Behind the scenes at Locomotive Services Ltd in Crewe

[@petec2583]

As a UK mainline freight driver, I thought I already had the best job in the world. But now I have a new ambition thanks to this video, to drive for LSL! Thanks so much for showing us all the wonderful things that go on there.

[@GreenSignals]

Excellent!

[@22pcirish]

It’s a very long queue!

[@railfreightdrivergallagherGBRf]

As a mainline railfreight driver and former Crewe DMD driver, I'll second that! JG.

[@hbscouse]

This is a wonderful video of the work that LSL do, particularly thrilled to see a glimpse of D213 Andania, this loco was the one my Grandfather drove on his last shift before retiring from LMS in the late 60's. We recently came across a photograph taken at the end of that shift of him leaning out of the cab and LSL were kind enough to let my son and I visit Andania at Crewe when she returned from a Whistling Highlander tour to recreate the photograph to add to our family history. Forever grateful to all the folks at LSL who made that happen for us.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Thanks for sharing this story. Great to hear.

[@railwaymad]

Another top notch video from Green Signals. ❤

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks! Really appreciate that.

[@DavidPeacock1972]

One of the best Green Signals episodes so far.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks David, very kind of you to say so.

[@vernon.rogers]

Better even than a regular Green Signals episode, but best of all the amazing engineering work portrayed which is keeping all this British-built heritage alive so we can see it running on the mainline, whist training a new generation for the continuity of skills. Wishing every success to all those involved, thanks.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Vernon. That's so kind - both the SuperThanks and the lovely comments. Much appreciated. Richard

[@fatwalletboy2]

You guys have produced a corking video here on LSL. Very refreshing to hear about their strict in house policy not farming stuff out to save a few bob often where service suffers as a result of corners being cut.... I like that approach. Seems like the company is going places.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks so much! It's a terrific place indeed.

[@JohnSmith-xi3sq]

I was fortunate to be given a footplate ride on the Mid Hants for my 70th birthday. The loco was 92212, what a surprise to see her smokebox later her firebox to add a personal note to this extremely interesting video. Thanks team

[@GreenSignals]

Lovely story John, and what a treat!

[@vorlonb3]

fascinating to see what they actually can do, and also what their capable of. Eleectrically preparing that Deltic must have been a minefiled alone. Let alone all the steam ones they look after. Fantastic epsiode this and thanks to both LSL for allowing it, and the presenters too.

[@GreenSignals]

Thank you. That's really kind feedback.

[@vorlonb3]

@@GreenSignals well it was great viewing and a n eyeopener really with all they have to keep an eye on night

[@callumthornelow2936]

One of your best episodes yet Green Signals, definitely worth a super thanks. Jeremy Hosking has certainly built up a magnificent T.O.C, and the British main line network is all the better for it.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Callum. very kind of you to say so - and yes, he has!

[@GreenSignals]

And thanks for the SuperThanks - much appreciated!

[@stamrly418]

Jaw dropping awesome. With 3 kids in the sweet shop. Walking on hallowed ground every step of the way. Even the office was a testament to the love of everything railways.

[@GreenSignals]

Couldn't have put it better myself. Cheers!

[@geoffcorker6882]

Fascinating insight into the inner workings of LSL, didn't previously know a lot about the company....but i certainly do now. Thanks to Nigel & Co and LSL for this quality production - take a bow chaps.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Geoff. really appreciate that kind feedback!

[@sun4715]

Getting a new view of the Brighton Belle was amazing, thanks to you and LSL for letting us see the behind the scenes!

[@GreenSignals]

Our pleasure! I must admit the Brighton Belle was a real highlight!

[@dianaday4819]

Super thanks to the Green Signal Team for puttìng this video together, fab interviews, and explanations from everyone. One has to say the people working for LSL do a magnificent job. Being originally from the South, it's great to see the resplendent Brighton Bell in amonget all the other engines & components. Can't wait to see her running again. I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of the Blue Pulman running on the S&C a few years back. Looks magnificent. All the engines look fab. Well done, everyone, 😊

[@mikeuk4130]

What an amazing facility, which is keeping so many dreams alive. Well done to Green Signals for producing such an enthralling and high-quality film. I've not seen anything so technically fascinating since I last visited Tracy Island back in the 1960s. Best wishes to all from Eddie Houseman.

[@JohnKeeble-kg1wu]

Nice to see 6024 being looked after looking forward to seeing it back on the main line again

[@GreenSignals]

I must admit I had not realised just how big King's were until I got up close!

[@staffordian]

Many thanks for an amazing insight into LSL and their activities. Quite the bonus for a miserable wet Tuesday! LSL's approach might not be to everyone's taste, but I take my hat off to Jeremy and all of the team, especially Tony Bush, who seems to have created such an amazing setup. Really good to see so many youngsters learning proper skills too; a brilliant investment in the future. Long may they prosper! Cheers, Rob

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Rob. Must admit, everything we saw and heard was absolutely top notch and professional. Thanks for the SuperThanks - much appreciated.

[@johnlaw3323]

What a fantastic insight to this wonderful site doing an amazing job of keeping so many old engines running and providing us with a huge variety of rail journeys. Many thanks to all involved in the making of this video and of course to all the staff at LSL for all their skill and commitment.

[@GreenSignals]

You’re very welcome John.

[@Tom-Lahaye]

A quality insight into LSL/Crewe Heritage. The work they do is amazing and I can imagine it is a place every person in a technical trade would envy to work.

[@GreenSignals]

Totally agree Tom. And thanks for the kind words!

[@robertwilson738]

I was surprised and absolutely delighted to find this on a rainy afternoon in Shropshire. I thought that the LSL tour was going to be part of this Thursday's offering. Brilliant documentary Richard and Nigel which illustrated what a national treasure LSL has become. The interview with Tony Bush was enthralling because he was explaining how they run the Company efficiently and professionally. If you cannot rely on your supply chain for goods or services then get rid of them and do it yourself. This is surely a lesson for the "big" railway if any of the existing TOCs actually want to produce first class reliability and customer service. Something for GBR to take away. Green Signals is brilliant and just gets better. I am going to have to become a member!

[@allanmorton6022]

Fantastic visit to the Crewe works. Great to see so much real engineering in action. Lots of young enthusiastic engineers too which is great for the future of the industry. Amazing ETCS complexity on show so will look forward to the live testing. Great video by the team and a great new addition to the channel.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Allan. I agree - so good to see so many young people really enthusiastic about what they are a part of.

[@SWRural-fk2ub]

This film was as professional as its subject. Thanks.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@briannewton9283]

Wow! Not just a 'video', but a superbly put together professional documentary looking at this fascinating operation. Having been lucky enough to travel on the Midland Pullman twice now (both times with full Pullman dining), I can confirm that it was a brilliant experience. Huge respect to everyone at LSL who are helping to keep our heritage alive and on the mainline, and huge thanks to you, Nigel, Richard and Stef for putting together such a fascinating feature. Just brilliant in every respect!

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Brian. We had so much fun making this video so really pleased you enjoyed it!

[@forrestrobin2712]

Wow! I’m lost for words ! If only we had this here in France… As a railwayman, and an enthousiast (which is pretty rare over here), I’m frankly gobsmacked. Maybe I should move back to the UK. I retire from SNCF in 2 years time. Maybe I should relocate ! 😂

[@bertiewooster3326]

For god's sake stay in France the UK is shite in most respects an awful country now trust me you are in the best European country by far.I know

[@forrestrobin2712]

@@bertiewooster3326 When I say "relocate " to the UK,maybe that should be "re-relocate"… France, once the land of the eternal lunch break 😉has become a shadow of what it once was in terms of quality of life. I’ve been here for 35yrs now and it’s rapidly becoming unlivable. SNCF is currently being dismantled in the manner the UK’s network was. Sad times.

[@bertiewooster3326]

@@forrestrobin2712 Stay where you are I lived in France for 10 years England is a dump now seriously stay in France I should never have left.

[@christopherfox735]

Another brilliant episode! Green Signals is the gold standard for everyone else to aspire to! Well done.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks lovely feedback and much appreciated - thank you!

[@richardskelton5119]

Thanks

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Richard. Very much appreciated.

[@richardskelton5119]

@@GreenSignals Great show and Green with envy with the visit.

[@trevormstone]

Brilliant video. Bought back memories of my first year at the apprentice training school where I made a reasonable effort in using engineer’s blue and a scraper to get a surface flat and square. Admiration to the team at LSL.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Trevor. They are amazing at LSL

[@keithgarland3404]

Absolutely fantastic, both the video, and the company LSL, The whole organisation, and the facilities, staff, professionalism, is superb, 👍

[@GreenSignals]

Thank you Keith. Totally agree re LSL and the kind words about the video were much appreciated.

[@100SteveB]

What a wonderful place, and what a wonderfully interesting episode of Green Signals. Enjoyed every second of it. We are blessed in this country to have what must be the best when it comes to preserving our railway heritage.

[@AlisterMcDonald-s1q]

What a fantastic production! Great insight in to a polished business operation and a testament to the success of heritage railways in the UK. Brought back memories of the Blue Peter TV appeal that helped to save the Peppercorn A2 'Blue Peter' from the cutter's torch when I was a kid in Scotland. We have some great heritage rail operations here in Australia but nothing to match the scale of heritage railways in Britain. Then again, I would expect no less from the country that gave railways to the world. Well done Britain!

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Alistair. It is a wonderful place (Crewe) and we also appreciate your kind comments about the video.

[@grahammansell5905]

Truly a place of wonder. Preserving everything wonderful about the past railways. I saw some of the rolling stock at dinting museum in the 1970s as a young boy and even got to ride on the footplate of blue peter , the evening star and Nigel Gresley. Keep up the amazing work you do gentlemen.

[@tonyelse1315]

What a treat thanks to all involved.

[@GreenSignals]

You are most welcome Tony.

[@phaasch]

Thanks so much for that glimpse through the door into the secret garden. What a place to earn a living!

[@GreenSignals]

Totally agree. No surprise every one has a smile on their face!

[@markfletcher1569]

What LSL have done and continue to do so, is second to none! the best heritage Toc by a country mile!. They do it right! Unlike the cowboys at Carnforth

[@robertwalsh1724]

Thanks!

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Bob. Much appreciated and hope you enjoyed this particular video!

[@Timsvideochannel1]

That was a first class production, loved ever moment. Can't wait to ride the Brighton Belle.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Tim. Praise indeed from a top rail channel! 🙂

[@Timsvideochannel1]

@@GreenSignals I love to see the inside of a locomotive works, especially an operational one, I am engineer by trade specialising in designing and making plastic injection mould tools and I'm writing this comment on a computer I use to program CNC milling machines. The heritage railway sector wouldn't be what it is today without the likes of Jeremy Hosking, Pete Waterman, Ian Welch (New Zealand), David Shepherd, Alan Pegler and John Cameron to name just a few. I enjoy your channel, keep up the good work 😊👍.

[@adriangiddins6065]

What a brilliant video showcasing some truly remarkable people..... long may they continue !!

[@jamesallardice4645]

best yet lads, much work went into the making of this all very professional, thank you.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks James. Yes, it was a lot of work, but very much worth it!

[@marionbloom1218]

Thanks for a great tour. Superb that a small team under an inspiring leader, sharing a great vision, with determination and business skill, can create such an impactful and unique organisation. I hope they keep it going for years to come.

[@GreenSignals]

Indeed so. Thanks Marion.

[@davidbailey533]

Absolutely fantastic would be an absolute coup if one day you could get an interview with the man himself . Well done lads

[@marknorris5269]

I loved the end with 50 050. I have that loco in my model railway collection. She is one of my best locos. It is named Golden Jubilee.

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers!

[@thetek2006]

What an incredible company, packed to the gills it would seem with highly talented, higly competent people with an incredible passion for what they are doing. Hosking was one of the four people who saved one of my great loves in the football club I support and now he is saving and recreating beautiful examples of this country's wonderful engineering past using a thoroughly modern approach. I hope his company goes from strength to strength.

[@derekgreen7272]

Wow!! Thank you very much for treating us to great video. I appreciate all you have done to make it so detailed and interesting. We'll impressed.

[@GreenSignals]

You are most welcome Derek!

[@terrymoore9388]

Having travelled on both the Midland Pullman and the Inter City Push Pull rail tour to.Scotland last weekend LSL are an amazing company

[@spectrumanalyzer3093]

Fascinating, thanks very much for this marvelous production.

[@GreenSignals]

You are most welcome!

[@brianwillson9567]

Wow. When your locos look like new toys 'straight out of the box' you cant just be doing something right, you must be doing EVERYTHING right.

[@GreenSignals]

That's so true Brian. The finish on those locos (and the carriages / 5 BEL) is astonishingly good.

[@johnwood2448]

Once the final Inter City 225 set is retired from the ECML these guys would be a perfect fit to refurbish a set to as built condition. The Class 91 Loco's although purchased from the then GEC had their body's and frames as well as most of the final assembly carried out at Crewe. Even if Crew Works doesn't make it to its bicentenary in 2043 hope these guys can keep some of that legacy.

[@GreenSignals]

Now there's a thought!

[@ColinGraham-u7p]

That was a brilliant watch. What a great job everyone at LSL is doing. Had the pleasure of riding on their Scotrail push pull set on a three day tour of Scotland 18 months ago. That was when I realised these guys are serious railway operators. Long May they continue doing what they do.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Graham, we're delighted to hear you enjoyed it! You're absolutely right - they are serious railway operators.

[@kineticrail]

An amazing video such a brilliant facility, well done guys. Could hear the enjoyment in Nigels voice

[@Penguins247]

Wow, it'll be amazing to see the Brighton Belle up and running. I didn't even know it had survived! Well done LSL/5BEL group!

[@mick5eye]

What a great open day a few years ago Need another open Day

[@MasterMoyle]

I attended that one and despite the crap weather it was a great chance to visit the shed.

[@foxstrangler]

Nice to see 5-BEL progressing. Long time since I used to see her in the siding at Manningtree after withdrawal.

[@GreenSignals]

It really is lovely inside. Going to be stunning when back in traffic.

[@Carlos-im3hn]

seeing @33:46 the ETCS retrofit going into the classic diesel Deltic first in class was fascinating with great insights. Thank you GS !

[@GreenSignals]

You are most welcome Carlos!

[@markabbott358]

Guys this is brilliant content, I had no idea how much LSL have achieved and continued building on Pete Watermans early operations at Crewe. Please keep producing this stuff, it is brilliant support to the weekly pod cast's. Am now saving to go on a Midland Pullman in 2025...

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Mark! I was lucky enough to go on the Midland Pullman in 2023 - took my Dad - and we had the most wonderful time. Can highly recommend it.

[@Goldenoldie49]

I had no idea of the size and scope of LSL’s business. Many thanks for a totally mind blowing video.

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers! Our minds were also blown when we were filming it!

[@GreenJimll]

Superb episode about a superb company.

[@thomashambly3718]

Nice to see the Brighton Belle in the video! I hadn't heard anything about it in a long time...

[@xr4icossie]

Really enjoyed watching that. Great insight into the company. Amazing that a Brighton Belle is going to be running under its own power on DC next year. I started my railway career on Southeastern driving CEPs, Veps, EPBs etc. Now down the West Country driving 59s and 66s out of Merehead and Whatley.

[@GreenSignals]

I know, how cool is that going to be when the 5-BEL is back on the national network. Can't wait.

[@chrishall6364]

What an eye opener; thank you so much for producing this video!

[@GreenSignals]

You are most welcome Chris

[@stephendavies6949]

A superb video in all aspects, and I've only watched just over 20 mins! Nigel, your "fireside chat" approach was ideal for the visit. I'll have time to watch the rest later, but I just wanted to post my appreciation.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks really kind Stephen. I think you will also enjoy the second half!!!

[@stephendavies6949]

@GreenSignals Yes I did. What an amazing place!

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

Great to be able to bash Crewe and to see just how much is going on Thankyou all And I must mention the quality of the program brilliantly well put together Richard you've been a busy chap.

[@Ianb793]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@kennethhume8628]

This is an incredible video which I enjoyed immensely , top work .

[@RobertBlack-m8u]

Thank you for a fantastic interview with Tony Bush and the LSL crew. Like you said it’s like going to Willy Wonka‘s chocolate factory it is a full of gems and looking at photos and pictures and various objects around the site. I can only guess the future classic logos that will soon be joining their fleet.? Thanks again to the green signal crew for all your hard work and dedication just like LSL.

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Robert - really appreciate that kind feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@daystatesniper01]

This video is amazing one of the best on here for years ,That Brighton Bell is going to be a massive crowd puller simply amazing video more like this please

[@GreenSignals]

Wow, that's so kind of you to say. We have a great deal planned over the coming months!

[@daystatesniper01]

@@GreenSignals As a railway buff for over 50 years i say it as it is this was amazing lads

[@edwardf5328]

Love this video, thanks for making it. Was great to see Blue Peter, she was the first engine I ever worked on and my dad was on support crew that fateful October 1994 day so would have been picking up the prices of motion you showed. When she went through on the farewell tour the volunteer who lead the repairs was the owners rep on the footplate

[@phat2003uk]

This was superb and shows how LSL seem to be the perfect mix between enthusiasm and professionalism. Who could have thought in the modern day you could be the latter with very little corporate mumbo jumbo? Just getting on with it. Excellent production values too. The intro music was inspired; reminiscent of a feel good TV/VHS documentary of old. Thank you!

[@GreenSignals]

That’s so kind - thank you! We put a fair bit of effort into this one so glad it came out well.

[@anthonypowell5665]

Thank you for this video its been brilliant to see everthat goes on behind the scenes. Was great showing this video to Mary-Faye wide eye moment for her

[@TonesAtTinwell]

Fantastic video, didn't want it to end! Top job.

[@GreenSignals]

Brilliant! We felt a bit the same on our visit!

[@alanlmsca]

Showing how vertically integrated really works... Now there's an idea. ;) More power to their elbow. :)

[@GreenSignals]

It’s an outstanding operation.

[@alanlmsca]

@@GreenSignals It really is from what I have seen. It's like British Rail was, in being vertically integrated. Everyone is 100% dedicated because the company clearly understands 'why' it exists and everyone is bought into that. Long may they continue in their endeavours for us all to share in it. :)

[@johnwyldbore73]

Brilliant video, took me back to January when I and a couple of mates had a tour around there. Need more content like this, spot on!!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good afternoon Nigel Richard and did a see Steph with you both on your jolly lol 😂 I’ve no words to describe how amazing that video was about LSL services was. We did the blue Pullman to Oban this year from Preston and I must say it was absolutely fantastic 👍🏻 Like you Nigel I spent many hours train spotting at Crewe and sneaking round Crewe sheds 👍🏻 Looking forward to Green signals Thursday 🤩

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks Stevie. yep, Stef was there for this one. We had a proper team outing. And thanks for the feedback - really appreciate it.

[@highlandersixtysix]

One word... 'WOW'

[@GreenSignals]

And it's a good word!

[@johnrostron805]

What a superb video, thoroughly fascinating. Thank you to all involved.

[@GreenSignals]

Our pleasure John!

[@jack19791979]

I really enjoyed that,

[@GreenSignals]

As we did filming it!

[@garymcgregor7048]

Fantastic video

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks so much!

[@huwprice881]

It's lovely to see so many locos in such fine fettle, especially for me RSG and Fearless - I have fond memories of riding behind both as a callow youth, and hope they'll be on tour so I might be able to do so again.

[@silurian9420]

Thankyou, a wonderfuly informative and educational video.

[@modeloco]

Superb👍

[@JohnKeeble-kg1wu]

Excellent video a really good insight thank you

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it.

[@simonvancoevorden295]

A credit to the UK !

[@djburland]

A fabulous tour

[@GreenSignals]

It certainly was!

[@uktrains5679]

Excellent insight into LSL. I'm often at Crewe station trying to see any train movements or new arrivals inside the LSL depot area. Always wondered what it was actually like inside though, the bits that you never get to see no matter how much I zoom in. Very interesting to see behind the scenes in this video. Thanks for uploading.

[@Hinchmin]

That was absolutely fantastic & definitely one of the best Green Signals videos so far - perhaps the other TOC's & the Government might like to take a look and see how a properly run Train Operator looks like and performs - LSL is blowing all the rest of them out of the water! It also reminded me of last week's podcast and the discussion over the perfect storm at Euston station - the very start of this video was Richard's voiceover and he mentioned Multiple Units.......by relying so heavily on these machines the railway network has completely lost it's ability to be flexible and to adapt to traffic situations that may necessitate an extra coach here or a relief train there.

[@rossnolan2883]

Cool 😎

[@GreenSignals]

Indeed it is!

[@matthewwren1177]

What an interesting film thank you

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers!

[@davidcook380]

Fantastic Video, Thank You

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks David!

[@anthony342]

what a fab vid this is

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers!

[@Retirement_Life]

What a great video and an amazing subject. 👏👏👏

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it.

[@stuartbroome1258]

Crewe "the" railway works. What a brilliant company with a great vision. It would be nice to see a HST in Pullman livery Co.ing out of Lsl. 🎉

[@GreenSignals]

Now that would be quite the sight!

[@robp4682]

Well done - another excellent video

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks - much appreciated.

[@WheelsonRails728]

Very good!

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers!

[@harri2626]

Wow, can't wait to ride the Brighton Belle. Already booked on the Midland Pullman next month and so much more to choose from in future.

[@GreenSignals]

Fantastic - I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip!

[@GreatBritishRailways1]

A thoroughly enjoyable video. Regards, John

[@GreenSignals]

Thanks John, really pleased you enjoyed it. We had so much fun producing it.

[@stevebarbier5602]

Crewe............still the epicentre of the locomotive world...............

[@simonaltham9054]

Nice to see a BRCW Pullman in the "private" train.

[@GreenSignals]

Indeed!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Very professionally produced. Would have loved a bit more drooling time over stunning steam engines up close, and talking to those working on them, but that's probably just me.

[@GreenSignals]

Cheers! Yes, we could have drooled for hours but time sadly was not on our side!

[@lnerrules-iw6ry]

Excellent video there Nigel, Richard and Stef. It's aladdins cave there. Really like the footage of Gresley and Royal Scots Grey?

[@GreenSignals]

I do love those Deltic nameplates!

[@ruairidhmunro]

I would love to see more charters and other specials running FROM Scotland to other destinations. Understandably the majority of trains originate in the south of the UK and a few run to Scottish destinations, but that involves travelling to/from London or eslewhere before/after.

[@GreenSignals]

Agreed it would be nice, although it's a commercial market / business so the demand would need to be there first.

[@tridentmusic5570]

Excellent episode and an Absolutely Superb subject. The Work on the 9 will be somewhat warmer and dryer than Freezing winter days at the back of Loughborough Shed all those years ago............! That bent BP rod is a frightening sight. What a team they have from JH at the top (I would hesitate to say "DOWN TO" ) the "Tea Boy" as it obviously ain't the way that place works ! Just Brilliant. Have you applied yet, Nigel?......

[@GreenSignals]

It is indeed a superb operation!

[@SmithyScotland]

Fantastic