Thanks Don for a wonderful journey through our beautiful countryside. The views from both inside and outside the cab enhance our enjoyment. Thank you once again for pointing out the ingenuity, industry and fortitude of those early railway engineers. What a debt we owe them!
This trip has to rank with best in your library Don. Not just the scenery but the history of the Midland railway was superb. As you pointed out,the highlight of the trip was seeing that unbelievable rock wall that supports the railway. That feat of engineering was incredible but what really impressed was the wonderful, wonderful laying of all the stone blocks so precisely. That is one hell of a monument to those navvies along with that 3 mile tunnel. Another big thank you Don, Ian
Thanks Ian. It would be easy to take that wall for granted but when you consider it was done in the days of candle light and pure physical labour. It’s quite a task to build that shelf with its feet in the river and one end directly into a tunnel. Not everyone gets it so it’s refreshing to have such feedback 👍
I had spectacular views of the Hope Valley flying a K4 vintage glider from nearby Camphill Airfield in September 1971. Travelled by Derby Lightweight DMU from Sheffield to Edale before getting an unexpected lift to Great Hucklow. Also walked the Pennine Way in Easter 1969, obviously starting in Edale. Lived in the Pennines in 4 different locations over a period of 22 years. Your videos of this whole Pennine area bring back so many memories of my early years!
Thank you Don enjoyed that whist having my lunch! I do find your videos soooooo relaxing and you know I will watch again and again as they are stress releasers.
I'm a relatively new subscriber from America, Missouri specifically. I love your videos. They're a wonderful escape from the drama of the world. I especially enjoy your commentary; you are part travel guide, part historian. Very interesting. We don't have much passenger rail in the middle of America, so this is a fun channel. Thanks!
Thanks Mark, that’s much appreciated. I try to add something different to each video so that by watching several, the watcher can gain more and more knowledge about how our railway operates. I just love the historical and architectural aspects and the other things are mainly what I think you might find interesting. I’m really pleased you appreciate them.
Thanks, Don, another belter. When I was a student at Sheffield, 1964-67, train travel from Liverpool was a nightmare. The through train to Hull via the Woodhead route last ran in 1963. The following year, one or two of the fast Liverpool Central trains reversed at Manchester Central each weekday, and then took the Fallowfield Loop to Guide Bridge, to catch the Woodhead train. In my last couple of years there was a single through train each Sunday afternoon from Liverpool via the Hope Valley to Sheffield Midland. I mainly remember it because in the four or five times I used it, there was always a long wait at Chinley, for some reason.
"Charming" doesn't begin to describe most of what's on offer on this journey. Once out of the urban sprawl of Sheffield up until just after Marple the scenery, in my humble opinion, has a timeless beauty that is well worth the time of any passenger wishing to see some of England's finest. But add the further interest of wonderful architecture that abounds in bridges, tunnels, station buildings and associated houses and the whole becomes jaw dropping, especially when you remember, or even just wonder, that most of these structures were built entirely without mechanical tools. Thanks for sharing Don. I love these videos.
Excellent video with lots of information added as well. I used to live next to the line at Grindleford 20 years ago and was looking forward to seeing my old house near the signal box but just at that moment a poster came up on the right of the picture and blotted it out! Never mind because it did not stop the enjoyment of seeing the departure from Sheffield, which I did on the train many times. It is interesting to see how it has changed from the past. The answer is not much.
I just stumbled upon this video and actually don’t watch others driving a train. But I must say this: What a well edited video: explanations, insets in the right moment, well timed and not too fast either (so you have time to read it). There’s a lot of stuff in TH-cam but this stands out. Really good job, big thumbs up!
If you’re not a rail enthusiast I’ll consider that an accolade thanks. Actually getting the timing of the captions right isn’t at all easy so I’m glad you appreciate it.
Thanks for this wonderful footage, it brings back memories of a hiking trip to Edale in the 90s and taking the train from Sheffield to Edale. Happy times, thank you.
Great video Don. Thanks. I remember when it was four tracks to Dore from Sheffield Midland, the underpass, Heeley carriage sidings and Millhouses engine shed. In those far-off days both curves to the Hope line were double tracked.
Hi John, allegedly will be double tracked again soon. I was talking with someone today and there will be a second line and platform at the station and then where the line comes off the south chord there will be an option to go directly into a loop carved out of the embankment. All the best John.
Another great trip Don, thank you. Cutting in the extra shots of the "train in the landscape" is a good idea. That's the bits you miss 𝒐𝒏 the train; these views are saved for those of us who 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ the trains, rather than just travel on, or even even drive, them.👍👌😁 One noticeable thing about this route, best seen from the cab, is the variety of bridges. I don't think I saw a single ugly bridge on the journey, even the newest ones at the Manchester end. Great stuff, as always,😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.
Yes, the route is sensational. Those exterior shots are easy because I live nearby so I can’t always add them and I can no longer get into cabs so can’t promise to do the side shots.
I lived in Sale (Alty line) for 30+ years then emigrated to Akld NZ. I used the Alty (electric) line to connect with the (steam) train for Heyfield (Now Removed I guess ?) so knew most of this line well due to my Pennine walks - Edale also. What a 'blast from the past' - What can I say but to repeat previous many thanks - for the history too. Am impressed also with the advent of your Metro link vids. What a sensible use of old/new assets for a still growing metropolis. Very well done Don, and of course it's good to see it is all going to charity.😀
Hi Denis, thanks for the positive feedback. I lived by the Hayfield line as a kid and yes, that closed in 1970. I guess we should be grateful for what is left.
Cheers Don, as a railway enthusiast and a keen fell walker, I've used this line on a number of occasions and as you said, its a very scenic trip. This journey was made more pleasant by the additional information that you supply us with. Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next one.
Hi Don thank you for once again a brilliant video. I will have to do that journey when I get into England. The information that you give is so interesting. I have recently watched a couple of other train videos and they are no where near as yours keep up the good work and stay safe
Soon this line to be added to the Midland Mainline Sheffield to Leicester Route by Just Trains,so will be nice to see how it will compare to the real route.
Hello I was brought up in Rowsley and can remember going on Sunday school outings from Rowsley railway station ,it shared a yard with Express dairy, as kids we loved train spotting as Rowsley once had a busy shunting yard.The highlight of many a summer evening was to watch the midland pullman speeding through on towards Manchester.regards Graham.
Hi Hilda. I was brought up in New Mills, a bit further down the line and along with my brothers and sisters used stop what we were doing when the train came through. There was always a coach with an oval window! I don’t remember ever seeing the Pullman but might not have been old enough to recognise it.
Great video as always. The commentary is informative and adds to the experience. I particularly liked the piece regarding the stone wall at New Mills, a truly impressive structure.
You know, there have been a couple of times over the last year or so when I’ve got so fed up with red tape that I’ve very nearly thrown in the towel on these videos but every now and again I get a comment like this which really pulls me back. The videos have apparently helped a lot of people through this pandemic and that give me an equal kick to all the money we raise for charity. All the best.
I do miss driving this route, I still know all the signal numbers both ways as this was the first route I signed. Its stunning no matter what time of year you drive it, cheers Don.
This is a really great video of one of my favourite lines, I've recently been travelling to Edale for walks in the peaks so when you premiered this I was very excited to see what the route looked like from the cab. I think I speed for a lot of people when I say that I really appreciate the drivers eye view videos you post, so thank you.
Always enjoy watching these POV-from-the-cab videos of these train journeys! I have travelled so often along this particular route now - almost every month for more than 16 years - nearly all of the locations and line-side features are indelibly etched into my memory! The reason for this is, just for the record, the two Northern Trains lines to Sheffield (via Hathersage on the Hope Valley) and the commuter line to Glossop (Class 323 electrics) are the two routes that I used to spend many happy years (15 of them: 2005 to 2019) helping out with volunteering to host and run the popular folk music trains - which started in 1994 (Manchester to Edale initially) as a monthly event specifically geared towards leisurely Pennine walks and those who fancied a social gathering in the pub at the destination (in this case the Ramblers at Edale) before then expanding to take in other Northern Trains lines such as Buxton/Whaley Bridge, New Mills Central, Chester line (as far as Northwich), and then subsequently Glossop and Hathersage (extended two stops from the initial Edale destination and now adjourning at the village's Little John Inn for food, refreshments and more music). Meanwhile from the OTHER direction around the same time, rival Pennine folk music trains would also run monthly between Sheffield to Edale (Rambler's pub) as well as Huddersfield to Penistone. These have proved so popular that they have continued largely untroubled to this day - except of course for the last couple of years when all of them have been curtailed due to Covid and lockdowns. However, I believe they are starting up again and recently the Glossop one has returned back to its usual third-Thursday-of-the-month evening slot! For those who may not even know about these folk music trains (fully supported by Northern Trains in conjunction with the Hope Valley & High Peak Transport Partnership over the years), as a rule, the Hathersage folk trains were usually daytime ones that ran every SECOND Saturday of the month leaving Manchester Piccadilly at 11.45am and returning from Hathersage at 2.30pm, whilst the Glossop ones were an evening service every THIRD Thursday of the month, leaving Manchester Piccadilly around 6.45pm (adjourning to the town's Labour Club for more music, food and a prize raffle) before returning for Manchester around 9.40pm - these were generally more raucous given their evening time slot as, at the time, I also worked with the University of Manchester and would promote these trains with some of the students who would always enjoy coming along to these as a cheap and friendly social night out. For anybody intrigued and interested in seeing what happens on these music trains, I have uploaded many videos of some of the different types of bands we have had on these folk trains - shared on my TH-cam channel (just click on my user name Busterabcat and check the ones I have shared since 2010). And there is also a Facebook page for all those who would like to follow/keep tabs on which trains are happening next. Who knows, perhaps you yourself Don may well have been in the train cab on a few of these journeys when some of us rowdy musicians were in full swing 'entertaining' the hordes of shoppers, day trippers and homeward-bound commuters?? facebook.com/groups/155326564543/
Well, what can I say? I don’t normally get such detailed responses so thank you for your efforts. I’ve always been aware of the folk trains because I worked for Northern until 2013, some of which as a manager. I did drive one on the Buxton Line…. possibly 2009? I also know Neil Williams very well, in fact he’s been on authorised cab rides with me. Keep up the good work and I’m just about to watch your footage.
Thanks Don. That video was excellent. Wonderful scenery and the written commentary was great. I learnt and enjoyed it. I live in Australia now, but lived previously in the UK. These videos have inspired me to want to return for a visit. Thanks. Richard.
Thank you for this wonderful video. You, once again bring up the subject of Up and Down. I was employed by the Victorian Railways in Australia for 25 wonderful years. At one stage I was the Manager of the Hamilton Freight Centre in western Victoria. All the railway lines were closed by then except for the main line to Portland. North of Hamilton was is a town called Balmoral. The railway line from Balmoral to Natimuk, (I am not kidding, there is a town named Natimuk) ran North and South. Thus there was no up and down. The crews solved the problem by saying that they were going to Natimuk or Balmoral. But I did win a lot of arguments about Up and Down. Incidentally there are lots of familiar place names in the area. That was because a lot of the area was settled by migrants from England. Stan.
Brilliant video Don, really enjoyed watching it. One of my favourite routes along with the Calder Valley line. Never get fed up of watching either of them.
A brilliant video there Don and a route I'm very familiar with as I used to travel on that line some years back after getting the East Midlands Connect service from Nottingham going via Sheffield and the HVL to Warrington to visit my girlfriend for weekends ( whom I now live with). I'm also familiar with Bamford and Hope as I have driven through those towns (and Castleton) from Snake Pass and Ladybower to get to the Peaks the other side. I've had a few good days out in the Hope Valley and can't wait for more of the same once restrictions are lifted.
Hi Bob. Trust you are well. Yes, I was born and brought up in New Mills and since having an awareness about railways, that wall has fascinated me...... it doesn’t take a lot to please me!!!
Thanks Barry. That runs through my neck of the woods so I was able to get that additional footage. However, what I’m finding now is that I’m sending cameras out to willing helpers so there may be less “add ons”. Hopefully still full of interest though.
Don: thanks another great ride, nice to see the route in the Sheffield- Manchester direction, have already watched and enjoyed the Manchester-Sheffield video a couple of times, lets have some more !
Wow such beautiful scenery. Almost missed it. Was so busy reading the narration that I was missing the ride. So now I just watch the scenery. I don't know what is going on or where we are but the view is great. Nice camera work.
Sorry about that Doris. I get tongue twisted if I try to narrate but I do time the captions before the event so you can look up and see it. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated.
Thanks for another great video, Don. Another exercise in nostalgia for me as in the early 70s, before I emigrated to Australia, I worked and lived in Sheffield then the Peak District and my family lived in north Cheshire. Guess what was a regular commute for me, although sadly almost always by car! Your story of the building of Totley tunnel was interesting. The skill of those Victorian engineers and surveyors was remarkable. At present tunnels are being dug under Sydney for a new metro, using high-tech boring machines that look as though they would be at home in outer space. But I bet their accuracy isn't much better than the Victorians'. Bob Green's story of his Totley tunnel adventures is a fascinating tale too. Such recollections show what a treasure trove there is in the history of the railways.
Thanks David. There’s no denying that the modern tunnel boring machines are better, they add the tunnel lining as they go. The main advantage is that they are virtually unmanned so there isn’t a vast loss of life. It’s also not as remarkable as those early engineers either, they were hero’s.
Thank you Don and Co. These videos are like taking a virtual journey, especially in these times of lockdown etc. Poor old Ardwick Station, the Cinderella of the Manchester Rail Netowrk - lol. This will sound like heresy, but I'm not much into the train types etc but love all the infrastructure and totally agree with you regarding the work of navees and stonemasons. In particular, the routes that 'us lesser mortals' don't get to see such as the recent Liverpool Docks route you recently posted. Again, thank you thank you thank you.
Thanks Jenny and don’t worry, I’m not a big train buff either, I usually have to ask somebody else about the trains themselves. I love the history and the architecture though and I chuck in a few bits that I find interesting like biscuit factories!!!!
Hi Don, another great video. It would be nice to see the Hope Valley in fine weather, my first trip was on a fine summers evening from Sheffield to Edale in 1976 (for the Pennine Way). On subsequent trips either in person or on TH-cam, the conditions have been far from perfect..! Very little appears to have changed in the Hope Valley since the late seventies, mechanical signalling still survives though not for long I would imagine. Reminds me a little of the 'West of England' mainline in my days at OOC; with the exception of the ocaasional IBHS and the odd colour light distant, oil lamps ruled supreme, on a dark and gloomy night in unfavourable conditions (the St Erth milk for instants) you certainly needed to keep you whits about you; you were glad to get back towards Reading. Fortunately all that has changed now, semaphore signalling still has its place on heritage lines, but no longer on a modern railway. Take care.
Another excellent video. I liked the cutaway long shots of a similar train, and the digression about the retaining wall at New Mills. I read a novel by Stephen Booth in which the walkway alongside the wall and the Goyt featured, so it was interesting to see it for real. I'm glad I've actually seen the inside of the main train shed at Mac Picc now: all the previous videos have been through trains which have used the through platforms rather than the terminus ones in the train shed. The Hope Valley line is definitely very scenic. It's a shame that (as far as I know) no-one recorded a cab view along the Woodhead line before it closed in the 1980s. I've seen some sections on film from the early 70s. In the 1980s, video cameras would have been good enough to record the whole route - I think some could write to full-size (and therefore full-length) VHS tape, though powering the camera might have been a challenge. We need a time machine so Don can go back to 1982 and ask a coal-train driver to let him put a camera in the cab ;-) It will be intersting to see Leeds/London-Derby when those videos are ready to be loaded again. Don, is there any chance that you might have a contact to let you film the Huddersfield-Penistone-Barnsley-Sheffield route? I'd be interested to see the forward view, having only seen the view from a carriage window. That's where I had my "little disagreement" about ticket validity with the Gripper From Hell... I was right, he was wrong - fortunately an off-duty ticket inspector overheard and came to my defence.
Hi Mortimer. I’ve done several videos that start or finish in the train shed so you might like a flick through. Hadfield, Rose Hill, Sheffield, Stoke and even crew all started or finished in the shed. There is a video covering the entire Woodhead Route but perhaps earlier than just before closure; th-cam.com/video/OR6LV5Syzdk/w-d-xo.html I will take the opportunity to correct a few errors on the StP to Derby vid before putting it back and I was talking only yesterday with TfW and the North Wales vids can go beck real soon too. Now that route from Huddersfield to Barnsley via Penistone was on the list of imminent before Covid but I’m not sure at what stage I can resurrect it. It’s certainly a possibility although I really can’t promise it. By the way, roboguard always seems to find me too ;-) Take care.
I always thought that the UP line on the Midland Railway was towards Derby; St Pancras being famous for the only London terminus to have the UP line pointing away from the station. I agree that, in general, the UP line was towards London (and Sheffield being north of Derby would make the UP line going south. But south of Derby, it would have turned into the Down line). I live in Cheltenham, and the UP line there is definitely towards Birmingham, with the mileage shown from Derby. i may, of course, be wrong, and that after nationalisation, they changed the direction, and so, today, it is as it is, and you are right, and if so I do apologise for ever doubting your word on that. Excellent video, by the way, I do love the Hope Valley line, and your comments are both informative and entertaining. Thank you. Alan.
Hello Alan. Don’t apologise, I’m always happy to debate things railway and I don’t profess to be always right because I’m not! However, I’ve just checked the most recent Quail map and both in the area of St Pancras and Derby, Up is definitely toward the capital. Keep in mind I don’t go there but I did produce a video of St Pancras to Derby which was temporarily taken down but will go back at some stage. Now I don’t have the Western Region Quail map but yes, I would expect Up to be towards Birmingham because lines running west to east and east to west are usually designated up towards a hypothetical centre line of the country. I sign Liverpool to Hull and in those cases, both locations are Up towards Manchester.
Hi Don, I've got to agree with you about how scenic the Hope Valley line is. I miss travelling along the route from Cleethorpes to Manchester and back on days out. Hopefully when the lockdown restrictions are lifted I'll be able to enjoy travelling along this scenic route again. For the time being thanks for sharing this video.
I was supposed to be filming that Cleethorpes run but no chance at the moment. I will be showing it as far as Doncaster in the next video. I live at Chapel en le Frith so will be down the Hope Valley when conditions permit.
Don it's me again. Ever tried putting a 158 to a 153 and the bellows won't match. Cue a shower onto the passengers! Sheffield was a four track layout in the 1980s (as a passenger).
Dont know why but I love the junctions where we swap tracks no idea why just do lol...cheers Don... seen Hathersgate in another vid of yours but in other direction...I remember those curved glass homes.. looked 4 times still cant see the sparrowhawk lol
It's a lovely part of England, one I haven't visited since the 1980s when I arrived at New Mills to find that I was the only person in the town not decked out in Dickensian costume. Sadly I can't remember the reason for this, a quick look at the Wkipedia page suggests it might have been the 130th anniversary of the opening of Newtown station. But what I did discover is that New Mills is where Swizzels Matlow make Parma Violets, Love Hearts and Refreshers. A mighty claim to fame indeed!
I was brought up (read that as dragged up) in New Mills Richard. We used to hang about the “toffee works” as we called it and some of the workers would throw as sweets while they were still warm! I think the attire was probably normal for New Mills - we’re getting gas and electric soon ;-)
Another great video Don. It just shows that the great Victorian engineering isn't found in the big cities but in the hills, valleys and Mountains of the UK.
Hi, Don! Thanks for this. Just had the luxury of watching on the telly in my living room. Not often I get chance to use that due to caring responsibilities! Great video, beautiful scenery, and your usual standard of informative commentary! Cheers :o)
Did I see a few gantry survivors from the old Woodhead route as you joined at Ashburys? It's a daft idea but those undertaking community service could be useful in removing the litter from the PW. I used to issue ferreting licences for the railway cuttings in Norfolk.
Hi Tom. Yes you did indeed see the old 1500v overheads. It would be nice to get some help cleaning the railway up. Network Rail spend a small fortune doing it but they wouldn’t dare let the public on the railway. Somebody would end up making a claim. I’d like to get a huge excavator and dump it over the wall.
i had such a wonderfull time when i was in the hope valley. i would get up, catch a train to hope or edale, climb a peak and then catch the afternoon train back home.
Been on this route as far as the Stockport junction. The train I get comes up from Nottingham up to Sheffield then back out again as this journey then onto Stockport and Manchester. I'm guessing that the junction at 45:17 is the junction to Stockport... Starting at Ely in the Fens and going through Peterborough, Grantham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stockport and Manchester where I change for home. The train I get then travels on to Liverpool. Yeah it is very lovely countryside as you say Don...
Hi Martin, we’ve been with EMR on the Oxford Rd to Liverpool part but I’d love to do the other way through to Ely. Yes, thats the right location where the line to Stockport via Hazel Grove splits.
@@doncoffey5820 Also looking at the Google Map of New Mills you can defintely tell that the River has been changed now you mention it too! I'd love it if you or someone could it all the way to Ely. DO it often when visiting Parents... and when I get to Cowburn Tunnel I know I'm nearer home than the Parents house with all the hills! Around Ely and where my parents live is very flat compared to up here where I live!
Hi Bob. The platforms used to accommodate very long trains in the days before the motor vehicle. There was a steam engine and a rake of coaches. It must have been lovely.
Hi Don Thanks as always you never disappoint Perhaps you might include the Transport for Wales Video's as you mentioned in your comments you might be releasing more contents
Hi Les. Yes, in fact I spoke to TfW only this week and we are nearly ready to push the button. I’m waiting for a phone call but not regarding the videos directly but we are possibly doing a joint charity event where I support a charity in the TfW name. Just a few things to sort out then they will be back. I’ve also got some more videos from them which can be sorted like Bidston to Wrexham and Manchester to Chester via Warrington. They are sitting waiting to be edited as soon as I get the nod. I’m as eager as you are ;-)
Many thanks Don .. your usual masses of interesting info even makes tunnel runs entertaining. and all just i time for a little project .. i just wish TPE did the Skegness to Nottingham run
Hi Malcolm, I wish TPE did that route too! They did do the Scarborough to Hull for Northern which would have made a great film but that was before I was making the videos and it’s gone back to Northern. Still not impossible but takes a lot more getting permission.
We wonder at the civil engineering on these routes but having watched Signalling Engineers 1962 theirs was just as big an engineering feat. One mechanical box at Manchester controlling 350 routes. Imagine all that interlocking design and manufacture! Small wonder some of the boxes were very large.
It’s quite interesting to go in the lever room under a large mechanical box to see all the interlocking levers and bars. Of course, a reasonable laptop would do it these days!!!
I never realised Hope Valley had so much traffic, Northern 150s, East Midlands 158s, TPE and all that cement. .. seems busier than Huddersfield or Calder valley lines.
25:31 Glenbrook activity centre on the left hand side, spent a very enjoyable week there on a school trip & I was the only one trying to find out where the railway line went to!
Great video mate, do you have any insights into the alternate route? the Woodhead tunnel route that was closed and turned into a public trail, the longdendale trail.
I salute the tunnelers and what they did..amazing what a few pieces of wood a string and lump of lead can do...also the hard work by shovel and wheel barrow of hard working brave men.. is that small signal box before tunnel still in action ? are the bags of ballast all over network the smaller filler ballast that firms up the main ballast ?
Hiya Russ. Yes, absolutely astonishing what they achieved. Yes, the small box is open but it is due to got to York ROC. The bags usually have ballast in and they have little sacks with packing ballast (fine stone) in. If they get a bad joint they will add some fine stone in. Normal ballast has a memory effect where it will always find its way back where it came from. Mixing smaller stone disrupts the memory.
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.82[2/2] เมาท์มอยกับ 3 สาวเพื่อนซี้ ที่พร้อมขยี้พ่อหมีได้ทุกเมื่อ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wwn7WnylNtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks Don for a wonderful journey through our beautiful countryside. The views from both inside and outside the cab enhance our enjoyment. Thank you once again for pointing out the ingenuity, industry and fortitude of those early railway engineers. What a debt we owe them!
We do David. It’s astonishing what they achieved and it boosted the development of the country.
This trip has to rank with best in your library Don. Not just the scenery but the history of the Midland railway was superb. As you pointed out,the highlight of the trip was seeing that unbelievable rock wall that supports the railway. That feat of engineering was incredible but what really impressed was the wonderful, wonderful laying of all the stone blocks so precisely. That is one hell of a monument to those navvies along with that 3 mile tunnel. Another big thank you Don, Ian
Thanks Ian. It would be easy to take that wall for granted but when you consider it was done in the days of candle light and pure physical labour. It’s quite a task to build that shelf with its feet in the river and one end directly into a tunnel. Not everyone gets it so it’s refreshing to have such feedback 👍
Another first class video from Don. A history and geography lesson all in one. Should be essential viewing for any tourist.
Thanks Patrick. I try to mix up the info in each video so it broadens the knowledge of the watcher and hopefully is just interesting.
I had spectacular views of the Hope Valley flying a K4 vintage glider from nearby Camphill Airfield in September 1971.
Travelled by Derby Lightweight DMU from Sheffield to Edale before getting an unexpected lift to Great Hucklow.
Also walked the Pennine Way in Easter 1969, obviously starting in Edale. Lived in the Pennines in 4 different locations over a period of 22 years.
Your videos of this whole Pennine area bring back so many memories of my early years!
I’m pleased to hear it brought back memories of those wonderful experiences. Thanks for sharing that 👍
Thank you Don enjoyed that whist having my lunch! I do find your videos soooooo relaxing and you know I will watch again and again as they are stress releasers.
Hi Val - its always good to hear from you. Glad you like them and the next will be out soon.
I'm a relatively new subscriber from America, Missouri specifically. I love your videos. They're a wonderful escape from the drama of the world. I especially enjoy your commentary; you are part travel guide, part historian. Very interesting. We don't have much passenger rail in the middle of America, so this is a fun channel. Thanks!
Thanks Mark, that’s much appreciated. I try to add something different to each video so that by watching several, the watcher can gain more and more knowledge about how our railway operates. I just love the historical and architectural aspects and the other things are mainly what I think you might find interesting. I’m really pleased you appreciate them.
Thanks, Don, another belter. When I was a student at Sheffield, 1964-67, train travel from Liverpool was a nightmare. The through train to Hull via the Woodhead route last ran in 1963. The following year, one or two of the fast Liverpool Central trains reversed at Manchester Central each weekday, and then took the Fallowfield Loop to Guide Bridge, to catch the Woodhead train. In my last couple of years there was a single through train each Sunday afternoon from Liverpool via the Hope Valley to Sheffield Midland. I mainly remember it because in the four or five times I used it, there was always a long wait at Chinley, for some reason.
That sounds like a faff Paul. I guess the wait at Chinley would be pathing. We often get it.
"Charming" doesn't begin to describe most of what's on offer on this journey. Once out of the urban sprawl of Sheffield up until just after Marple the scenery, in my humble opinion, has a timeless beauty that is well worth the time of any passenger wishing to see some of England's finest. But add the further interest of wonderful architecture that abounds in bridges, tunnels, station buildings and associated houses and the whole becomes jaw dropping, especially when you remember, or even just wonder, that most of these structures were built entirely without mechanical tools.
Thanks for sharing Don. I love these videos.
Thanks Colin. I could wax lyrical for hours on the features and architecture of our railway, let alone the scenery!
Fascinating as always! What a fantastic route. The Midland Railway never lacked ambition.
Superb Steve isn’t it? Take care.
I like the addition of the external views, as well as the wall on the River Goyt!
Glad you liked it. I think it adds a bit of interest too.
Excellent video with lots of information added as well. I used to live next to the line at Grindleford 20 years ago and was looking forward to seeing my old house near the signal box but just at that moment a poster came up on the right of the picture and blotted it out! Never mind because it did not stop the enjoyment of seeing the departure from Sheffield, which I did on the train many times. It is interesting to see how it has changed from the past. The answer is not much.
Sorry about that Nigel. There are more Hope Valley trips coming up.
I just stumbled upon this video and actually don’t watch others driving a train.
But I must say this: What a well edited video: explanations, insets in the right moment, well timed and not too fast either (so you have time to read it). There’s a lot of stuff in TH-cam but this stands out. Really good job, big thumbs up!
If you’re not a rail enthusiast I’ll consider that an accolade thanks. Actually getting the timing of the captions right isn’t at all easy so I’m glad you appreciate it.
Quality cab video as usual. Always look forward to the mix of operational insights and railway history. They really make a difference. Thanks.
That’s much appreciated Geoff. I try to mix up route features, history and some of the things that interest me 👍
Lovely Don, a nice and slow amble through lovely countryside.
Glad you liked it EM176
Thanks for this wonderful footage, it brings back memories of a hiking trip to Edale in the 90s and taking the train from Sheffield to Edale. Happy times, thank you.
Thank you Jackie, yes, it’s a wonderful part of the world for sure.
Excellent video, thanks for producing these Don! Got some good views of line walking from Bamford and Edale recently, so was great to see this.
Yes it’s lovely down that valley whatever you’re doing 👍
Thanks Don, thanks for the trip info and history on the way. Excellent video as usual.
Glad you enjoyed it Jeff.
Another great video, thanks Don this old railwayman loves them!
I’m not so young myself Kevin - another couple of years maybe then I must stop. Glad you like them, take care mate.
It's nice to love your work, more of a hobby than a job. Your knowledge of the railway is amazing, and as ever another fantastic video, thank you 😊
Thank you Paul. I could retire now but I’m enjoying myself. Don’t tell anybody but I’d actually do it for nothing 😉
Great video Don. Thanks. I remember when it was four tracks to Dore from Sheffield Midland, the underpass, Heeley carriage sidings and Millhouses engine shed. In those far-off days both curves to the Hope line were double tracked.
Hi John, allegedly will be double tracked again soon. I was talking with someone today and there will be a second line and platform at the station and then where the line comes off the south chord there will be an option to go directly into a loop carved out of the embankment. All the best John.
Another great trip Don, thank you. Cutting in the extra shots of the "train in the landscape" is a good idea. That's the bits you miss 𝒐𝒏 the train; these views are saved for those of us who 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ the trains, rather than just travel on, or even even drive, them.👍👌😁
One noticeable thing about this route, best seen from the cab, is the variety of bridges. I don't think I saw a single ugly bridge on the journey, even the newest ones at the Manchester end. Great stuff, as always,😁
Cheers for now,
Dougie.
Yes, the route is sensational. Those exterior shots are easy because I live nearby so I can’t always add them and I can no longer get into cabs so can’t promise to do the side shots.
I lived in Sale (Alty line) for 30+ years then emigrated to Akld NZ. I used the Alty (electric) line to connect with the (steam) train for Heyfield (Now Removed I guess ?) so knew most of this line well due to my Pennine walks - Edale also. What a 'blast from the past' - What can I say but to repeat previous many thanks - for the history too. Am impressed also with the advent of your Metro link vids. What a sensible use of old/new assets for a still growing metropolis. Very well done Don, and of course it's good to see it is all going to charity.😀
Hi Denis, thanks for the positive feedback. I lived by the Hayfield line as a kid and yes, that closed in 1970. I guess we should be grateful for what is left.
What a great video. It is amazing what engineers of the 19th century were able accomplish without modern equipment. Thanks for sharing it.
They were astonishing weren’t they. Take care.
Cheers Don, as a railway enthusiast and a keen fell walker, I've used this line on a number of occasions and as you said, its a very scenic trip. This journey was made more pleasant by the additional information that you supply us with. Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next one.
Out on the 17th April all being well Peter.
Another superb offering, great countryside and excellent captioning. Thanks, Don. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks, will do Ray, thanks for following.
Hi Don thank you for once again a brilliant video. I will have to do that journey when I get into England. The information that you give is so interesting. I have recently watched a couple of other train videos and they are no where near as yours keep up the good work and stay safe
The nice thing is Robert is that by watching it, you also donated to charity 👍. Another video coming soon.
Soon this line to be added to the Midland Mainline Sheffield to Leicester Route by Just Trains,so will be nice to see how it will compare to the real route.
I keep being drawn back to this one and Buxton one
Lovely scenery isn’t it. 👍
Hello I was brought up in Rowsley and can remember going on Sunday school outings from Rowsley railway station ,it shared a yard with Express dairy, as kids we loved train spotting as Rowsley once had a busy shunting yard.The highlight of many a summer evening was to watch the midland pullman speeding through on towards Manchester.regards Graham.
Hi Hilda. I was brought up in New Mills, a bit further down the line and along with my brothers and sisters used stop what we were doing when the train came through. There was always a coach with an oval window! I don’t remember ever seeing the Pullman but might not have been old enough to recognise it.
Great video as always. The commentary is informative and adds to the experience. I particularly liked the piece regarding the stone wall at New Mills, a truly impressive structure.
It so easy to overlook these things Steve and yet they were mammoth tasks.
Thanks for another entertaining journey! Your vids have really helped me cope with not being able to travel much in the last year.
You know, there have been a couple of times over the last year or so when I’ve got so fed up with red tape that I’ve very nearly thrown in the towel on these videos but every now and again I get a comment like this which really pulls me back. The videos have apparently helped a lot of people through this pandemic and that give me an equal kick to all the money we raise for charity. All the best.
I do miss driving this route, I still know all the signal numbers both ways as this was the first route I signed. Its stunning no matter what time of year you drive it, cheers Don.
I get the feeling I must know you 😉. Thanks for the feedback.
Lovely film Don, one of my favourites of yours; beautiful scenery and really good captions. Brilliant!
Many thanks Adrian, glad you enjoyed it.
I love the information in your train journeys. Many thanks.
We do something different in every video Neil. 👍
Thanks for a great trip ,would be great to see all that wonderful country side at the hight of summer
We might get more footage down there later in the year 😉
I really appreciate your appreciation of the engineering marvels along the 'Permanent Way'.
Cheers Paul, its all stuff that interests me and I’m glad you appreciate it.
This is a really great video of one of my favourite lines, I've recently been travelling to Edale for walks in the peaks so when you premiered this I was very excited to see what the route looked like from the cab.
I think I speed for a lot of people when I say that I really appreciate the drivers eye view videos you post, so thank you.
That’s very kind and I hope it solved a few mysteries 👍
Always enjoy watching these POV-from-the-cab videos of these train journeys! I have travelled so often along this particular route now - almost every month for more than 16 years - nearly all of the locations and line-side features are indelibly etched into my memory!
The reason for this is, just for the record, the two Northern Trains lines to Sheffield (via Hathersage on the Hope Valley) and the commuter line to Glossop (Class 323 electrics) are the two routes that I used to spend many happy years (15 of them: 2005 to 2019) helping out with volunteering to host and run the popular folk music trains - which started in 1994 (Manchester to Edale initially) as a monthly event specifically geared towards leisurely Pennine walks and those who fancied a social gathering in the pub at the destination (in this case the Ramblers at Edale) before then expanding to take in other Northern Trains lines such as Buxton/Whaley Bridge, New Mills Central, Chester line (as far as Northwich), and then subsequently Glossop and Hathersage (extended two stops from the initial Edale destination and now adjourning at the village's Little John Inn for food, refreshments and more music).
Meanwhile from the OTHER direction around the same time, rival Pennine folk music trains would also run monthly between Sheffield to Edale (Rambler's pub) as well as Huddersfield to Penistone. These have proved so popular that they have continued largely untroubled to this day - except of course for the last couple of years when all of them have been curtailed due to Covid and lockdowns. However, I believe they are starting up again and recently the Glossop one has returned back to its usual third-Thursday-of-the-month evening slot!
For those who may not even know about these folk music trains (fully supported by Northern Trains in conjunction with the Hope Valley & High Peak Transport Partnership over the years), as a rule, the Hathersage folk trains were usually daytime ones that ran every SECOND Saturday of the month leaving Manchester Piccadilly at 11.45am and returning from Hathersage at 2.30pm, whilst the Glossop ones were an evening service every THIRD Thursday of the month, leaving Manchester Piccadilly around 6.45pm (adjourning to the town's Labour Club for more music, food and a prize raffle) before returning for Manchester around 9.40pm - these were generally more raucous given their evening time slot as, at the time, I also worked with the University of Manchester and would promote these trains with some of the students who would always enjoy coming along to these as a cheap and friendly social night out.
For anybody intrigued and interested in seeing what happens on these music trains, I have uploaded many videos of some of the different types of bands we have had on these folk trains - shared on my TH-cam channel (just click on my user name Busterabcat and check the ones I have shared since 2010). And there is also a Facebook page for all those who would like to follow/keep tabs on which trains are happening next. Who knows, perhaps you yourself Don may well have been in the train cab on a few of these journeys when some of us rowdy musicians were in full swing 'entertaining' the hordes of shoppers, day trippers and homeward-bound commuters??
facebook.com/groups/155326564543/
Well, what can I say? I don’t normally get such detailed responses so thank you for your efforts. I’ve always been aware of the folk trains because I worked for Northern until 2013, some of which as a manager. I did drive one on the Buxton Line…. possibly 2009? I also know Neil Williams very well, in fact he’s been on authorised cab rides with me. Keep up the good work and I’m just about to watch your footage.
Thanks Don. That video was excellent. Wonderful scenery and the written commentary was great. I learnt and enjoyed it. I live in Australia now, but lived previously in the UK. These videos have inspired me to want to return for a visit. Thanks. Richard.
Thanks Richard. Give me a shout if you come. I’ll arrange to say hello if it fits in with your itinerary and my work etc.
Thank you for this wonderful video. You, once again bring up the subject of Up and Down. I was employed by the Victorian Railways in Australia for 25 wonderful years. At one stage I was the Manager of the Hamilton Freight Centre in western Victoria. All the railway lines were closed by then except for the main line to Portland. North of Hamilton was is a town called Balmoral. The railway line from Balmoral to Natimuk, (I am not kidding, there is a town named Natimuk) ran North and South. Thus there was no up and down. The crews solved the problem by saying that they were going to Natimuk or Balmoral. But I did win a lot of arguments about Up and Down. Incidentally there are lots of familiar place names in the area. That was because a lot of the area was settled by migrants from England. Stan.
Thanks Stan, very interesting. We can give you a run for strange names too. All the best.
A really good presentation once again informative as always. Did the route once in a 142 on a diversion from Essex to Blackpool.
Crikey, that’s a long way to go on a 142! Just kidding, glad you enjoyed it.
Brilliant video Don, really enjoyed watching it. One of my favourite routes along with the Calder Valley line. Never get fed up of watching either of them.
Thanks Laurie, yes that’s a lovely route.
A brilliant video there Don and a route I'm very familiar with as I used to travel on that line some years back after getting the East Midlands Connect service from Nottingham going via Sheffield and the HVL to Warrington to visit my girlfriend for weekends ( whom I now live with). I'm also familiar with Bamford and Hope as I have driven through those towns (and Castleton) from Snake Pass and Ladybower to get to the Peaks the other side. I've had a few good days out in the Hope Valley and can't wait for more of the same once restrictions are lifted.
I live in Chapel-en-le-Frith in the next valley and I get down there as often as possible in normal times. Lovely isn’t it?
Great video Don. Thanks for posting. Really loved the New Mills part. Cheers, Bob
Hi Bob. Trust you are well. Yes, I was born and brought up in New Mills and since having an awareness about railways, that wall has fascinated me...... it doesn’t take a lot to please me!!!
Thanks Don, great commentary and photo highlights and sidelights, as always.
Thanks Barry. That runs through my neck of the woods so I was able to get that additional footage. However, what I’m finding now is that I’m sending cameras out to willing helpers so there may be less “add ons”. Hopefully still full of interest though.
A fantastic and very informative film,thank you for sharing.
Thanks Nick.
Another great video. I wondered to myself if drivers waved to each other when yours approached Hope, and then the answer came up in the text!
Most of the popular answers are in the videos but you have to watch them all to increase your knowledge 😉
Another excellent video. Enjoyable as always. I liked the inclusion of passing shots of similar services as well
It was quite easy in that case Paul because I live on that route.
Don: thanks another great ride, nice to see the route in the Sheffield- Manchester direction, have already watched and enjoyed the Manchester-Sheffield video a couple of times, lets have some more !
Well I can help you with that soon because I’m just working on the Earles to Drax video.
Wow such beautiful scenery. Almost missed it. Was so busy reading the narration that I was missing the ride. So now I just watch the scenery. I don't know what is going on or where we are but the view is great. Nice camera work.
Sorry about that Doris. I get tongue twisted if I try to narrate but I do time the captions before the event so you can look up and see it. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated.
Starting in my home city. All very familiar. Brought back memories. Thank you.
Much appreciated Adam.
New sub Don been super cool watching these been all up and down country with you and I don't even know you thanks for the cool experience mate ✌️
Glad you found us and good to have you aboard.
Thanks for another great video, Don. Another exercise in nostalgia for me as in the early 70s, before I emigrated to Australia, I worked and lived in Sheffield then the Peak District and my family lived in north Cheshire. Guess what was a regular commute for me, although sadly almost always by car! Your story of the building of Totley tunnel was interesting. The skill of those Victorian engineers and surveyors was remarkable. At present tunnels are being dug under Sydney for a new metro, using high-tech boring machines that look as though they would be at home in outer space. But I bet their accuracy isn't much better than the Victorians'. Bob Green's story of his Totley tunnel adventures is a fascinating tale too. Such recollections show what a treasure trove there is in the history of the railways.
Thanks David. There’s no denying that the modern tunnel boring machines are better, they add the tunnel lining as they go. The main advantage is that they are virtually unmanned so there isn’t a vast loss of life. It’s also not as remarkable as those early engineers either, they were hero’s.
Great video Don. Really love your cab rides. Interesting information on them as well
Thanks Ben, that’s very kind.
another enjoyable and informative ride. As always it evoked happy memories. Thanks Don
Glad it brought back memories for you Frank 👍
Thank you Don and Co. These videos are like taking a virtual journey, especially in these times of lockdown etc. Poor old Ardwick Station, the Cinderella of the Manchester Rail Netowrk - lol. This will sound like heresy, but I'm not much into the train types etc but love all the infrastructure and totally agree with you regarding the work of navees and stonemasons. In particular, the routes that 'us lesser mortals' don't get to see such as the recent Liverpool Docks route you recently posted. Again, thank you thank you thank you.
Thanks Jenny and don’t worry, I’m not a big train buff either, I usually have to ask somebody else about the trains themselves. I love the history and the architecture though and I chuck in a few bits that I find interesting like biscuit factories!!!!
Hi Don, another great video. It would be nice to see the Hope Valley in fine weather, my first trip was on a fine summers evening from Sheffield to Edale in 1976 (for the Pennine Way). On subsequent trips either in person or on TH-cam, the conditions have been far from perfect..!
Very little appears to have changed in the Hope Valley since the late seventies, mechanical signalling still survives though not for long I would imagine. Reminds me a little of the 'West of England' mainline in my days at OOC; with the exception of the ocaasional IBHS and the odd colour light distant, oil lamps ruled supreme, on a dark and gloomy night in unfavourable conditions (the St Erth milk for instants) you certainly needed to keep you whits about you; you were glad to get back towards Reading. Fortunately all that has changed now, semaphore signalling still has its place on heritage lines, but no longer on a modern railway. Take care.
You might like the next video which covers some of the Hope Valley. It’s a better day but not exactly glorious 😉👍
Great video Don, thanks for taking the time to get it on TH-cam, it's much appreciated.
Thanks as always for your support Dixie.
Well done Don, another great and informative video. Excellent stuff. Thank you.
Thanks as always BE.
Another excellent video. I liked the cutaway long shots of a similar train, and the digression about the retaining wall at New Mills. I read a novel by Stephen Booth in which the walkway alongside the wall and the Goyt featured, so it was interesting to see it for real. I'm glad I've actually seen the inside of the main train shed at Mac Picc now: all the previous videos have been through trains which have used the through platforms rather than the terminus ones in the train shed.
The Hope Valley line is definitely very scenic. It's a shame that (as far as I know) no-one recorded a cab view along the Woodhead line before it closed in the 1980s. I've seen some sections on film from the early 70s. In the 1980s, video cameras would have been good enough to record the whole route - I think some could write to full-size (and therefore full-length) VHS tape, though powering the camera might have been a challenge. We need a time machine so Don can go back to 1982 and ask a coal-train driver to let him put a camera in the cab ;-)
It will be intersting to see Leeds/London-Derby when those videos are ready to be loaded again. Don, is there any chance that you might have a contact to let you film the Huddersfield-Penistone-Barnsley-Sheffield route? I'd be interested to see the forward view, having only seen the view from a carriage window. That's where I had my "little disagreement" about ticket validity with the Gripper From Hell... I was right, he was wrong - fortunately an off-duty ticket inspector overheard and came to my defence.
Hi Mortimer. I’ve done several videos that start or finish in the train shed so you might like a flick through. Hadfield, Rose Hill, Sheffield, Stoke and even crew all started or finished in the shed. There is a video covering the entire Woodhead Route but perhaps earlier than just before closure; th-cam.com/video/OR6LV5Syzdk/w-d-xo.html
I will take the opportunity to correct a few errors on the StP to Derby vid before putting it back and I was talking only yesterday with TfW and the North Wales vids can go beck real soon too. Now that route from Huddersfield to Barnsley via Penistone was on the list of imminent before Covid but I’m not sure at what stage I can resurrect it. It’s certainly a possibility although I really can’t promise it. By the way, roboguard always seems to find me too ;-) Take care.
I always thought that the UP line on the Midland Railway was towards Derby; St Pancras being famous for the only London terminus to have the UP line pointing away from the station. I agree that, in general, the UP line was towards London (and Sheffield being north of Derby would make the UP line going south. But south of Derby, it would have turned into the Down line).
I live in Cheltenham, and the UP line there is definitely towards Birmingham, with the mileage shown from Derby. i may, of course, be wrong, and that after nationalisation, they changed the direction, and so, today, it is as it is, and you are right, and if so I do apologise for ever doubting your word on that.
Excellent video, by the way, I do love the Hope Valley line, and your comments are both informative and entertaining. Thank you.
Alan.
Hello Alan. Don’t apologise, I’m always happy to debate things railway and I don’t profess to be always right because I’m not! However, I’ve just checked the most recent Quail map and both in the area of St Pancras and Derby, Up is definitely toward the capital. Keep in mind I don’t go there but I did produce a video of St Pancras to Derby which was temporarily taken down but will go back at some stage. Now I don’t have the Western Region Quail map but yes, I would expect Up to be towards Birmingham because lines running west to east and east to west are usually designated up towards a hypothetical centre line of the country. I sign Liverpool to Hull and in those cases, both locations are Up towards Manchester.
Hi Don, I've got to agree with you about how scenic the Hope Valley line is. I miss travelling along the route from Cleethorpes to Manchester and back on days out. Hopefully when the lockdown restrictions are lifted I'll be able to enjoy travelling along this scenic route again. For the time being thanks for sharing this video.
I was supposed to be filming that Cleethorpes run but no chance at the moment. I will be showing it as far as Doncaster in the next video. I live at Chapel en le Frith so will be down the Hope Valley when conditions permit.
Don it's me again. Ever tried putting a 158 to a 153 and the bellows won't match. Cue a shower onto the passengers! Sheffield was a four track layout in the 1980s (as a passenger).
Not noticed that Julian but I do know of a 142 that did 90mph on the back of a 158!!! Wasn’t me, I never signed them.
And yet another highly informative video, liked the touch of the per-recorded similar train going into the curve. Thanks Don!
That feature is easy José because it comes through the area where I live. I can’t promise it for all videos though!
Dont know why but I love the junctions where we swap tracks no idea why just do lol...cheers Don... seen Hathersgate in another vid of yours but in other direction...I remember those curved glass homes.. looked 4 times still cant see the sparrowhawk lol
It’s just up beyond the lifts on the same platform and as we set off it drags its catch under the fence.
Another excellent Video. Beautiful scenery. ( and aliens in Cowburn Tunnel?) Thank you Don.
Haha, it did look a bit like that I must admit!!! All the best David.
Thanks for a most entertaining and informative video - thoroughly enjoyable.
Much appreciated thank you.
It's a lovely part of England, one I haven't visited since the 1980s when I arrived at New Mills to find that I was the only person in the town not decked out in Dickensian costume. Sadly I can't remember the reason for this, a quick look at the Wkipedia page suggests it might have been the 130th anniversary of the opening of Newtown station. But what I did discover is that New Mills is where Swizzels Matlow make Parma Violets, Love Hearts and Refreshers. A mighty claim to fame indeed!
I was brought up (read that as dragged up) in New Mills Richard. We used to hang about the “toffee works” as we called it and some of the workers would throw as sweets while they were still warm! I think the attire was probably normal for New Mills - we’re getting gas and electric soon ;-)
Another great video Don. It just shows that the great Victorian engineering isn't found in the big cities but in the hills, valleys and Mountains of the UK.
Exactly Graeme, it’s amazing really.
Terrific, thank you. The shots of the train just west of Edale were absolute fantastic. V WD!
Thanks Geoffrey. The camera was on a tripod but the wind was blowing that hard I couldn’t keep it still!!!
Another great Cabride. Don. Really like the scrolling captions at the bottom of the video.
Thanks George, much appreciated.
Hi, Don! Thanks for this. Just had the luxury of watching on the telly in my living room. Not often I get chance to use that due to caring responsibilities! Great video, beautiful scenery, and your usual standard of informative commentary! Cheers :o)
My pleasure Derrick, glad you enjoyed it.
A very interesting video, thank you. I found it helpful to have your captions well in advance of the subject that you were referring to.
Thanks Roger. I spend a lot of time getting them just right so that in 99% of cases you read them then see what I’m talking about.
Great video yet again thanks. Amazing engineering on that line.
Astonishing isn’t it Alistair.
Did I see a few gantry survivors from the old Woodhead route as you joined at Ashburys? It's a daft idea but those undertaking community service could be useful in removing the litter from the PW. I used to issue ferreting licences for the railway cuttings in Norfolk.
Hi Tom. Yes you did indeed see the old 1500v overheads. It would be nice to get some help cleaning the railway up. Network Rail spend a small fortune doing it but they wouldn’t dare let the public on the railway. Somebody would end up making a claim. I’d like to get a huge excavator and dump it over the wall.
not too often two great cities are linked by a railways crossing throught such a breathtaking scenery, awesome journey. thanks for sharing
Much appreciated Mikel, thank you. 👍
G'day Don, great to another excellent video. I like the captions giving some history of line and branches.
Richard! Great to hear from you. Glad you liked the video and the “extras”. I hope the weather is good to you where you are, take care.
What an outstanding video Don! Hope you have more in your "pocket"! :-)
Yes, working on the next one as we speak Per.
ANOTHER EXCELLENT VIDEO TAKE CARE DAN AND EVERYONE
Thanks Andrew, all the best.
Great job! Thank You. Best regards from France
Thank you for the feedback.
i had such a wonderfull time when i was in the hope valley. i would get up, catch a train to hope or edale, climb a peak and then catch the afternoon train back home.
Glad it brought back memories for you.
Been on this route as far as the Stockport junction. The train I get comes up from Nottingham up to Sheffield then back out again as this journey then onto Stockport and Manchester.
I'm guessing that the junction at 45:17 is the junction to Stockport... Starting at Ely in the Fens and going through Peterborough, Grantham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stockport and Manchester where I change for home. The train I get then travels on to Liverpool.
Yeah it is very lovely countryside as you say Don...
Hi Martin, we’ve been with EMR on the Oxford Rd to Liverpool part but I’d love to do the other way through to Ely. Yes, thats the right location where the line to Stockport via Hazel Grove splits.
@@doncoffey5820 Also looking at the Google Map of New Mills you can defintely tell that the River has been changed now you mention it too!
I'd love it if you or someone could it all the way to Ely. DO it often when visiting Parents... and when I get to Cowburn Tunnel I know I'm nearer home than the Parents house with all the hills! Around Ely and where my parents live is very flat compared to up here where I live!
Another very good and informative video thanks Don
Glad you enjoyed it Mel.
Hi don, wonderful journey beautiful valley,why are some of the old stations platforms so long,cheer's bob.
Hi Bob. The platforms used to accommodate very long trains in the days before the motor vehicle. There was a steam engine and a rake of coaches. It must have been lovely.
This has been incredible to watch Don. Thank you soo much for sharing this and looking forward to the next one :-)
Thanks Ricky.
Hi Don Thanks as always you never disappoint Perhaps you might include the Transport for Wales Video's as you mentioned in your comments you might be releasing more contents
Hi Les. Yes, in fact I spoke to TfW only this week and we are nearly ready to push the button. I’m waiting for a phone call but not regarding the videos directly but we are possibly doing a joint charity event where I support a charity in the TfW name. Just a few things to sort out then they will be back. I’ve also got some more videos from them which can be sorted like Bidston to Wrexham and Manchester to Chester via Warrington. They are sitting waiting to be edited as soon as I get the nod. I’m as eager as you are ;-)
Another wonderful video Don,Thank You
Much appreciated thanks.
Many thanks Don .. your usual masses of interesting info even makes tunnel runs entertaining. and all just i time for a little project .. i just wish TPE did the Skegness to Nottingham run
Hi Malcolm, I wish TPE did that route too! They did do the Scarborough to Hull for Northern which would have made a great film but that was before I was making the videos and it’s gone back to Northern. Still not impossible but takes a lot more getting permission.
We wonder at the civil engineering on these routes but having watched Signalling Engineers 1962 theirs was just as big an engineering feat. One mechanical box at Manchester controlling 350 routes. Imagine all that interlocking design and manufacture! Small wonder some of the boxes were very large.
It’s quite interesting to go in the lever room under a large mechanical box to see all the interlocking levers and bars. Of course, a reasonable laptop would do it these days!!!
I never realised Hope Valley had so much traffic, Northern 150s, East Midlands 158s, TPE and all that cement. .. seems busier than Huddersfield or Calder valley lines.
Just put Bamford into Real-time Trains and look at all the passing traffic, it really is busy.
Great video mate. Normally 142 Pacers do that route not the 144 but I still miss Pacers 😭😭😭.
I liked driving the 142s despite how unpopular they were.
It looks as if the semaphore signals at Edale will soon go, with the sidings being disconnected and taken up.
I don’t think they’ll go for a while from what I can gather. There will be loops and new platforms at Dore but not a lot else for £173m.
"A truly wonderful feat." (at New Mills)
Amen to that! 👍😎
Easy to take for granted that one Paul. Glad you appreciate it.
47:10
This man-made brick wall/shelf is incredible.
It is Mark. Glad you appreciate it.
25:31 Glenbrook activity centre on the left hand side, spent a very enjoyable week there on a school trip & I was the only one trying to find out where the railway line went to!
Yes, my daughters both went there with Brownies when they were little.
Great video mate, do you have any insights into the alternate route? the Woodhead tunnel route that was closed and turned into a public trail, the longdendale trail.
No not really Mark. I sign the Summit and Standedge routes but of course with Woodhead being closed I rarely go that way. Plenty on Wikipedia though 👍
1:07:44 Good to see that the old 1,500V DC masts, etc have been repurposed for 25kV AC. I would have loved to have travelled on the old Woodhead line!
You and me both 👍
I salute the tunnelers and what they did..amazing what a few pieces of wood a string and lump of lead can do...also the hard work by shovel and wheel barrow of hard working brave men.. is that small signal box before tunnel still in action ? are the bags of ballast all over network the smaller filler ballast that firms up the main ballast ?
Hiya Russ. Yes, absolutely astonishing what they achieved. Yes, the small box is open but it is due to got to York ROC. The bags usually have ballast in and they have little sacks with packing ballast (fine stone) in. If they get a bad joint they will add some fine stone in. Normal ballast has a memory effect where it will always find its way back where it came from. Mixing smaller stone disrupts the memory.
Thanks for video Don, I don’t envy the steam lads going through Totley Tunnel back in the day,hope you and family are well?🚂🚂🚂
No that must have been eye watering!!! 😂
I spent a lot of time as a young'un watching the trains go by with my Grandad at Dore Station
It brings back memories for a lot of people Kal.