This is where none knowledgeable people think the 66's struggle to start. They don't, they do exactly as explained at the start of this video. I drive them daily and although I prefer older British traction(as the 66's are extremely noisy inside) they are very capable machines that are thrashed to a millimetre of their life,daily. Superb video as always.
Thanks, much appreciated. I added the footage and the soundtrack on starting to emphasise what a fantastic achievement it is for a lone loco. They used to start the hoppers out of Peak Forest with 2 37s on the front and one pushing! Keep it the good work 👍
What I find astonishing, is that with so little actual contact area between the wheels and the rail, that enough traction can be produced to move 1830 tonnes at all!
Your videos are great Don. I especially love the little nods to things going on around outside the train, like a father and daughter waving at the driver, people swimming in a river and a rabbit rooting around by the side of the track.
Excellent video, all the comments and information keeps it from ever getting boring. I watched half of it yesterday and the rest today. It's so nice to see the familiar sight of the class 66, we have the same locomotives here in Sweden, but we mostly operate them in very different conditions, their primary use being hauling heavy lumber trains from loading facilities in the interior of the country to either saw mills or ports for export. These are often steep, mountaineous lines in very remote places. With a loaded train we are often struggeling along at 15-20 mph for miles. You do not want to run out of sand in winter or leaf fall season!
Thanks Björn. I recently watched a very good video by Rory MacVeigh which showed those 66s of yours, they certainly are well received being simple and reliable if somewhat inhospitable for the driver.
Love the route through the quarries. Absolutely beautiful in summer despite all the industry and I think the old platelayers huts made of local stone are fantastic. Almost look preserved.
As a structural engineer I really appreciate engineering information that is sprinkled throughout your videos. In particular you made comment on the Seaton viaduct which has suffered some movement over its lifetime. When you get a spare minute can you please explain the purpose of a checkerboard sign comprising of 2 red squares and 2 white square at the entrance to tunnels and over bridges. (Not all tunnels). Keep up the work of promoting the great transport legacy started in the 1840's. Best regards Rodney from Launceston Tasmania.
Hi Rodney. If you could see clearly enough, you see the words “Warning - Limited Clearance” on those signs. The rule book gives a minimum position of safety of 4ft (1.2m) up to 100mph and 6ft 6ins (2m) over 100mph. The sign tells track workers that there is no position of safety for the length of the indicated structure. In that case they have to find an alternative route or arrange cover from the signaller. There is a similar one that is blue and has the words “Warning - No Refuges”. That tells track workers there are no refuges for the length of the adjacent structure but there is on the opposite line. This is an old rule book module but most of it is current. seaton-rail.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/RS521-Iss-6.pdf
Excellent film, Don; and among your best. The rolling captions and the on-screen indicators in yellow are impeccably chosen. Excellent explanations of signalling and other things connected with operations. As another commentator says, there's not a boring moment. The detail counts -- the bee, the pigeons, the people swimming, the name of the stations' architect, how the driver starts a heavy train on a gradient, the inset still photos. One of the things that has always interested me about the Midland Main Line is the way in which the (originally) goods and passenger pairs of lines often separate; and even if they are next to one another, they are often on different levels. As you say, much of it to ease gradients for loaded trains heading south. Thank you!
Thanks for the detailed feedback Martin. I try to add things I would have asked about before I joined the railway. It’s a way of inviting you to ride along and I think you don’t have to be a railway buff for any guided tour. 😉👍
I must be getting better Paul 😉👍. I think Vinny will see your comment and my mate who gave permission at Freightliner is too modest to take any recognition. Really nice guys.
I must be getting better Paul 😉👍. I think Vinny will see your comment and my mate who gave permission at Freightliner is too modest to take any recognition. Really nice guys.
at 2:29:05 is that clockwise twist the result of the chassis of the 66 being twisted as power is applied..must be frightening and thankfully big engine mount bolts!! Another gem with some great new scenery. Can feel a bit of TS building coming on.
For as much effort as the engine applies to the generator as it comes under load, it tries to climb out of its mountings with an equal and opposite force. The loads going through the loco are phenomenal but allowing it to twist prevents inevitable cracking.
I never have enough time to watch a full video, but I keep coming back to watch where I left off, fantastic weather after your heat wave and yet another brilliant video love it.
Thanks once again, Don. This brought back memories of the 1960s when I was travelling from St Pancras to Sheffield, and diverted via Oakham. The blast furnaces of the Corby steelworks came as quite a shock in an otherwise rural location.
Just leaving Edale station....ah, the Hope Valley. Just a beautiful view. I just read your comments on the line improvements upcoming in these parts. No mention of quadrupling the line or electrifying it. While that might be necessary some day due to high volume of rail traffic, I'm glad that this line is a double track, diesel only for now as to not distract from the surroundings. Railways travelling through relatively unsullied countryside are the major source of attraction for me. Great video so far and I'm only 40 minutes in.
I guess you’ve completed the whole journey by now Michael. It’s a nice mix of old and new in that video. As you say, the Hope Valley is spectacular in any weather.
Once again thanks Don with this tremendous video, I love them and the longer the better and there's one more thing about freight trains, you tend to see much more detail than when watching a drivers eye view of passenger trains, I remember we (my wife and I) travelled on the Scotch Pullman from London to Edinburgh a few years ago and my wife couldn't believe how fast they travelled in relation to trains in Australia, plus the fact she didn't get much chance to see the British countryside.
Thanks Terry. I often feel slightly guilty about the view I get out of the front even at 100 mph, it can’t be beaten and that’s one incentive for me sharing these videos. I know I would have liked it before I came to the railway. I’m really explaining what I would be if you were sat alongside me in the cab.
Your video of this epic journey is quite superb. The tunnels of the Peak District and then the magnificent Welland Viaduct being my favourite parts. Lots of most helpful information throughout and an excellent camera. Thank you very much.
Hi Don! enjoyed that journey as usual! but I did keep nodding off to sleep with that lovely engine! I did manage to see that beautiful scenery. Take care see you next time!
Thanks Don for yet another superb video and the accompanying information and explanations. One thing that was particularly interesting was your comment about the driver needing to be sure that he was being routed along the correct route at junctions. I had always assumed that this was totally the signaller's responsibility and would be intrigued to know how often errors are made. Presumably in these cases the signaller would also receive an invitation for the tea and biscuits!
A lot depends on the situation Bob. The signallers don’t always get the right information so if for instance the train driver has been told he or she be will be taking a different route but the message didn’t get to the signaller, they can’t be held responsible but if the train is booked that way then something went wrong. It might also depend if driver or signaller has a record of such things. Either might end up on a “plan” where they are monitored for a period of time and of course close attention will be paid to make sure personal circumstances aren’t playing a part. That might result in being temporarily removed from duty.
Thanks to all concerned for another great video. With the number of trains and the amount of stone removed from the quarries there can't be much of Derbyshire left now! Thanks again Don.
IMO, nice timing to post this week at a very sad time and provide a little relief to the sad images on TV. Looking forward to a relaxing Tuesday evening with a bottle of French red.
Great video - thank you. I particularly enjoyed the section from Oakham (lived there for 6 years) to Harringworth as I never managed to make it by train.
Great to see the improvement at Corby. I first went there on the short-lived passenger service in the late 80s. The line had been singled and I remember the guard would not accept my East Midlands rover and I had to pay. He said the fares were set by the local council and were not integrated into BR fares. I returned the 1999 on a diverted HST and and it was 20mph all the way through Corby tunnel.
Brilliant video Don. You make us discover the huge work behind the railroads. Also great to see the proceeds go to Samaritans. Remember I've read an heartbreaking article of Spanish train drivers and how they have to cope with suicides on rails. Most of them told they have have to face a few during their careers.
Thanks Oscar, I’ve never had a fatality but I’ve dealt with them when I was a driver manager. It effects everybody involved from the family of the bereaved to the people dealing with it and of course the driver. How he or she deals with it depends on a number of things and of course at the heart of it, somebody took their own life. If our donation can put somebody in a better place, it’s all worthwhile.
Thanks for another brilliant video Don - interesting to see the route via Corby, which is a new one for me. The two different perspectives of crossing the Harringworth Viaduct brought it home to me how little we (as drivers) appreciate the impact these structures have on the surrounding landscape, unless you've been there on foot and seen them from below. These videos must be aspirational to the next generation of would-be drivers, but remember - you might have to do the exact same run on a December night in freezing fog, having struggled to sleep all day due to noisy neighbours! Not trying to put anybody off - if you think it's for you, go for it!
I’ve got a feeling I might know you! We pass over Golcar Viaduct on our way to Huddersfield which is nothing more than a pair of stone parapets from track level but a work of art when viewed below so I know where you’re coming from. I could retire now if I wanted but I put up with early starts and very late finishes because I enjoy it. I used to interview drivers and in part I told them about the benefits. I also used to stress that we don’t recognise bank holidays, we don’t jib in bad weather and on hot summer afternoons when the family was having a barbecue, we might be putting our uniform on.
Another superb video, couldn't agree more about the Hope Valley scenery it's one of my favorite trips and the views from the quarries are just as good. Nice to see some unusual lines like Toton High Level, sad to see the 60s rusting away though. Hope you've still got some more routes for us.
Greetings, Don! Thanks for the upload - rekindled a bit of the past for me: I flew over this area a couple of times (USAF, F-111E out of Upper Heyford) and noted a plethora of quarries in the vicinity. Alas, we never got low enough nor had much opportunity to do any sightseeing (too busy making ourselves an inconvenience for the Soviets), so your cab ride provides a great chance to see a lot of the countryside from the ground level - very nice! Thanks again, and best to you.
Don, really love these vids so thank you for all the hard work that goes into organising, filming, editing and posting. It really is appreciated. And educational, too. In particular, at 3:58:50, you indicate the site of Wymington Station. To my knowledge there has never been a station there, as confirmed by New Adlestrop and other publications. I can't find a single reference to it. Was wondering where your info on this came from, as I'm interested for my research on closed station locations in the area where I live. This is a new one on me. Please keep 'em coming. Look forward to each and every one. Stay safe.
Hi Starman. Thanks for the feedback. It’s a good question and one that I can’t answer right now. When researching videos of a route I don’t sign I tend to have a large number of maps and books open. I’ve just done a search on what I can access now which would indicate that you are absolutely right and there wasn’t a station there. I try and get them as accurate as possible and I’m curious about how I’ve made an error of that kind. I don’t know if you’re on Facebook but if you contact me via messenger I’d just like to check a couple of books I’ve got at home. This thread will quickly get lost amongst hundreds of comments. Once I’ve taken those books out of the equation, I’ll put a correction in the video description. Meanwhile, thanks for pointing it out.
Thank you Don and, of course, to everyone involved. I enjoyed this. The Harringworth Viaduct is spectacular, up there with Ribblehead on the S & C. Enjoyed the sound of the EMD710 engine. Nice to see some of the old stations intact.
I looked forward to this video. I was a kid in Nottingham and used to go to Derbyshire for walks but that was before quarries of the scale now. Never mind. I used to do train spotting and quite often I would go to Derby to collect numbers. But best was to stop at Trent Junction to see the Toton frieght and all the passenger stuff, some of which to go to the same destination but arriving at Trent Junction. But that's all excitement has gone. And Toton is now but a pimple. I used to go cycling in the Soar Valley which was lovely but now there seems to be an huge power station looming over the lovely river. And I used to cycle to the rail bridge just by Barrow-on-Soar for train spotting. A lovely old bridge.... but now it's new. We used to wait for Jubilees, Scots and Duck 6's (Fowler 0 6 0 4F - double headed) thundering down the four track. But now it either swishes by or trundles. And then I saw we were going via Corby. Great we would join the Nottingham to Kettering line that I went on to get a job in London. But now there was an unsignificant Old Darby line junction. Oh well. And then to reach Bedford. That's where I went for the biggest ever job at the time ..... and got rejected. So plenty of memories ta! But a great video. Sunny and not in our eyes. Well shot, well produced, well annotated.😀
I can only imagine the sights you saw, I’m glad it took you back. The videos are already cataloging change and hopefully they will for others in the future.
Thanks Don and everyone involved, I loved the hawthorns too! The 7A09 (07h12) Merehead~Acton Yard is another 'Jumbo Train', weighing in at 4 800t, and normally runs via the Westbury avoiding line.
Thanks for the footage Don. Really enjoyed this one. You guys in the UK are blessed with a variety of goods traffic. I'm from Ireland. All we have left on our freight scene is intermodal, Lead/Zinc and timber.
Has to be said Don, the way I drove trains in Train Simulator would've had me booked in for 'tea and biscuits' quite regularly. Just getting started on this one after arriving at Earles 😉
Another brilliant excellent high definition video with most interesting comments along the way. I enjoyed the bee, the pigeon and the rabbit on the way! I wish the railway infrastructure could be much more used to keep lorries off the road and reduce carbon emissions. Clearly lorries are more flexible for small loads which have to be delivered quickly but we need some original thinking here. Also, passenger (and freight) fares could be reduced by subsidies, in line with some European countries, to keep cars off the road,. but since the main lines seem to be full, even at their outrageous prices, there's not much incentive. Anyway, thanks Don and to your skilled driver.
Thanks Ray, much appreciated. The railway has evolved so much I’m not sure it will ever return to what the called “trainload or wagon load” freight. It was originally lost because it was nowhere near as quick or convenient as road transport and since then the railway has been rationalised and streamlined to improve passenger timings that all the sidings and freight facilities have been cut off, never to return.
Another great Drivers Eye View, Don, and it's great to see the Melton Line featured yet again (it's my local line as I live in Asfordby and partly grew up in Melton Mowbray). The Corby Line that is also featured here is equally impressive, and I'm glad someone has finally uploaded a good quality Drivers Eye View of it. In return for providing this excellent footage, I have some more local signalling knowledge for you. Langham Junction featured in this film is one of the few boxes left that still uses the 1-2-1 'Train Approaching' bell code before the train entering section signal is given. It only sends this code on the Up Main to Oakham due to Oakham's slotted distant OM1 (motorised) and also because of the two MCB crossings Oakham has to manage. Any trains destined to go down the Corby Line also have their own routing bell code, that being '2-2' and this stands in for the normal '2' entering section bell code. '2-2' is given from Ashwell to Langham, then Langham passes that code to Oakham, and Oakham passes it to Manton.
Much appreciated Tim, I love anything to do with signalling. There are some unique bell codes at Edgeley Junction near me which aim to prevent “wrong routing”. I’m not sure what is in the large collection Vinny has passed over but I might have the return up the Corby line. Keep an eye open for announcements 👍
Its amazing how much the line between manton and kettering has changed. Still amazes me that the upturned ballast wagon near Glaston tunnel is still there today !!
Just watched this epic once again and still a captivating 4+ hours... longer than even the longest feature film... yet watchable throughout. Where was the Jumbo train at the end heading, and where did it split??
Thanks Malcolm. Yes, it’s an interesting train that Jumbo. It goes from Tunstead to Wembley Yard (you can see that in the GBRf Trafford Park to Wembley video. The two parts then go off to separate stone terminals in the London area but not entirely sure which ones.
Don. Great videos and thank you very much for uploading them. There is a service that runs between Liverpool Lime Street and Norwich. I would love you to do the full journey of this service if that would be possible? Also could you do a complete journey from London Euston to Glasgow on the west coast mainline as a cab ride as well? Thank you for uploading your videos and keep them coming. Pure.
I’d love to but I’m afraid it’s not as easy. That’s an EMR service that probably involves more than one driver. If I va old get EMR to agree, I doubt getting two drivers that would put up with it might no be.
Thank you! Brilliant as always and so informative. I have just succumbed to the dreaded COVID so I’m self isolating in the spare bedroom with a large flat screen TV binge watching all your videos. My wife doesn’t understand but you are keeping me sane. Now, where to next? 👍
Thanks for pointing out the 1:1 scale of that signal box, cos it looks a *lot* bigger than mine - which lost the pointy-bits on the roof a long time ago ;)
Love the vids. I live in Oakley so often hear the down trains hauling themselves the gradient. Thanks for all the little knowledge bits about old stations etc. really adds to the content.
A great trip this. I guess continuous welded rail has made heavy trains like this a little easier as they can romp along at quite respectable speeds now with out knocking seven bells out of all the old style rail joints and themselves?
Good tip. I bought the latest "Rail Atlas". Even in Germany it could be delivered in 2 days. Sad that the author Stuart Baker died so young. I am now enjoying the original video Lime St to Huddersfield without captions.
There is another alternative which is somewhat better in my opinion which is the Platform 5 track atlas. www.amazon.co.uk/TRACKatlas-Mainland-Britain-Comprehensive-Geographic/dp/1909431265
Awesome video I love watching your videos I live in Market Harboorough bo you go through market Harborough station on the heavy goods trains I am a trainspotter
![★ 4K 🇫🇷 Paris-Est - Strasbourg cab ride [06.2023] « Ligne 1 » Führerstandsmitfahrt](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WbDJH7DFDfw/mqdefault.jpg)
Lovely , scenery, historical buildings , hysterical rabbits , clear explanations , ran out of tea and there was no buffet car . 👍🇬🇧
It’s a big problem with freight - no buffet!
This is where none knowledgeable people think the 66's struggle to start. They don't, they do exactly as explained at the start of this video. I drive them daily and although I prefer older British traction(as the 66's are extremely noisy inside) they are very capable machines that are thrashed to a millimetre of their life,daily. Superb video as always.
Thanks, much appreciated. I added the footage and the soundtrack on starting to emphasise what a fantastic achievement it is for a lone loco. They used to start the hoppers out of Peak Forest with 2 37s on the front and one pushing! Keep it the good work 👍
One word describes this video “ brilliant “ thank you Don.
I’m flattered Peter, much appreciated 👍
What I find astonishing, is that with so little actual contact area between the wheels and the rail, that enough traction can be produced to move 1830 tonnes at all!
Amazing isn’t it Stephen but without that tiny contact area, it wouldn’t work at all.
Fantastic, just fantastic . . . . .I watched enthralled without a break . . . . . .it seemed like just an hour . . .. Thank you.
Full marks for stamina and tenacity John. I trust you had drinks and snacks at hand 👍😉
Your videos are great Don. I especially love the little nods to things going on around outside the train, like a father and daughter waving at the driver, people swimming in a river and a rabbit rooting around by the side of the track.
I’m glad you appreciate it. I try to keep it light hearted and interesting 👍
Excellent video, all the comments and information keeps it from ever getting boring. I watched half of it yesterday and the rest today. It's so nice to see the familiar sight of the class 66, we have the same locomotives here in Sweden, but we mostly operate them in very different conditions, their primary use being hauling heavy lumber trains from loading facilities in the interior of the country to either saw mills or ports for export. These are often steep, mountaineous lines in very remote places. With a loaded train we are often struggeling along at 15-20 mph for miles. You do not want to run out of sand in winter or leaf fall season!
Thanks Björn. I recently watched a very good video by Rory MacVeigh which showed those 66s of yours, they certainly are well received being simple and reliable if somewhat inhospitable for the driver.
Love the route through the quarries. Absolutely beautiful in summer despite all the industry and I think the old platelayers huts made of local stone are fantastic. Almost look preserved.
Totally agree Mark. Those huts and little artefacts like them are priceless.
thnaks very much foor this wonderful journey through the beautiful landscapes of England.
Glad you enjoyed it Jan.
As a structural engineer I really appreciate engineering information that is sprinkled throughout your videos. In particular you made comment on the Seaton viaduct which has suffered some movement over its lifetime. When you get a spare minute can you please explain the purpose of a checkerboard sign comprising of 2 red squares and 2 white square at the entrance to tunnels and over bridges. (Not all tunnels). Keep up the work of promoting the great transport legacy started in the 1840's. Best regards Rodney from Launceston Tasmania.
Hi Rodney. If you could see clearly enough, you see the words “Warning - Limited Clearance” on those signs. The rule book gives a minimum position of safety of 4ft (1.2m) up to 100mph and 6ft 6ins (2m) over 100mph. The sign tells track workers that there is no position of safety for the length of the indicated structure. In that case they have to find an alternative route or arrange cover from the signaller. There is a similar one that is blue and has the words “Warning - No Refuges”. That tells track workers there are no refuges for the length of the adjacent structure but there is on the opposite line. This is an old rule book module but most of it is current. seaton-rail.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/RS521-Iss-6.pdf
Second time watched. Enjoyed every minute, again. Thanks.
Much appreciated 👍
Really enjoyed that sound track at the beginning! Great work 😃
Something a bit different Duaine 😉👍
Excellent film, Don; and among your best. The rolling captions and the on-screen indicators in yellow are impeccably chosen. Excellent explanations of signalling and other things connected with operations. As another commentator says, there's not a boring moment.
The detail counts -- the bee, the pigeons, the people swimming, the name of the stations' architect, how the driver starts a heavy train on a gradient, the inset still photos.
One of the things that has always interested me about the Midland Main Line is the way in which the (originally) goods and passenger pairs of lines often separate; and even if they are next to one another, they are often on different levels. As you say, much of it to ease gradients for loaded trains heading south.
Thank you!
Thanks for the detailed feedback Martin. I try to add things I would have asked about before I joined the railway. It’s a way of inviting you to ride along and I think you don’t have to be a railway buff for any guided tour. 😉👍
Excellent production as always, Don. The informative commentary is much appreciated. Greetings from Canada! -- Chris
Thanks for following Chris. Take care over there 👍
One of your best videos Don, many thanks to all involved.
I must be getting better Paul 😉👍. I think Vinny will see your comment and my mate who gave permission at Freightliner is too modest to take any recognition. Really nice guys.
I must be getting better Paul 😉👍. I think Vinny will see your comment and my mate who gave permission at Freightliner is too modest to take any recognition. Really nice guys.
Excellent video, thanks Don for so much dedication
Thanks Gabriel, much appreciated 👍
Great show! Enjoyed that, though not at one sitting, learned a lot from the info, enjoyed the viaduct and the views. Long trip for the driver.
Glad you liked it 👍Thanks as always for the comment.
at 2:29:05 is that clockwise twist the result of the chassis of the 66 being twisted as power is applied..must be frightening and thankfully big engine mount bolts!!
Another gem with some great new scenery. Can feel a bit of TS building coming on.
For as much effort as the engine applies to the generator as it comes under load, it tries to climb out of its mountings with an equal and opposite force. The loads going through the loco are phenomenal but allowing it to twist prevents inevitable cracking.
I never have enough time to watch a full video, but I keep coming back to watch where I left off, fantastic weather after your heat wave and yet another brilliant video love it.
Thanks Tim. Treat it like a new season of 24 😉😂
Thank you Sir. Great video Enjoyed 4 hours well worth watching great commentary and information. Thank you again
Thanks John, that’s what I was hoping to achieve so it’s very satisfying to hear the feedback 👍
Beautiful pictures many thanks don cheers bob.👍👍👍👍👏👏💯😁😇
I can’t take all the credit Bob, Vinny recorded the footage but we both appreciate the feedback 👍
Great Insight into Railfreight operations. Amazing skills and concentration levels from the drivers . Thanks for the video
Much appreciated 👍
Another excellent video, thank you Don, great views.
Much appreciated David.
Thanks Don for another excellent video. Loved the NR bunny as well!!
I believe as a direct result of our video, the bunny has been re trained regarding not wearing his HVV. 😉👍
Yet anther great vid. Thanks to you & the driver and all concerned - appreciated. Please lets have more. thks
Plenty more to come Brian. Not enough hours in the day!
The Best One Yet Don, Well Done & Thanks
Glad you liked it Christopher 👍
love these vids, resparked my childhood love of trains
Good, it’s an escape to take our minds away from other things 👍
Thanks once again, Don. This brought back memories of the 1960s when I was travelling from St Pancras to Sheffield, and diverted via Oakham. The blast furnaces of the Corby steelworks came as quite a shock in an otherwise rural location.
It does seem an odd place for it but I suppose it’s down to raw materials and very much down to the railway.
Thanks Don for another great video, always appreciated!!!
Cheers Shaun 👍
Just leaving Edale station....ah, the Hope Valley. Just a beautiful view. I just read your comments on the line improvements upcoming in these parts. No mention of quadrupling the line or electrifying it. While that might be necessary some day due to high volume of rail traffic, I'm glad that this line is a double track, diesel only for now as to not distract from the surroundings. Railways travelling through relatively unsullied countryside are the major source of attraction for me. Great video so far and I'm only 40 minutes in.
I guess you’ve completed the whole journey by now Michael. It’s a nice mix of old and new in that video. As you say, the Hope Valley is spectacular in any weather.
Epic journey. Gives me something to watch for the rest of the week. Thanks
More instalments coming soon 👍
Superb, Brilliant! Beautiful pictures and excellent commentary. Many thanks Don.
Glad you liked it Roland. Next one soon.
I took 4 days to watch this. What great value!👍👍
Loved the 'Oakham Box (1:1) scale' caption.
I tell people I play trains 1:1 scale when I’m working. They don’t always get it! 👍
Once again thanks Don with this tremendous video, I love them and the longer the better and there's one more thing about freight trains, you tend to see much more detail than when watching a drivers eye view of passenger trains, I remember we (my wife and I) travelled on the Scotch Pullman from London to Edinburgh a few years ago and my wife couldn't believe how fast they travelled in relation to trains in Australia, plus the fact she didn't get much chance to see the British countryside.
Thanks Terry. I often feel slightly guilty about the view I get out of the front even at 100 mph, it can’t be beaten and that’s one incentive for me sharing these videos. I know I would have liked it before I came to the railway. I’m really explaining what I would be if you were sat alongside me in the cab.
Another great video Don, thank you to all involved in making it, very interesting.
Vinny will see your comment 👍
Great video with excellent commentary.
Thanks Michael 👍
Your video of this epic journey is quite superb. The tunnels of the Peak District and then the magnificent Welland Viaduct being my favourite parts. Lots of most helpful information throughout and an excellent camera. Thank you very much.
They take ages to put together Alf and it’s so pleasing to receive a comment like this. Much Appreciated.
Hi Don! enjoyed that journey as usual! but I did keep nodding off to sleep with that lovely engine! I did manage to see that beautiful scenery. Take care see you next time!
Haha, it’s a long video Val. You did well to do it in one.
As always many thanks to all involved very much appreciated
Vinny and the guys at Freightliner will see your comments Leslie 👍
Another great video Don .Thanks for this.I like these freight ones see lines we dont normally see. Was good to see how to start off on an incline.
Glad you liked it Mel 👍
Another great cab ride Don, nice job to everyone who made the video possible.
Thanks Paul. These wouldn’t be possible without Vinny and the Operations Director at Freightliner who support the fundraising.
Another fascinating video Mr Coffey
Don, another cracking video. I've 'dipped-in' for now but I shall settle down tomorrow and watch it properly. Bravo!
Hopefully you’ve covered it all by now Neil. Thanks for following 👍
Thanks Don. Another delightful amble through the English countryside, much of which is so beautiful it's almost painful.
Glad you appreciate it Adrian. I’ve got a shorter journey over the Pennines and back coming soon and it’s worth watching just for the scenery.
Thank you Don Another great One Looking forward to the next one
Next Wednesday the 5th Johnny 👍
Great video Don as usual, and what a beautiful part of our country.
Nice isn’t it Mike 👍
That was a perfect day for a train ride!
Quite enjoyed watching most of the video even know I was bit busy. Amazing footage. 😊
Much appreciated Andrew.
Good trip Don my favourite tunnels Corby seaton Cowburn Great long journey.
Glad you liked it William 👍
Thanks Don very informative as usual, its always nice to learn a wee bit more about this green and pleasant land of ours.
Good to see you Phil. Hope you are OK. 👍
Hi Don, televisions rubbish so watched your video for second time,Seasons greetings to you and Yours
Oh ek! What’s going to happen if something good is on TV! Just kidding, I’m glad you like them Ramon 👍
Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks for posting, Don.
Much appreciated Steve 👍
Thanks Don for yet another superb video and the accompanying information and explanations. One thing that was particularly interesting was your comment about the driver needing to be sure that he was being routed along the correct route at junctions. I had always assumed that this was totally the signaller's responsibility and would be intrigued to know how often errors are made. Presumably in these cases the signaller would also receive an invitation for the tea and biscuits!
A lot depends on the situation Bob. The signallers don’t always get the right information so if for instance the train driver has been told he or she be will be taking a different route but the message didn’t get to the signaller, they can’t be held responsible but if the train is booked that way then something went wrong. It might also depend if driver or signaller has a record of such things. Either might end up on a “plan” where they are monitored for a period of time and of course close attention will be paid to make sure personal circumstances aren’t playing a part. That might result in being temporarily removed from duty.
Love the video Don, really enjoy the old Midland lines - terrific work mate!!
Thanks Paul, much appreciated.
great video as always very educational
Thanks Thomas, much appreciated 👍
Thanks for all your efforts again Don, going to be a good one across the Welland Valley.
Hope it lived up to your expectations AJ 👍
Thanks to all concerned for another great video. With the number of trains and the amount of stone removed from the quarries there can't be much of Derbyshire left now! Thanks again Don.
It rumbles past my bedroom window 24/7 Peter. If you look at the quarries around Buxton you’ll see that they are going down as well as out.
IMO, nice timing to post this week at a very sad time and provide a little relief to the sad images on TV. Looking forward to a relaxing Tuesday evening with a bottle of French red.
Cheers Sir Reg. I agree that things seem to get worse and worse so glad this is providing an escape.
Lovely film again Don, many thanks.
Thanks as always EM 👍
Great video - thank you. I particularly enjoyed the section from Oakham (lived there for 6 years) to Harringworth as I never managed to make it by train.
It’s a fascinating stretch that I was happy to see again. Glad you liked it David 👍
Great to see the improvement at Corby. I first went there on the short-lived passenger service in the late 80s. The line had been singled and I remember the guard would not accept my East Midlands rover and I had to pay. He said the fares were set by the local council and were not integrated into BR fares. I returned the 1999 on a diverted HST and and it was 20mph all the way through Corby tunnel.
Some big changes for the better Andrew. It doesn’t always work that way but it certainly did this time 👍
Brilliant video Don. You make us discover the huge work behind the railroads.
Also great to see the proceeds go to Samaritans. Remember I've read an heartbreaking article of Spanish train drivers and how they have to cope with suicides on rails. Most of them told they have have to face a few during their careers.
Thanks Oscar, I’ve never had a fatality but I’ve dealt with them when I was a driver manager. It effects everybody involved from the family of the bereaved to the people dealing with it and of course the driver. How he or she deals with it depends on a number of things and of course at the heart of it, somebody took their own life. If our donation can put somebody in a better place, it’s all worthwhile.
Thanks Don and team, excellent as always
Much appreciated Ian 👍
Thanks for another brilliant video Don - interesting to see the route via Corby, which is a new one for me. The two different perspectives of crossing the Harringworth Viaduct brought it home to me how little we (as drivers) appreciate the impact these structures have on the surrounding landscape, unless you've been there on foot and seen them from below. These videos must be aspirational to the next generation of would-be drivers, but remember - you might have to do the exact same run on a December night in freezing fog, having struggled to sleep all day due to noisy neighbours! Not trying to put anybody off - if you think it's for you, go for it!
I’ve got a feeling I might know you! We pass over Golcar Viaduct on our way to Huddersfield which is nothing more than a pair of stone parapets from track level but a work of art when viewed below so I know where you’re coming from. I could retire now if I wanted but I put up with early starts and very late finishes because I enjoy it. I used to interview drivers and in part I told them about the benefits. I also used to stress that we don’t recognise bank holidays, we don’t jib in bad weather and on hot summer afternoons when the family was having a barbecue, we might be putting our uniform on.
Another superb video, couldn't agree more about the Hope Valley scenery it's one of my favorite trips and the views from the quarries are just as good. Nice to see some unusual lines like Toton High Level, sad to see the 60s rusting away though. Hope you've still got some more routes for us.
Absolutely Kevin. Vinny has furnished me with plenty more footage over different routes.
Excellent as always. Thanks Don. Lovely views of the limestone hills. Great inspiration for the 00 layout I'm just starting.
Good luck with the railway David 👍
Greetings, Don! Thanks for the upload - rekindled a bit of the past for me: I flew over this area a couple of times (USAF, F-111E out of Upper Heyford) and noted a plethora of quarries in the vicinity. Alas, we never got low enough nor had much opportunity to do any sightseeing (too busy making ourselves an inconvenience for the Soviets), so your cab ride provides a great chance to see a lot of the countryside from the ground level - very nice! Thanks again, and best to you.
Thanks John and thanks for keeping an eye on Putin 👍
Hey Don. Its good to see one of your freight train videos. I enjoy such lengthy videos. Hope you upload another one soon. Take care.
Hi Anmol, it’s good to hear from you, you are one of the regulars now 👍. I can confirm there are many more videos including freight to come.
Don, really love these vids so thank you for all the hard work that goes into organising, filming, editing and posting. It really is appreciated. And educational, too. In particular, at 3:58:50, you indicate the site of Wymington Station. To my knowledge there has never been a station there, as confirmed by New Adlestrop and other publications. I can't find a single reference to it. Was wondering where your info on this came from, as I'm interested for my research on closed station locations in the area where I live. This is a new one on me.
Please keep 'em coming. Look forward to each and every one. Stay safe.
Hi Starman. Thanks for the feedback. It’s a good question and one that I can’t answer right now. When researching videos of a route I don’t sign I tend to have a large number of maps and books open. I’ve just done a search on what I can access now which would indicate that you are absolutely right and there wasn’t a station there. I try and get them as accurate as possible and I’m curious about how I’ve made an error of that kind. I don’t know if you’re on Facebook but if you contact me via messenger I’d just like to check a couple of books I’ve got at home. This thread will quickly get lost amongst hundreds of comments. Once I’ve taken those books out of the equation, I’ll put a correction in the video description. Meanwhile, thanks for pointing it out.
These videos are fantastic. Enjoyable and informative unlike some others without subtitles provided. Ex Staff
Good to hear from you. Glad you liked it 👍
Thank you Don and, of course, to everyone involved. I enjoyed this. The Harringworth Viaduct is spectacular, up there with Ribblehead on the S & C. Enjoyed the sound of the EMD710 engine. Nice to see some of the old stations intact.
There was quite a lot in that 4 hour video wasn’t there. Glad you liked Andrew 👍
I looked forward to this video. I was a kid in Nottingham and used to go to Derbyshire for walks but that was before quarries of the scale now. Never mind. I used to do train spotting and quite often I would go to Derby to collect numbers. But best was to stop at Trent Junction to see the Toton frieght and all the passenger stuff, some of which to go to the same destination but arriving at Trent Junction. But that's all excitement has gone. And Toton is now but a pimple. I used to go cycling in the Soar Valley which was lovely but now there seems to be an huge power station looming over the lovely river. And I used to cycle to the rail bridge just by Barrow-on-Soar for train spotting. A lovely old bridge.... but now it's new. We used to wait for Jubilees, Scots and Duck 6's (Fowler 0 6 0 4F - double headed) thundering down the four track. But now it either swishes by or trundles. And then I saw we were going via Corby. Great we would join the Nottingham to Kettering line that I went on to get a job in London. But now there was an unsignificant Old Darby line junction. Oh well. And then to reach Bedford. That's where I went for the biggest ever job at the time ..... and got rejected.
So plenty of memories ta!
But a great video. Sunny and not in our eyes. Well shot, well produced, well annotated.😀
I can only imagine the sights you saw, I’m glad it took you back. The videos are already cataloging change and hopefully they will for others in the future.
Thanks Don and everyone involved, I loved the hawthorns too!
The 7A09 (07h12) Merehead~Acton Yard is another 'Jumbo Train', weighing in at 4 800t, and normally runs via the Westbury avoiding line.
Nice one Jess. I knew they operate but didn’t know where. Take care.
Another brilliant video, please keep them coming. One of your viewers asked when it was filmed, I think it was May, hawthorn doesn't bloom in July.
Hi Leon. It can blossom in June but I think you’re right. The metadata must have been wrong.
Thanks for the footage Don. Really enjoyed this one. You guys in the UK are blessed with a variety of goods traffic. I'm from Ireland. All we have left on our freight scene is intermodal, Lead/Zinc and timber.
And a healthy dose of hospitality. Love Ireland Daniel 👍
Thanks Don i watched this in 5 sessions. The countryside views are awesome.
Aye Paul, it was epic but I didn’t want to break it up. The countryside in that weather was spectacular.
Has to be said Don, the way I drove trains in Train Simulator would've had me booked in for 'tea and biscuits' quite regularly. Just getting started on this one after arriving at Earles 😉
Haha, take it easy out there 😉
Another brilliant excellent high definition video with most interesting comments along the way. I enjoyed the bee, the pigeon and the rabbit on the way! I wish the railway infrastructure could be much more used to keep lorries off the road and reduce carbon emissions. Clearly lorries are more flexible for small loads which have to be delivered quickly but we need some original thinking here. Also, passenger (and freight) fares could be reduced by subsidies, in line with some European countries, to keep cars off the road,. but since the main lines seem to be full, even at their outrageous prices, there's not much incentive. Anyway, thanks Don and to your skilled driver.
Thanks Ray, much appreciated. The railway has evolved so much I’m not sure it will ever return to what the called “trainload or wagon load” freight. It was originally lost because it was nowhere near as quick or convenient as road transport and since then the railway has been rationalised and streamlined to improve passenger timings that all the sidings and freight facilities have been cut off, never to return.
Thanks Don, another great journey. 👍👍👍
Much appreciated David 👍
Another brilliant cab ride!
Good to see you Henry. Have a great 2023 mate.
Another great Drivers Eye View, Don, and it's great to see the Melton Line featured yet again (it's my local line as I live in Asfordby and partly grew up in Melton Mowbray). The Corby Line that is also featured here is equally impressive, and I'm glad someone has finally uploaded a good quality Drivers Eye View of it. In return for providing this excellent footage, I have some more local signalling knowledge for you. Langham Junction featured in this film is one of the few boxes left that still uses the 1-2-1 'Train Approaching' bell code before the train entering section signal is given. It only sends this code on the Up Main to Oakham due to Oakham's slotted distant OM1 (motorised) and also because of the two MCB crossings Oakham has to manage. Any trains destined to go down the Corby Line also have their own routing bell code, that being '2-2' and this stands in for the normal '2' entering section bell code. '2-2' is given from Ashwell to Langham, then Langham passes that code to Oakham, and Oakham passes it to Manton.
Much appreciated Tim, I love anything to do with signalling. There are some unique bell codes at Edgeley Junction near me which aim to prevent “wrong routing”. I’m not sure what is in the large collection Vinny has passed over but I might have the return up the Corby line. Keep an eye open for announcements 👍
It was very interesting to see that insert of the power ramping up to get the train moving through Corby.
Glad you enjoyed it all Donna. Thanks for following the channel 👍
Fabulous amount of tunnels!! Great video.
Glad you liked it Simon 👍
wow sounds like that 66 got a proper thrashing getting started! great video!
It converts a fair amount of energy into heat Matt 👍
Its amazing how much the line between manton and kettering has changed. Still amazes me that the upturned ballast wagon near Glaston tunnel is still there today !!
I never saw it! I’ll have another look 👍
Just watched this epic once again and still a captivating 4+ hours... longer than even the longest feature film... yet watchable throughout. Where was the Jumbo train at the end heading, and where did it split??
Thanks Malcolm. Yes, it’s an interesting train that Jumbo. It goes from Tunstead to Wembley Yard (you can see that in the GBRf Trafford Park to Wembley video. The two parts then go off to separate stone terminals in the London area but not entirely sure which ones.
Thanks, Don. I liked the former stations notes on the MML.
Thanks Paul. I don’t always get room for the captions but I try and fit little factoids like that in if poss.
Don.
Great videos and thank you very much for uploading them.
There is a service that runs between Liverpool Lime Street and Norwich. I would love you to do the full journey of this service if that would be possible?
Also could you do a complete journey from London Euston to Glasgow on the west coast mainline as a cab ride as well?
Thank you for uploading your videos and keep them coming.
Pure.
I’d love to but I’m afraid it’s not as easy. That’s an EMR service that probably involves more than one driver. If I va old get EMR to agree, I doubt getting two drivers that would put up with it might no be.
Thank you! Brilliant as always and so informative. I have just succumbed to the dreaded COVID so I’m self isolating in the spare bedroom with a large flat screen TV binge watching all your videos. My wife doesn’t understand but you are keeping me sane. Now, where to next? 👍
We’ll have you signed up as a driver by the time you get back on your feet John. Glad they take your mind off the dreaded covid, get well soon 👍
Excellent video as usual, Don.
Much appreciated Gerry 👍
A great video, it just seemed very strange going through Wellingborough so quickly.
Vinny knows how to make a 66 sing 😉
Compelling viewing ,especially when it trundles through near where I live just north bedford
Cheers
Nice one ant. There are more Bedford videos to come 👍
Thanks for pointing out the 1:1 scale of that signal box, cos it looks a *lot* bigger than mine - which lost the pointy-bits on the roof a long time ago ;)
Make some out of match stalks to get it back authentic. 👍😉
Love the vids. I live in Oakley so often hear the down trains hauling themselves the gradient. Thanks for all the little knowledge bits about old stations etc. really adds to the content.
Thanks Ben. It’s an evolution from my early days to try and add relevant info. 😉
Great news - looking forwards
Cheers Chris.
Cracking scenery! I feel lucky to live in buxton!
You’re local to me then Gareth (Chapel) 👍
A great trip this. I guess continuous welded rail has made heavy trains like this a little easier as they can romp along at quite respectable speeds now with out knocking seven bells out of all the old style rail joints and themselves?
Yes absolutely Colin. I’ve spoken to several NR guys who praise welded rail for its ease of maintenance and certainly it’s good to travel over.
Good tip. I bought the latest "Rail Atlas". Even in Germany it could be delivered in 2 days. Sad that the author Stuart Baker died so young. I am now enjoying the original video Lime St to Huddersfield without captions.
There is another alternative which is somewhat better in my opinion which is the Platform 5 track atlas.
www.amazon.co.uk/TRACKatlas-Mainland-Britain-Comprehensive-Geographic/dp/1909431265
Awesome video I love watching your videos I live in Market Harboorough bo you go through market Harborough station on the heavy goods trains I am a trainspotter
Thanks EMT. Hopefully you’ll be out driving with us one day 👍