Barrack%20Leeds&search_location=Newthorpe%20Barrack,%20Leeds,%20SE4532,%20SE%2045%2032&os_series=1&is_sub=&pwd=freesearch@freesearch.com&latitude=53.782388&longitude=-1.318549&postcode=
The Ingress into Leeds Station from a Red, was, green, single yellow(mid platform) then red at the end of the Platform before it cleared to a Green. Should it not have been YY/Y/R then G ???
The signalling often changes between 3 and 4 aspect Rick. It requires trains to move one signal at a time rather than two. We do some strange things at Leeds. If we’re turning back we only need to behind the first signal but if the signal is clear to the end we go right to the end. This is in case they want another train behind us. Also, if we get a yellow at the first signal we must move to the end. We get dispatched at the first but once the doors are closed, not at the second. You never see that in Manchester. We can’t move unless a signal is clear beyond the platform. If under special requirements (disruption), we need to move up, we’d have to be dispatched at both signals.
Great film - thanks for putting it up. Have only watched as far as just beyond Selby so far - but will do the rest of the journey soon! Two quick points re Selby. You didn't mention the rail sidings of Potters on the left coming in...and whilst the first bridge at Selby was in 1840, the Swing Bridge replaced it in 1892. By 2015 it needed an update!
Thanks for the info David. I have to avoid too many captions as it becomes difficult to watch the film but I didn’t know about the bridge.
super video,very satisfying. Is there anyone else like me who prefers the designation Manchester(London Road)
to Piccadilly, and far more geographically correct anyway..Thank you again.
It’s an elegant old name for sure Don 👍
Hi has you latest video been deleted because it dosent show it on you channel?
It’s coming back I promise. I had a very polite request to remove some of the detail surrounding the Gilberdyke Crossing incident. It wasn’t an instruction or a demand but I’ve agreed to do it. It will reappear on UA-cam soon.
Don: "I'm putting you in charge of the train, make sure not to miss any signals!"
Me, who doesn't know how to read semaphores: *Panic Intensifies*
Wait until it’s foggy!!!
I take it the 'Ding' is to alert you to an approaching Signal? It seems to happen that way . . .
Thats it yes. The ding is a clear signal and the buzzer is a signal at caution, danger or a speed warning.
I've watched a lot of the Japanese cab rides also. The drivers have to point at the signal to acknowledge it. I don't know if it's got something to do with making a physical movement link to memory but it's interesting to consider. Do rail companies discuss with other countries what they find useful I wonder?
Hi AM. Yes, best practice is shared and that particular practice is called Risk Triggered Commentary. The Japanese use it the whole time but I tend to use it at a single yellow signal where the risk of forgetting and passing a signal is high. As you suggest, it works on the principle that the physical actions of pointing and saying the word is registered much better in the recent memory part of the brain.
Bring back the Hull Withersea line asap please.
JML
💯% agree. My daughters house is just across an open field at Keyingham and I’d love to see an hourly unit trundle past.
Hi Don, so are you a TPE driver or Northern? Or do you somehow roster on both?
Still at TPE Matt. I got some help from Northern before Covid struck as before TPE I was a driver then a driver manager there. I get on very well with them. Current franchising methods prevent that “cross traffic” approach that existed in BR days.
Sounds great. A passenger on this route many time, always wondered what drivers eye view would be, can’t wait to see. Thanks for sharing.
If you watch the premier you can comment live. I’ll try to answer any questions.
Another great cab ride. (I do like the 185's.) The enhanced video inside those great tunnels is a great feature. As always, very many thanks Don.
Glad you enjoyed it Mike. That image inside the tunnel is just about what we see in real life.
Looking forward to it,thanks 👍
If you watch the premier, I’ll be available to answer any questions or just say hello!
Ha ha, there was me, feeling all nostalgic and sad about the upgrading of the signals from semaphore, but then came your test - which do you notice more at a distance? Yep, as well as centralising the signalling, I guess it makes things safer, too. I hope they intend to keep the signal boxes? If they're redundant, what will they do with them? What do they do with the old semaphore signals? Auction them off? Thank you so much for your mega informative videos; I am learning so much, but sadly, at over 60, too old to fulfill my dream of being a train driver, and anyway I'd be dangerous as I'd miss the signal when the conductor messages to say there's a problem with that door!
Hull is still my core route so I go several times a week when I’m working and never get bored. Thankfully all the boxes are still there which is entirely due to them being right out in the wilderness. I don’t know what Network Rail will do with them because they are responsible for their upkeep. It would be lovely if they could be utilised for something.
Another great video, thank you Don. When I lived in Mossley it was said that washing hung out to dry at those houses just past Mossley station sometimes finished up at Stalybridge!
Haha! Yes, they are quite close. It caused a headache for the planners of electrification too as they would be dangerously close to the 25Kv wires but they will be screened off when the line eventually gets electrified.
The comparison of LED vs Semaphore is interesting, but it's hard to make a comparison. For all I know, the LEDs could be just as hard to see in that kind of bright sunlight. I realise that wasn't the point of your demonstration, but I felt it needed to be said.
LEDs are not perfect and I love the sight of semaphores but LEDs are infinitely better to sight than the ageing spectacles in semaphores.
Very nice video, brought back childhood memories of the late 50s/early 60s when I used to travelbetween Selby and Hull when visiting my grandparents. but oh how it has changed! If my memory serves me right at Hull station over to the right where you can see buses and cars parked were the lines/platforms used by the Hornsea and Withernsea trains. Brough Station was a lot bigger and I'm sure the line was quadrupled in that area as I can remember going home to Selby would involve a "race" along that stretch of track with a service to Goole.
You are correct on every count Richard. My daughters house backs on to the old trackbed at Keyingham on the line to Witherinsea. I’ve seen photos of Deltics hammering up that quadrupled section at Brough 👍
Thanks for telling me that is scrap line lying in the 4ft.! I wondered why it was so untidy!
It gets asked quite a lot Michael.
1:37:10 my house on the right. I often wondered what prompts the drivers to beep for the walkway about 1/2 mile up. We hear it all the time. I see its a W sign on the bridge front on your video. Thats one I can tick off. 1:36:27
Yes, that’s it. We suspend the use of the horn between midnight and 6am unless we see somebody at the crossing. It’s surprising how many people take the dog out through the night.
Great video - may I ask. 1:43:40. The line as it goes from Park Parade to Guide Bridge, it has a number of gantries for electric lines - are these work in progress or are these dated from a while back to unfinished business?
Those date back to when the initial overhead electrification system around Manchester was 1500v DC. They are still in use right around the Hadfield line including the stretch from Ashburys to Guide Bridge.
Very good video.Thanks very much.
Glad you liked it Dave.
I'm sure someone will know this, but it's always puzzled me - what are those gauges/knobs that sit between platform level and the rail in stations? They look like the faders you see on mixing desks, they have little white gradation plates alongside them so they're obviously measuring something. Not sure if they're visible at 36.24 in this vid (the white spray painted objects 27, 26 etc), or if they only appear on electrified lines (I always used to see them when commuting in the South East on Southern).
I know what you mean Slim. They are indications to the track “tamping” machines that come along every now and then to re-pack the ballast under the line. If they are in good condition, the tamper can read them but if not you’ll see the numbers chalked on the platform and somebody has to add them manually to the tamper’s computer. It is vital that the platform clearance and height is maintained through the platforms to stop the trains from contacting them so these are dimensions or co-ordinates to make sure the alignment is spot on. You can impress a fellow passenger when you are waiting at a station now !!! ;-)
Another great video Don (the sound as you open her up entering Morley Tunnel is great). Pretty sure I saw you the other day coming up past the box at Batley. Would have been about 17.00 heading towards Leeds, one day last week? Was idling and watching the world go by when a 185 blasted the horn on approach to the box and was sure I recognised your face at the front!
Could have been Andrew - I was on “lates” last week and I usually wake the signaller up as you know ;-) Hope all is well with you.
What a great concept, I love the interactivity Don Coffey. Made the watching experience even better than your cab rides usually are! Much love from a civil engineering student passionate about railways!
Glad you enjoyed it, it was just something a little different. I could talk to you about railway civil engineering for a month non-stop!!!
May be less efficient but semaphores every time-character. Here's one for Don (Maybe need the help of an elderly signalman!) I assume an upper quadrant would fail safe to danger if the wire broke. How does a lower quadrant return to danger for the same circumstances?
They still return to danger Roger but with counterweights. They are operated by wire which can obviously only pull so when the signaller puts the lever back in the frame, the signal has to return under its own weight.
Hope you don't mind my asking, is there a risk of the type of train you drive becoming driverless? with the operator sitting in a control room somewhere?
You can ask whatever you like! Driverless trains exist on the Docklands Light Railway but that is a completely enclosed network. I wouldn’t say it is impossible but we are a very long way away. Apparently, the technology for pilotless planes exists but when surveyed, passengers said they wouldn’t fly on one.
I seem to remember that the stretch from Brough to the A63 bridge, south of Barlby/Osgodby held the English record, (it might have even been the UK record,) for the longest stretch of railway line without any curves or bends whatsoever, (being over 19 miles.) Is this still the case?
It never was Dave. I thought it was the longest too but there is a stretch heading west out of Maidstone which is somewhat longer. It was actually feedback from this channel that drew my attention to it!
Great video's; another source of 'lost' evenings :) I live at Howden, so great to see the Hull to Selby/Leeds/Manchester runs. That used to be Howden North Station, as we had Howden South as well in the town. Thank you for the time and effort you put in to these !!!
Thanks Mike, much appreciated. It’s really nice around your neck of the woods. Yes, I’m aware of the other station and indeed the other line.
There seems to be many "W" signs placed in locations where there would be no chance of encountering cars or people or farm animals to warn with a horn. Some are in locations with rock formations on either side of the tracks, while other places with obvious possible crossings don't have a "W" warning. Any reasoning behind that?
Good question. When the railways were first built back in the mid 19th Century, they were obliged by act of parliament to give grandfather rights to public right of way. It still applies to this day and Network Rail have to maintain each and every one. If you look they have very elaborate gates and fences and the embankments are meticulously tended every summer to keep the risk low. It must cost a small fortune but there is no alternative - its cast in legislation.
All that expense to divert the ECML for the sake of a coalfield which did not last very long in the end. At least it got rid of the Selby slack. Not sure that the NCB did not pay at least some of the cost of the diversion.
Yes it did and no it didn’t last very long. Those vast wastes of money seem to happen all too often.
D/C genuine question,lets say your first train out is Man/P to Sheffield on the timetable as at 07-00am and i have a little bit of transport knowledge what time do you sign-on ? Legal requirements plus you yourself wanting to be ok to go AKA toilet,quick tea and chat has to be around 30 mins ?
The official time at Piccadilly is 10 minutes before the first move plus 8 minutes walking time so in your example I would book on at 06:42. In reality I get out of bed 2 hours before my start time so about 04:30-04:45 and allow at least an hour to drive in. That gives me 15 minutes or so to deal with a flat tyre (never had to in 18 years) and to drive the 26 miles into work. The more challenging ones are the 03:00 starts which get me up at 01:00 ish.
Though I'd wish there was more variety in the new stock rather than everyone getting the Hitachi's I do think the TPE and Hull Trains Liveries look so smart on them.
It’s surprising Tim, there are lots of new types either here or coming over the entire network.
Have travelled many times to Hull for the ferries, and return, using M1, 18 and 62. Really enjoyed the different perspective from the train. Have viewed the trip in the opposite direction from Piccadilly. Very informative. Will remember the wind turbine near the motorway and running alongside the line at Hessle for future reference! Thank you for your efforts Mr Coffey. Much appreciated.
It is a great pleasure to discuss the route with you Mr Lloyd. Thanks for your support with this group, it is much appreciated.
Don, there are lots of foot crossings on this route and very few whistle boards - why is that?
Thanks for another great video, really appreciate the hard work you put into these!
Network Rail risk assessment every crossing and give it a ranking Stuart. Since whistle boards are not popular with residents, they will only fit them where viewing by either the driver or pedestrian is impaired. Some crossings near houses have little red and green lights for instance.
I would really like to be a train driver but i don't know how hard it is to become one.
The best advice I can give is to apply. The process will determine if you are good enough. If you don’t try you definitely won’t make it 😉👍
Thanks, Don for a most enjoyable ride. I am too old and unwell to make the trip to try these out, live so good fun. Notice a lot of rails waiting to replace old lines eventually along the way. Cheers from Australia.
Thanks for joining us Geoffrey. Yes, as mentioned in the footage, the used rail awaits collection that way. Take care over there.
I love these videos, I just wish youtube had a way to say, Hey did you know this content creator made a video of this line going this way as an overlay that you could click on and go from that point. Never the less love um 😁
Not that I know of Adrian but they keep adding features.
Chaloners Whin Jn only has one ‘L’ and not two as your map shows. Seriously I love these incredibly helpful cab rides!
Still sounds the same when you say it ;-). Glad you like them Simon.
A bit like Sutton Bridge on the old M&GN in Norfolk. There, though, the bridge was divided for road traffic and rail traffic since it was single line.
There are some remarkable bridges given what technology was available at the time. No CAD in sight - all slide rules and technical drawings.
As a clueless bloke, can I ask how you know where to stop on entering a platform, or is just a case of driving to its end?
You can ask whatever you like! If you look carefully you will see little square marker boards that say 3 or 6 depending on whether we have a single or double set. Sometimes there is an “S” which indicates that ALL trains stop there. It might look in some videos if we’ve passed them but that is due to the wide angle lens - honestly!
That you for providing these videos. I find your comments very interesting and useful in understanding how railways actually operate.
Thank you very much Allen. Yes I try to add different facts and info to each video so by watching all of them, hopefully it expands the knowledge.
It's a mystery to me.
You sounded a bit like Toyah for a minute Neil!!!
We just passed over an automatic flange greaser - do they still work?
They do yes, Michael. Occasionally a little too well and they grease the rail head.
Thanks again Don, is the quadrupling definite or still under discussion??
I think I can say almost definite (as nothing is these days) but the government are committed to it and they are going ahead with the promised electrification of the line to York. I was up there yesterday and all the new structures are going in. A fried at Network Rail says all the plans are in place for the quadrupling at Hillhouse (just south of Huddersfield).
Another brilliant video Don, fantastic.thank you
Glad you enjoyed it Kevin.
Can I ask what equipment you use to record?
With the exception of the very first I recorded which was done on a car dashcam, I’ve used a succession of different Gopros finishing with the later videos with a Gopro 8. These have been the best for film quality. There is a new Gopro 9 now but I’ll need to have more luck in getting new footage before I invest in one.
Great video, very informative. Thank you.
Thanks Sarah Jane, much appreciated 👍
Cut & Shut? I always heard it was called 'Cut and Cover' - as done on the London Underground System on the District Line.
It’s just terminology Michael and mine might not be correct but we know what I mean!!!
Eine Mitfahrt die seines gleichen sucht...Ein großes Lob und vielen Dank dafür 😀👍
Ich halte das für eine Auszeichnung. Vielen Dank.
what happens to all the trains stored in the sidings?
They are either between jobs or awaiting maintenance. At the moment the trains are all quiet but once this pandemic is under control there will be a lot less of them standing about.
Really enjoyed this one Don , best one yet I think, thank you
Glad you enjoyed it Macrobish.
I don't need to be convinced of the superiority of MAS and the reassuring 'ping' or "wail' of the AWS! But I enjoyed the 'test', didn't quite miss any signals, but the point about route knowledge and concentration is well made! Thanks!
Hi Don. I walk my dog down the lane that leads to Bennetland LC at Gilberdyke and regularly see an LNER Azuma. They always seem to be travelling faster (up or down) than the myriad of 185's I see. Are they a lighter axle weight than the 185 or is it possibly just an illusion because of their different shape/livery and the fact they are MUCH quieter ? - cheers.
That’s a good question. There are differential speed limits all along that line and on the 185s we are restricted to the lower ones because of axle weights. The Class 802s are a similar weight to a Class 185 but it depends on how much of that is unsprung (in the bogies) as to whether they can run at the higher speed. It will be published in one of a million railway manuals but it’s easier for me to ask one of their drivers when I’m at Hull.
Loved the video thanks for all the detailed info
Glad you enjoyed it Peter. You get different info with every video so we’ll have you driving soon!
Hi Don, as always very informative and full of interesting facts! By the way, last Thursday I went for a day out from Manchester Piccadilly to Leeds by train (in the same TP Class 185) and I had thoroughly enjoyed the scenery to and from Leeds. When I came back home, I was wondering whether you had driven and filmed this line on UA-cam and upon checking as well as to my joy, you did! 👍😃 Many thanks which I really appreciate. While writing this, I had also remembered that this line (while on the way to York for the day) was one of my first trips way back in 1993. At that time I lived in the Netherlands while I was on holidays to the UK for the first time, before moving permanently here since 1998. At that time in 1993 it was then run by the infamous and proper state company British Rail. I don't know whether for the better or for the worse, it was just like that at that time. And I remembered that it was a great feeling to control the doors by yourself as either every carriage had many own doors or the rather modern ones were the 'slamming' doors and you had to lower the window first to open the door from outside! 😁 The comfort is certainly better nowadays, though still missing the 'jumping seats' while the train went over the rails and the 'lullaby' while dozing off during the journey. How times have changed... and flies! ☺
It does go quick Jeannot. Be sure to come and say hello if you see me about 👍
I didn't get the demo of the semaphore vs. LED at first until that section between Brough and Selby really emphasized how much more time the LEDs give you. Playing Train Sim World, I thought the simulator was exaggerating the brightness but it is truly much easier to see than those pop-up semaphores!
They were a nightmare in fog Corey but on the downside, the LEDs severely dazzle at night.
Derwent and Ouse. Two common river names.
Yes, several of each in the UK.
Do these trains still exist?
I beg your pardon Andrew ;D. Yes, I drove several only yesterday and in fact are currently the only type I sign.
14:50: Something that blights our railways. 2 years between filming and (I presume), old rails still left on the track.
Might be Mike but they do keep re-newing long stretches of that line.
1:08:34 Tee Hee
I looked but I couldn’t see it!!!
Boxes.
You’ll have to be more specific David.
Sorry, I don't like the dual view, it's annoying and even more so when it gets out of sync. I discontinued viewing it.
Some people loved it and some like yourself found it irritating. It was something I thought I’d try just for comparison but I doubt I’d do it again. It only went to Gilberdyke so there was a good hour and a half “normal” if you fancy watching the rest.