Cab ride from London Euston to Northampton

On a class 350 in 2013, rain between between Harrow and Watford

[@vern1961]

Thanks for sharing. Brings back memories of the early 80's when I worked in the Divisional Office at Euston, commuting from Northampton. Back then it was either stop start on the Class 310's or the Master Cobbler and later Mistress Cobbler (aka as "The Poison Dwarf" - anyone reading this who used to work with me in Room 225 will I'm sure recall why). Almost guaranteed an 81/82/83/85 in the evening and even more guaranteed it would fail somewhere at least once a week, hour late into N'pton and another dried up dinner! Vern.

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

Very nice trip as I've never been north of Watford Junction before as I use to alight there for the St Albans Abbey link to Bricket Wood. Great memories!

[@martinmarsola6477]

An interesting ride today. Thank you for the trip! Cheers mate!

[@mikepocock575]

Great video,it was lovely to see my home town station from the cab.

[@edsutton115]

This is excellent. Thanks for sharing!

[@susique333]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@shano1975]

Love the Vid, its great seeing cab rides from different countries, it may be annoying to some but something I have noticed in this Vid and not in others is that I like the fact that an alert rings out before every signal

[@RealCristiano]

Yeah, it's the AWS (Automatic Warning System) which provide a train driver with an audible warning and visual reminder for; Approaching a distand signal at caution (a double yellow, single yellow or red) A reduction in permissable speed And temporary or emergency speed reductions

[@jacksugden8190]

Smashing journey with excellent infrastructure, with a very video camera in delightful clear conditions.

[@MattWillisVideoProductions2023]

Superb videos!

[@gerardlang1730]

Awesome video. It’s nice to see how rail systems work in other countries. I’m an engineer here in the US, and the only “high speed” we have is from Washington DC to Boston. I would love to ride some of the trains there one day

[@London1064]

Gerard Lang Come on over and visit us.

[@peeryoutube]

The UK rail is still far from the best rail networks in Europe.

[@7APT7]

Excellent Cab Ride, great to watch 👍

[@nittat.365]

Yes, with Gorillaz as the background........

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

Five stars 🌟 for an excellent video

[@stuartmenzies5339]

Great video mate, keep um coming 🙂

[@aquilarossa5191]

Went past my old house in Milton Keynes near Wolverton that I have not seen since 1985 when we moved to NZ. Video before this the train went past Tooting Bec Common where i lived before MK and became 'London overspill', which does not sound very flattering. I was obsessed with trains as a kid. Not so many of them in NZ. I used to bunk off primary school and sneak on the tube going sight seeing. Mom would have had a fit if she had known.

[@Huttworker]

Great to watch, used maps to get an idea on the route. Noticed flats when leaving Milton Keynes.

[@gb5uq]

I used to live at Long Buckby and spent may happy hours spotting at the station in the 1960's

[@user-jb6hn1db8x]

I like the way you reset the vigilance at every clear AWS. I never did it that way.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

What A thrill ride and so much to see too!

[@nanba25]

I agree, very interesting video. It's amazing that large part of the urban section at the beginning, still has the taste and appearance of the 50's or 60's ; this is a striking contrast with the speed of this train.

[@Marcsharp82]

david beckett A video on KZbin won't get him into trouble but a question will? Your logic is a bit odd

[@darrendawson934]

William H. Baird im

[@nwguyuk]

Love the Pendolino overtaking at around 43:00 - Just shows how close the headways are. Your train has only just had time to clear the Down Fast at Milton Keynes and make a stop, before the Pendo would have been seeing double yellows behind you. This is why there is a need for HS2 to increase the capacity! The slightest delay, and it has a massive knock on effect.

[@GreatWestern-yp8mq]

The platform in which he stopped at MKC is NOT the down fast, it's a loop clear of the down fast. The DF is the line on the left of him coming into MKC. Also it's actually a lot of FREIGHT that causes issues not passenger- we need a freight route, not passenger.

[@nwguyuk]

I think if you read my comment again, you will see where I said, he only just had time to clear the down fast and make the stop - not make the stop and clear the down fast :) And yes, both more freight and passenger capacity is need - but no sane government would consider building a new freight only line, when for very little extra (in the grand scheme of things), you can have a shiny new high speed line. Especially given the economic benefits that are being included in the cost/benefit analysis.

[@amazingamarakourouma724]

so I will send it to.

[@MS46532]

nwguyuk ikr

[@siddywiddyb]

Thanks for the info! I also saw the signals were..flashing double yellow, then flashing single yellow (indicating a diverging route) and then a Green with diverging route indication? I was expecting a red or yellow? Would you know if the previous yellows are displayed regardless of the last signal, to remind the driver to slow down for the turnout?

[@bobbrooks266]

Fantastic video

[@kiddbuu622]

Awesome vid.

[@London1064]

Great video

[@AFCManUk]

Used to travel this route, between Milton Keynes and Coventry, a fair bit. I'd always wait at MK for a Virgin Trains service, as the Midland Mainline via Northampton added a good 30-45 minutes to the journey. Virgin services would usually be direct; MK - Rugby - Coventry, then onwards to Birmingham.

[@arthurvasey]

I was coming back to Taunton from Middlesbrough - got an earlier train in order to get back early - the train got cancelled at Birmingham New Street - there was some sort of fault on the line between Birmingham and Bristol - we all filed up to the overpass - Birmingham New Street, as anyone who has regular dealings with it can attest to - is colossal - the best thing they could offer us if we were going anywhere beyond Cheltenham Spa - was to go via Euston - got on the Euston train - someone must have heard me saying something about it and suggested that I got off at Coventry and make my way back to Birmingham New Street, where another train would be waiting to take me on to Taunton - and she was right! Wouldn’t have got home till about nine or later, if I had stayed on that Euston train - would have had to get the Circle Line to Paddington and then a GWR to Taunton!

[@gonebaddog123]

plenty of voyager train sets and thks for the ride and sharing

[@thetrainman24]

gonebaddog123 Pendolino's you mean?

[@Thunderer0872]

Great video, I have a question about the clear road AWS sounds, I was use to first & second generation traction AWS sounds with bells and horn/claxon, I've heard 158/9, 442's and 321 solid state AWS pings & pongs, but these 350's seem to have a hint of a vigilance bleep in with the AWS greens, is that party due to TPWS or new LED signals or a 350 trait?

[@codys4449]

It's simply the driver deciding to reset the DSD timer when he or she passes a signal

[@Bigbro28]

Great video but onscreen info, such as station and junction names, would make it more interesting. Thanks for sharing. 🐨🇦🇺

[@Bigbro28]

Ian Best : I’d like to but I only get the message, “Oops, something went wrong.” No worries, I still have several more to watch. Stay safe. 🐨🇦🇺

[@jwslijm7278]

In 70 seconds that train at 42:52 paasing this train and is never seen again after the curve!

[@TheMisterB2u]

Always wondered about the line that went under others at Euston .Looks like two track at one time.One the left leaving Euston (after coming up on X line ,looks like another tunnel led somewhere in the past ?

[@geekrulz1]

what is that beep when the aws sounds clear?

[@captainjohn787]

Nice video, Skraggie . . . always interesting to catch a glimpse railroading in the UK. Any idea why there lengths of rail scattered all over the place (exclusive of those lengths that are apparently intended to replace worn rail). I've seen this in a number of UK videos (actually, all of them it seems) and have wondered why the pieces haven't been collected and recycled. Thanks for the upload.

[@JohnLavender]

Scrap Rail awaiting uplift by Network Rail- the Infrastructure owners- for recycling.

[@bazza945]

@@JohnLavender Yes, you can't shove them onto your shoulder.

[@TorrentUK]

@@bazza945 I could, you big wendy

[@atila5402]

Nice ride but it got me dizzy watching this😄😄😄😄

[@AnjumJamil]

very nice

[@soundseeker63]

Very nice to get a different perspective of a familiar journey. Used to go this way regularly as a kid, usually on a 321 or occasionally a mk3 set. Some noticeable changes have occurred since then. What do those fluorescent green/black dot signs mean?

[@callumhaynes3293]

The green banner repeater? (also known as the three-step banner repeater), its an advanced indication system which informs the driver that the next signal (after the approaching one) is showing a green aspect. This is so that the driver is fully aware with confidence at maximum speed :)

[@fetchstixRHD]

You’ve probably gotten the answer by now, but they’re for track staff to work out sighting distances if you mean the ones on the platform of Watford Junction/like the top of railsigns.uk/sect28page2/sect28page2.html

[@niiiice1]

At one minute in, you can see signal WM8 when exiting Euston, and a white X indicator is displayed. Is that a route indicator, or something else?

[@stuartmenzies5339]

Northampton, my local station.

[@iainyarwood]

Sounds like there's a flat spot on one of the wheels when pulling in and out of MK

[@stephensmith799]

This is my gym-watch video. It’s a moderate to difficult haul all the way, for me, not above ‘2,000hp’. No point having traction motor flashover in my legs😉

[@robbrewer3861]

Just discovered your site and subscribed, look forward to looking at your productions.

[@milesprower9392]

I've noticed a lot of the newer UK signals are in a 2-aspect design, yet they still display the traditional "4-aspect" colored-light layout. Are they compacting the signals for economic reasons?

[@harriethare4019]

Loaded like a frieght train Flyin' like an aeroplane Feelin' like a space brain One more time tonight

[@londonjoshua2526]

What Train is it Avanti West Coast or London North East Railway

[@SexyButterPeanut]

How do you know when to start slowing to stop at a station, are the markers at the side of the track ?

[@MarkInLA]

Well, in American RRing there a mileposts (usually a simple one fat stake on side of roadbed and usually black on white. These begin 1 Mi. from terminal. Engineer knows how many parts of a mile he has remaining, to begin slowing. He knows next station's name and how far it now lies ahead... Ex: MP 41 is 2 mi before station X. What speed do I need and/or braking do I need to apply to be fully stopped at X ? This is a general description and likely is or was similar here and in other countries at the moment, or in history of each RR........M

[@GreatWestern-yp8mq]

In the UK, the driver has to remember using his route knowledge!

[@TheJohnscot]

Do I hear a flat spot on one of the bogies?

[@K-o-R]

At Euston the train was dispatched DOO-style (you can see the CD and RA signs appear on the Off Indicator), but then at Watford you got the two-beep from the guard. How does that work?

[@HookeOnYouTube]

Possibly the guard boarded at a later station? i.e. they got on at Watford so the train switched from DOO to Guarded?

[@agent_605]

The CD indicator tells the guard to close the doors, and the RA tells the driver it's ok to go

[@fatwalletboy2]

i make that around 13 mins to reach Watford........thats some going

[@henkdegroot5872]

Why are the station names kept anonymus?

[@yousafhaque3763]

Whether this is a coincidence or what,same types of shrubs along railways are found all over the rail roads in the world

[@WCML730]

29:51 my Local Train Station (Leighton Buzzard)

[@jamesrivis620]

Time of year ? Late Feb/early March ?

[@skraggie]

It was early April

[@kendahkem5279]

What is the intermittent beeping noise?

[@agent_605]

It's the Automatic Warning System (AWS) telling the driver that the next signal is green. If it isn't, or a sharp speed limit drop is approaching, it will make a lower pitched constant noise which the driver has to acknowledge in 2-3 seconds or the emergency brakes will apply

[@MarkInLA]

Not knowing Britten's RRs I take it this is an express with no stops until Euston. Yes ? Don't know if I'll make it through entire near hour vid....But thanks, It is exciting....... M.... Los Angeles

[@GreatWestern-yp8mq]

Euston-Watford-Milton Keynes-Northampton (there was an auto announcement at the start)

[@iman2341]

This is a semi fast as far as Im aware. The Red and Silver Virgin trains are the expresses. :P

[@MylesHSG]

You're not a signaller at Feltham Signal Box by any chance? Name rings a bell lol!

[@blueberryandlemon8803]

Reminscing my years in northampton.

[@solidsnake4595]

man i was raised up in that place and 5-6 years ago i left and im glad to be honest never liked the town! im 38 years old and i dont think ill go back in a hurry lol

[@barblx_t7892]

@@solidsnake4595 I'm going to be glad when I move away from here because it's really bad 😂

[@timorgano]

Geez, a 3 hour journey? I commute on the Class 450 3rd rail variant of this, and an hour from my terminus station into London is too long on those seats, I couldn't imagine anyone doing 3 hours.

[@SomeBritishGal1]

This is more for local travel. If you're going from London to Birmingham, you're better off catching a Pendolino which takes 1 and a half hours. Unless you're on a budget or didn't buy ahead of time.

[@danw1374]

This service stops at almost every station on the route, hence the travelling time.

[@garydunken7934]

Is the beep in the cab timed to occur at entry to each segment i.e. just before the each signal point, to alert driver to check segment signal? Anyone knows? BTW, watching these express train videos at x2 speed is even more cool.

[@codys4449]

No. It is the driver vigilance device that would normally go off every 60 seconds if the driver hasn't touched the controls, which has to be reset by a treddle. For some reason the driver appears to lift their foot off the pedal and back down again before each AWS magnet, presumably to reset the timer.

[@garydunken7934]

Found it. There is a radio beacon beacon box about 200m from every signal light, located in between rails. Sometimes the box is painted yellow. As the front cab passes over the box, radio receivers in the cab picks up the signal and makes that audible bell in the driver cabin. Different tone for green, double yellow and yellow. Pause at 11:42 to see one example. Keep playing and watch others!

[@codys4449]

@@garydunken7934 Yes. You are refering to AWS (Automatic Warning System). If the signal is green, the AWS clear tone will sound but if the signal is at caution (double yellow or yellow)or at danger (red) the driver will receive an AWS warning which they will need to cancel within a few seconds. If the warning isn't cancelled, the emergency brakes will be automatically applied. However in this video, the driver does appear to be lifting their foot off of the pedal before each AWS magnet to reset the DSD timer.

[@DJShadesUK]

Is this the London Midland service that splits in two at Northampton, one half heading for Birmingham New Street (the half this recording was made from) and the other half heading for Manchester Picadilly?

[@agent_605]

London Midland don't serve Manchester, however the other half I think goes to Crewe

[@arturmonteiro8541]

i think the other half terminates at Northampton

[@andrewr2825]

What’s the “E” and “X” mean on the couple of signals immediately leaving Euston?🤔

[@fetchstixRHD]

The ones on boards like 2:43 are basically line identifiers. When leaving the platform the signal showed the indication “X” to let the driver know which line they’re going to use (and I think most of the signals in the Euston station area also indicate the line the signal is cleared for to prevent drivers reading the wrong signal)

[@papaschlumpf332]

@@fetchstixRHD what does the driver need to know it for?

[@fetchstixRHD]

@@papaschlumpf332: For the ones like I mentioned, mostly to know that a signal applies to your line I think (this is done at multiple locations where there are many lines and it's likely a signal could be misread). See the Rugby video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaHXe2SfadWUiNU for a better view of what was intended

[@billynage]

I think the raindrops on the window were causing the lens on the camera to go wonky.

[@catlover4971]

These videos fascinate me - Could one of you enthusiasts tell me what the loud bleeping sounds are for please?

[@sreedevin3441]

The bleeping sound is an alert for the driver that the upcoming signal is green

[@catlover4971]

Sreedevi N, Thank you for informing me - Is there a different sound if a signal is Red?

[@KevvyBoyy]

Yes. There is a longer, shrill sound if a signal displays a double yellow, single yellow or red aspect. Also, if there is an upcoming speed change displayed on a Morpeth board, (Triangular speed boards).

[@davehenderson4137]

Before every signal you'll notice a magnet in between the tracks ... this sets off the warning sound to driver that he is approaching a signal...

[@brianwilliambailey7733]

A great video which would be even better if somehow the speed could be seen.

[@danishrasheed7270]

How much it will cost us to go Northampton from London???

[@zekecycle]

Are speed limit signs in km per hour?

[@LingLiu2014]

No mph here in the UK. KPH's in Europe

[@eftalanquest]

what's that *ding* sound i'm hearing all the time? cab signaling?

[@nwguyuk]

Its the AWS (Advance Warning System) - Its a bell or a ping on a clear aspect (green) - Or a horn on a restrictive aspect (double yellow, yellow or red). If a horn goes off, the driver must cancel the warning within a few seconds, otherwise the trains emergency brakes will be automatically applied.

[@russouk]

Train travels over magnet in track...usually mile apart...driver doesnt cancel train stops.. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Warning_System#/media/File:BR_AWS_inductor_1.JPG pic of the track magnet wedge.

[@sebhoward6674]

I noticed when you were leaving Euston station how come some of the tracks are 3rd rail even though I know for a fact north of the Thames All mainline services are operated by 1500 or 25kv overhead power lines!??? Appreciate if you can let me know! Nice video too👍👍👍

[@tee.f.n]

3rd rail for London Overground services between Euston and Watford Jct on the DC lines

[@sebhoward6674]

@@tee.f.n oh ok thanks for the info 👍

[@jamesrivis620]

Awesome ride. Top speed 125 mph ?

[@gwr5029]

Depending on the sub - class of the 350 emu, the top speed was either 100 or 110 mph.

[@skraggie]

Was 110 mph unit 350114

[@GreatWestern-yp8mq]

/1 and /3 can do 110, /2 limited to 100

[@tonylazzaro1196]

Would enjoy if you identify stations. Thanks for a great video

[@sergiocallegari509]

Vista eccezionale: si tratta di un Pendolino Virgin? Se è così la sua velocità può essere tra i 22o kmh e 250kmh, senz'altro su alcuni tratti!

[@agent_605]

It was a London Midland Desiro, which can do 110mph (175km/h). And due to the track infrastructure the Pendolinos can only do 125mph (200km/h) in service, and were designed for a top speed of 140mph (225km/h)

[@jackkreighbaum783]

I wouldn't expect you to get this, skaggie but it would be so helpful to viewers in the US to see the riding consists.

[@zzbutler]

It will have been a Class 350 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_350. How many units, I'm not sure, but probably two. With multiple units the consist isn't so important (apart from platform lengths) since the power to weight ratio stays the same whether 4, 8 or 12 cars.

[@thebean6731]

Watford Junction 15:10 - 15:38 Milton Keynes 36:50 - 37:45 Northampton 51:55

[@adammaher6601]

I'm guessing that's either the Bakerloo line or Piccadilly line

[@jamtart606]

Bakerloo Line

[@zzbutler]

Bakerloo to Harrow & Wealdstone, the London Overground also shares those tracks and then is the only user as far as Watford Junction.

[@j1.willss2004]

No National Rail Services

[@richardbradley2335]

39:44 where does go on the right going down....goes down then up

[@okbro4365]

7:15 so nobody is gonna talk about that nse 86 on the right

[@basscentral6660]

no

[@pritamkoli]

Five star coverage

[@donnycross]

Not a bad little job,I mean wifey is,nt down your ear,if you loose your concentration, it wont run up a kerb,no traffic lights,dont know what you do about a jeff hurst,no speed cameras,I would have to knock that bell into touch,apart,not a bad little number.

[@richardseth0399]

hi

[@Denbig.]

What`s with the tingaling Trudy bell every so often.

[@dougborrett3566]

I don't know for sure, but I think it is to attract the drivers attention when approaching a signal because the sound is just prior to a signal. There is a sensor between the rails when you hear the chime.

[@chris4484]

Doug Borrett That is correct.

[@richardditchburn3853]

The bell signifies that the light is green, a clear road ahead. Sometimes you will hear a horn, that signifies that the light is yellow, or double yellow indicating that the next signal is at caution or red.

[@russouk]

@@dougborrett3566 Thats the AWS magnet. .en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Warning_System#/media/File:BR_AWS_inductor_1.JPG.the signal is via a raido signal from signal itself...or close by

[@ricwilki6254]

Tingaling Trudy, that brings back memories! My sister had that. Kept asking “Do you like my new dress?”!

[@MrPants1970]

Am I the only one that thinks, at speed, I hope the points have not been set the wrong way?

[@neilstamper4130]

Time to renationalise the railways?

[@johnsherrott]

A few ststion names would be helpful as would a bit of commentary

[@josericardodealbuquerquemo1236]

Hi

[@joyoumay]

No names to the stations

[@rahulrathod-vx6yv]

Wood

[@jonstewart3336]

Driver's announcement at 1:37

[@jonstewart3336]

Announcement at Watford Junction at 14:21

[@xozyje]

la première fois que je vois un train anglais rouler si vite

[@luaking84]

They're quite quick here, but obviously not TGV-fast ;)

[@richardhelliwell1210]

How on earth do train drivers stay awake? Miles and miles of...track!

[@billynage]

Impossible to tell if the person announcing the stops is male or female... Maybe that's intentional!

[@MikeGMcDermott]

That is no less then Julie Berry, who is definitely a female. ;)

[@kingdoughnut7244]

Your passenger trains are very fast, and your freight trains are tiny!!! Only one engine with only a few cars.

[@MarkInLA]

Yeah, and Great Britain is probably one 10th the size of the US, if that. Leave alone Scotland or Ireland is 5' gauge, not standard 4'8" gauge..This has to stymie train lengths as well......

[@zzbutler]

Because it's a mixed railway and passenger services were the commercial focus, everything is focussed on passenger trains. The signalling distances, block lengths and so on all limit the length of freight trains.

[@ericmorfitt8696]

Lousy video no info on it whatsoever,between Euston and Watford,switched off at Watford.