Crewe to Derby

We ride with EMR driver Mike Clark on this journey from Crew to Derby. Mike had one of my cameras and did a very nice job. We head east to Kidsgrove and as we join the WCML we encounter an almighty rainstorm. It goes as quick as it came and we have an uneventful run to stoke. We then head east again and pass through some spectacular countryside on our way to Derby. If there are any semaphore signal fans - don’t miss it!

[@jan-akemagnusson4559]

Dear Don Coffey! Getting more än more older and getting more and more less mobile I watch films with locos and railways from all over the world, and they give me great pleasure, reminding me a bit of my former life as a long range lorry/truckdriver. Being colourblind I couldnt be a locodriver, my very firtst choise. I just want to say: Thank You, Don! Your videos are in Every way the very Best, they have Everything: Especially they are from the very "birthland of the railways" and to see the fantastic work the old craftsmen and enginers and "Navvis" ! were able to do at that time! Its fantastic! Plese go on with your filming. And more of Class 66, my favorurites, ithey reminds me in many ways of my youth in big machins. Good luck! (My enthusiasm is greater than my English, sorry about that.)

[@doncoffey5820]

Your English is just fine and I really appreciate your comments. I’m glad you appreciate all the work that goes into them. More Class 66 videos coming soon.

[@williamparker3765]

Many thanks Don for another good video. That certainly took me back, the number of times I used to go from Derby to Crew as a young teenager trainspotting with my school friends. Thanks again

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a lovely run isn’t it William.

[@lucyanderson9322]

It may interest you to know that Uttoxeter Signal Box is currently the newest built mechanical box in use on Network Rail, and the 2nd to last one to be built on the national network. The last box ever to be built was Porth in Wales, which narrowly beat Uttoxeter by a month!

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting thanks Lucy.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for this day’s video. A real pleasure to watch, and take a train ride in the United Kingdom again. The only way it will happen for me. The view from the front of the engine is uniquely positioned and beautiful to gaze from. Thanks for arranging these trips, for the public in the UK and outside of the country to experience. I am grateful to discovering your channel sometime back and subscribing to it. It really places a smile on my face, which is rare anymore. God bless you, Mr. Coffey, and hopefully see you on the next! 🇬🇧👍🙂🇺🇸

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you Martin. I consider you a friend of the channel and if it gets you out and about in spirit, that really pleases me. Take care buddy.

[@uktrains5679]

Brilliant video Don! Thanks for such excellent footage, information and history of my local area. Was great seeing the single line section between Crewe and Alsager from a cab view rather than a passenger view. Thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@CompleteCretin]

Thanks for this (and to Mike for filming). I live in Alsager overlooking the U&D Goods Loop and am often at the station when more unusual traffic is passing through. Great video as always 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure! I imagine this was quite interesting to you.

[@HSTPaul]

As usual, another great video. Thanks to Don, Mike and everyone else.

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure!

[@estar9d749]

Thanks for another interesting vid Don. Although it's a line I've never worked over, it brought back memories from doing the MP12 driver training course. One of the training modules was about learning how to learn a route properly. For some reason it had to be a route you were totally unfamiliar with, and I ended up having to do Crewe to Stoke-on-Trent. At the end of that part of the course you had to produce a map showing all the signals, speed boards, bridges, crossings etc. It was the winter of 1981 and it was bitterly cold with lots of deep snow, and I distinctly remember walking round the sidings at Grange Junction, Shelton etc (which were quite extensive at the time), trying to dig snow away from the ground signals to be able to see their numbers! Happy days, although I probably didn't think so at the time!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m a bit later than you, joining in 2003 at the age of 45. I was given Stockport to Greenbank for my route learning map then I think I had to do Stockport to Buxton for my final pass out. I’m 65 now and while I enjoy it so much I’ll keep doing it.

[@foxstrangler]

Thanks for that, It's a line I have been waiting to see. Hopefully more of the EMR diagrams to follow.

[@doncoffey5820]

More to come! Mike recorded several.

[@cliverobinson8421]

First class video yet again Don- many thanks. From personal experience I can thoroughly recommend a visit to the Churnet Valley Railway and a journey through what is known as Little Switzerland. Usual question, where next?

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Clive. Time is biggest challenge. Next video, not sure yet but I might just finish Metrolink off. That Trafford route across the docks is fascinating.

[@pierremartini2229]

Many thanks for this video. I used to watch the trains with my brother and grandfather from the bridge at Pear Tree station in the early 1960s. Loved being 'covered' in smoke from the steam locos.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes I’ve got similar stories from my childhood. Glad it brought back memories for you.

[@Adullamite]

Thanks for that Don and driver Mike. Very enjoyable, a new route for me. The rain would be considered a mere passing shower in Edinburgh in my day. Loved the raindrop! Tahnks and I look forward to the next.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevethomas5267]

A great video, thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Steven.

[@tomward3656]

Thank you Don & thank you to Mike Clark for a interesting & informative video. Thank Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Tom.

[@edwardramsden9591]

Thank you Mike & Don - always enjoy your cab rides

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them Edward.

[@rickschell7874]

Thanks, another enjoyable video. 😊

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Enjoyed your new video Don, and seeing the semaphore signals, upper quadrant and not lower as we had on the Western,Kind regards.🚂🚂🚂

[@doncoffey5820]

There are a few lower quadrant signals in the country but not many. Nice to see you Ramon.

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Super ride as always. Even the water droplet got immortalised! Loved seeing the semaphores. :)

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a good route for nostalgia and an artistic water droplet!

[@BirdLopers]

Thanks Don & Mike - been away for a while, great to see your vids again from Down Under :) Rainy section was nice, & middle sections (River Blythe crossings etc.) of countryside were very pretty. Appreciate the honesty about the bird-strike too, part of the great circle... Cheers mate, take care.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. I ran it a bit later in case any early birds down there could catch it 👍

[@AussiePom]

You wrote of the early signalling about the 40min mark. In those days the railways were little more than a slaughter house for railwaymen as being on duty for eighteen hours or more and with the unreliable engines then used where oiling would take place on the move. With the driver oiling his side and fireman doing the same and neither of them were looking at the road ahead of them. As for the rain well it wouldn't be summer without a summer shower. I saw an old Railscene cab ride from St Pancras to Sheffield on an HST with the narrator saying "as usual the weather was fowl giving rise to various lighting conditions". If you like a green country then you have to put up with the rain for there's no choice. If you want a parched countryside then come to Australia.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it was certainly a risky business in the early days. I wouldn’t swap our weather for yours but it doesn’t make good videos.

[@mrdickywaters]

as ever, quality ride, thanks again Don x

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@djselectrix1395]

Excellent, my local line can't wait for this!! Nice one Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Less than an hour and Mike Clark will be on live chat.

[@Deepak-wr9pt]

Another great cab ride, made better with the commentary. Thanks to you and driver Mike.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@duncancurtis5108]

Anyone recall Shelton steel mill before it was gone? Saw a 56 there in 1996.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s off my patch but somebody might comment.

[@RaymondJosephWeldonFoster]

Sounds Good Don; Looking Forward To Whatching

[@tomheadington4762]

You mentioned fearing the extinction of semaphores, well the ones on the hope valley line and some of the Cornish have been recent victims...

[@doncoffey5820]

They have yes, progress I suppose.

[@georgeburns7344]

Another good one, Don.

[@shamus2503]

Another great video Don, thank you and the team!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks. Mike will see your comment 👍

[@philipheath8265]

Thanks for a very informative and interesting video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Phillip.

[@basingstoke63]

Thanks Don , Thanks Mike .

[@doncoffey5820]

….and thanks to you too.

[@MrPhilpalmer4]

That drop of water knew the assignment.

[@doncoffey5820]

It wasn’t for budging was it!

[@notyhbynorthwest]

That was a really excellent and informative video. Travelled to/from college several times in the early 1970's. Routing was West Allerton - Crewe - Derby - Loughborough. It was quite the trek, not for the faint hearted. That drop of water reminded me of Rover, the large white ball that kept Number 6 (Patrick McGoohan) from escaping from "The Village" in the wonderfully surreal TV series "The Prisoner" from the late 1960's. I also noted that the horn was used more frequently and far more loudly when the water droplet was on the windshield. Didn't seem to intimidate the water droplet however. 🤣

[@doncoffey5820]

That drop of water! We often get them but we can’t always see them if they are right in front of the camera. They usually dry up after a while but that one seemed settled!

[@alunfrancis8501]

Great video Don. Brought back memories of trainspotting trips from Sawley Junction (now Long Eaton) to Crewe via Derby. I cant remember there being a single line section just after the line leaves the WCML after Crewe

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, a lot of those “single lead” arrangements appeared to save money when the railway was in decline. I think they probably regret it now!

[@jpjackson4982]

Another good one Don ,I see you made Mays Railnews

[@doncoffey5820]

I did yes. I’ve been nominated for an NRA award too and that’s thanks to all of the viewers.

[@ghighlandchieftain4462]

Great video Don I love 170 train I love sound diesel engine

[@doncoffey5820]

I do too, I really enjoyed driving them.

[@nigeldallison5426]

Many thanks Don, Yet another super video. Used to live in Uttoxeter, so brought back some memories. Shame about the rain shower, but all adds to the individuality of the video. Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Nigel. There was a time when I would have rejected that footage but after discussing with Mike we felt that for that short period, it actually added interest and was representative of real life.

[@user-mt7kb2lj2c]

thanks for the ride

[@RaymondJosephWeldonFoster]

Really enjoyed latest video Don; Great quality, Superb location(s), Lots of features such as tree lines, bridges, signaling and buildings etc. Lots of facts (don’t know how you do it), Little bit of humour (which we love) Many thanks I have lots of your videos in my fave. Playlist and Crew to Derby will be watched again soon

[@doncoffey5820]

Many thanks Raymond, I consider that an accolade. I tend to include a similar mix to what you’d be hearing if you were in the cab.

[@vickyharrison2227]

Top work as always Don ,please keep em coming 🙏🏻

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks, will do Vicky.

[@hansmoleman8533]

Superb vid. I grew up in Uttoxeter and regularly caught the train to either Stoke or Derby .

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories Hans.

[@jondavies9347]

That bridge near Uttoxeter reminds me of a pedestrian bridge near me commonly called 'the bridge too far'.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t help but think there’s a better way.

[@rogerdorrington]

Class again Don. So many open spaces compared with Sussex.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you Roger 👍

[@martyn6792]

Another great video Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Martyn.

[@adriandean464]

Another top quality video Mr Coffey! Out of curiosity, will there be any chance of you doing one of these videos for, say, Birmingham to Exeter?

[@doncoffey5820]

Eventually Adrian but they take a lot of organising.

[@urbanexplororfoxxMX]

great video-watched last nite 😀

[@doncoffey5820]

Awesome thank you!

[@phwbooth]

Thanks again, Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Paul 👍

[@paulchapman1175]

to don coffey I enjoyed your video today from paul chapman at London uk

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Paul, that’s very kind.

[@peterjohn63]

Weather wise !! Why do you think i left 35 years ago,.

[@doncoffey5820]

I know. We can’t control it though!

[@nickb7446]

Great vid. Are there any plans for a station in Hilton? There seems to be a lot of new-build creeping south towards the railway.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not that I’m aware of. Mike might comment.

[@simonkirkbright5197]

@54:06 But it's so beautiful

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m glad you liked it. It was certainly artistic!

[@Dillwin24]

Brilliant video as always Don. Thank you. I thought the Manchester branch headed north east out of the northern end of the station however? However we’re departing south before turning east?

[@doncoffey5820]

You are correct. We joined it heading south at Alsager.

[@knowstoneunturned4817]

It looks like the weed killing train needs to make a visit in places!

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, you’re not the first to comment on that 👍

[@billholt2803]

Great yideo. How is a line heading North East to Derby classified as "Up Tamworth"?

[@doncoffey5820]

Good question Bill. That comes up in another video. We always consider anything towards London as Up. However, it turns out that when the Midland Railway built their railway, they considered Derby as the capital. Strange but true.

[@jamesw8753]

I tried stopping the video so the drop of rain would fall to the bottom of the windscreen but it didn't help!!! 😁

[@doncoffey5820]

Well I appreciate your effort 😉👍

[@neilcunningham3280]

Just a bit of rain fell there.

[@ol1ver49]

nice to get the sites of the closed stations, though not Etruria - did I blink and miss it?

[@doncoffey5820]

No I think I pointed it out on the Stoke video.

[@bulwinkle]

Comment for the algorithm.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated, thanks 🙏👍

[@davidbailey533]

Great video lovely line to see consider me subscribed

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the sub David 👍

[@jamieclarkson8757]

Hi Don can you do Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth video please , and also London Euston to Glasgow central via Birmingham new street please 🙏

[@wilsonflood4393]

Used to note this service when I changed at Crewe. Leaves at 2 minutes past the hour does it not?

[@doncoffey5820]

You’d have to ask Mike. Maybe he’ll comment 👍

[@gwrydd]

~31:00 looks like a RHTT hasnt run along there for a while

[@doncoffey5820]

They have very strict rules on what they can do.

[@michealmatthews9377]

on a passenger train, does the driver have the ability to give information to the passengers via a cab radio?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes we do. I’ll occasionally do it if I feel the need.

[@bigrstransport6783]

Is this a class 170

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it is.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

I can’t understand why it’s still single track most of the way between Crewe and Alsager! When it was wired I expected that bottleneck to have been dealt with.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s the nature of the railway Nigel. It might get done one day.

[@kevsbangerracers2027]

Hello don any more freight train cab rides coming up?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, quite a few but I’m not sure which just yet.

[@ToysTrains-om3hd]

First

[@marksinthehouse1968]

I owe you an apology had a bad day at CLJ southern driver anyway let’s move on and sorry if I offended 😊 Mark RO2 CLJ

[@doncoffey5820]

Don’t worry Mark, thanks for coming back 👍