Darlington-STAINMORE SUMMIT-Penrith snow & steam, DMU train ride 1961

[@davecrowley4168]

Thanks for this. I've driven over the A66 many times over the last five years as a truck driver, and usually break the boredom of the long drag to Stainmore summit by watching the line of this former railway. I've often wondered what it must have looked like as a passenger.

[@sanjeevpereira6765]

Absolutely amazing. If i had the money would open all the old & closed routes and begin again. Love rail especially BRITISH RAIL. Great naration. Brgds from mumbai india

[@dulls8475]

We vandalised our railways. Make sure it does not happen in India.

[@mickd6942]

A marvellous series of historical videos of lines long gone and the narrator is very easy on the ear

[@chewyfoks1840]

The "Snow drift at Bleath Gill" film is a lovely insight about the line too. Available on youtube.

[@n16flo]

Lartington Station is now our home. This was magical to watch - thank you Alan. Fantastic!

[@ColinH1973]

You lucky so-and-so! 😁👍

[@islandhopperstuart]

Superb film: thanks for making such a priceless record!

[@tominnis8353]

Thank goodness someone had the foresight to film this. All the infrastructure and trackbed should have been left intact, just in case they were needed again - like many are now. Thank you for uploading.

[@scruttles]

Thank you so much for a priceless record of what was once a beautiful and much missed important trans pennine railway..

[@stevewilson5262]

Brilliant thanks for posting. While getting the family tree done I discovered my ancestor who was a Quarryman living near the Summit at Old Spital, left in 1872 with Wife and Three young children, immigrating to New Zealand. This footage helps put the environment and conditions into perspective as when I visited the UK in 2005 it was summer and obviously the line had long been diamantled.

[@ianhelps3749]

It would be great to see this line reopened. It doesn't have to be steam, I would happily travel in a class 158 DMU.

[@chrismccartney8668]

What a superb journey would be a great retro railway with the Pennines views

[@scruttles]

Nice to see the reproduction summit board at 08.00 this morning. Thanks..

[@fordlandau]

These videos are marvellous. They give a great impression of train travel in a long gone era. This line looks like the Victorian era never ended. Heather's voice is also a charming addition to this series. More please !!

[@mikesaunders4775]

A poignant film, and a priceless timepiece. I tend to think of the 1960s as being fairly recent,yet this film is a glimpse into an almost unrecognisable antiquity.

[@craigymac5386]

I passed by the A66 today and you can still see a lot of the old track bed. It would be great if it could be re -layed , just a pity about the amount of viaduct that were demolished. It's total vandalism what happened to the railways in this country.

[@sxsx2331]

it sure was all that hard work and and great workmanship

[@marclayne9261]

Amen.....

[@johnjephcote7636]

Belah Viaduct was designed by SirThomas Bouch. An example of a well - designed tubular cast iron viaduct.

[@waldenhouse]

Just watched this - what a truly fabulous film of days gone by! Every day seemed to be “black & white” in those days, but I remember my childhood ‘spotting’ days with great fondness. (I am from Leeds). However, I either left, lost, or had stolen my Dad’s cycle bag, at Scarborough, in around 1966 with all my Ian Allan shed books in it, plus my egg sandwiches! Super film. Thanks for sharing.

[@simonwalton5132]

That's my late Granddad at Warcop Station as Station Master!! (7:12)

[@chriswarburtonbrown1566]

This is an amazing film Alan, thanks for sharing it. And the others you've done. They are real treasures.

[@andrewphillips9391]

Great to see this. Walked from near Hartley up to Belah in 1999, when I was younger and fitter... Great to see how it looked with trains.

[@edmundcarew7235]

In 1962 I suppose rail trails were unheard of. Notwithstanding maintenance costs, it's terrible that beautiful viaducts/bridges were demolished. Many of we international viewers - in my case Australia - appreciate your efforts. Look forward to again visiting UK.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Unfortunately the Belah viaduct needed significant strengthening that the traffic levels couldn't justify.

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

What a super film, with a very informative commentary. I thought the commentary was almost as old as the film until she mentioned Pendolinos! I have driven over the A66 for decades and am always keen to spot remnants of the railway, sometimes stopping for a coffee at Barras. We certainly had "real winters" in those days - as well as real trains and railways!

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Thanks, recommending your channel to my viewers kzbin.info/door/ZGfQxNoSOJaiuyFOrTlJPw

[@rogerstead9665]

Such an interesting record of the line. Proper wintry weather too. Thanks for sharing it.

[@ianstevenson4179]

My wife’s uncle Norman Woodcock work most of those signal boxes as a relief he was on Stainmoor in 1947, wife worked Warcop ticket office think he was at Barnard Castle in 1961

[@MarkHenstridge]

I was born in 1961 and I have never been to England I'm an Australian, however, I find your video's very informative and I am now a subscriber. Thanks for posting these wonderful videos.

[@984francis]

Such a refreshing contrast to robot voice overs.

[@rogervipond]

What a wonderfully evocative piece of film. Thank you so much. I "found" it on a link from the "Friends who like Stainmore ..." blog

[@143topline]

Found your channel today. just saw the signal box at Cliburn which is now self catering holiday accommodation. The station is now a family residence and the weigh bridge building is also a self catering holiday let. we take a couple of holidays each year with the caravan there.

[@rachelcarre9468]

I love Alan’s films and I adore Heather’s narration! Thank you for sharing these gems!

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

WOW!! You make me feel like a Pop Star - BUT at my advanced age, I guess you're JUST HAVING ME ON . Alan xxx !!! 😄

[@JohnWilson-hf2hi]

Fantastic, I was born in 1960 so this line was long gone by the time I became aware of it. I have visited the Stainmore Railway Companies HQ at Kirby Stephen East and walked the line to Bleath Gill. It is wonderful to view the line as it was, thanks for posting

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. You must have had quite a scramble down and up again at Belah - as the viaduct had gone for scrap.

[@scamper2able]

I have read much about this line, wonderful to see this video of it with such excellent commentary.

[@thomasburke2683]

Thank you for this wonderful film, great camera skills and pleasant, informative commentary.

[@sxsx2331]

great film and very interesting as i drive the a66 and wondered about the railway as u can see from the road 10 out of 10 great history love the old railways

[@kevinadamson5768]

My grandfather used to work on the railways on that line on the guards van.

[@Channel205UK]

Thank you for your uploads, and the superb narration.

[@jackharrison6771]

Great old film and thanks. Both Upper and Lower Quadrant Signalling I see. And all the lovely old Signal-boxes. I could feel at home anywhere around them, from my own time in them on the Blackpool lines. A whole world of difference on here, than in Urban areas; though they have their own attractions and Railway scenery. Jack.

[@lewisner]

At 6.39 I walked from Appleby East to Kirkby Stephen in the blistering hot summer of 1976 and that old distant signal was lying on the ground beside the track which was disused but intact. It was the Waitby Down Distant.

[@stevehodgson1724]

My dad a railwayman working for the S&T Dept was stuck in the snow for over 3 days somewhere up there, so the family tale goes, Fortunately there was a pub not far away funnily enough?? hindsight is wonderful and this route must be sorely missed now

[@alexsumorsaete2135]

Great historical footage of lines no more. Really fascinating, keep it up Alan, these are valuable treasures.

[@Cowley46]

I've recently walked up to the site of where the Belah Viaduct once stood, both stone abutments still stand and there are some remains of the metal framework in the valley below. The remains of the signal box are also still there and its great to see the signal box in this film. Great video and thanks for posting.

[@porno6361]

Was an amazing structure,so sad it was demolished,there was public outcry when it happened and a mass opposition to its scrapping

[@Chris35005]

Yet another wonderful film and credit to your wife for the very well done commentary. A very professional job by both of you.

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

This may be a good place to mention that after the next one I upload, hopefully withn a few days, there will have to be a pause for probably a few weeks while I attend to some important matters at home. BUT please be assured that there are more railway journey videos to come. Maybe in Europe too.

[@porno6361]

Alan Snowdon stuff Europe Alan,let’s see our own heritage and what the likes of beeching/marples/castle destroyed first,great to see what a rail infrastructure we had

[@ColinH1973]

Lovely piece of work. Thank you both.

[@carlwilson1772]

Rather wonderful. I came here having just seen Adventure Me and Martin Zeros films about Belah viaduct and signal box.

[@DrivermanO]

So did I!

[@mattcoyne3923]

Another fantastic video. Really informative. Great narration, thank you Heather. And a big thanks again to Alan for posting and finding these gems.

[@floor993]

Wonderful to see and hear these old railway films, thanks for making and uploading!

[@studebaker4217]

Wonderful film of an amazing line. I visited the site of the Bealah viaduct bases a few years ago - it must have been quite a sight, sadly long gone. Thanks.

[@jimbegin6554]

Wonderful! There’s also a campsite at Kirby Stephen East now.

[@andrewwoodward8810]

A really fascinating film, how wonderful that you made these films while it was still possible. So interesting to see the line in operation in places which I've only ever known as being where trains used to run.

[@billdring]

Amazing footage. I’ve just started seeking out the viaducts on the Stainmore line

[@daveclaridge3747]

Great video and commentary. Thank you for posting

[@spiky224]

Great piece of film interesting to see Warcop in its prime, as i work there as a volunteer.

[@EnglishVeteran]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you. I used to live at Newbiggin on Lune not far from the old station, now a private residence. You can walk along to Smardale Viaduct from Newbiggin & beyond along the old track bed.

[@johnwalton6642]

I am really enjoying viewing your great works,which are exceptionally well narrated by Helen. I spent many hours of my earlier life (in the early 60's) watching railway operations at Darlington Bank Top, This was the start of my continuing enthusiasm.Thank you so much.

[@svenwillumsen6691]

Great speaker.

[@mrwilliamwhizz]

Excellent film of days gone by....loved it.

[@wilsonflood4393]

Great to see this amazing line.

[@atlanticcoastexpress]

What a marvellous look back into history. Thank you! I only saw this line after it had closed , so the old cine film gives me the opportunity to see it in action...including the infamous weather the train crews had to cope with. I've subscribed and I look forward to seeing and enjoying more of your excellent productions. Regards, Rob.

[@joesprinter8202]

Fantastic upload, many thanks for this. I have been researching this route for a while and this wonderful film rounds it all up nicely.

[@onthegoldenline]

That's a journey I would have liked very much to have made.

[@5705Seahorse]

This is truly fascinating footage with a very informative commentary. The life of the working man seemed much harsher in 1961 (when I was 10!) Thank you so much for posting it and I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[@keithnichols5490]

wonderful film, such a shame the line was closed

[@ByteCounter]

Another wonderfully nostalgic piece of history. Great credit to you Alan. Making films back in those days was so difficult, given the limitations of the film stock and cameras available to the amateur. Todays generation of smart phone users don't realise how lucky they are with the functionality available to them. Sadly the content very rarely approaches that created in the "vintage days", creativity and imagination are so often missing.

[@TheMiserablegit]

This is wonderful, just wonderful. I would have loved to have travelled over that route, but sadly by the time I could afford to it was gone :(

[@mensamoo]

excellent. a period I missed but wanted to see so much.

[@RexLancaster]

Excellent. Thanks for posting this very informative film.

[@timhancock6626]

My dad and his regiment took their Sherman tanks from Bridlington to Kircudbright ranges over the Stainmore Gap in 1943. The twinned engine only just made it. I have travelled over the A66 from time to time all my life ( nearly 70 now) so I must have seen the line when it was there, and like every other fan of railways I see the old trackbed and regret what we've lost.

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Tim, I'm a bit puzzled by your use of "twinned engine." Do you mean the Sherman Tanks were on a train pulled by two steam locomotives? Or that Sherman Tanks had two engines, and could cross the Pennines under their own power? Or that, although they had two engines in 'em, when they tried to cross the Stainmore Gap, they only just made it?

[@mervynsands3501]

Nice to see someone took their time and effort to record thoughs scenes for prosperity. A really great east to west trans pennine route to travel in its day. Time marches on, and alas things become swept away. Movie memories to remind us of how it once was.😥👍

[@flippop101]

Very nice piece of film. Thank you.

[@robnewman6101]

Enjoy the ride.

[@splendidx01]

Brilliant- thanks!

[@marc21091]

Completely historic. Perhaps the only good film record of the Stainmore line filmed from the front end ever made....

[@marilynmoore2895]

My grandad used to be a driver on this route in the 1940's

[@goff8128]

I enjoyed that, thank you

[@nidgehart]

Outstanding!!

[@benweaver4268]

Great to see if only briefly temple sowerby station as I have stayed there many times on holiday through the nineties to recently

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

"As it's December, in 1961, this journey was filmed in black-and-white" What was it that made you choose this artistic option? It certainly conveys the bleakness of the Dales in winter, and the mood of impending closure; but as a historical record it might just have been better in colour.

[@gavinhamilton9044]

Fascinating, I have friends in Eppleby, near the terminus of the Forcett Railway but apart from visiting a few of the Pubs I've never explored the area fully as I live 200 miles south

[@alfredscoggins3206]

Hello Alan - I hope you have already but you do realise that these films should be lodged with the National Railway Museum? They're a wonderful record, not only of the trains and railways but the local scenery of that time - and they're in colour. They should be stored and preserved, no question about it. If you haven't already, I do hope you consider it. Thanks.

[@martinhardy5462]

Lovely, thanks

[@stuartpittard3153]

I travelled the route in Oct 61 on the way to visit relatives in Cockermouth, it was a long and boring journey for a 10 year old. Wish I had paid more attention to what was about to become history.

[@simonbarker5083]

Fantastic

[@alanmilburn8443]

Took this train from Darlington to Penrith and then bus to Ulswater. 1951

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

Loved the video very much, I am filming the railway from Clifton to Appleby with a drone soon to see what's left of the old line and maybe Appleby to Warcop?.

[@peckelhaze6934]

Splendid.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

An area I know well being from Co Durham but sadly not covered by rail as it was shut before I was born.Rather for me covered by United bus and it's successor company Arriva North East although beyond Barnard Castle it's down to one bus a week!

[@trevorwilson9183]

On approaching Penrith there is mention of the line from Kendal and Workington - should be Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington.

[@onlooker6530]

Correct. What a shame the Keswick, Cockermouth line was closed. Here's to the hopeful reopening!

[@johnbrown9092]

Excellent

[@69waveydavey]

I can almost smell the inside of the DMU, we don't get winters like that any more which I miss too. All folley as most people knew at the time and now "They" have realised it might not have been a good idea to rip half the railway system up.

[@tulyar1043]

Is there any chance you could do a longer version of this video please? One scene you captured is the access layout of the Eamont Loops. Photographs and signal box diagrams of this particular location are virtually unknown. Once again thank you for posting.

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

What I've uploaded is all I have on this subject.

[@tulyar1043]

@@AlanSnowdonArchive Thank you for your reply

[@bobblue_west]

Lovely.

[@tulyar1043]

Thanks for posting this video. It goes to show how shortsighted the powers to be were. What a waste!

[@timjmyall]

I was born in December 1961. Nice to think I was snug in my cot - brrrrh!

[@skipper_hates_jerries]

This is fantastic! I don't suppose you have any film of the Cockermouth -Keswick - Penrith Railway by any chance?

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Sorry, no I don't.

[@dblissmn]

Insane to close this line when almost right away they had to start upgrading the A66 to cope with the resulting traffic. The most shocking thing of all is the failure to protect rights of way.

[@servicecrew6813]

Most of the freight had gone or would go within a couple of years.... the passenger traffic was basically non existent.... and we all got cars... so however nice the line was no one used it... that's why it closed !

[@jimyoung2188]

yes there are a lot of people who need a good size 8 stuck up their Clacker for letting something like this go

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Jim Young would you be willing to double or treble your taxes to pay for these white elephants? Lines like this barely made enough to cover their costs even in the yrars prior to WW1.

[@speakfreeley4473]

Dr Beeching certainly had a lot to answer to.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

For what? The proposal to close this line was raise in 1959 and freight was diverted away during 1960. The line was of no real use beyond Barnard Castle with very low passenger numbers.

[@robertplace6131]

​@@neiloflongbeck5705 , Also the maintenance and safety of the Belah Viaduct , about as ponderous , as the "Forth Bridge " . ( Interesting to recall that the "Forth Bridge ", replaced the Disastrous, Tay Bridge , which like the Belah Viaduct, was from the same designer & manufacturer ! )

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@robertplace6131 yes, Belah Viaduct needed a lot of work doing on it as did Deepdale Viaduct. Both structures had bans on double heading post-WW2. Thomas Touch built this line for about £12,700 per mile at a time when the average cost per mile for British railway was around £54,000.

[@alanrobertson9790]

Interesting that the bridges over the single line section were double. Was the line ever double or was it future (optimistic) provision?

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Many lines that were built single track had bridges for double. I think when they were built the authorities feared single lines would be unsafe. Until the invention of electric tablet/train staff instruments there had been some head-on collisions.

[@lewisner]

The Malton & Driffield Railway was supposed to be a double track main line but Burdale Tunnel is probably unique in having a single track entrance at one end and double track at the other - they ran out of money halfway through !

[@alanrobertson9790]

@@lewisner - Fascinating story. Best I can do is the Ouse valley line between Haywards Heath and Uckfield which has some earthworks in place but was not completed.

[@davidcorbett62]

Ohh to be back there then

[@pambrown8697]

I take it this line is abandoned now?

[@None-zc5vg]

This line was only viable for carrying materials for the steel industry: there was little passenger -traffic for it to carry.

[@CianPTynan]

And now the a66 which replaced it is often shut and they are now dualling it

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

It's funny to think that the Cleveland ironstone mines outlasted this line by almost 2 years. The reason why haematite iron ore was transported from Westmoorland to the blast furnances of Teesside was that it was of a higher quality than that produced by the mines in Cleveland and not because the mines had already closed.

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Thank you for explaining that, Neil.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Alan Snowdon your welcome. Any footage east of Darlington?

[@AlanSnowdonArchive]

Sorry, none.

[@ericsmallwood2009]

Neil Dahlgaard-Sigsworth. Cumbrian haematite ore was about 80 - 90% iron, Cleveland ore was about 30% :. = very worthwhile!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@ericsmallwood2009 that's why he said the Westmoreland iron ore was taken to Teesside. But the last Cleveland mine, IIRC Skelton Mine, closed in 1964, and the last Westmorland iron ore mine was gone by 1970, IIRC.