Class 66 Cab Ride DB Schenker 66135 Gascoigne Wood Coal Sidings, Selby, to Drax 8D06 British Rail HD

Sometime in 2014 I filmed (with permission) the route from Gascoigne Wood (Selby) coal sidings to Drax power station prior to the resignalling of the route between Knottingley and Drax.
The locomotive is 66135 hauling a consist of 21 MBA box wagons and running as 8D06 (Class 8 train limited to 35mph)
The route takes in Gascoigne Wood Sidings then traverses the Up Milford to Milford Junction. We then continue towards Burton Salmon curve where the route takes us towards (the now closed) Ferrybridge Power Station. From Ferrybridge South Junction we continue up the steep gradient towards Knottingley West Junction and on to the Down Goole line where we pass Knottingley TMD.
After the signal clears at Knottingley Level Crossing, we power up towards Sudforth Lane and pass the now closed and demolished Kellingley Colliary and Sudforth Lane signal box.
Continuing on the Down Goole, we pass Whitley Bridge Junction (where the route diverges towards Eggborough Power Station) and continue past Hensal and pass under the East Coast Main Line at Heck Ings to Drax Branch Junction.
At Drax Branch Junction, we take the route towards Drax Power Station and continue over the River Aire and head in to the mighty complex that is Drax.
Whilst inside Drax, we see the brand new Biomass discharge hopper house on the right as we continue on track 2 towards the Gypsum plant.
The video stops approximately 100 yards prior to the Gypsum loading plant due to the battery expiring in the gopro camera.
This video was filmed due to the historical relevance of the route, the types of trains we see on it and the historical value of the local industry of the pits and power stations.

[@Japan-in-N]

Loved this, growing up by this line at Ferrybridge brought back memories

[@rogerdorrington]

Gives a sense of freedom and normality during this seemingly endless lockdown.

[@Jonsie66]

Having just done two Simsig signalling simulations with 90s based timetable that feature that Gascoigne Wood, Knottingley and up to the junction for Drax it has been interesting to see the route for real. Thanks for uploading.

[@johnwalker194]

Really enjoyed that one ! Sometimes we take mountain bikes in the old vw van on visits back home to Stockton and stop off at drax on way back to Midlands ! Park up in the club car park and cycle the perimeter fence of the power station ! You can see one of the purpose built walkways at the very end of the vid ! In summer it's possible to see the tees barrage and marshalling yards in the morning, visit drax in the afternoon and have an evening by the river trent and either willington or alrewas for a well deserved beer or three 😊

[@timw6928]

That was a nice ride thoroughly enjoyed it

[@onnomulder9775]

Great cabride!!! Only I miss the route information, such a junctions, stations etcetera! Greetz from Holland, Onno.

[@d938]

Hey Graceland. Good to see you’re doing well. Cool videos mate. Last time I spoke to you you was still a conductor 👍

[@HotAxleBox]

Thanks for uploading mate :)

[@shamus2503]

Thank you for the upload!!

[@johnbrown9092]

Excellent.

[@dm8336]

Needed more filming on the Drax part. Good vid : )

[@johnwalker194]

I agree 😊

[@peckelhaze6934]

Very enjoyable.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Enjoy the video thanks

[@mobius8002]

is matey boy in the other 66 late for something or just showing off ... he is certainly giving it the beans

[@mrbluesky2050]

nice one, would love a proper guided tour of Drax...

[@WestinghouseProductions]

richard timms, if you look on the Drax website, then there is the opportunity to book in on an educational tour which is a guided tour of the main workings. It's a good few hours and enjoyable too.

[@jurassicbuses816]

When the line splits off from the line to goole and until just before Drax is that the old Hull & Barnsley line?

[@WestinghouseProductions]

It is yes. What’s left of it. 🥳

[@jurassicbuses816]

Thanks for that.

[@richardjellis9186]

What would be great is if you paused the video at every junction, and showed us a map, pointing out where we are exactly. You see, I thought we'd set off from dead end sidings, so couldn't figure out where that 66 on container train had come from. Great otherwise tho.

[@bulwinkle]

Gascoigne Wood sidings look somewhat sad and uncared for.

[@NJPurling]

Stuffed with IC125 sets & condemned Pacers the last time I passed.

[@richardjellis9186]

Hi. Quick question... Why only 35mph.? And, wouldn't night time be better for it.?

[@DanaMackstormdog94]

? EWS or DB Schenker or some other company? Thanks, Dana.

[@ewsclass6679]

What is the meaning of all of the white signals at 55:37?

[@WestinghouseProductions]

ewsclass66 They are Toton signals which tell the driver of a train being discharged what to do. 3 vertical white lights is clear to continue at set speed, 3 horizontal red lights means stop. 3 vertical white flashing lights means set back.

[@ewsclass6679]

Wow thanks for the reply very helpful

[@gm66power]

Great footage! How come the train ran as a class 8?

[@WestinghouseProductions]

Due to the dust debris from the MBA wagons with wind-swirl. Regular complaints from the residents of Burton Salmon who’s gardens were often covered with a layer of fine gypsum dust.

[@gm66power]

@@WestinghouseProductions ah interesting, I can imagine! Bet pathing was a challenge....

[@dieseldave3879]

🚂👍

[@chrisst8922]

135 sounds like a really noisy old engine.

[@DanaMackstormdog94]

Never mind.

[@thomasjones8648]

After you left Gascoigne wood coal sidings what was the scaffolding for?

[@WestinghouseProductions]

Wagon spray rig. It sprayed a water/chemical mix in to the wagons to dampen the dust and allow the Gypsum to form a crust to prevent wind blow-out.

[@thomasjones8648]

Interesting, thanks

[@tonyellis9273]

Westerns