Battersby to Whitby Esk Valley Route Learning

[@ChangesOneTim]

Very good video. Reminds me again to revisit this beautiful scenery; I last travelled the line when NSTR signalling was still a new thing! Battersby Road LC 2:39 is a ABCL not AHBC, by the way. The 'overspeed sensors' at 29:23 and at 59:47 are in fact train stop sensors for the opposite-direction stop board just passed.

[@nymrfootage]

The track was double from Grosmont to Whitby but believe it was single track from Grosmont to Battersby with passing loops at stations.

[@steeveedee8478]

Some of the track to Whitby is shared with the perserved railway North Yorkshire Moors Railway which has some through trains joining the main line at Grossmont and running into Whitby station where at 59:00 you can see points where they switch to the right platform 2 (formally disused now restored for steam and diesel NYMR trains only, it has it's own passing loop to switch steam trains from one end of the train to another). So you can have network rail DMU's pulling up on platform 1 while at the same time there are NYMR steam trains on platform 2. The NYMR trains go back the other way as far as Pickering where I live and the channel 5 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard' T.V. series is filmed.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Looks like the line was once double track judging by the abandoned platforms and space under the bridges. Is this correct?

[@steeveedee8478]

The through track discontinued so trains go back out same way they came in and then branch off to either Middlesborough or Whitby.

[@RunawayTrain2502]

there is also only like 4 trains per day. to Whitby (a town of about 13000 people) due to the fact they only kept the quietest and least pactical line to Whitby in service.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The line between Battersby and Grosmont was build with the intention of doubling the track but the revenues earned were insufficient for this to ever happen. The bit from Grosmont to Whitby was double tracked u told the rationalisation in the mid 1980s.

[@johnsharp8273]

At 31.33 are they filming the Lloyds Bank advert? 😏

[@jeremywilcox]

So, when did they replace the bridges that are new since an earlier dated cab ride on here?

[@johnlister]

How are the points set for Platform 1/2 at Whitby? When the token is obtained at Glaisdale/Grosmont? Or when the train stops at Sleights and telephones? And is it done on the way out when the train driver requests a token at Whitby? (BTW, where is the token machine at Whitby?) Thanks

[@nymrfootage]

The points for entering platform 2 at Whitby are set when the loco arrives at Bog Hall, just outside Whitby. The train stops at the point indicator (Before the crossing) and the ground frame operator (who travels in the loco cab with the driver and fireman) obtains the token from the driver and walks to Whitby ground frame and sets the points for platform 2. The points indicator displays a yellow aspect and '2'. The driver can then move the train into platform 2. The ground frame operator then sets the points back to platform 1 for the Northern Unit and returns the token to the token cabinet and advises the signalman at Nunthorpe. Similar principle when the trains departs from platform 2. The drivers obtains the token from the cabinet on platform 2 and then hands the token to the ground frame operator who sets the points for the mainline. The point indicator will display a yellow aspect. The train then departs but stops when the last coach is over Bog Hall crossing. The ground frame operator sets the points back to platform 1, removes the token from the ground frame and joins the train. The token is then passed back to the driver. When the train arrives at Grosmont, the driver hands the token to the ground frame operator who sets the points from the mainline onto the NYMR. Grosmont signalman sets the points for either Platform 2 or Platform 3 at Grosmont. When the train is back in Grosmont Station, the ground frame operator sets the points back to their 'normal' position and returns the token back to the token cabinet and informs the Nunthorpe and Grosmont signalman. This a new video from Whitby to Grosmont and you can see the ground frame operator at Whitby and Grosmont. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZOYaIppgpefrZY

[@johnlister]

@@nymrfootage Thank you. I had wondered. The last time I travelled that line in the late 1960s on a day out from Saltburn, where I lived, to Whitby, it was fully manned and tokens were exchanged in pouches at signal boxes. I’m just that little bit too young to have been able to take the coast line from Saltburn to Whitby but was around for the increase in freight from Boulby and used to hear the trains at the bottom of our garden! (Looking back I wish I had trespassed during my teenage years to walk over the Saltburn viaduct, but it didn’t happen). And Bog Hall Junction must have been a real junction some of the times I passed through it, but I was unaware of the opportunity for a Whitby-Scarborough excursion otherwise I probably would have nagged to go on one. No steam though. All green DMUs, which, I now see, are “heritage” trains on the NYMR! From New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

[@nymrfootage]

@@johnlister This is well worth a watch if you haven't seen it. Trip from Whitby to Scarborough in 1966: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poWomp6PgreWqrc

[@johnlister]

@@nymrfootage I have seen that one thanks. I’m amazed that the 8mm footage (which must have cost a fortune!) survived and has been decently digitized for us. Unfortunately, it appears that those of us who are interested in the old mechanical signals and points are in the minority. I used to spend hours at the Longbeck level crossing on the Middlesborough-Saltburn line where I could see all the levers and cams. It’s the only level crossing I know where the gates were operated by the signalman turning a wheel in the box. And then during my teenage years, I watched it all being ripped out, tracks torn up and the semaphores being replaced by coloured lights.

[@nymrfootage]

@@johnlister The gates are still operated by a wheel in Grosmont and Newbridge signal boxes. You can see the gates being operated here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ3Ue2SphaqdmZY

[@bokjay]

The trackway from Battersby to Grosmont looks surprisingly in good fettle, but from Grosmont to Sleights, there are some bad alignments visible. Even the speed drops from 45 to 30. Wonder why the big difference in quality?

[@rodsmith3911]

Because this was the original Whitby and Pickering Railway, designed to be worked by horses!

[@johnshaw3398]

Yes, the desolation is the main selling point. No overspill, no encroachment.

[@ChangesOneTim]

@johnshaw3398 Think the word is 'unspoilt', but yes, so true! Hopefully the National Park status will keep it that way.

[@Cordel10]

Why no whistle only heard i once,

[@johncollins1318]

Fascinating. Ye gods, it's desolate in places up there! What was the motive power on this?

[@nymrfootage]

John Collins. It was the k4

[@ericsmallwood2009]

John Collins. Maybe but acknowledged as 2nd best line in UK after Fort William to Mallaig for scenery, so there! Usually Pacers or Spring - one of those is ok the other is grotesquely uncomfortable - right old crappy 4 wheel bus carriages, rocking n rollin - & don't try to drink a cup of coffee on them!!!

[@ericsmallwood2009]

John Collins. That should have said "or Sprinters", sorry.

[@steeveedee8478]

I live near there. This is a grey winter's day. This area is recognized as one of outstanding natural beauty. In the summer it is amazing.

[@bumerangsydney]

If the token section is from Glaisdale to Whitby how do NYMR trains obtain the token??

[@nymrfootage]

There's an intermediate token station at Grosmont on platform 2 for NYMR use

[@bumerangsydney]

@@nymrfootage thank you

[@swagyoung6056]

At 11:48 the speed restriction of 45 mph seems irrelevant, train's clearly going faster than that!

[@ChangesOneTim]

@swagyoung6056 Really? No one's going to risk losing their job by speeding, especially in this day and age.

[@user-ps6qi9fi4o]

quality of the rail joints is terrible, you can see the rails are not properly curved at each joint, isambard kingdom brunel would have not put his name to this, yes i know, the line was built by george stephenson, just that the quality of the joints is terrible, like W T F ?

[@InTheBeginningTheUniverseWas]

you can tell by the very loud 'click clack', doesn't sound very smooth!

[@Thunderer0872]

Apart from in station loops the line is 'CWR' Continuous Welded Rails so no not bad joints on most of the line. I don't know where you refer to? the sound you are hearing is from the wagon or cart they are propelling is light and metallic so yeah sounds worse than it is. remember this is a line on a branch under national network a secondary route with no freight only light units and the occasional loco on loan or visit to the NYMR. So that means it's low speed and low maintenance.

[@adriancarter2863]

Shot from a Plasser+Theurer GP Tram (PW Maintenance Vehicle) perchance? Used to maintain the track on lightly used branch and single lines throughout the UK. Initially used on the West Highland Line.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Stephenson only did the bit between Whitby and Grosmont. The rest was done long after he passed on. IKB did the South Devon Railway with all those poorly though out inclines. Everybody has an off day.

[@amiddled]

Yep, it's awful. When I lived in Whitby I remember taking the train to Middlesbrough (about 20 years ago) thinking it would be a nice relaxing experience. It was awful - bouncy and loud and uncomfortable. The bus should not be better than the train! Investment is needed 🤕

[@danamack7405]

Class 66 ? Anyone ? Sounds like it

[@Thunderer0872]

Steam loco pushing a wagon or saloon car? the camera is so low. but defo a kettle from the NYMR.