Tunstead to Bedford
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- An epic journey from the hills of Derbyshire to Bedford but this time we go via Corby and the wonderful Harringworth Viaduct. We consider the effort taken to start a loaded train on a steep gradient and have more discussion on signalling and junction indicators. There is a little clip at the end of a 4300 tonne “Jumbo Train”.
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 👍
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!
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.
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
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! 👍
One word describes this video “ brilliant “ thank you Don.
I’m flattered Peter, much appreciated 👍
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
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 😉
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.
Second time watched. Enjoyed every minute, again. Thanks.
Much appreciated 👍
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.
To don coffey i enjoyed this video very much it looked like i was driving the diesel from paul chapman at London uk
Thank you Paul, I’m glad you enjoyed the experience. That’s exactly why I explain what the driver is doing 👍
Excellent production as always, Don. The informative commentary is much appreciated. Greetings from Canada! -- Chris
Thanks for following Chris. Take care over there 👍
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.
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 👍
Really enjoyed that sound track at the beginning! Great work 😃
Something a bit different Duaine 😉👍
Good trip Don my favourite tunnels Corby seaton Cowburn Great long journey.
Glad you liked it William 👍
@Don Coffey, Quick question just occurred to me, Don. Why was the 2nd Man on freight trains done away with? I'll take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year mate 🎉🎉🎉
They were really phased out due to simply not needing them Mark. The same applies to high speed passenger trains too. Occasionally freight requires a second man or shunter to travel with them for working at a remote location.
Great news - looking forwards
Cheers Chris.
Thanks so much for this. I am just writing an article about an 1867 crash inside Dove Holes Tunnel, with subsequent runaway. I notice from the video that there is no light coming down from the seven ventillation shafts that were built, and I assume these have been capped off, though they still appear to exist above ground?
This question was raised on Buxton’s Railways (maybe you?). The resident p way expert reckons because they’ve been meshed at the top. If you want a tour of the area, message me.
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.
OK. So Network snail are employing rabbits; But where are the Hi vis vests and PPE they are supposed to wear; real slack I call that! no hard hats either. You can't go down burrows without a hard hat on. I suppose the ES is checking all the jobs and saying. Dunnit. dunnit. Dunnnit. ribbit rib
I understand that bunny involved has been re briefed on his conduct but is now back on duty. He was within a hare’s breadth of being sacked 😉
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.
At 1hr 20 looking at the ballast between the rails...
Is a greater depth put in on purpose? I notice here that you can't see the sleepers. I'm also wondering what happens if a chunk of aggregate finds its way onto the top of a rail somehow - does the weight of the loco crush it or just shoot it out of the way? Maybe it never happens!?
Great content 👍👍👍😎
Ballast does find its way onto the railhead at times but we usually crush it. They pile the ballast up to hold the long welded rails in position - the same on the sleeper ends.
I love trying to work out the abbreviations, I take it that AHBC stands for Automatic Half Barrier Crossing, PF has stumped me Though???
That’s it David and the PF stands for Public Footpath. You can see a detailed description in the attached interactive maps; www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/level-crossing-safety/
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 👍😉
I'm loving your videos but can you please return to your old framerate of 60fps? 25 looks very stuttery on 60Hz screens and 60fps is just generally easier on the eye for cab rides.
It’s an interesting comment Edmund. Trust me I want you to have the best viewing experience but getting it right depends very much on your internet speed and UA-cam. I convert them into MP4 at 2.7/50. I use 50 fps after advice from my TV Producer friend because that best matches our PAL system. In fact UA-cam should deliver it to you in a format that is fully compatible with NTSC 1080p/60. What I’ve noticed is, when the train is stationary, the footage is superb but it can’t handle motion. I pull my hair out (what’s left of it) when watching them back and the trees and ballast are glistening through pixelisation.
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.
How does this driver remember all the signal locations and also the gradients to put power in and off in certain locations, Like it's a very long route/journey.
Mostly route knowledge Gareth but they also are skilled in handling the train.
A lot of those bridges on the MML and especially thr rloute round to Corby look to have been modified for electrifiectaion wires.....
Yes that’s correct. Sometimes for the better but on some occasions some fabulous craftsmanship was lost.
Great Video....."Norman'sBank....Who and what was NORMAN??
Good question. I’ll do some digging but I think it might have been the land owner. If I find out I’ll let you know.
What is the average length i.e the number of wagons typically found in a freight train in the UK?
Keep in mind our island is tiny and not geared up for long trains but up to about 40 wagons or 4000 tonnes. The average is probably more like 25 to 30.
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.
Are drivers rated/graded (chastised?) for good/bad fuel consumption on the various routes?
Most companies have a “responsible driving” policy - its in their own interest to do so. There are also guidelines on handling the train. There are few misdemeanours that would be pointed out on a download from the data recorder and occasionally somebody needs a talking to.
At the beginning we see the route on a map. Hours later I had lost track where we were and what lay ahead. An ordinary atlas on the side doesnt help. Without disturbing the flow would it be possible in future videos to show us on the map again where we are? The best places to do this are when we are in tunnels and there is not much else to look at.
The locations are shown constantly through the videos and most have frequent maps. I highly recommend a track atlas which you can get from WH Smith or Amazon.
So many views in such a short time-top man Don. Worked out how much you raised for Samaritans last f.y. yet?
The income from UA-cam was nearly £12k Roger but the income has to be added to mine and the tax man took over £5k from that. They make gift aid sound like a major concession but they only allow it after tax has been deducted so the final figure was just under £8k. I think that’s disgusting frankly and I’m talking to a tax advisor later in the month to see if anything can be done.
Sir Coffey. How many fuel do you use on a trip like this ? Greets from Holland, Onno.
Hi Onno. I’m not exactly sure I’m afraid but it would depend very much on the load and how it was driven.
Excellent video, thanks Don for so much dedication
Thanks Gabriel, much appreciated 👍
This is an amazing video! Love watching cargo trains, his is the next step up! What's the little hut at 14:35 ?
That is a very well constructed plate layer’s hut. They’ve nearly all gone now but I don’t think that one is about to fall down.
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 👍
As always many thanks to all involved very much appreciated
Vinny and the guys at Freightliner will see your comments Leslie 👍
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.
What happens to our driver after this 4.5 hour shift? Is there a limit to the number of hours that can be worked in a week?
Well in that one Stefan, he catches a train home which completes his day. We are limited by hours just the same as truck or bus drivers so we can’t do too many hours or days in succession.
as a ver, very great Video with many Information, Thanks, Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it Walter 👍
I’m with all the positive comments Don - but, the title “Limestone Cowboy” has now filtered into my mind and I can’t stop hearing Glen Campbell singing Rhinestone Cowboy🤣🤣
Cheers Andrew, I like to leave you with an earworm where possible 😉👍
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.
That was a perfect day for a train ride!
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.
I pass the line south of Corby Station afew time snearly everyday, but, I can only remember seeing one noI've always wondered if I was just unlucky with my time window or is there an actual reason for this.rth bound Freight over the last few years and loads of south bound.
It’s a good question Pat. The Midland Main Line has some very steep gradients on it so sending trains via Corby avoids those gradients and allows them to keep reasonable time without delaying the fast expresses. In the Bedford to Earles video you’ll see that it does go via the shorter main line because it’s empty and can maintain reasonable speeds.
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 👍
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. 😉👍
@2:36:30 What's with the slanted level foot crossing? I have never seen those before!
Network Rail hate them and will always try to straighten them or do away with them. They’re not uncommon and date back to the original crossing.
I took 4 days to watch this. What great value!👍👍
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.
Excellent again Don, thanks.
How much shorter, easier and cheaper this run would have been if the Midland route through Millers Dale was still open. Oh well!!
I fear the resistance to that is more political and emotional rather than financial but that’s the way of the world I guess.
love these vids, resparked my childhood love of trains
Good, it’s an escape to take our minds away from other things 👍
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.
Defo one to watch at double speed
Aye it’s an epic for sure 👍
Great Insight into Railfreight operations. Amazing skills and concentration levels from the drivers . Thanks for the video
Much appreciated 👍
Do people in England squish coins on the tracks?
It was a thing when I was a kid but I don’t think so these days. Modern trains are fast and quiet so I’d advise staying well away and Network Rail don’t tolerate trespass.
way too many ads, every 4-5 minutes ads interupt
I hate adverts, they drive me nuts but the way I get around it is to subscribe which cost me £11.99 a month. There is a note at the beginning of the video which tells you that the videos can’t be made without the help of the train companies and they only help because the proceeds go to charity. I don’t put the adverts in, Google who own UA-cam do. You pay a licence fee to the BBC, you buy DVDs or you get adverts for five minutes at a time on commercial tv. They don’t give their proceeds to charity.
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 👍
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 👍
Love the video Don, really enjoy the old Midland lines - terrific work mate!!
Thanks Paul, much appreciated.
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.
Thanks Don for another great video, always appreciated!!!
Cheers Shaun 👍
Dear Don (!), I've recently become an avid viewer of your videos. I like them very much. However, I would be interested in knowing the actual speed of the trains. The notice boards along the route only indicate the maximum permissible speed, and your freight locomotives will probably not always reach that speed.
Kind regards 🚂
Holger
Hi Holger, thanks for joining us. I’ve noticed some other in cab videos have the speed showing but I haven’t got the means to record it or the software to show it.
3:28:00 But for the embankment & bushes I could probably see my house from here... 👍
3:35:44 To our right & 30 years back one would have witnessed the magnificent sight of a huge cream & maroon Ransomes & Rapier walking dragline resting in a disused iron ore quarry awaiting disassembly, much has changed since then...
There’s so many things committed to memory but I’m glad it brought it back to you 👍
This is an epic journey, full of surprises. I watched it for the second time now. I made a drawing of this EMD Class 66322 beast. How can I send it to you, Don.
That’s very kind Jan. Can you get messenger? If so send it that way or via WhatsApp. I can’t leave an email address on here I’m afraid.
Another great video Don, thank you to all involved in making it, very interesting.
Vinny will see your 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.
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.
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 👍
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.
How does the driver vigilance device work Don? In some parts of the video, I can hear it going off (and being cancelled by the driver) quite frequently, and other times hardly at all? Hope my question makes sense.
I did mention it in the captions Martin but he can’t t always hear it so he frequently resets it to avoid a brake application. If he closes the window it keeps some of the noise down and he does it less often.
Thanks for another great video, the Hope Valley is always a nice watch! Which made me wonder: do you have any opportunity to get footage like this from the further flung parts of Wales or Scotland? As for the re-doubling at Dore, about time! What's the betting that the cost of doing that is far more than the money that was saved by having it singled in the first place?
The only problem with going far out is the logistics of it Mike. I’m quite happy to send a camera to a willing company but a trip in Scotland is likely to be two nights out for me. As for the doubling at Dore, I can assure you it will cost many times more to put it back!
great vid mate enyoyed every mile . mate
Cheers Brett, much appreciated 👍
One huge difference I notice from American Freight rail and European and Asian operations, is that US railroads use radios heavily, where there is no radio use in European or Asian rail ops. Also the size of the trains lol... US freights are now almost dangerously long, with sometimes 6 locos, usually 2 to 4 in DPU use, front end, mid train, and tail end. Also, Cab view vids are EXTREMELY rare in the US. But there are tons of European, and Asian ones....
Thanks MW. We simply don’t have the infrastructure here to support such large trains and so a succession of smaller trains makes more sense. A “jumbo” takes a lot of managing through our short signal sections. Many US States are bigger than our entire island. I love to see those hundred plus trains running over with you.
Great video with excellent commentary.
Thanks Michael 👍
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 👍
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.
Another fascinating video Mr Coffey
One thing that's been puzzling me for a bit. In other countries (well Norway, Switzerland & Serbia anyway) the trains have headlamps (for vision rather than headcodes) but ours do not, is there a reason why we don't use them?
Not quite sure what you mean James. It’s true that some of our headlights are poor compared to for example RailCowGirl who’s trains tend to have more like searchlights than headlights but they run mostly on single lines so there is less chance of dazzling oncoming trains. They also get more rock and snowfalls so need to look out in the dark more. All our trains carry a headcode or reporting number. The freight to Bedford was 6D17. If that doesn’t answer, leave a new comment- don’t reply to this because it will go to the back of the queue.
If the train was wrongly routed through Leicester and the driver took it I can’t it being a major problem. After all it’s coming back to the MML later on.
It doesn’t work like that Nigel. The trains are carefully timed to take a booked path. The driver might not sign that route and even if he did it would interfere with all those fast expresses we saw passing. There are some serious inclines along the MML that would bring a loaded freight down to sub 20 mph. It might also interfere with other freight by waiting outside Bedford for the relief driver 👍
Just as we enter the Dore South curve tunnel, I heard a loud ping just before the driver gives the engine power. Was that the single that the last car has past the points back at the junction?
No, if you watch, he’s just gone over the magnet for the green signal at the exit of the curve. 👍
Hawthorn bloom in MAY.
Yes, I agree. Don’t know what happened there but the footage metadata definitely said July.
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.
thnaks very much foor this wonderful journey through the beautiful landscapes of England.
Glad you enjoyed it Jan.
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 watch these but how about a video showing how drivers pick up routes, how they are planned and prepared prior to execution. I imagine it has to be fairly complex due to the number of lines this train has to cross. There are a lot of other units on these lines particularly fast commuters. How is this all planned. I doubt a driver just turns up and drives. It would be fascinating to see the planning.
It’s not a bad idea Alan by any means and it is very complex for a number of reasons. The trouble is accessing the various parties. If you’ve got a Facebook account or someone you know has, join the Facebook group and ask the question there. It’s a better platform than this and I can add photos and documents.
Cracking scenery! I feel lucky to live in buxton!
You’re local to me then Gareth (Chapel) 👍
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 👍
Quite difference in sound powering up after being held in Toton yard when compared to quiet coast just before. 😁 Then followed by a slow gentle coast over the points of the two close turnouts.
It’s those periods of coasting that make rail transport very efficient. As you say, it’s quite captivating if you’re aware enough to notice it 👍
Now I'm astounded at the speed of the two turnouts at Cheshire South junction with a long heavy train. Granted the crossovers are long and shallow but still... I'm imagining that when the 66 has crossed over to the far left track, the back the train is still on the original?
That’s it Michael. These crossings are very expensive and take up a lot of room in order to speed up the passage of trains. The load on them is phenomenal so the ground has to be good and the facing point locks have to be beefed up. You can see the 70mph crossovers at Church Fenton and Colton in a new video soon.
Don’t make the mistake I made initially when trying to find Tunstead in order to trace the journey on Adlestrop. This journey does not start in Norfolk, rather on a goods line off the Hope Valley line between Sheffield and Manchester 😉
That’s it Carl. I think most videos have a map to set the scene 👍
great video as always very educational
Thanks Thomas, much appreciated 👍
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.
Bit of a silly question, do they allow passing trains on the viaduct and is there a speed limit for this, thanks in advance
That’s a good question Ian. I read a Wiki article that suggests there are no longer any speed restrictions on the viaduct but Vinny told me otherwise and they run under special axle weight regulations at 20mph. These often come with special signalling conditions which might include only one train on the viaduct at one time.
What would have hauled such heavy trains before the onset of GM locomotives?
Surely a Class 47 would not have had the strength to haul that weight?
They did use 47s and double headed 37s. The real heavy coal trains got Type 5s but none of these types even remotely match the reliability of a 66.