I very much enjoyed this video with all the information provided. The annotations and maps really help a Yank understand your rail system. Cheers from Wisconsin.
Only the best for you Paul 😉. Actually, what I include is what I want to see if I’m watching and I explain what I would be explaining if you were with me in the cab.
The story behind the restoration of the Chorley’s Historic Flying Arches is fantastic! Would newer happened in Sweden. The Brits know how to save historic landmarks.
Just watching your video and around Oldfield Road, one of the places I used to work back in the 1980's has gone and new buildings going up and around East Osdsall Lane the firm had some of the railway arches but all that land has been cleared and I presume all the small industries that were in the arches have been moved out. Going through Piccadilly your video shows how much new buildings are going up, seems to be tower cranes everywhere. Fantastic to see.
I never get tired of driving through Manchester. If you look at one of my early videos (only as early as 2018) and compare it with the Oxford Rd to York video, its remarkable just how much is has changed.
This is to much of a coincidence for me not to comment. This premiered on August 11th (my birthday) and covers the journey from Hazel Grove (where I lived age 1-5 and again age 11-14) to the place of my birth (Blackpool - Victoria Hospital). Thank you for this video and especially thanks for the well timed tickertape explanations along the bottom of the screen on this and others of you excellent videos :-)
I heard it was your birthday Paul, that’s why it ran on that day! Well, not really but glad it had some significance and thanks for the feedback on the other videos too.
Excellent to watch Don. There was a junction from Hilton House in Westhoughton station that joined the line between Horwich Parkway and Blackrod station. I used to train spot there as a kid. All the evidence is still there.
I signed both lines there when I was at Northern Phillip and I could make out the junctions. It didn’t come out so clear in the video because of all the foliage there. It must have been a fantastic location in its heyday.
@@doncoffey5820 it was indeed, and so was Horwich Loco Works in its heyday. We would sit on the junction looking for "namers". I would walk the lines with my dad in the 50s, no fencing then.
Are we nearly there yet? Traveled from Blackpool North to Fleetwood and back on the tram in the late 1950's. The yard now and where the 'new' houses are was full of train of coaches then. On a previous point of train stop positions the markers 2,4,6 could be seen at some of the station stops, 6/8 at Manchester, 3/4 at Salford, and 3/4 and 10 at Preston. The 6/8 sign said car lengths under the numbers.
Don just viewed this great video on the old steam railroads of about 1962, some trip video/film included and much of the stone work shown from then is as it is now, also the builder and his design ideas for each area and tunnel(s) just a great history lesson. Video title is : John Betjeman: In View - Men of Steam. It is going to add more enjoyment to your videos as now I understand some of the stone and brick work and how it was done. Magnificent.
@@doncoffey5820 Like some of the low arch bridges, Don, I think I heard them say forms were built out of wood and left till the "mud" had cured and some wood was left up till it rotted away. Whatever works RIGHT ?? still fabulous in all of it. We need them today for sure.
Thanks Don. Most enjoyable and lovely weather throughout. am still working on opening public access to my videos. I don't know why they are restricted! Have clicked on Notification bell.
Now watching the premiere at the correct time. Good to see the video will NOW run on to Blackpool, passing my fave local level crossing at Carleton. Am sure it will be as EXCELLENT as all your others.
I've just remembered, just as you leave Platform 14 at Piccadilly, there's a white building on the right. That used to be the best pie shop in Manchester. Pork pies to die for! Lol
Nothing better to sit down and watch this as therapeutic therapy for the mind when you've spent two days listening to England getting Aussie bashed in the cricket 😂😂. Some wonderful history and local lessons. Brilliant and thanks for your efforts in producing videos like these
I don’t do cricket Dave but I think you might have had quite a nice surprise since you wrote this! I’m flattered to compete with England cricket though!!!
Another top vid...dunno what it is ,but its so relaxing to watch....parts of our fine country that most of us wont see.....Cardiff Electics aint complete yet...lokk forwards to seeing the 800`s of GWR using the panto`s....cheers Don...A1 last time saw carlisle line I was on a 225 a lot of snow.on way to Edinburgh. ....Cdf to crewe was so slow...cos of ice ..on TFW 175... Fancy Crane operator job in Manc on those towers ?...lol nice to see that 86 ...good bit of jit.
@@andrewphillips9391 new trains and trams look ok...the one looks like newer version of a 158...and trams look rly nice..www.railbusinessdaily.com/caf-embarks-on-the-design-and-engineering-for-the-wales-and-borders-franchise/
Chorley cake - also known as a fly's graveyard! Also applies to the Eccles cake, a similar but flatter pastry. The Pontefract cake is a very different product - small coin-sized flat discs of liquorice.
Superbly brilliant as always, especially the detail about Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches, thanks Don. I couldn't help thinking, somewhat tongue in cheek, after your comments on Horwich Parkway and Blackrod stations does 'Parkway Station' mean 'station in the middle of nowhere'?
Interesting what they did for the flying arches isn’t it? Absolutely right - a parkway station is a remote station which serves an area and has integrated links with buses and car parking etc.
Another great job Don and very well researched. It was nice to see the developments at Bolton but caused an "all our yesterdays" moment! Spent a delightful period there as Assistant Area Manager (Parcels) with my 100 ladies who sorted and loaded parcels from the surrounding mills serving the mail order industry long before Amazon.
Don, your videos are rapidly becoming my most eagerly awaited alerts. May you never run out of routes! Another fascinating trip, especially the bit about the arches
Thanks once again Don for sharing the video. We tend to gain a lot of knowledge just by watching your videos. What about a return trip to Hazel Grove? It would be nice to have a return trip as well. Am looking forward to watching the next video involving a high speed train from Derby.
I’ve got some footage of the return journey but the camera overheated and I lost some. Can you believe that it processes so much information so fast that it isn’t possible to touch it and then it shuts itself down! I’m still working on the St Pancras video but I work every other fortnight and this is it so I’m playing 1:1 scale trains this week. I’ve also had permission to film Piccadilly to Reading and I am also getting York to Scarborough on one of the new Mk5 sets. Bear with me.
Thanks Don for another excellent video. The extended feature on Chorley tunnel and the flying arches gave a real insight into the complex engineering work that was undertaken there. You also mentioned the line from Preston via Blackburn and Copy Pit summit to Hall Royd Junction and I wondered what the chances were of you getting permission to film this fascinating route. I’m guessing it’s a bit off the beaten track for you.
They just get better and better! An object lesson in producing in-cab videos. Thanks, Don, for the considerable time and effort you must expend producing these videos.
Is that a nice way of saying boring!!! Haha, glad you like them whatever the reason (to be honest I nod off sometimes when watching but thankfully not while I’m driving).
Hi from Pennsylvania. Thank you Don for another of your fine, informative videos. I see directly ahead of the train at the end the notable Blackpool Tower, which I remember from videos of Blackpool’s unique streetcar line. Blackpool’s streetcar line is the only one which ran uninterrupted through the dark days when tram lines were in ill repute throughout the UK and were all abandoned. Now modern streetcar systems, called Light Rail Transit (LRTs) are being installed worldwide. Blackpool’s system was recently renovated to modern standards, although great care was taken to retain its unique history and character. You do such a great job on these presentations. Thank you again!! CAS
Thanks Charles and thanks for the interesting feedback. Blackpool trams were an important feature of the tourism industry for the town. LRTs have a place but they have converted a couple of heavy rail lines around Manchester which seems an unnecessary cost to me.
At 1:27:00 That's a good idea. Instead of fade-to-black, drop in a still image of the station you've just arrived at. I've seen you do it in other videos. A practice well worth maintaining.
Thanks for the therapeutic uploads sir. In the 4 years since this was taken, has there been any update on the Poulten to Fleetwood reopening, considering the Government's fast tracking for rail projects?
You've just stolen 90+ minutes of my Saturday morning because I was transfixed by your video, complete with ordnance survey map open on another tab to identify the landmarks. Truly fascinating, thank you for a most interesting and educational production, well done!
1:07:00 Leyland was the combing of the makers of Austin, Morris and Wolsley automobiles originally under the name British Motor Company(BMC) to become British Leyland in the early 1970s, then simply as Leyland by the late 1970s.
Thanks. Brings back memories of around 1960 when in summer we often went on Sat nights at 4 pm from Stockport to Blackpool North to go dancing at the Winter Gardens ballroom. 4 shilling ( 20 pence ) return. Left Blackpool at midnight then walked home 4 miles from Stockport to Bredbury. Happy youth.
Thanks again Don for taking us to the seaside. More nostalgia. As a 10 year old I was evacuated from Hull to Fleetwood. I travelled alone changing stations at Manchester, and then at Kirkham and Poulton. Trains crowded at all times. I suppose we should not have been surprised that there was trouble with a water crossing Moses Gate!!
Hi Don what another great film! Your route knowledge is amazing, love the compassion between the the two Aldlington stations think correct spelling, think also the Cheshire one is far the prettier one! plus the information on the flying arch’s was very informative brilliant what they did plus the fact that no one will really see it. Good on Network Rail. Enjoyable journey on a very wet day here on the Kent coast. Eddie 🤓
Thats only the sheild, there is a masive tail of suppoting sledges behind, at least 150 meters or more. scroll down from this link to UK development of a vacuum segment erector and you will see a smaller sheild but look at the lenght of the machine with it,s sledges www.tunneltalk.com/First-use-in-tunnelling-of-a-vacuum-segment-erector.php
Thanks for the ride. It was good to see the BNFL Springfields plant at Salwick where I served my apprenticeship in 1977. I had 20 wonderful years there. I'm now going to travel with you from Preston to Carlisle. Thanks for taking us along.
Another amazing video Don. Thank you. I especially enjoyed the history vignette on the Chorley Arches and Tunnel. At speed you barely even notice the steel arch supporting the stone work. Definitely some master craftsmen built those original arches. When arriving in Blackpool station was that a light rail line to the right (perhaps you would call it a Tramway)? The rail facilities in Blackpool were definitely larger than I expected. Is that a port city in addition to a tourist spot and does the yard handle freight as well as passenger equipment?
No, all heavy rail at Blackpool George but I think there is a bus and tram interchange right outside the station. All those sidings have recently been remodelled and electrified. There is only passenger trains in there.
I can't understand how, many years ago, when rail traffic was diverted from the Stalybridge-Victoria lines to run via Ardwick to Oxford Road and Deansgate, why no-one thought toreserve the space for another two-track viaduct between Piccadilly and Deansgate? The existing viaduct was busy enough back then when it was taking freight as well as passenger trains.
I'm a Brit who has lived in the States most of his life. Americans think the phrase "Mind the Gap" is enormously funny. I have never understood why. Great vid, anyway. Very informative.
I may know him Brian. I organise signaller “play days” on the Class 185 simulator where they can have a go at driving and seeing things from our perspective.
Stayed throughout the premiere, hope the charity benefits well with nearly 400 watching by the end. My 60 minute dog walk over the Carleton Crossing to the next bridge and beyond back to Bispham and Cleveleys was good to see and nice that the housing estate on the outskirts of Blackpool is finally back on track (well not literally). The Flying Arches, the highlight with superb background information. FYI, there is a plan to extend the tram route with an outer circle to include Poulton-Le-Fylde using the old train route. I hold my breath on that one ! Cheers Don.
Fascinating video Don, especially liked the description of the engineering works at Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches. Back in the late 1950s I used to travel on steam trains from Oldham Mumps to Bolton via Manchester once a month on a Saturday with my Mum to visit my Dad who worked in Bolton.
Bolton to Blackpool journey was epic and very informative (my world not done that journey since the early 60s) Just loved the whole journey.Thanks for the memories 👍
Hi Don, I’m really enjoying your videos and excellent descriptions of each route. I’m especially glad that you covered the Chorley Flying Arches. Some additional information about them (as I worked within the West Coast Route Mod project): When WCRM was requested to gauge clear the Manchester - Bolton - Chorley - Euxton Jn route as a diversionary route for the Class 390 Pendolino’s, we calculated that the clearances to the flying arches are Chorley were very tight, indeed foul to some of the arches. We investigated and calculated that clearances to other gauge-cleared stock at the time (eg Class 87s) was also very tight. We learnt that the track quality through the location was historically problematic (due to the geology, steep cutting, poor drainage etc) and maintenance tamping over time to maintain track quality had resulted in the height of the track being increased, leading to problematic gauge clearance. It got so bad that a TSR was imposed. In addition, WCRM also did a static clearance trial during a Saturday night in the early 2000s that took a Pendolino and a Class 87 under the arches to statically measure clearances - to validate the clearance calculation software and to prove to the higher level management in both Railtrack and Virgin just how tight the clearances actually were! (390033 and 87006 were used). WCRM investigated having the original arches removed but we found that they were listed, also the timescales to progress would be far too long. So WCRM implemented a medium term solution of a full track renewal to reset track position and improve drainage. This work was carried out and allowed the TSR to be removed, also improved gauge clearances to existing stock and allowed the Pendolino’s to be gauge cleared (non-electrified at the time, so only gauge cleared to be dragged by a Thunderbird loco). After a few years following WCRM, the track quality began to be a problem again, maintenance tamping increased track height and this led to gauge clearance issues again. In the meantime, Network Rail had enough time to explore a more permanent solution to the problem, and this led to the scheme to remove the original arches, place into store, while installing the temporary steel arches - which you covered. So the primary reason for the removal of the arches was actually tight gauge clearance (rather than condition) ... but you’ve covered the story of the arches in more recent times in excellent detail, and it’s great to see that the original arches were eventually restored and re-installed. 👍 Hope this additional information is useful, kind regards, Mark.
I’m ever so sorry Mark but your comprehensive reply got lost at the time so I’m still attempting to catch up. I remember those speed restrictions because I signed that route at the time and I definitely remember the poor track and drainage because you could see it. Then they monitored the cutting walls for movement and then they started the project proper and the arches ended up in the NR yard at Kirkham. I hope you get to see this and thank you for going into detail.
Fantastic video Don. The information is great. Some of the catenery at skew bridge junction is amazing. Don't think I've seen fizzy knitting so intricate and that signalling is a marvel. Many thanks.
You did indeed Andy - cancel that eye test! They were about to close Acton Grange lower down the WCML for engineering so all the company’s were running crew training locos/trains for diversionary work.
I do occasionally get asked for it but it’s such a short run I’d be hard pressed to justify organising it. Maybe one day I’ll tie it in with something else.
Didn't this route used to be a TPE route or am i mistaken? When i lived in Manchester i always got a TPE service to Blackpool North that had originated at Hazel Grove. I noticed 2 really long platforms as well, those being Bolton and the town of Lostock, which i thought was strange to have such a long platform
Hi Dave, yes you got a TPE service but it originated at the airport and not Hazel Grove. That service to Blackpool along with the ones to Barrow and Windermere have gone back to Northern under the current franchise arrangements.
Hi Don, well given i now live in Australia i wont be nipping to Blackpool often and if i do come home to Manchester to visit friends i know i wont be able to take a TPE service to Blackpool North as TPE don't go there anymore.
Does a very good job of explaining why upgrade projects can run so late. It's not just a case of stringing the wires up, the whole line is upgraded as well. In fact, it does a better job of explaining the difficulties that can arise than Network Rail do themselves.
I think it should call at only stockport from Hazel Grove to Manchester as the buxton line serves them (Woodsmoor and Davenport) and loads serve the heaton chapel and levenshulme stations
We (some of the managers at Northern) tried to get the Buxtons stopped from calling at Levenshulme and Heaton Chapel because they just filled it up with bikes etc and we ended up leaving people for the Buxton line behind. It fell on deaf ears because of pressure from the stakeholder groups.
@@doncoffey5820 To be honest living in stockport myself I find that Heaton Chapel doesn't really even have a use as a station.It's served by the 192 (a every 3 minutes 23/7 bus)and stockport station is close nearby.I feel like Northern could use with a few more express type services.None the less a very good video as alway.
Thank you Don for a most interesting trip to Blackpool, I have watched a Blog from a Blackpool Lad called Nodrog I watched all his videos from early 2018 when the start of the electrification began, he is very passionate in railways in that part of the country. Great to see how things have changed over the years, with routes disappearing not always for the better. I do hope that they decide to reopen the Fleetwood branch. thanks again for sharing your journeys with us my it long continue.
My pleasure Phillip. I’ve watched a few of his videos. Very good. I’ve been informed by one of the comments that they are looking to put a tram line on the Fleetwood branch. That would be much better than houses on it.
How come you are able to video these cab rides without getting into trouble? I'm a train driver with a freight company and there is no way I'd be allowed to do this. I was also told when I asked if I could do it for route learning purposes that NR wouldn't permit it.
It’s a fair question Andy. Some companies allow it and some don’t. My Standards Director at TPE allowed it after consultation with various departments but the current one doesn’t. The guys at Northern have been fantastic and I may well be getting more from them. What I am finding now is that some companies are sending me footage that they’ve taken for other reasons like signal or foliage sighting. In many cases cab access is not possible even with a cab pass because of Covid restrictions so I have to beg, steal or borrow. What I obviously can’t and wouldn’t attempt is to turn up without somebody somewhere agreeing to it. Some companies have taken my cameras and use them for their own means and send me a copy of the footage. I don’t know who told you NR wouldn’t allow it but they tend not to get involved - the operator decides. A NR fella turned up at my train recently and asked if he could put a camera outside on the light bracket for signal sighting and most of the TOCs and FOCs have a library of footage taken by a company called TAPs (Track Access Productions) who also provide their official maps. I had Network Rail contact me not long ago for some footage so that they could assess track access for upcoming major engineering. My footage was also used in that documentary about TPE on Channel 4. It can be done but it just has to be authorised by the right people.
"Top Marque" again Donald, are those Registration Arms on the OHLE colored white for the mitigation of Solar Heat/Radiation purposes, as are Rails when painted White ?
Great video Don, I remember taking this line from Bolton to Blackpool as a young lad on day trips.I remember the old MOD station at Chorley ROF and just after it went to single track before it joined the WCML at Euxton Junction. Sorry mate showing my age here, but keep the videos coming and hopefully you can do Manchester to Clitheroe via Blackburn one day.
I remember that single lead junction Chris. I was once in the cab of a Class 156 as it slid all the way to the single line and there was a Class 158 coming the other way. How we missed it I’ll never know.
Hi John, good to hear from you. No, they’ve just agreed a plan to rationalise the number of trains through that area rather than spend the money that it should have had to justify the Ordsall Chord. It should have had platforms 15 and 16 at Piccadilly too.
Hi Cliff. Yes you are technically correct but I was generalising because I suspect more people will relate to the ballroom because of Strictly. Thanks though.
Thanks Don, another excellent video. That's refreshed my route knowledge Slade Lane Junction to Blackpool. By the way I am meant to be working on a VAT return, not watching videos !!
Don these films are excellent, and indeed just get better and better. Far better than any drivers eye view films which I have seen over the last 30 years.
No, not instructed but if we stop at the first signal we can’t move again without being dispatched so it causes delay when all the passengers have to walk up the platform.
Really excellent Don. Thanks so much. A great cab-ride and loads of interesting facts. (Especilly liked the restoration of the 'Flying Arches') Thanks again.
In my travels around the UK I've always admired the Stockport Viaduct, now I see what it's like to cross it! Dramatic urban views going through Manchester also, and the story of the Chorley arches is fascinating! Chance to travel about with you is a perfect escape from our current quarantine...Thanks so much!
I very much enjoyed this video with all the information provided. The annotations and maps really help a Yank understand your rail system. Cheers from Wisconsin.
Thanks Andrew. The captions have evolved as a result of feedback.
I love how you name every station you stop at or go thru,wish they all did
Only the best for you Paul 😉. Actually, what I include is what I want to see if I’m watching and I explain what I would be explaining if you were with me in the cab.
The story behind the restoration of the Chorley’s Historic Flying Arches is fantastic! Would newer happened in Sweden. The Brits know how to save historic landmarks.
Sweden is beautiful though. I visited Volvo Bus many times in my previous career.
Another magnificent video, a must see for anyone interested in British Railway’s and again, great information along the way. Thank you Don.
Thank Keith. Those flying arches are amazing aren’t they.
Yet another fantastic video, I never tire of watching your videos over and over again. Thank you for providing them.
Much appreciated Drew.
Continuing my rail education around the UK. Thanks for another great video!
You’ll sign all the routes soon!
Just watching your video and around Oldfield Road, one of the places I used to work back in the 1980's has gone and new buildings going up and around East Osdsall Lane the firm had some of the railway arches but all that land has been cleared and I presume all the small industries that were in the arches have been moved out. Going through Piccadilly your video shows how much new buildings are going up, seems to be tower cranes everywhere. Fantastic to see.
I never get tired of driving through Manchester. If you look at one of my early videos (only as early as 2018) and compare it with the Oxford Rd to York video, its remarkable just how much is has changed.
This is to much of a coincidence for me not to comment. This premiered on August 11th (my birthday) and covers the journey from Hazel Grove (where I lived age 1-5 and again age 11-14) to the place of my birth (Blackpool - Victoria Hospital). Thank you for this video and especially thanks for the well timed tickertape explanations along the bottom of the screen on this and others of you excellent videos :-)
I heard it was your birthday Paul, that’s why it ran on that day! Well, not really but glad it had some significance and thanks for the feedback on the other videos too.
Excellent to watch Don. There was a junction from Hilton House in Westhoughton station that joined the line between Horwich Parkway and Blackrod station. I used to train spot there as a kid. All the evidence is still there.
I signed both lines there when I was at Northern Phillip and I could make out the junctions. It didn’t come out so clear in the video because of all the foliage there. It must have been a fantastic location in its heyday.
@@doncoffey5820 it was indeed, and so was Horwich Loco Works in its heyday. We would sit on the junction looking for "namers". I would walk the lines with my dad in the 50s, no fencing then.
Are we nearly there yet? Traveled from Blackpool North to Fleetwood and back on the tram in the late 1950's. The yard now and where the 'new' houses are was full of train of coaches then.
On a previous point of train stop positions the markers 2,4,6 could be seen at some of the station stops, 6/8 at Manchester, 3/4 at Salford, and 3/4 and 10 at Preston. The 6/8 sign said car lengths under the numbers.
I saw it first Brian!! Good old days eh? ;-)
Don just viewed this great video on the old steam railroads of about 1962, some trip video/film included and much of the stone work shown from then is as it is now, also the builder and his design ideas for each area and tunnel(s) just a great history lesson. Video title is : John Betjeman: In View - Men of Steam. It is going to add more enjoyment to your videos as now I understand some of the stone and brick work and how it was done. Magnificent.
Yes it is. I spend ages trying to work out how some of these things were done - they were true craftsmen.
@@doncoffey5820 Like some of the low arch bridges, Don, I think I heard them say forms were built out of wood and left till the "mud" had cured and some wood was left up till it rotted away. Whatever works RIGHT ?? still fabulous in all of it. We need them today for sure.
Some of the bridges near Bolton were built by the canal company. I can get quite excited about a well built bridge!!!
Stunning video Don. Really enjoy your channel keep up the amazing work mate.
Cheers Steve, will do.
excellent video, very informative and enjoyable to watch, thank you very much for your time and effort.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.
Another excellent video! I do like your informative and educational notations.
Much appreciated thanks 👍
Thanks don for another wonderful journey on a great rail network cheer's bob.ps I wish our trains could run this fast.
Wait until you see the London to Derby video Bob. It premieres tomorrow night.
Excellent video! I hope they rebuild the Fleetwood branch. It would give a near direct connection to the tramway.
Its been suggested that a tram line is on the cards Chris.
Thanks Don. Most enjoyable and lovely weather throughout. am still working on opening public access to my videos. I don't know why they are restricted! Have clicked on Notification bell.
I think these days they have to check your credentials but I could be wrong.
Thanks for the video I rely look forward to them I live in the South West and find your Videos fascinating and very interesting
Thanks Again
Thanks Les. Thats a bit off my patch or I’d come and do some down there. Glad you enjoy them.
Now watching the premiere at the correct time. Good to see the video will NOW run on to Blackpool, passing my fave local level crossing at Carleton. Am sure it will be as EXCELLENT as all your others.
I think >magnificent< sums this video up very well. Many thanks for sharing. I have subscribed. Cheers, Bob
Very flattering - thanks Bob, much appreciated.
I've just remembered, just as you leave Platform 14 at Piccadilly, there's a white building on the right. That used to be the best pie shop in Manchester. Pork pies to die for! Lol
I can’t for the life of me think where it is???
Nothing better to sit down and watch this as therapeutic therapy for the mind when you've spent two days listening to England getting Aussie bashed in the cricket 😂😂. Some wonderful history and local lessons. Brilliant and thanks for your efforts in producing videos like these
I don’t do cricket Dave but I think you might have had quite a nice surprise since you wrote this! I’m flattered to compete with England cricket though!!!
Another top vid...dunno what it is ,but its so relaxing to watch....parts of our fine country that most of us wont see.....Cardiff Electics aint complete yet...lokk forwards to seeing the 800`s of GWR using the panto`s....cheers Don...A1 last time saw carlisle line I was on a 225 a lot of snow.on way to Edinburgh. ....Cdf to crewe was so slow...cos of ice ..on TFW 175... Fancy Crane operator job in Manc on those towers ?...lol nice to see that 86 ...good bit of jit.
You sure it was a 225 at Carlisle??? ;-) I’m hoping to get some 175 footage in the not too distant future. Thanks for the comments Russ.
actually no...thinking back we came Carlisle route on way back...HST....up was on 225..
@@doncoffey5820 Really like the 175s, shame Wales is getting rid of them
@@andrewphillips9391 new trains and trams look ok...the one looks like newer version of a 158...and trams look rly nice..www.railbusinessdaily.com/caf-embarks-on-the-design-and-engineering-for-the-wales-and-borders-franchise/
Another terrific video with excellent captioning - thanks.
Thanks Ray.
An interesting video and the historical arches in restoration. A unique video today. Thanks Don. 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸
That was my core route when I worked at Northern. Thanks as always Martin.
Chorley cake - also known as a fly's graveyard! Also applies to the Eccles cake, a similar but flatter pastry. The Pontefract cake is a very different product - small coin-sized flat discs of liquorice.
Exactly. Hated by many at school but me being greedy love them - covered in custard.
@@doncoffey5820 Got to try that now!
You’ll be hooked ;-)
This is my evening entertainment
sorted!
Feet up and Pringles Henry!!!
Superbly brilliant as always, especially the detail about Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches, thanks Don.
I couldn't help thinking, somewhat tongue in cheek, after your comments on Horwich Parkway and Blackrod stations does 'Parkway Station' mean 'station in the middle of nowhere'?
Interesting what they did for the flying arches isn’t it? Absolutely right - a parkway station is a remote station which serves an area and has integrated links with buses and car parking etc.
Another great job Don and very well researched. It was nice to see the developments at Bolton but caused an "all our yesterdays" moment! Spent a delightful period there as Assistant Area Manager (Parcels) with my 100 ladies who sorted and loaded parcels from the surrounding mills serving the mail order industry long before Amazon.
Rail was the premier parcels carrier. Thanks Martin, very interesting.
Don, your videos are rapidly becoming my most eagerly awaited alerts. May you never run out of routes! Another fascinating trip, especially the bit about the arches
I really appreciate that Steve, thanks.
Thanks once again Don for sharing the video. We tend to gain a lot of knowledge just by watching your videos. What about a return trip to Hazel Grove? It would be nice to have a return trip as well. Am looking forward to watching the next video involving a high speed train from Derby.
I’ve got some footage of the return journey but the camera overheated and I lost some. Can you believe that it processes so much information so fast that it isn’t possible to touch it and then it shuts itself down! I’m still working on the St Pancras video but I work every other fortnight and this is it so I’m playing 1:1 scale trains this week. I’ve also had permission to film Piccadilly to Reading and I am also getting York to Scarborough on one of the new Mk5 sets. Bear with me.
Hi Don, what more is there to say? I echo the comments of all the undersigned, great video.
Thanks Dave - much appreciated.
Another great video thankyou Don.
Much appreciated Tony.
Thanks Don for another excellent video. The extended feature on Chorley tunnel and the flying arches gave a real insight into the complex engineering work that was undertaken there. You also mentioned the line from Preston via Blackburn and Copy Pit summit to Hall Royd Junction and I wondered what the chances were of you getting permission to film this fascinating route. I’m guessing it’s a bit off the beaten track for you.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Actually, I believe I can twist somebody’s arm for that route - leave it with me, it could take some time!!!
@@doncoffey5820 :) Would love Preston to Blackburn myself or even further to Colne maybe?
They just get better and better! An object lesson in producing in-cab videos. Thanks, Don, for the considerable time and effort you must expend producing these videos.
Very much appreciated Benn.
I enjoyed the video, I really hate going through Farnworth tunnel, it always hurt my ears as the train goes through. More so then the Chorley tunnel.
Morley Tunnel does my ears but Standedge Tunnel doesn’t. I guess its the way the train creates air pressure.
Thankyou, Don.. I love this. :)
Thanks Karen, much appreciated.
Don’t mean this in a bad way Don,but when I can’t sleep I put on one of your excellent train journeys,they are so relaxing 😀
Is that a nice way of saying boring!!! Haha, glad you like them whatever the reason (to be honest I nod off sometimes when watching but thankfully not while I’m driving).
Not just a great video but a fascinating history lesson too... Thank you Don... Lovely Jubbly...
Glad you enjoyed it Peter and thanks for being a “regular”.
@@doncoffey5820 I have watched every one some twice and even thrice... Absolute Magic my friend...
Hi from Pennsylvania. Thank you Don for another of your fine, informative videos. I see directly ahead of the train at the end the notable Blackpool Tower, which I remember from videos of Blackpool’s unique streetcar line. Blackpool’s streetcar line is the only one which ran uninterrupted through the dark days when tram lines were in ill repute throughout the UK and were all abandoned. Now modern streetcar systems, called Light Rail Transit (LRTs) are being installed worldwide. Blackpool’s system was recently renovated to modern standards, although great care was taken to retain its unique history and character.
You do such a great job on these presentations.
Thank you again!! CAS
Thanks Charles and thanks for the interesting feedback. Blackpool trams were an important feature of the tourism industry for the town. LRTs have a place but they have converted a couple of heavy rail lines around Manchester which seems an unnecessary cost to me.
At 1:27:00 That's a good idea. Instead of fade-to-black, drop in a still image of the station you've just arrived at. I've seen you do it in other videos. A practice well worth maintaining.
I do if I’ve got some decent stills. I don’t always get chance.
Thanks for the therapeutic uploads sir. In the 4 years since this was taken, has there been any update on the Poulten to Fleetwood reopening, considering the Government's fast tracking for rail projects?
I’d love to tell you there was Jason but there’s nothing even planned as far as I know.
You've just stolen 90+ minutes of my Saturday morning because I was transfixed by your video, complete with ordnance survey map open on another tab to identify the landmarks. Truly fascinating, thank you for a most interesting and educational production, well done!
Best 90 minutes you’ve ever spent David! Thanks for watching and the best part - you donated to charity.
1:07:00 Leyland was the combing of the makers of Austin, Morris and Wolsley automobiles originally under the name British Motor Company(BMC) to become British Leyland in the early 1970s, then simply as Leyland by the late 1970s.
You are right regarding Leyland Cars but this was specifically Leyland Trucks which is now DAF Trucks.
Thank you for all your hard work in producing yet another great video.
Thanks Paul. It does indeed take a lot of time up.
I agree
Thanks. Brings back memories of around 1960 when in summer we often went on Sat nights at 4 pm from Stockport to Blackpool North to go dancing at the Winter Gardens ballroom. 4 shilling ( 20 pence ) return. Left Blackpool at midnight then walked home 4 miles from Stockport to Bredbury. Happy youth.
Me too Butch. Do you remember Uncle Peter Webster and his amazing Wurlitzer?
Thanks again Don for taking us to the seaside. More nostalgia. As a 10 year old I was evacuated from Hull to Fleetwood. I travelled alone changing stations at Manchester, and then at Kirkham and Poulton. Trains crowded at all times.
I suppose we should not have been surprised that there was trouble with a water crossing Moses Gate!!
Thanks DW. Its amazing that that little cutting ever drains because from there, the only way is up! Yep, Network Rail couldn’t win with that one.
Wished they'd do this route on Rail simulator. Or even Manchester piccadilly to Blackpool. Great vid tho 👍🏻
Always a pleasure to ride with you. Thanks Don.
Hi Don what another great film! Your route knowledge is amazing, love the compassion between the the two Aldlington stations think correct spelling, think also the Cheshire one is far the prettier one! plus the information on the flying arch’s was very informative brilliant what they did plus the fact that no one will really see it. Good on Network Rail. Enjoyable journey on a very wet day here on the Kent coast. Eddie 🤓
Hope things improve down there Eddie. Glad you enjoyed the video. I’m just editing a run out of St Pancras to Derby that you might like.
Cool always top videos....thats some tunneling machine
Cheers Russ.
Thats only the sheild, there is a masive tail of suppoting sledges behind, at least 150 meters or more. scroll down from this link to UK development of a vacuum segment erector and you will see a smaller sheild but look at the lenght of the machine with it,s sledges www.tunneltalk.com/First-use-in-tunnelling-of-a-vacuum-segment-erector.php
Thanks for the ride. It was good to see the BNFL Springfields plant at Salwick where I served my apprenticeship in 1977. I had 20 wonderful years there. I'm now going to travel with you from Preston to Carlisle. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for coming Karl and it all helps charity too.
This video is so professionally made. Thank you, Don.
Thanks Frank.
Excellent. They just keep getting better and better. Great captioning especially at the points of historical or technical interest. keep 'em coming.
Cheers Ray.
Another amazing video Don. Thank you. I especially enjoyed the history vignette on the Chorley Arches and Tunnel. At speed you barely even notice the steel arch supporting the stone work. Definitely some master craftsmen built those original arches. When arriving in Blackpool station was that a light rail line to the right (perhaps you would call it a Tramway)? The rail facilities in Blackpool were definitely larger than I expected. Is that a port city in addition to a tourist spot and does the yard handle freight as well as passenger equipment?
No, all heavy rail at Blackpool George but I think there is a bus and tram interchange right outside the station. All those sidings have recently been remodelled and electrified. There is only passenger trains in there.
I can't understand how, many years ago, when rail traffic was diverted from the Stalybridge-Victoria lines to run via Ardwick to Oxford Road and Deansgate, why no-one thought toreserve the space for another two-track viaduct between Piccadilly and Deansgate? The existing viaduct was busy enough back then when it was taking freight as well as passenger trains.
Aye well it’s the source of a major headache now. Whether it ever get resolved remains to be seen.
Another brillaint video! I found the section on the Chorley Flying Arches very interesting!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It's astonishing how many birds like to play 'chicken' with trains isn't it! ?
It is and it doesn’t always end well 😳
Thank you for another educational and entertaining film! I especially enjoyed the section on the flying arches!
From the feedback, that went down very well - thanks Steven.
I'm a Brit who has lived in the States most of his life. Americans think the phrase "Mind the Gap" is enormously funny. I have never understood why. Great vid, anyway. Very informative.
We take it for granted but it’s surprising just how many people manage to fall down between the train and the platform.
My Son works in Edgely no 1 he also trained in Edgely no 2 and Stockport no 1 i have been in Stockport no 1 very busy box
I may know him Brian. I organise signaller “play days” on the Class 185 simulator where they can have a go at driving and seeing things from our perspective.
Many thanks for the effort you put into these. It was highly enjoyable AND very interesting.
Much appreciated Alan.
Stayed throughout the premiere, hope the charity benefits well with nearly 400 watching by the end. My 60 minute dog walk over the Carleton Crossing to the next bridge and beyond back to Bispham and Cleveleys was good to see and nice that the housing estate on the outskirts of Blackpool is finally back on track (well not literally). The Flying Arches, the highlight with superb background information. FYI, there is a plan to extend the tram route with an outer circle to include Poulton-Le-Fylde using the old train route. I hold my breath on that one ! Cheers Don.
Thanks for tuning in last night. It would be good to get at least some use out of that Fleetwood line.
Great video, still hoping you or someone else will cover Blackpool South line.
Maybe one day but certainly not high on the agenda.
Fascinating video Don, especially liked the description of the engineering works at Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches. Back in the late 1950s I used to travel on steam trains from Oldham Mumps to Bolton via Manchester once a month on a Saturday with my Mum to visit my Dad who worked in Bolton.
Thanks Michael. That would have made an interesting cab ride!!!
Bolton to Blackpool journey was epic and very informative (my world not done that journey since the early 60s) Just loved the whole journey.Thanks for the memories 👍
Glad you enjoyed it Francis.
Thats what i used to fix TBM Fitter/Welder/Electician.
Nice work Scott. Keep up the good work.
This is one hell of a fantastic video. Thank you so very much
Glad you enjoyed it.
All we need Keith was to have you as a passenger on this train filming outta the window!
Hi Don, I’m really enjoying your videos and excellent descriptions of each route. I’m especially glad that you covered the Chorley Flying Arches. Some additional information about them (as I worked within the West Coast Route Mod project): When WCRM was requested to gauge clear the Manchester - Bolton - Chorley - Euxton Jn route as a diversionary route for the Class 390 Pendolino’s, we calculated that the clearances to the flying arches are Chorley were very tight, indeed foul to some of the arches. We investigated and calculated that clearances to other gauge-cleared stock at the time (eg Class 87s) was also very tight. We learnt that the track quality through the location was historically problematic (due to the geology, steep cutting, poor drainage etc) and maintenance tamping over time to maintain track quality had resulted in the height of the track being increased, leading to problematic gauge clearance. It got so bad that a TSR was imposed. In addition, WCRM also did a static clearance trial during a Saturday night in the early 2000s that took a Pendolino and a Class 87 under the arches to statically measure clearances - to validate the clearance calculation software and to prove to the higher level management in both Railtrack and Virgin just how tight the clearances actually were! (390033 and 87006 were used).
WCRM investigated having the original arches removed but we found that they were listed, also the timescales to progress would be far too long. So WCRM implemented a medium term solution of a full track renewal to reset track position and improve drainage. This work was carried out and allowed the TSR to be removed, also improved gauge clearances to existing stock and allowed the Pendolino’s to be gauge cleared (non-electrified at the time, so only gauge cleared to be dragged by a Thunderbird loco).
After a few years following WCRM, the track quality began to be a problem again, maintenance tamping increased track height and this led to gauge clearance issues again. In the meantime, Network Rail had enough time to explore a more permanent solution to the problem, and this led to the scheme to remove the original arches, place into store, while installing the temporary steel arches - which you covered. So the primary reason for the removal of the arches was actually tight gauge clearance (rather than condition) ... but you’ve covered the story of the arches in more recent times in excellent detail, and it’s great to see that the original arches were eventually restored and re-installed. 👍 Hope this additional information is useful, kind regards, Mark.
I’m ever so sorry Mark but your comprehensive reply got lost at the time so I’m still attempting to catch up. I remember those speed restrictions because I signed that route at the time and I definitely remember the poor track and drainage because you could see it. Then they monitored the cutting walls for movement and then they started the project proper and the arches ended up in the NR yard at Kirkham. I hope you get to see this and thank you for going into detail.
Hi Don... Can't wait my friend... Thank you...
What a brilliant video, thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks! I have to credit TPE and Northern for allowing it.
Fantastic video Don. The information is great. Some of the catenery at skew bridge junction is amazing. Don't think I've seen fizzy knitting so intricate and that signalling is a marvel. Many thanks.
We take it for granted but it really is amazing engineering. Thanks for the kind words.
Jeez.... Did I see a Class 86 just past Deansgate somewhere? If I did that must be at least 50 years old by now!? (Great video yet again btw!)
You did indeed Andy - cancel that eye test! They were about to close Acton Grange lower down the WCML for engineering so all the company’s were running crew training locos/trains for diversionary work.
I'd love to see the run to Blackpool south
I do occasionally get asked for it but it’s such a short run I’d be hard pressed to justify organising it. Maybe one day I’ll tie it in with something else.
Didn't this route used to be a TPE route or am i mistaken? When i lived in Manchester i always got a TPE service to Blackpool North that had originated at Hazel Grove. I noticed 2 really long platforms as well, those being Bolton and the town of Lostock, which i thought was strange to have such a long platform
Hi Dave, yes you got a TPE service but it originated at the airport and not Hazel Grove. That service to Blackpool along with the ones to Barrow and Windermere have gone back to Northern under the current franchise arrangements.
Hi Don, well given i now live in Australia i wont be nipping to Blackpool often and if i do come home to Manchester to visit friends i know i wont be able to take a TPE service to Blackpool North as TPE don't go there anymore.
Does a very good job of explaining why upgrade projects can run so late. It's not just a case of stringing the wires up, the whole line is upgraded as well. In fact, it does a better job of explaining the difficulties that can arise than Network Rail do themselves.
Yes, Network Rail and the train companies came under heavy criticism over that but a lot of it was out of their control.
One of the better done cab rides, and very informative. Well done! I wish someone would do an Acela Express this good
I’m open to invites on that one Robert!!!
I think it should call at only stockport from Hazel Grove to Manchester as the buxton line serves them (Woodsmoor and Davenport) and loads serve the heaton chapel and levenshulme stations
We (some of the managers at Northern) tried to get the Buxtons stopped from calling at Levenshulme and Heaton Chapel because they just filled it up with bikes etc and we ended up leaving people for the Buxton line behind. It fell on deaf ears because of pressure from the stakeholder groups.
@@doncoffey5820 To be honest living in stockport myself I find that Heaton Chapel doesn't really even have a use as a station.It's served by the 192 (a every 3 minutes 23/7 bus)and stockport station is close nearby.I feel like Northern could use with a few more express type services.None the less a very good video as alway.
Oh and one last thing.How do you get so many chances to do different TOC's.You've done many such as TPE and EMR/EMT.
By invitation. I should be out with more this coming year.
@@doncoffey5820 Class 331's are on this line now.Do you know if they you will soon be able to get on one and film it?
Excellent production, really enjoyed it, many thanks
Thanks Gregory.
Thank you Don for a most interesting trip to Blackpool, I have watched a Blog from a Blackpool Lad called Nodrog I watched all his videos from early 2018 when the start of the electrification began, he is very passionate in railways in that part of the country. Great to see how things have changed over the years, with routes disappearing not always for the better. I do hope that they decide to reopen the Fleetwood branch. thanks again for sharing your journeys with us my it long continue.
My pleasure Phillip. I’ve watched a few of his videos. Very good. I’ve been informed by one of the comments that they are looking to put a tram line on the Fleetwood branch. That would be much better than houses on it.
@@doncoffey5820 trams would be a good idea
Brilliant video with loads of information about things and places on the route. EXCELLENT 😀
Thanks.
How come you are able to video these cab rides without getting into trouble? I'm a train driver with a freight company and there is no way I'd be allowed to do this. I was also told when I asked if I could do it for route learning purposes that NR wouldn't permit it.
It’s a fair question Andy. Some companies allow it and some don’t. My Standards Director at TPE allowed it after consultation with various departments but the current one doesn’t. The guys at Northern have been fantastic and I may well be getting more from them. What I am finding now is that some companies are sending me footage that they’ve taken for other reasons like signal or foliage sighting. In many cases cab access is not possible even with a cab pass because of Covid restrictions so I have to beg, steal or borrow. What I obviously can’t and wouldn’t attempt is to turn up without somebody somewhere agreeing to it. Some companies have taken my cameras and use them for their own means and send me a copy of the footage. I don’t know who told you NR wouldn’t allow it but they tend not to get involved - the operator decides. A NR fella turned up at my train recently and asked if he could put a camera outside on the light bracket for signal sighting and most of the TOCs and FOCs have a library of footage taken by a company called TAPs (Track Access Productions) who also provide their official maps. I had Network Rail contact me not long ago for some footage so that they could assess track access for upcoming major engineering. My footage was also used in that documentary about TPE on Channel 4. It can be done but it just has to be authorised by the right people.
Luv it.
Thanks Richard.
"Top Marque" again Donald, are those Registration Arms on the OHLE colored white for the mitigation of Solar Heat/Radiation purposes, as are Rails when painted White ?
I’m not sure they are white Rick. I think they are bright aluminium but I agree they look white in the footage.
🤔🤔🤔Hi don. BIG FAN 👌👍... Just wondering... Are you the driver in ALL of your vids 🤔🤔🤔.???.
Not all Richard. I drove all of the videos from a Class 185 but not from the other types.
Great video Don, I remember taking this line from Bolton to Blackpool as a young lad on day trips.I remember the old MOD station at Chorley ROF and just after it went to single track before it joined the WCML at Euxton Junction. Sorry mate showing my age here, but keep the videos coming and hopefully you can do Manchester to Clitheroe via Blackburn one day.
I remember that single lead junction Chris. I was once in the cab of a Class 156 as it slid all the way to the single line and there was a Class 158 coming the other way. How we missed it I’ll never know.
Don, is the Oxford Road widening project still alive, or has it been canned? Not read anything recently about it.
Hi John, good to hear from you. No, they’ve just agreed a plan to rationalise the number of trains through that area rather than spend the money that it should have had to justify the Ordsall Chord. It should have had platforms 15 and 16 at Piccadilly too.
Very enjoyable Don. I should have been a train driver. Missed my calling!
I came to the railway much later than I should have done. I love every minute of it.
Don sorry to correct you but the tower is actualy atop of the Tower Circus not the ballroom the legs of the tower are at each corner of the circus.
Hi Cliff. Yes you are technically correct but I was generalising because I suspect more people will relate to the ballroom because of Strictly. Thanks though.
Class 319 life expired on old NSE network so sent up north where we will have them another 30 years.
Certainly the 769 incarnations Steve. They spent a lot of money making them bi mode!
Thanks Don, I always enjoy your very well produced and annotated videos. keep up the good work!
Thanks Don, another excellent video. That's refreshed my route knowledge Slade Lane Junction to Blackpool. By the way I am meant to be working on a VAT return, not watching videos !!
Sorry about that Alan. I’m equally captivated by VAT returns ;-) Thanks for the positive feedback.
Don these films are excellent, and indeed just get better and better. Far better than any drivers eye view films which I have seen over the last 30 years.
I appreciate that. I try to get them right so some positive feedback is good info.
Another great video. Out of interest, are you instructed to wait for the double-yellow before entering Piccadilly P14 or is it the driver’s choice?
No, not instructed but if we stop at the first signal we can’t move again without being dispatched so it causes delay when all the passengers have to walk up the platform.
I thought you were going to say "So until we get to Ordsall Lane, here's some music." (cue Thomas the Tank Engine theme)
It wouldn’t take long before I got called the fat controller!
Really excellent Don. Thanks so much. A great cab-ride and loads of interesting facts. (Especilly liked the restoration of the 'Flying Arches') Thanks again.
I hoped it would be of interest and then number of comments shows it was a success. Thanks.
Do you remember the run away 47 hitting the 158 out Stepping Hill Don?
I wasn’t on the railway when it happened but yes, I’m very aware of the event. Luckily it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
Is there any particular reason why Northern dont seem to run their Class 319's at full line speed?
Well they do eventually wind up but they are old tech and only have one power car so maybe they simply won’t go any faster.
Beautiful video!
just found this and im glad someone has recorded a drivers eye view of my local line!
Glad you enjoyed it!
In my travels around the UK I've always admired the Stockport Viaduct, now I see what it's like to cross it! Dramatic
urban views going through Manchester also, and the story of the Chorley arches is fascinating! Chance to travel about
with you is a perfect escape from our current quarantine...Thanks so much!
Much appreciated Henry.