BBC Signalman Documentary, Woodhead Line -- Michael Gatenby

A BBC documentary on signalman which contains an interview with my father. He was working the Woodhead Line at the time (circa 1960).

[@orion981]

@jp4712: Yes, my father is still alive and well, and enjoying his retirement. Aside from a short stint here in the US, he worked from the railway his entire life.

[@torside2]

Thanks for your reply. The Woodhead line was the UKs first overhead electric main line (@1500vdc) but was out of date as soon as it was finished as technology moved to the now standard of 25KV AC. An electric railway with signal boxes like steam days, heavy coal trains, steep gradients, spectacular bridges, a tunnel 3 miles long just 27 years old! , wild Pennine moors, unique locomotives and alone at 1500vdc have given the line a cult following in the UK. It's fascinating. Thanks again.

[@mikewiltshire1725]

Awesome historical record

[@orion981]

@torside2: Thanks for your comments! My father actually likes to write in his free time, and he's now retired, so perhaps he could write something on the Woodhead Line. To be honest, he's never spoken of it to me, so I am unfamiliar with it (it doesn't help that I was also born and live in the States). I'm not sure how long he worked the line, but he moved to the states in the early 80's, before returning to England in '85, where he finished out his career with BritRail in 2007.

[@torside2]

I love this clip. Any chance your Father might write a book about his experience on the Woodhead line? I was 19 when the line closed and I'm from Bristol so it was a real trek to get to see it. The guys still around who worked on this line need to pass on their knowledge. I've got boys aged 6 & 4 hooked on the Woodhead line. Did he work on the route right until the end in 1981? Best wishes to your father.

[@Isochest]

This young man had a crucial job. Over 100 trains each way every day at the time! He did well giving a description of his work. The Ground Traffic Controller of the Trans Pennine Route!!

[@orion981]

@hihat101 My mother was a huge Beatles fan, so maybe the explains my existence!

[@fatwalletboy2]

A wonderful route. They should have canned HS2 and used some of spare change to reopen this line. I think much of the trackbed remains although as a walking and cycling route it would be a shame to lose that.....

[@jp4712]

@orion981 Then please tell him that his conversation in 1969 is still a fascinating snippet over forty years on! I wish him a very long and happy retirement.

[@jp4712]

Is your father still fit and well? I'm fascinated by the Woodhead line, having travelled on it in my youth. One wonders how he got to work in such an isolated spot.

[@Isochest]

This man's job is safety critical and this young man as he was could be trusted. Our politicians closed this important gap in UK transport and quite frankly cannot be trusted.

[@Richardsrailway]

blimey Paul McCartney's second day job!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Isochest]

Must have been later 1960s £17/7' not sure how much that would be now? I wonder if the phone used the clear all system that used the Catenary?

[@graemehannam9756]

Pity this line had to close due to shortsightedness of sucessive goverments

[@chriswaring5565]

MICHAEL LOOKS LIKE PAUL MCCARTNEY IN THE BEATLES ERA DID HE GET A TICKET TO RIDE ( SORRY! )

[@JintySteam1]

core look at that Beatles hair ain't it