1957 TONNES - Class 66 - Warrington BQ to Wakefield

The return journey of our Binliner epic. The loaded train has to circumnavigate Miles Platting bank so it is routed via the WCML,Cheshire Lines, Denton Junction and Brewery Junction before it can set off over the Pennines. 3 hours and 57 minutes.
Addendum
The caption “Wakefield Westgate” right at the end of the video should read "Wakefield Kirkgate”.

[@colinjohnrudd]

My brother Peter died in 2002. He spotted all his life and we travelled the country together. How he would have loved these videos!.... Thank you so much Don........miss you so much lovely older brother!

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear about your brother Colin and I’m pleased to hear you had such a good time together.

[@dw82199]

This is very entertaining a fascinating insight into the drivers world. Also almost literally a drive through the back gardens of England. It's great to get a different view of the countryside and the UK. Well done guys keep up the good work

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated, thank you.

[@bianchikat]

That was a marathon view! Heaven knows what is was like to drive the train. That was a helluva route to Wakefield. Would loved to have seen the onwardleg to Middlesbrough. I used to live in Warrington right by BQ station and also lived in South Manchester so cycled all over Cheshire to Knutsford, Altrincham Northenden etc and later lived in the North East working for a while in Middlesbrough..for us viewers its alovely calming zen like watch! Thanks!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it! By piercing other videos together, you can actually follow the route to Middlesbrough but I don’t have it on a 66.

[@michaelbuxton8947]

Brilliant once again Don. Just what we need during this Covid-19 Lockdown - a reminder of normality. Premiered on my birthday too, the best present I could have wished for. Thanks so much for your hard work filming and editing.

[@doncoffey5820]

Many happy returns Michael. I’m working on the next video as we speak.

[@pnegeoff5385]

Love your channel and I've found the sound of a class 66 through headphones is the best cure for a sleepless night.(i say glued to the screen watching at 1am)Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, that engine will either keep you awake but when he knocks off to idle it might send you off too!!!

[@ForEverGilda]

Not an easy task for the driver but quite interesting to watch from home. Congratulations to Mr. Lee Yarker....

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, Lee is a good guy and knows his stuff.

[@davidyoung3647]

Thanks for a fascinating video. I like to follow route on Google maps - its amazing to discover places I recognise but had no idea of the route of the rail connections. Thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it David. I don’t sign a lot of these routes so I do the same and research the route for interesting “stuff”.

[@donaldweir9318]

Great video, watched it over a few nights. Don Coffey videos are always very interesting and I particularly like the information about the different places you pass through. Thank you Don for the insight of the uk railway network, fascinating.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Donald. I try to tell you everything I’d be telling you if you were in the cab with me but I have to time the captions so you get chance to look up at the features.

[@1951GL]

This is like navigating a super tanker through narrow channels. Lee and his fellow drivers have a huge responsibility as well as skill. Hartford is a lovely Cheshire village. Thanks Don - and Lee.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for being one of our loyal subscribers GL

[@SDMSAUDI]

Forget Star Wars ! Now that's what I call a blockbuster. Thanks Don, great job

[@doncoffey5820]

May the force be with you Mike ;-)

[@ianr]

Very enjoyable, excellent again Don. Big thanks to driver Lee. 👍🙂

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see it thanks Ian.

[@davidbarrett1487]

Thanks Don for the extra info. you put in, it makes the journey much more enjoyable.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David, much appreciated.

[@michaeljack8967]

I really appreciate the hours of work that you put into your videos. Rest assured that they will be viewed in years to come by generations of railway enthusiasts.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I guess they will become a record. Some of my older videos already recorded signalling changes and the like. Thanks Michael.

[@flyingporker100]

Another of your wonderful videos, showing your and Lee's true professionalism as enginemen. It filled in several nights for me. It also too me back down memory lane on the CLC from Hartford CLC Junction to Deansgate Junction. Good to see how many of the old signal boxes are still in action.

[@doncoffey5820]

Agreed James. Some drivers do it for a living but Lee really takes an interest in what he’s doing.

[@EM-yk1dw]

All together in the floral dance! 😁 Great film thanks Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Always sticks in my mind that one!!!

[@martinmarsola6477]

Got back to the long volume videos. Was away for while. Always a great episode and learning experience. Cheers Don! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🙂👍🇺🇸

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Martin. Keep safe over there. Two epic freight journeys coming soon.

[@Drivershell53]

a truly fascinating journey, all the better for being a freight train and so slower. Gives the chance to take in all that is to be seen on and around the tracks. Very enjoyable. Many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ghYHZ]

Fantastic series and thoroughly enjoy following along some of the routes that I rode on a trip to the UK a few years back. Love seeing the engineering and industrial heritage of the area. I had planned a return trip a year ago when WestJet announced a new nonstop flight from Halifax (Canada) to Manchester on a MAX8.....but the MAX was grounded and then Covid hit. Well perhaps next year!! Gary Hadfield (...and yes I rode the line to Hadfield!)

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them Gary. We had all sorts of plans for this year but very few have come to fruition. Lets hope we get this vaccine and a return to some sort of normality.

[@josesal]

Don, I do thank you for the edit and comments you do during the ride. Information, slow down to see details, route and special points of interest, all make for a truly fascinating trip.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it José. Thanks as always.

[@jackvieira5157]

Good afternoon I'm enjoying this video greetings from the state of New Jersey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jack. Thanks for watching and commenting. Take care over there 👍

[@PaulSmith-eb2eg]

I'm a retired Loco Engineer from New Zealand. Just like going to work, again. Brilliant for an old geyser. Thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m no spring chicken myself Paul ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@daveglasgow9084]

Thank you - that was just brilliant! As a rail enthusiast I've always marvelled at the rail network we've inherited from the victorians and seeing all this from the cab has been wonderful especially the railway architecture crossing the Pennines. A real treat - many thanks for sharing

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnhagen31]

Another excellent video - thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John, much appreciated.

[@dazzlerbob1870]

Don, I want to thank you for getting me out and about during a lockdown. I haven't left my house but I been all over the place seeing life and countryside with the historical knowledge as a bonus. Thank you, sir. Keep it up. Hopefully you will have more to come. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats much appreciated and I’m glad you get some relief from the current situation. Fingers crossed it won’t last too long.

[@tonyday7233]

Lovely journey, love the on screen info, thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony, thanks.

[@MrDavil43]

I watched in several blocks over the weekend and enjoyed it immensely. It was almost like getting far from home during lockdown! Also, I've been working on my model railway and noted the similarity in quality of track between Heaton Mills sidings and my own efforts. Nice to know my wiggly permanent way is so prototypical! Please keep these videos coming, and your insightful captioning makes them really special.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Davilas and it made me chuckle too! More videos soon.

[@jasperj1000]

Looking forward to this ! Always great to watch !

[@quiet_desperation]

Brilliant video, thanks so much for such an interesting and entertaining view into the day to day job of driving a freight train.

[@mrhearse777]

Thanks for an absorbing journey .

[@janfluitsma8274]

Nice to see the Pennines. In the year of the FMD Inwas on a boating holiday on the Calder and the Rochdale canal with a friend. Passing under the Gauxholme viaducts, very impressive. Walsden was the limit as the canal was still under restoration. We walked to Littleborough. As the weather went bad we wanted to take the train back. We boarded the train, wanted to buy a ticket from the guard to find out the train wasn’t stopping at Walsden. If I remembered well, he didn’t sold us a ticket but let us promise to buy a ticket from the next stop back to Walsden. As we also passed Brighouse with the boat I changed the ringtone for my friend to Floral Dance, so I could hear when he was calling.

[@doncoffey5820]

The canals are often just as fascinating as the railways in many cases.

[@rodericgray5202]

I love the running commentary on this video, very informative! Great video overall! I am a retired railroad tower operator here in the USA ( just retired 31 December after almost 52 years of railroading), and enjoy learning about railroads and their signaling in other countries, including my country of birth, Australia. Thanks for the great video. I'm looking forward to more of them.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very interesting Roderic, I bet you’ve seen some fantastic sights. All the best with your retirement, I’m not so far off myself now.

[@victor-uranium]

Enjoyable journey, can't wait for the summer!

[@doncoffey5820]

It’ll soon be here!

[@rubyait]

Another great video. Thanks for your work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice to hear from you Thomas, I hope you are keeping well.

[@kennethstretton5308]

Excellent stuff while we on lock down always find your videos very interesting and informative ,, Many thanks

[@David330ify]

Hi Don many thanks to yourself and Lee for two great videos. Both of you take care.

[@NeilLavitt]

Thank you once again Don. I lived in Timperley for the first 18 years of my life up to 1991 and my brother was a signalman at Hale box while sometimes working Deansgate Junction box. It was amazing to watch this video and see the strategies used by the driver to pull this train through its journey. Clearly, I loved seeing the section from Ashley through to Stockport. So many memories! Skelton Junction used to be such a hub for freight traffic... so sad to see it is now such a relic. Also yes, I never understood why the line to Liverpool was never rescued for passenger workings to Warrington and Liverpool from Manchester. So sad to see most of it was never preserved as a recreation thoroughfare either. Take care and stay safe and once again thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

You might like this video Neil. It goes the opposite direction and it stops at all those stations; kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ-oZmqCZ9p1bcU

[@lukehutchinson6881]

Been looking forward to this one since the other! Great stuff Don always enjoy your work!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them Luke.

[@diaryofaherbert7423]

Well filmed, well explained, well informed, well done! GOB!

[@johncaves]

Good insight into the secondary lines and alternative routes needed to transport these commodities away from the busier passenger corridors.

[@MichaelClock]

Hello Don, thanks for sharing! The class 66 is my favourite diesel locomotive. Your comments are great - especially for people who are not familiar with english rails. Greetings from Germany!!

[@doncoffey5820]

I used to spend many days in Germany Michael in my motor industry days. I used to love travelling on your trains too.

[@davidroberts7425]

Best video I have watched with so much background information.

[@Melalmighty]

Yet another quality video Don well done that was some journey and very informative

[@tranmere292]

Thanks, Don and Lee for another great video. A look inside the nitty-gritty of freight operations opens up a whole new field of interest to this armchair train driver.

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure!

[@bulwinkle]

Thanks once again DC. Yet another fascinating glimpse into the life of a train driver seasoned with snippets of operational, historical and local interest notes. I look forward to your videos an am never disappointed.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Robert.

[@Bivolari]

I can only imagine how much more beautiful this trip would be on a sunny summers day. How forlorn the all the disused right of ways and bridges look.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry about the delay but KZbin has just passed this on. I’ve got a new video tomorrow in much better weather. I hope you like it ;-)

[@volvos60bloke]

This is fantastic! Thanks for making and sharing!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it! By the way in my motor industry days, I was technical sales contact with Volvo Bus in Gothenburg.

[@rumblefish2536]

Thanks again Don and Lee. Just what was needed for someone who has been isolated for three weeks - almost a breathe of fresh air! Stay safe

[@doncoffey5820]

I know its nuts isn’t it. Never mind, time will sort it out.

[@peterdrury5196]

What a great video. Great commentaries and brings back good memories. I lived in Halifax and walked to Sowerby Bridge which had the engine sheds near to the station in 1960. No sign of this in the video. Lots of other changes but none the less, a great experience.

[@doncoffey5820]

By coincidence Lee lives up in Halifax or close by! I’ve seen photos of the railway at Sowerby Bridge when all that area where Tesco is was railway. I suppose it’s progress but it’s such a shame.

[@Boldberry44]

Great video - the best yet!

[@anthonychallis2472]

Wow, what a marathon run. Very interesting insight to driving a heavy freight train. I love the commentary, contains so much info. A great way to pass away an afternoon. Thanks Don & Lee.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Anthony.

[@neilsharpe7086]

Superb film as usual, Don - and well driven, Lee!!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Neil, much appreciated.

[@philipalldred5038]

Thank you both for a most interesting journey. No better way of spending 3 hours traveling around the country side, very well done bring on the next one you cant beat GOING BY RAIL AROUND THE COUNTRY.

[@doncoffey5820]

Normally I would have split that into two but then I thought it might be appreciated at the moment - a kind of Ben Hur of railway videos! Good to hear from you Phillip and thanks for joining in the live chat.

[@diezeldim27]

Thank you for all the videos Don! I'm waiting to start my train driver training with Northern after this lockdown is over and I just love watching all these videos and reading your commentary. Makes me really excited for the job. Keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll love it James. I know a few people waiting for various courses.

[@lesburton9303]

Excellent I’ve seen the journey now in both directions thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Les.

[@jessicamorgan3073]

Thanks Don and Lee, nice work! I hope you stay safe

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats very kind Jessica, thank you. Same to you too.

[@noseknows663]

Love the subtitles, very interesting, wonderful job 👏

[@Too519]

some outstanding landmarks on this route, thanks for sharing this with us, thank you, Driver

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Mic 👍

[@alan9160]

Great long journey to watch...

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Alan.

[@andrewganley9016]

Another fascinating journey on a classic Victorian railway kudos to driver Lee outstanding and a job well done!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Andrew.

[@mikebuick2332]

As a present day modern image modeller Don, your videos are a great resource for working out where all of the line side equipment goes, as well as being able to see how the S&C is laid out. Always really informative too. Thanks 👍👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for watching Mike, glad it was helpful.

[@raycasey6264]

Great video Don, as always. And great driving by Lee. That must be a beast of a route for a heavy freight.

[@doncoffey5820]

Lee will see your comment Ray - thanks.

[@grenfellroad8394]

My grandfather worked at Healey Mills Yard when I was a child, retiring from driving in the mid 80’s. How that area has changed is scary. I drive now for GWR based at Reading and I love your videos going over other routes that I don’t get to drive. Thanks for a great video 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LordHartfield]

Keep 'em coming Don, every second is totally appreciated :)

[@doncoffey5820]

It might be some time before I capture new footage but there is some stock footage I can work through ;-)

[@Johnny16781]

This should be great thank you Don

[@lauriecooper8194]

Thanks for re-posting this Don, I could continue the trip from where I paused it for lunch a few months ago. It made Christmas night for me.

[@doncoffey5820]

Some more coming back soon Laurie.

[@ianmosely3441]

Another very enjoyable video. Thank you Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Ian 👍

[@micky4921]

Fantastic run, yet again. Many thanks for all your priceless info again. You will make drivers of us all soon.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve booked you in for an exam Mike ;-)

[@grahamwalls9379]

Thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining video . Very informative , really appreciated the information & comments in the bottom of the screen . Thank You for the video .

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Graham. There are lots more in the collection.

[@grahambowe4863]

I had to watch it in sections, but another fantastic video Don and Lee, and also a huge thanks for doing what you are doing.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it was along one Graham. Good idea.

[@Allan-bp3gj]

Simply superb 11/10 enjoyed every minute

[@doncoffey5820]

Very kind Allan, thank you.

[@mcttrains]

Great shots 😊 nicely put together to 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you very much!

[@peebee143]

Yep, loved that! Thank you for taking me along with you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you came along!

[@Saxon1947]

No travel ,in self isolation like many of us ,uplifted my spirit when I saw this ,thanks 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Pleased to hear it Bob.

[@jumbo8996]

Thank you Don. This surely has to be the best way of travelling; open ‘roads’ no traffic and a wonderful view of the British countryside. Very envious...!

[@doncoffey5820]

It is very pleasant and of course we see lots of wildlife too.

[@mr2646]

Love your vids. 👍😍

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks MR.

[@johnairs2735]

This train journey won't be a load of rubbish! Looking forward to viewing this second part of the trip.

[@chombi84]

Fantastic footage, so glad I found your channel 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m equally glad you found us!

[@trainmanbob]

Cracking afternoon's entertainment. Thanks for sharing Don. Cheers, Bob

[@doncoffey5820]

As always, thanks for watching Bob.

[@stuartlindle6767]

i have only just found this channel. brilliant very professional and very informative. keep up the good work .

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you found us Stuart.

[@Jess_Jenk]

Cant wait now. Something to look forward to. I love watching your videos. They are a distraction from the situation we find ourselves in today. Hope your well and keep safe . Thank you don xx

[@doncoffey5820]

You say such nice things Jess. The same to you of course.

[@Memorex62]

Superb. One of your best yet! All that informative commentary is second to none.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it!

[@markspreadbury627]

Brilliant video! As a lifelong railwayman I found it fascinating and even learned some stuff. I've travelled some of these lines many times but never with a view from the front, which was really interesting. Keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark. Looks different from the front doesn’t it.

[@a.butler8908]

Hi Don, really lovely to have this ride back into your portfolio... Was great to travel over both episodes once again. Here's hoping some of the other deleted videos will once again make a comeback. Keep well and safe in these "strange" times. Regards, AB

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t promise but I hope so too. Keep an eye on the community page for more details.

[@ufx808]

Another thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and informative video. My thanks to you, Don and also driver Lee. Stay well and keep calm and carry on.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stewartthefishwhisperer]

I play this video when am about to fall asleep the 66 engine is definitely an ASMR for sleeping too ❤️ it couldn't believe it. It can actually send people to sleep just dulll the brightness on your device turn it up side down so your pitch black then plug in earphones then your off to Noddy land thank you Don but it is you should try it yourselves

[@doncoffey5820]

I think that’s a back handed compliment saying they are boring? Haha, just kidding, they make me drowsy watching them too but thankfully it doesn’t have that effect while I’m driving one 😉👍

[@edwardhugus2772]

Mr. Coffey, Hello again from Pennsylvania In the states, I watch all of your vids, but I'm not much of a comment type. Just wanted to say thanks for another fine video. You never fail to please. Take care during these hard times, stay well.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you Edward and your comment is much appreciated. Take care.

[@jezzaqc]

Awesome video again. The captions make for really interesting reading. Thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@hughmnyks]

A wonderful journey. Managed to get lost several times following it on my OS map. I'll have to try and visit the Calder Valley next time I'm in England. The 66's engine sound really does have special qualities...

[@doncoffey5820]

You need a track atlas but this might help to follow the video. www.systemed.net/carto/New_Adlestrop_Railway_Atlas.pdf

[@terryashton3541]

Once again thanks Don, I never get tired of watching this splendid video also I've purchased the Track Atlas of mainland Britain and can keep up with all the junctions and goods lines which makes this video even more interesting.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats a superb way of following the videos Terry. It’s never far away from me. Glad you like them mate.

[@simonrichardson5077]

Quality work,thank you Sir

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you too Simon.

[@bugelfalte6320]

Great video | top quality | superb sound | All the best from Germany

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brettjones5041]

great work Lee mate . tip top journey .

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your reply Brett.

[@grahampickering1560]

Another fantastic video. Cheers Don 🙂

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nanba25]

Excellent silent commentaries (captions) : clear and very useful if you want to follow the train looking down a map… or Google maps. It's great giving us photos of Manchester Canal bridge !

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it. I try to add what I would be curious about and other interesting “stuff”!

[@lon3don]

Beautiful countryside and insight into Victorian engineering. Thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. I love driving trains but pondering over the engineering is equally interesting to me.

[@G0RXA]

Brilliant Video Don and entertaining too. Amazing how much of a trip this is. I see the "binliner" pass where I am in Cheadle (M60 Roundabout) regularly and it's an eye opener to where it's come from, going to and how. Thanks again Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Nigel and solved a mystery!

[@G0RXA]

@@doncoffey5820 It did thanks!!

[@rjds1800]

That rattling sound like my washing machine on top spin. Always an informative video, cheers Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Sounds like Hoover washing machine syndrome!!!

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

So looking forward to this! Love 66s!

[@doncoffey5820]

Not long now Steve ;-) You’ll need a lot of tea and biscuits mind.

[@PharaohDeathMask]

Great video. Thank You for all the work that you put into making this. It makes the Corona Virus lockdown easier to bear. It took me several hours to get through this video, while using Google Earth to check out many of the places shown. I love the sound of an EMD diesel. We have lots of EMD power in Australia.

[@doncoffey5820]

You're welcome! If you follow on Google earth you will get more from it. Thanks for watching.

[@anmolmehta7116]

Thanks Don for sharing the video. It is such a pleasure to travel by freight train in the UK . Say my 'Thanks' to Lee for taking us along. It must have taken him some effort to drive the train with enormous weight all the way (3 hrs and 42 min). Looking forward to your next video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Anmol. I hope you are well. Lee will see your comment thanks.