Hidden Secrets Of Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Express

[@adamct44]

When I was a kid I remember a dwarf driving the train. I was fascinated that the driver was to scale with the train! He drove the the train for years.

[@pamelagreenwood8280]

There is a dwarf shortage..........( I'll get my coat)

[@Adzcantsing]

His name was Ted waa quiet a celebrity, sadly he passed away.

[@peteallen4629]

I remember him too.

[@DJ_K666]

I remember him too. Shame he's passed away.

[@bigwoody9062]

i remember him too. i always got took for a ride when a kid too on the train.

[@jetsons101]

Another home run of a watch from AdventureMe. Darren, you are so lucky to spend a day there on a day closed to guests, lucky man.... As always great use of old photos to help with the back story of the Pleasure Beach Express. As a mechanic I found this video a real fun and enjoyable watch, thank you. And thanks to Ian, Alan and Darren for their time and work.....

[@williamevans9426]

Another great film, Sir! I really enjoy the 'transition' shots, when you fade from a modern to a period still, or vice-versa; these really do bring the changes to life.

[@AdventureMe]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@stephenharper9961]

This was one of my first memories of a miniature railway when I was young, and it sparked a love, love the series too, very informative and very enjoyable as always

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Stephen

[@sitcorocket]

Simply delightful video, can still recall the smell of the diesel engine and grease as it chuffed around the park. Sadly a number of guests ignore this ride as being boring but give it a go and it's simplicity is unmatched. There is a smaller one at Southport.. Equally charming. Thanks for this.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Ian

[@gkizzarra6569]

A while back, someone commented on how they just let your videos play, sometimes falling asleep (or something like that 🙂) and you had replied that you hoped you weren't boring him. I have to say, I agree with that person's comment. But it has nothing to do with boring, it has to do with comfort. As I clicked to watch your video today, a feeling came over me kind of like, I'm home! After a hectic day, what comfort your video gave me. Thank you for all you do 💜

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. What a nice thing to read.

[@robertburr2212]

The more I watch your channel the more I love it, love learning about history and behind the scenes 😍

[@sarahillingworth2718]

Darren must've been like a kid in a candy shop having pleasure beach to himself lol 👍

[@AdventureMe]

I sure was. 😉

[@paigeleigh2554]

Absolutely!

[@logical_evidence]

Your enthusiasm is amazing, thanks for sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Glad you liked it

[@bobsrailrelics]

Love a miniature railway especially if it has a history like this one. Looking forward to hearing more.

[@AdventureMe]

More to come!

[@justintai8725]

Absolutely beautiful little railway

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Justin

[@xr6lad]

What a great video. Pity they couldn’t theme or decorate the route better rather than leave the bare rollercoaster supports. The trees areas are a perfect example.

[@andymountain130]

Fantastic really interesting and enjoyable.

[@stephenharper9961]

Plus it's great to see that these fantastic and unique locomotives still being with us after they could have been forgotten about and scrapped after the fire

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Stephen. Yes its good to see how well kept they are too

[@christhesoundman]

Excellent video, thank you so much. The 7 1/4" gauge coin operated railway you mention was built by Brian Howarth of Parkside Railways in Burnley. Geoffrey Thompson had a 7 1/4" gauge line around his home and regularly opened it to visiting engines from the national club. We visited once. I remember the sleepers were painted in random bright colours, and was told they were rescued from a ride at the pleasure beach.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Chris. Very interesting, i never knew that.

[@justintime-x4f]

It’s cool that the two gents were Ian and Alan, I’m sure former train spotters like myself had a little smile on their faces when you introduced them…

[@AdventureMe]

Ahh why? They familiar faces?

[@justintime-x4f]

Ian Allen, was the guy who invented the trainspotters handbooks, which listed all locomotives etc for spotters to tick off…

[@saraclayton-smithson5083]

Fascinating to see the old stock from Golden Acre park. Have read about it but good to see it in the flesh! Another interesting and informative part of the series, great work!!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Sara. Yes plenty of old Golden Acre relics there.

[@joycerigby453]

Fascinating video Darren, thank you.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Joyce

[@robwilkinson11]

Went on this amazing railway last weekend and thrilled to say the fog is back! I love the commitment of this park to embrace its history

[@wizzwamf]

great stuff once again thanks

[@martinleelomax6579]

Hi Darren!! Another great video, I love them. I love being able to see all the fade in’s you add, to compare. It’s great the places you get to go on adventures, and fun to see! Thank you :-)

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

This is a brilliant program Darren. There's a lot to this railway than one would ever know. Some of the locomotives and rolling stock coming form the Leeds area is very interesting. Hudswell Clarke were noted for building full size railway shunting locos, but I never knew that they did miniatures like these superb machines. Very enjoyable, and many thanks for producing this video.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes all made in Leeds.

[@davidwainwright2816]

Also Hunslet Loco that pulls the Snowdon Train

[@chrisillingworth7967]

Amazing as always

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Chris

[@shirleylynch7529]

Wow Darren what a great documentary. You are second to none. Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks again!

[@liesl7617]

Another excellent video. So interesting and I love your transitions between the new - old

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@martinfirth2849]

Brilliant video Darren. I still ride the PBE to this day as I love how it weaves under all the rides!

[@AdventureMe]

Me too. Always worth a relaxing trip.

[@johnryan116]

Yet another fantastic video Darren. The gentleman's sideburns are legendary too

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah they are. John McCririck vibes.

[@kap2027]

Nice one, thoroughly enjoying these Blackpool Pleasure Beach videos, holiday here every year and is a place close to my heart, Thanks so much for posting these, Great work 👌🏻

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. More to come

[@DJSOfficialUK]

Really interesting video, cheers for creating and sharing. Learnt some new pieces of history today. Can't wait for the next video. 😀👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Daniel. More coming

[@-abacchus]

Awesome video buddy, keep the BPB vids coming! 👍👍

[@AdventureMe]

More to come!

[@lindaclad2218]

Quite a lovely journey through the past. Thank you for sharing with us. The transitions from past to present are quite impressive .

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Linda. More coming soon.

[@fhwolthuis]

Great video, very interesting!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Frank

[@martinmarsola6477]

A great video and chat today. An amazing trip down memory lane today. Thanks for the video and chat today, Darren. See you on the next.

[@AdventureMe]

You bet!

[@coxythelegend]

I'm born and raised in Blackpool, and have always enjoyed the Pleasure Beach Express, so it was interesting to see inside the maintenance shed, I always thought it was just full of other passenger carriages or freight carriages they never used. Shame the maintenance train was out for repair, always wanted to see it. Interesting video either way!

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Great video and thanks to the workshop guys for sharing their knowledge and their work keeping these great trains running.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@mousecharger]

These videos just make my Sunday now. Yet another cracking insight. Thanks so much👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks matey

[@gaz11h]

Very interesting history of the ride

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Gaz

[@paigeleigh2554]

Hi, I've just come across your channel and I absolutely love the videos of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Your voice and commentary are so welcoming, and more importantly, extremely professional. I live 45 minutes away from Blackpool, and my friends and I used to visit every weekend. On the funfair, we had such incredible times and you brought all the memories flooding back to me. Thank you so much! New subscriber!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. Welcome aboard. Lots of Blackpool stuff on my channel, and plenty more to come.

[@paigeleigh2554]

@@AdventureMe , great! X

[@cliffordwoolston1997]

Ian Allen. That's a name the conjures up memories for train spotters back in the day.

[@AdventureMe]

Someone else mentioned that. Why is he significant?

[@uk-martin4905]

From the late 1940s Ian Allan (with an 'a') was the publisher of numerous trainspotters' books which were an invaluable source of information for all train enthusiasts and contained comprehensive and up-to-date lists of all rolling stock that were not available elsewhere. The publisher originally had a shop in Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1. The company extended its range of spotters' books to include buses (of particular interest to me!), lorries and aircraft. It was a family-run business. It was the first time that any UK publisher had catered for the transport enthusiast - a market that had been hitherto ignored; this is the reason the Ian Allan Publishing name is still held in high regard today although the company itself closed some years ago. They were probably the largest business specialising in transport subjects, publishing books, yearly 'annuals' and monthly magazines as well. For many years they were based close to the River Thames at Termnal House in Shepperton, Middlesex.

[@deanoobg42]

This is fantastic thank you

[@AdventureMe]

No problem 😊

[@martinnaylor]

Absolutely love behind the scene vlogs Darren of the Pleasure Beach,I can still remember our family days out from Huddersfield as a kid in the late 70's early 80's,one of my good memories was the Tom Sawyer raft ride which was I'm sure was around the area you filmed on this vlog. Hopefully for me it's something you can look into maybe in the future.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes Tom Sawyer was at the part where I was talking about the forth bridge. Just next to the Big Dipper. It was where ICON currently resides.

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Fantastic video thanks. Lovely seeing those engines . Really loved that’s thanks. Please stay safe and take care

[@AdventureMe]

thanks linda

[@leash11]

Love seeing behind the scenes so close to home

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Loved this gem of a video, even though I have never been to black pool I have really enjoyed following this series.

[@AdventureMe]

You need to pay a visit.

[@noelht1]

This is so cool.

[@brianscales9912]

Another great and VERY informative video. We love P B/Blackpool! Been on the Express many times. A lot to look out for next time we ride it! 👍🙂

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Brian

[@martinmessiah7130]

Thank you for your hard work . This is fascinating and interesting.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Martin

[@octopus680]

I really enjoyed that , cheers, and a lot of questions answered there

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks John. Glad it helped.

[@mandycoleman1394]

What a wonderful knowledgeable gentle man Alan was 😊

[@AdventureMe]

He was and very passionate about it too.

[@christofsmanlib1385]

Great video! Really enjoyed your historic research of this ride, thank you for your efforts. Look forward to your next vid. P.S. hello there Alan, bit smaller than our dock loco's hey.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@ronniehaworth4669]

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES I REMEMBER IT WELL

[@davewright4380]

Very interesting Darren, I didn't even know this railway existed! Great work as always! 😊

[@AdventureMe]

Many thanks!

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

'Barbie' was Barbara Thompson. Wife of Geoffrey. Still, despite growing up at the company, yet again you have managed to find even more history I knew nothing about, having never seen these photographs, and never knew anything about the fire at all. You are as always a true font of knowledge 👏

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Steven. I was told that barbie actually meant something more sinister, but they wouldn't spill the beans lol

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

@@AdventureMe They were pulling your leg then, and maybe it has something to do with Mrs Thompson only passing away in July of last year, so they might have wanted to remain respectful. If there's one thing Blackpool Pleasure Beach does well, it's being so proud of tradition, but also keeping an eye to the future. I can't imagine the day when the name Thompson is not associated with the park (well, resort these days) You just cannot be there for any length of time, and not leave a part of yourself behind. I do love finding out about all these long past times, though. Makes me still feel young ❤

[@StuartMulcrow]

Fantastic and very interesting video, thank you for posting.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Stuart. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Canthatcrazy]

I'm blackpool born and bred, I've been the Pleasure Beach so many times, and I've never seen the station to those trains, I couldn't even tell you where they are. I'm gonna have to go look now 😍

[@AdventureMe]

Yes go and check it out

[@KrisDouglas]

A really good video, that V-Skip you saw isn't actually a replica, it's a real original wagon, very common on lots of industrial railways around the world.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Kris

[@scottlee9832]

Really interesting video. All the years I have been to Blackpool, never knew this existed. Will have to visit next year. Keep up the good work very interesting videos

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Geoffreytomlinson24]

Excellent as always.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@littlepantherlp]

Really enjoyed that. Nice one 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@rachelwalker7091]

Great video. Hope you’re going to cover Golden Acre Park history one day.

[@AdventureMe]

That's the plan!

[@russellwaite5874]

I didn't know golden acre park HAD a miniature railway, I'll have to research that.

[@davidreid5672]

Excellent film and so interesting listening to the comments by all those involved.

[@kkrispy2009P]

Great vlog and history series dude

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed

[@thomasabbott8974]

Truly Enjoyed the video here of the locomotives at the pleasure Beach. And Thank you for sharing such interesting facts about the pleasure Beach. With Thanks fm Tom uk 🇬🇧 😊❤

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Tom

[@jack_timber]

I remember going to the pleasure beach, first memory must be 60+ years ago, and watching with excitement the trains. It was from an age when youngsters wanted to be train divers. Anyways enough reminiscing, great video.

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidwilson7579]

Alan looks like a wise man he knows is stuff one of the original

[@ronnievenhorst9873]

Very nice video

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Ronnie

[@angelsone-five7912]

That`s amazing, I have dropped folk off at the Pleasure Beach many times over the years but I never realised just how big the place was. It looks about the size of a football pitch from where I drop off and I never even thought about a miniature railway, nice.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. Yes its bigger than you think.

[@aliendon73]

Great video as always. Just like to point out the third rail mentioned. It's known as a check rail and it's purpose is; It prevents wheel climb around tight curves on the higher rail, holding the train wheels within gauge and to prevent derailment. Doesn't help prevent wear on rails.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@waynecheshire7878]

Absolutely amazing thank you 🙏

[@AdventureMe]

You are so welcome

[@benmarshall787]

Great video Darren, no acoustic check in the tunnel mind 😂. The locomotives look lovely and are obviously cherished like the ones at scarbro'. It's weird that these replica steamies are actually diesels and always have been, perhaps if they get updated, there'll be perhaps a replica intercity 125, that runs on our new "it" fuel, electric whilst appearing to mimic a diesel ic125! "you train lot" there'll be a few taking you to task on that comment!!! My good lady wife said at our last outing at the NRM for the "Great Gathering" (of a4 Pacifics ie ones like mallard in layman's terms) that us men at the event all dressed the same in brown and green! And yes so did I. The only difference between us and the other folk was when my wife "fed" our then baby poppy in the main hall, to some it caused shock!!! Great video as usual, was looking at Richard Dunn again whilst on 268, it's a shame it's empty and as we discussed b4 a shame access way available as to my eyes this is an iconic Yorkshire building named after a brave a valiant fighter who took on the "Greatest" and didnt embarrass himself. Best wishes, Ben 🚍🚌🇬🇧🇺🇦🙏

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Ben. Yes my childhood pool old Dunnys.

[@benmarshall787]

I've worked out why I keep getting reminded of you today! When I'm driving round. Your lookalike caricature on for sale signs! Dan Pearce sells homes!!!! Re the new Sedbergh sports centre darn road from. Richard Dunn, I know they've done a tribute wall to Mr Dunn but perhaps they should have called it Richard Dunn again? Best wishes,, Dan I mean Darren! Ben 🚌🚍🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@russellwaite5874]

how about a replica deltic .....?

[@LancashireLarks]

Much enjoyed this. Very informative

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@trainsinkansas576]

Even though I live in Meriden, Kansas I enjoy your videos. I love your narration and find it very educational.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Jerry. Hope it makes sense to you not knowing the context.

[@dgattenb]

never new much about the railway .... ! AWSOME

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks David

[@ExpoAviation]

A very enjoyable video, the Pleasure Beach Express was my favourite ride and I never forgave "The Big One" for forcing it's temporary (but I think lengthy) closure. Also speaking as a train guy, that "third rail" is called a Check Rail ;)

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate. I only learned that this week.

[@David-uf8ex]

Lovely little engines it’s good to see the passion the engineers still have for them 😎

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks David, yes they were very passionate about it.

[@stevetrotter1286]

Brilliant your videos just get better 😊👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Steve

[@sammydingdong4540]

Informative and interesting video thanks ......always wondered where Seth had disappeared to.

[@Lighting_Desk]

I love a miniature railway.

[@AdventureMe]

me too

[@Dan23_7]

Thank you for your hard work and your time 👌🏼👌🏼 Alan is quite a character and knowledgeable I’m not really a train person but the little engines are cute Me and mrs 237 are going to Blackpool this Saturday, I’m intrigued by central pier and the iron it’s made from, I’ll put it on my channel thingy

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks bud

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video, thank you

[@scottcarns5156]

Coolbeens. Really enjoyed all the Blackpool vids

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Scott

[@PupRiku]

I'll hopefully be there in October again. Cannot wait.

[@AdventureMe]

I'll be back soon for sure.

[@hyperballadbradx6486]

Bloomin' clown at the end. Gives me shivers everytime 😂 #childhoodtrauma

[@AdventureMe]

And at the start lol. He always gets in there.

[@cedarcam]

I guess the Halifax Zoo Railway you refer to was Sunny Vale Gardens. I remember the remains of some rides still being there and one coach from the railway was at a horse stables nearby. We used to play in that. It was years later when I found out where it came from. I did not know one loco still existed, another was named Sunny Bunces, now I wonder if that was also saved.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes i think it was Sunnyvale. Ill look into this railway in more detail when i cover Sunnyvale.

[@cedarcam]

@@AdventureMe Thank you so much for your plan to cover Sunnyvale. In its day it was a huge attraction with excursion trains from far away bringing in visitors to Hipperholme station. I know little about its history and found out about the railway from an article in Railway Magazine (Ian Allan publication) which I sadly no longer have. When I used to go there it was to watch Go Kart racing and after that closed a stock car race track was made on one of the two lakes The 2nd lake still had many carp fish in. I have not been back since the stock car track closed. It will be fascinating to see what remains you can find.

[@ClarenceFlanagan]

I’m glad that Geoffrey finally got his train dedicated to him.

[@AdventureMe]

He did. And what a tribute

[@nicklowe536]

One of my fav rides great to see it still bei g so well looked after

[@AdventureMe]

Yes and it's cared for very well.

[@JohnS-nn8si]

Really fascinating, love this. Keep them coming. You should have a look round Dreamland in Margate, not as good but interesting all the same.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks John. I am planning on that one day.

[@michaelmiller641]

Thanks for that Darren, fascinating! It's a pity the steam locos aren't actually steam driven, but there's a lot of cufuffle involved in operating steam trains!

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah I bet they are a nightmare.

[@davidumpleby9955]

More special as they are, they are Hudswell Clarke who made steam engines a lot longer after this.

[@graemenicol6377]

been 52 and going on school trips to Lightwater Valley as a kid I didn't realize it had a connection with Blackpool Pleasure Beach till now.

[@AdventureMe]

Yes, and theres a few more connections with LWV too.

[@jackiecampbell3365]

Fab Video thanks for sharing.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Jackie

[@ianhill20101]

I had a massive talk with Ian when i was up there, nice chap good name.

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah he loves what he does and the railway.

[@ianhill20101]

I can imagine he is passionate so easily with the charm of the place, theydo know thye stuff to just like yourself, seen the forth bridge in pics first time its be shown yo me properly thank you keep up the good work.

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi Darren, fascinating content,....as usual 👍👍👍 now I guess Alun with those mutton chop whiskers probably has a nice earner in period drama recreations 😎 Cheers DougT in Mancs

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks 👍

[@Rosiebeatle]

God I love these... fascinating doesn't even cover it. Each video has me riveted and is highly enjoyable 😃👍👋

[@AdventureMe]

Glad you like them!

[@jennyrobinson8449]

Brilliant loved this 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Jenny

[@a11csc]

great vid darren would love to see more of the hudswell clarke works pics

[@AdventureMe]

More to come!

[@bevneale2747]

wow lovely to see such lovely models trains

[@richardhancock2771]

Very interesting and a lot of, History did not know all this.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Richard

[@dieselfan7406]

Great vid, thanks. 4472 is the Flying Scotsman I believe.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks for watching

[@KeithHambidge]

Great stuff very interesting 👍

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks Keith

[@peter15871]

Great video ,i can remember the dwarf train driver great bloke

[@AdventureMe]

He was a character