Bidston to Wrexham

A trip on the Borderlands Railway between Bidston on the Wirral and Wrexham in North Wales. Superb hi def footage on a clear day through some delightful countryside. As usual we discuss what we see and this time we consider the human factors that can effect the driver’s concentration. As a bonus, we also travel down the half mile extension to Wrexham Central.

[@Falloutman216]

I remember going on this route as a kid with my late Grandma. We were on a Class 142 bouncing around, the guard noticed me being so interested in the journey, so he let me have control of closing the doors at a stop, he then let me into the rear cab to have a look around and press the buzzer to alert the driver it's safe to depart. It's a memory that will never leave me.

[@doncoffey5820]

It sounds perfect. I would have loved it too.

[@dream.machine]

I absolutely loved seeing this scenery in 60fps! Finally it feels much more immersive in to that beautiful English Countryside!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated. 👍

[@BS25BaldEagle]

Another fascinating and illuminating video Don (and friends), much appreciated. Your information about overshooting stations reminded me of an occasion on an early morning HS125 service from Bristol TM to Paddington when the driver realised he should stop at Didcot Parkway just before entering the station. We were ‘bucketing’ along. Despite full braking and a coach smelling of brakes he was well past before coming to a stop. We waited for a while before being allowed to reverse back to pick up many disgruntled passengers on the platform. There was lots of moaning among the passengers from Bristol and Swindon too! I’m sure he got tea and biscuits later.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it causes a lot of delay and expense so it’s not popular with the bosses. I remember those old carriages with the smell of brakes. I’m sure that can’t have been good. The air intakes must be underfloor.

[@Tiffy552]

Thanks Don, another pleasant and relaxing video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Tony.

[@stephensmith4480]

Great stuff. Nice to see my old cabin at Dee Marsh sidings, it was Corus steel when I was there. Happy days 👍😊

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s such a shame it’s all gone. Progress the Ogress.

[@johnmartin1848]

Hi Mr.Coffey .I am the ancient goods guard from NSW Australia waiting for another great trip ,thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m fairly ancient too John. I’m amazed we stay awake to watch them 😉👍

[@merlinroesel7366]

This is so soothing, much appreciated

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Merlin.

[@SimonHeartfield]

Another great video. Fond memories of this line from when I was at college in Wrexham. Central station has changed since then, it was nothing more than a single open platform and a bus type shelter in the 80s!

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s amazing isn’t it Simon. It’s a pity we haven’t got a video to compare with.

[@MarkCsevensixtwo]

Excellent as always, Don. Many thanks for sharing this 😎👍

[@jonathanparry9505]

Thanks Don, I really appreciate the additional information you provide

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Jonathan.

[@rodneybaldwin2278]

Thank you so much for all the work you put into these enjoyable and entertaining videos. I love all the info you add not just about the railways but also about the area the train passes through.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Rodney. Yes, I try to make it a mix of relevant stuff that I’d be telling you if you were with me in the cab. Of course, the more videos you watch, the more you’ll pick up about the operation of the railway.

[@rubyait]

Thanks Don and company. I’m afraid I am running out of cab views, so it is a special treat to see a new one.

[@doncoffey5820]

Crikey, you must have got through a few Thomas. Glad you liked it 👍

[@boohaka]

Great as always! I love just riding comfortably along and taking in the scenery and learning something!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mike, much appreciated.

[@Liamted2000]

Thanks for the brilliant upload Don. It’s great to see a cab ride of a line so close to where I live.

[@doncoffey5820]

Lovely part of the country Liam.

[@rosspugsley8270]

These videos are the best. Informative and fun.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ross.

[@urbanjunglegroove1238]

Wonderful video with very interesting information and historical explanations! Thank you very much!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it UJG.

[@davidcowie2462]

Thank you Don for another interesting and informative video giving us an insight Into the running of the railway. What a variety of landscape we have from the plains of Cheshire to the mountains of your previous video from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ve covered quite an extensive part of the country. There are some really nice scenery that can only by seen by rail.

[@RichardWells1]

Fascinating journey, with some great captioning. Thanks Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard.

[@johnmarchington3146]

I love your videos, Don. I live in New Zealand and really enjoy seeing the British countryside and listening to your enlightening comments during the trips

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it.

[@geo247]

Thank you for these videos. I am a trainee and I have found watching your videos whilst reading my route maps so helpful, so just wanted to pass on my appreciation. Keep up the great work!

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to hear and congratulations on getting the best job in the world.

[@Deepak-wr9pt]

Great video and information - thanks. Keep 'em coming!

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do.

[@frankwhittle4364]

Brings back memories of travel on the old steam trains "clickety clacking" along and when they went over multiple points, it was music to the ears. Great video again Don. Thanks Frank

[@doncoffey5820]

It was a lovely soundtrack wasn’t it. Takes me back too.

[@elvispresley2599]

Brilliant video so very very clear

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it was nice footage. We’ll have another from TfW soon.

[@stevebailey6403]

Your spoiling us Don 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Well you’ve been good Steve 😉

[@rageplayer20]

You simply cannot beat the sound of a classic DMU on linked rail. Takes me right back to my childhood 😍

[@doncoffey5820]

And me too 👍😉

[@davidbarrett1487]

Another interesting very pleasant journey, thanks Don.👍👍👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you David. Glad you liked it 👍

[@paulaspinall9431]

Brilliant video Don. Superb quality. Nice to see my house not long after leaving Neston. It is interesting to see where all the money has gone so far in the rail upgrades that have taken place over the last few years. Mainly in Wales. The Wirral and small stretch of the line in Cheshire seems to be have left until last when it comes to replacing the jointed track. It looks like that is going to be rectified in the second half of 2022. Lots of rail replacement work is due from July onwards. I have to say I will miss hearing the clickety clack when it does get replaced. It is a sound I have heard for all of my 50 years. Thanks again for a great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s easy to forget that sounds as well as sights are important memories Paul. Glad you appreciate it 👍

[@rutheliz75]

Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The weather was so beautiful I could feel the wind in my face . Over here the Budd Co. was known for reliable passenger train equipment. RIP .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John. Yes, that nice footage from my mate at TfW.

[@elvispresley2599]

The views are fantastic. Brilliant outstanding 👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌

[@doncoffey5820]

I consider that an accolade. I actually can only take credit for editing as my mate at TfW took one of my cameras and filmed it.

[@Jess_Jenk]

Hi Don, hope your well. The premier was fantastic as always and the chat was amazing. I love watching your videos and do watch over and over again. I hope you can do a video in West Wales soon. Love Jess💕

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Jess. I can’t promise anything these days but fingers crossed, you never know 😉

[@katarinatrunkvalterova1874]

Im currently Route learning this line, love your videos.When I was learning signals,videos helped me a lot 🙏thank you ❤

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it was useful Katrina, I know a lot of crew use them 👍

[@JohnWalshLegend]

When i was many years younger i used to travel on this line on 101's i recall? They started at Birkienhead North back then, and sometimes went to New Brighton on the old Bidston Chord. One day I hope the 230 trains will make use of the 3rd rail and terminate in Liverpool, possibly James Street spare platform. This line needs a boost as most of the patronage is at the Wrexham end I believe! Thanks for this Video Don....

[@doncoffey5820]

The driver involved reckons there are big plans for it John so it might just get that boost.

[@vickyaustin8383]

I want to shout out to all that made our railways great and a big thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good call Vicky and the video bit is my pleasure 👍

[@KenWard2015]

I've done this run from Bidston to Wrexham General and also in the early '60's I remember doing Chester Northgate to Wrexham Central. On the return we overtook a new Class 52 "Western" at General. Never did find out which one it was.

[@doncoffey5820]

It sounds superb. I only ever saw one Western when I was a kid and that was in Bournemouth.

[@andrewirobinson]

Nice vid Don, thanks as always for the hard work. I have to say i prefer the branch line vids to the more busy routes so enjoyed this one that extra little bit.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Andrew. There’s a real mixed bag coming up if I can only find time to work on them.

[@msparry1]

Another outstanding video Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Martin 👍

[@2H80vids]

What a pleasure to get onto 60' track at a decent speed.😁👍 I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't noticed the lack of signalling until you mentioned it.🤔 I travelled on this line quite a few times, back in the late 70s, and even had a couple of cab rides. I didn't realise it was ex-GCR; you learn something every day.😁 Thanks for another pleasant, interesting run Don.👍😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@doncoffey5820]

More soon Dougie.

[@vorlonb3]

Great Video Don, illuminating as always, odd without the signals though, but as you say low traffic. Also nice to see the standard 150/2 s still doing there job now in old age and just a damn good reliable train, that keeps on going. ta for this one enjoyed it a lot.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Russ. I’ve driven every single one of Northern’s 150/2s and yes, they did plod on.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another fantastic video! Not been on this line for a while!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always 👍

[@Theorbe100]

Thank you, as always, for this interesting video. A historical addition : The GCR/LNER platform(s) at Wrexham (General) used to be a separate station called Wrexham (Exchange). I have a very old LMR timetable which lists it. Also, of course, the line did not terminate at Wrexham (Central), but went much further. Thank you again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John. Yes, that area certainly has been an evolution. I have another video - Chester to Birmingham which goes that way and has more info on the through line.

[@geoffkeeler5106]

Thanks again Don! I was born in Upton and have a cousin who lives in a house just the other side of the bridge at the station. We used to stand on the bridge and get blasted by the steam locomotives as they went under, and I remember outings to Wales, arriving with a smutty face after leaning out of the window.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can remember doing things like that too Geoff. Mine were all near my home town of New Mills.

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Ah, jointed rails - memories of my early commuting days to London from North Kent in the 1970s. Great video (as always) - thanks Don. It seems quite surprising that max line speed is 50mph given the relatively straight track with few junctions with other lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, some of the line speeds are historical and I’m sure they could be lifted now. Structures are often to blame. A lot were built on soft ground.

[@1960imp]

Another excellent and informative video, Don, many thanks. It makes me sad to see all those little stations with barely a shelter on them. I am old enough to remember when the trains were Blue and Grey, and stations had buildings and staff on them. Mind you, my "local" line was the North Kent line from Victoria to Ramsgate, so a slight difference in traffic levels!

[@doncoffey5820]

I know, it’s unfortunate isn’t it Ian but those buildings and those staff led largely to the Beeching cuts. Everybody wanted their own personal transport (car) and the railway couldn’t compete. As you say, only the busiest lines kept their amenities 🙁

[@dontown1531]

I remember traveling on this route in June 1990. I got a 2 week 1st class BritRail pass so I could go on the Cornish Riviera (had High Tea on that one). I met a lady (here in Vancouver) who was from Neston (her back yard faced the railroad tracks) who remembers the "Beatles' coming to their 'local pub' in early 1960s before they were famous. Yes I remember the 'clickity-clack' rails here in Canada in the 1950 & 60s. Cheers

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the feedback Don. Glad it brought back memories for you. Imagine the luck of seeing the Beatles in a pub!!! It’s a pity we were recording the sound from the leading cab otherwise we would have got the full clickety clack effect.

[@pablorobertodurso8892]

Great video .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Pablo, much appreciated.

[@someabsolutebangersonhere]

Thanks Don. I commuted on this line 2-3 days a week before COVID and have started again now. Looking forward to the new trains!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it’s a lovely ride Dave.

[@garethjones8047]

I live near wrexham, I remember the old wrexham central station. Its changed so much. I like to go and observe from Rhostyllen on the wrexham to shrewsbury line, but occasionally I take a 1 hour drive over to Madeley, Staffordshire for some high speed action, such a change from local services and the odd freight train on these lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

I used to visit ROR at Llay in my motor industry days. I used to love that stretch down the A483 alongside the railway.

[@JohnWhipp]

I have a lot of things to say here, so apologies for the length of this comment. First things first, an enjoyable video. I enjoy watching the videos on this channel, and this particular route was one I enjoyed riding in childhood. In those days, on this and some other routes, passengers could see through a glass window at the front of the train into the cab and I always tried to get a seat at the front (when it wasn't first-class only on those seats, as it sometimes was), because I loved to see the view ahead and it was also interesting to see how the driver operated the train. On one occasion, seeing my fascination, a driver even very kindly explained all of the cab controls to me. These recollections are probably a big reason I enjoy watching rail cab ride videos today. I have some other comments I want to make on this video though, which I hope will be constructively received. I do wonder if you are saving some things for a return journey one day, because compared with some of your other videos, it seemed to me the extent of missed opportunities here was quite surprising. This includes: - Opportunity for information about the truly vast set of railyards and rail systems to the north of Hawarden Bridge, associated primarily with the former Shotton Steel Works I believe, and the Dee Marsh link. Those rail yards were a major feature of that stretch of line as recently as the early 1980s. There are still fragments of evidence of these, but the video passes this by without mention (other than discussing commuters and a comment about Tata being nearby). You have a typo on the map at that point too by the way, 23:37, but I'm guessing you spotted that too late... - Likewise, some substantial changes at the Wrexham end. The Wrexham General platforms used by this service until the 1980s operated as a separate station named Wrexham Exchange, and until recently remained dual track at that point (the far platform being still visible). I was surprised at the implication that Wrexham General is the main end-point of the service rather than Wrexham Central; has that become true or was it just the way it was filmed? Also, you do mention the re-siting of Wrexham Central station, but not the former continuation of the line that existed beyond, I think for industrial purposes of some kind, which continued at least four miles beyond the original Wrexham Central station. [Edit: I just checked at a history website on Wrexham stations; that line continuation used to run to Ellesmere, as a passenger service until 1962, and continued to be used for freight until 1981] - You mentioned Hope Exchange, but not Burton Point (whose platforms are still just about visible) nor Storeton (whose platforms remained visible until at least the early 1980s, but no longer exist) - Until quite recently, Heswall was named "Heswall Hills" and Neston "Neston North" to distinguish these from the stations on the former Hooton / West Kirby line whose former route this train passes over, a quarter of a mile south of Neston station, and is today the Wirral Way / Wirral County Park / part of the Wirral Circular Trail. - There were possible plans (not sure if they still exist) for a new station at Prenton, where the line crosses Woodchurch Road, to increase line utilisation, and possible electrification plans (I think that was proposed to run as far as Neston, if I recall correctly). Those plans have been mulled over for more than 20 years, so who knows if they will ever happen. - The former services beyond Bidston, before this video starts. Bidston only relatively recently became the Wirral-end terminus of this service; previously the services ran from the larger Birkenhead North station, and from New Brighton via the now-demolished Bidston spur, and the Birkenhead/Wallasey dock areas here were also significant for freight services that used to run on the Bidston-Wrexham line. There used to be a small rail yard at Bidston too, to the left. Incidentally the passenger service is now quite inconvenient for travellers from Wallasey, requiring two changes of trains for what was once a direct service, which is unlikely to have helped passenger numbers. And a comment on the video format too, which maybe not everyone will agree on, but nonetheless: One thing that for me was great about this video was that there were no sudden freeze frames or mid-stream cuts to other videos or photo galleries. I appreciate the information on those videos that do this, but I equally find that style of presentation does spoil the immersion of the video, especially where it happens repeatedly. The scrolling text and mini-captions are great, and pop-up photos are usually fine (except where they block the view of something I hoped to see), but as another option, I wonder if you have considered maybe using station stops and signal stops as opportunities to cut away to other features, "while the train waits", which would seem a lot more natural, and could be re-enforced with mini-captions while the train is running ("here's the whatever-thing we just saw" or "more about this thing shortly") Anyway, I hope none of that comes across as a rant. I enjoy the videos regardless, and the format and content is of course yours to choose! Thank you for all the work you put in.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John, no offence taken. The videos have evolved over the years largely driven by feedback from subscribers so they are valuable to me. The cutaways come from my own inquisitive nature of “I wonder what’s round there?” So I’m preempting the question. Regarding the captions, some people love them and others do not so I try not to over use them or the can become tedious. Getting the timing of them right so the watcher can read them then watch what I’m explaining often dictates what I can add so inevitably some subjects don’t get covered. There are some occasions where I have got the return journey and different things have an opportunity then. Thanks for the comments. I remember the view forward on the old DMUs too. I’d love to invite interested passengers a seat in the cab but these videos are the best I can offer. I consider myself very privileged.

[@yardiebusdriver5694]

Amazing video 👏

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated 👍

[@chaz1550]

Nice one pal

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always 👍

[@tonyrobertson498]

Great video, enjoyed it immensely. I travelled along this line a few months ago. What a terrible place Wrexham Central Station is. It Must be the worst terminus station I've personally ever visited. The line really needs to be taken over by Merseyrail as a logical extension to that network together with the Ormskirk - Preston and Kirkby - Wigan lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony. Wrexham is off my patch so I’m not expert in it’s operation.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Lovely Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

But what about the video??? Just kidding - much appreciated.

[@chaz1550]

As a former test driver for a major friction material manufacturer I can fully empathise with the need for route knowledge. Both here in the UK but abroad. The old train drivers used to know where they were by the sound of the track and the lights of the places they were passing, such was the extent of their knowledge. You could say that train drivers are the F1 drivers of their profession given their knowledge.

[@doncoffey5820]

I got called out one evening to a driver that had sailed through Whaley Bridge. It was his first day back after leave during which they had removed a section of jointed track at Bridgemont. That was the braking point for Whaley and he had grown accustomed to the sound rather than the sight and It demonstrates your point.

[@brianharper9754]

Wrexham has changed the old station was near the town centre, would go for a pint or two then back on the train to Upton A very enjoyable trip down memory lane for myself, Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories Brian.

[@wrexham1983]

Beautiful day to do it on too:-)

[@rogerdorrington]

Would be interesting to see this route in mid-winter with no leaves on the trees. Imagine the outlook would be considerably different. Another interesting and quality trip Don. 800 likes and the sad 7!

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, I think some dislikes are inevitable Roger. Some people don’t get what they searched for or I misspelled something. Can’t please everyone 😉👍

[@stephenrice4554]

Constant welded does make the p way blokes free to fettle somewhere else , only the expansion joints need a fairly regular maintenance, lubricating the sliding faces etc . Nothing like the old spring job of cleaning , lubricating and turning the plates every 60feet . Great video 👍🇬🇧

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it’s virtually done away with the weekly track inspection. The old jointed track used to knock itself to bits especially if it was a freight route.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Hi don well done thank you cheer's bob.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Bob 👍

[@cypher50]

Great video; this is by far the most professional cab videos I've seen. I hope that someday the channel makes a Patreon for a more direct method of contribution....

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Corey. I’m very flattered. If I was running it as a business I might pursue that but I do it partly for pleasure and it just seemed a noble thing to pass the profit to charity 👍

[@Bigbro28]

Love the sound of the jointed track. Train travel is not quite as enjoyable (for me) without it. Your scrolling captions are always of great interest. 🐨🇦🇺

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s quite rare these days Martin and will eventually disappear altogether. It’s kind of nostalgic as it is the clickety clack we remember as kids. Thanks for the kind words.

[@sportyster1]

Between neston and dee Marsh there was a station for Burton, near Ness Gardens that back on the railway have travelled this route many times when br dmu ran the line

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a pity we haven’t got footage of that Alex 😉

[@Neo-Axion]

Don! How have I only just found your video’s!?!?! Awesome work, new subscriber here ☝️ out of interest what camera do you use for the footage? The quality is superb! Keep up the amazing work!

[@doncoffey5820]

I knew you’d find us eventually Noel! I’ve got two GoPro 8s and a GoPro 9 and they do capture superb footage as you say. The earlier cameras often hung or overheated and I lost loads of good footage. The new ones get extremely hot too but they seem to cope better. They aren’t really designed to be used inside continuously, they are for strapping to somebody’s head and hurtling down a mountain in the breeze!

[@ste2577]

Fantastic coverage and notes as per usual Don 😊, question for you, me and the Mrs are taking a trip to York at the end of November from Lime street, would it be a 185 running or a Nova? Just curious as I'm keen to give the 185's a go 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

It depends which service you join. If it’s a Scarborough it will be a Class 68/Mk5 set or if it’s a Newcastle/Edinburgh it will be a Class 802. If you really want to have a bash on a 185, get off at Huddersfield and wait for a Redcar Central service which are always 185s. You can get a full breakfast at the buffet at the end of the building. I may even be driving the 185!

[@alanmolyneux5957]

Superb as usual. The train has only a 4 minute turn round at Bidston due to having to be squeezed in between the Liverpool - West Kirby services so a late arrival could cause problems.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve never actually been but I’d love to see it in person.

[@brianharper9754]

When I worked in Liverpool would get the train from Upton to B'Head north Platform 2.Problem was the return from Liverpool and getting over to Platform 2 to get the DMU back to Upton in the short time if train was delayed.

[@doncoffey5820]

Oh yes, such hurdles do exist in some locations Brian. It always seems to be where the timings are tight.

[@beeble2003]

For anyone else who was wondering, the line to the right at 19:50 goes to Shotton Steelworks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Fairly sure I mentioned it somewhere in the comments.

[@duxberry1958]

if you ever do the chester line from WBQ look out for the four Signal boxes along the way ...Norton / Frodsham / Helsby and Mickle Trafford ...

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, coming soon Mark.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

10/10 as always Don. Around the 19:30 mark, near thw Wales border, there looks like a siding on the right.Is this correct?

[@doncoffey5820]

It was a labyrinth Richard and not that long ago but rail freight can’t realistically compete with trucks for smaller loads.

[@stevehughes7450]

Hello there Don. With such light use it must be a battle to justify keeping this one double track. A line crying out for more utilisation!

[@doncoffey5820]

I think they have plans to upgrade it Steve. It’s up to the locals to use it or lose it.

[@stephencampbell9384]

The Sprinter drive system seems like an upgraded version of the Torque Convertor-Direct drive used on the Belfast and Country Down Railway's MEDs (Multi Engine Diesel.....a DMU by any other name) operated from the 50s to the late 70s. They were also notable for having the most transparent multiple working system probably until computer control came along. Sadly asbestos doomed their carriage bodies too soon, and unlike the newer 70 class thumper units,their drive train was not easy to remove and reuse (the power plants from the 70 class reappeared in the mid 80s to power the 450 class.....basically an English 458 with a thumper as a generator)

[@doncoffey5820]

The 150s have a torque converter to start and then around 45mph, they change over to a fluid flywheel that has less slip. The gearbox is just a gigantic forward and reverse gear set and obviously when the front is in forward, the rear is in reverse.

[@RailwayVideos.]

👍👍👍

[@TIMBOWERMAN]

Jointed railroad tracks, When I look at Crewe HC2 there is a fishplate positioned near the switch out of the station on to the WCML so you get the unchacterisric sound of clackety-clack from a Pendolino. Tea and biscuits is an adaptation of an American term, there it is "coffee and cookies".

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, there are a few noisy joints Tim. We’re supposed to report unusually noisy ones. Tea and biscuits or coffee and cookies, you’re in bother either way!!! 😉

[@martinusher1]

In several of your videos (including this one) you remark on the Victorians who built the railways because of the labour intensive way they had to build them. They weren't unsophisticated, though -- I came across this passage in "Bleak House", a novel published in 1852 by Charles Dickens, which has an almost HS2 feel to it. (BTW -- The context is a night time journey from St. Albans to London in winter.) "Railroads shall soon traverse all this country, and with a rattle and a glare the engine and train shall shoot like a meteor over the wide night-landscape, turning the moon paler; but as yet such things are non-existent in these parts, though not wholly unexpected. Preparations are afoot, measurements are made, ground is staked out. Bridges are begun, and their not yet united piers desolately look at one another over roads and streams like brick and mortar couples with an obstacle to their union; fragments of embankments are thrown up and left as precipices with torrents of rusty carts and barrows tumbling over them; tripods of tall poles appear on hilltops, where there are rumours of tunnels; everything looks chaotic and abandoned in full hopelessness. Along the freezing roads, and through the night, the post-chaise makes its way without a railroad on its mind."

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Martin. The Victorians were very resourceful during that time of huge change and as you’ve pointed out were very eloquent.

[@IainCloss]

Great video Don, I do have a question though, where does that freight train go to connect to the main network, the cement works at Padeswood has three outgoing trans a week and some incoming too, yet the only way I see onto the network is through the mersey rail tunnel or to reverse onto the Chester line. just curious as the jointed track and long spaced signals on the upper part would not really be suitable for freight.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Iain. All the ones that I can find on realtime trains go up to Dee Marsh then run round to go back to Shrewsbury and beyond. You’d think a crossover would be the solution but if you knew the cost you’d realise why they don’t.

[@Broadercasting]

Another (fairly) local line to me. This line is so under-utilised and there was a case for electrification plans at least to Shotton and extension into the Liverpool loop. Nice to see the line Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a lovely run and to be honest, one that I knew little about until my mate sent me the footage and I began to research it.

[@pakroomitrains]

Awesome 👍👍👍👍 kind regards Pak Roomi Trains I hope you like it 😍😍

[@cannadineboxill-harris2983]

I wanted to know why don’t they dig a tunnel and do an extension for the main line Train so they extend the unused abandoned underground stations. Why couldn’t they use the part D78 Stock train doors on the sides and also restructure the front face of the A60 and A62 stock and remix and make them all together and also redesign them overhead line and also make them into 5 cars per unit and also having 2 Disabled Toilets on those 5 cars per unit A60 and A62 stock trains and also convert the A60 and A62 stock trains into a Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXC and Gardner 8LXB Diesel Engines and also put the Loud 7-Speed Voith Gearboxes in the A60 and A62 stock and also modernise the A60 and A62 stock and make it into a 11 car per unit so it could have less doors, more tables, computers and mobile phone chargers. A Stock Trains and also having 8 Disabled Toilets on those A stock trains. why couldn’t we refurbish and modernise the waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel and make it more bigger and extend it to bank station, making it into a Triple-Track Railway Line so those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden to convert the waterloo and city line Triple-Track Train tunnel into an High Speed train. The Third Euro tunnel Triple-Track Train line to make it 8 times better for passengers so they could go from A to B. then put the modernised 11 car per unit A Stock and put them on a bigger modernised waterloo and city line Triple-Track train tunnel so it could go to bank station to those 4 European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. The modernised refurbish 11 cars per unit A stock could be a High Speed The Third Triple-Track Euro Tunnel Train So it is promising and 37 times a lot more possible to do this kind of project that is OK for London Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden. oh by the way, could they also tunnel the Triple-Track Railway Line so it will stop from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex so that the Passengers will go to Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden and also extend the Triple-Track Railway Line from Bank to Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Stations so that more people from there could go to Germany, Italy, Poland And Sweden Easily. Why couldn't they extend the Piccadilly line and also build a brand-new underground train stations so it could go even further right up to Clapton, Wood Street and also make another brand new tunnel train stations in Chingford and could they extend the DLR. All of the classes 150, 155, 154, 117, 114, 105, 106, will be replaced by all of the Scania N112, Volvo TD102KF, Volvo B10M, Gardner 6LXC and Gardner 8LXB Diesel five carriages to disabled toilets are air conditioning trains including Highams Park for extend doing roots which is the Piccadilly line and the DLR trains. Could you also convert all of the 1973 stock trains into an air-conditioned maximum speed 78 km/hours (48 MPH) re-refurbished and make it into a 8 cars per unit if that will be alright, and also extend all of the Piccadilly train stations to make more space for all of the extended 8 car per unit 1973 stock air condition trains and can you also build another Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive Companies and they can order Every 17 Octagon and Hexagon shape LNER diagram and unique small no.11 Boilers from those Countries such as Greece, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, can they make Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive speeds by up to 117MPH so you can try and test it on the Original Mainline so it will be much more safer for the Passengers to enjoy the 117MPH speed Limit only for HS2 and Channel Tunnel mainline services, if they needed 16 Carriages Per units can they use those class 55’s, class 44’s and class 43HST Diesel Locomotive’s right at the Back of those 16 Carriages Per Units so they can take over at the Back to let those Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s have a rest for those interesting Journeys Please!!, oh can you make all of those Coal Boxes’s 16 Tonnes for all of the 117MPH Mayflower and Tornado Steam Locomotive’s so the Companies will Understand us PASSENGER’S!! so Please make sure that the Builders can do as they are Told!! And Please do something about these very important Professional ideas Please Prime Minister of England, Prime Minister of Sweden, Prime Minister of Germany, Prime Minister of Italy, Prime Minister of Poland and that Includes the Mayor of London.😉😅😅😀😀😅😀😀😅😅😀😀😀😀😀😉😉

[@doncoffey5820]

You must like digging with all those tunnels. You know if you put Hepolite Teflon coated pistons into any of the Gardner engines, it raises the compression ratio to 15:1 and they don’t smoke. Good for tunnels.

[@AndrewG1989]

Not a very long journey isn’t it. Plus Transport for Wales are to use the Class 230s on the Borderlands Line before the end of this year.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not a long journey but nevertheless very pleasant.

[@kojosenyo1160]

Is this being filmed from the second man side of the cab?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it is Kojo. The driver had one of my GoPros and a mount. It goes in the second mans side and he sets it recording. If it records it records but if it fails for some reason I tell them not to worry. I think some of the freight stuff is filmed from the drivers side because they can’t get the other window clean enough.

[@mouseyhair100]

Hi Love the flickery clack. How have you all been doing lately for drivers are many isolating? Did the training school continue teaching?

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve only had to isolate after returning from holiday but other than that OK. I think the training school was suspended in the height of the pandemic but with various tests and precautions, they are back in business now.

[@neelumehta3749]

A nice quiet relaxing journey. Any chance of a return trip?

[@doncoffey5820]

I might have the footage but if not I’ve got several others in North Wales.

[@hansmoleman8533]

One controlling signal? Must be a pain trying to get a line blockage lol

[@nigelsabin1713]

Don. Heswall! What about John Glynn Williams!! I.o m tt racer. A hero in his day, tragically killed doing what he loved! Saw h in 1976 in I o.m . What a hero. A other great video. It must take you hours to perfect!!! Nigel

[@doncoffey5820]

You got me Nigel. There was a big list but I’ve got to watch the length of the captions or it becomes a bit tedious to watch. Please accept my apologies!

[@colanitower]

The atmosphere of track, train and environment reminds me of many trips in the Netherlands on "Blauwe Engel" (Blue Angel) DMUs that served there in the 1950s-1980s. Cheers! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angel_(train)

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting thank you.

[@Red-tm1bs]

Tough old route when you had to drive it 3 times in a shift 🤣🤣

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, the add up don’t they!

[@acleray]

You can forget the HST's and CWR, give me jointed track and suburban trains any day. A much easier ride giving time to study the countryside and architecture. Line speeds of 50mph, (60 tops) is the ideal pace. My Welsh needs a bit of a refresher, I forgot that "dd" is like "ff".

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you get chance to look in Ray 👍. I used to sign the Buxton line that was well in the dark ages and there was a stretch over Singleton Bank coming back from Blackpool that was jointed at 70 mph. All welded now!

[@ethangartside2916]

I live near the line on the beechwood estate

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one Ethan.

[@GRAHAMAUS]

Regarding overshooting -- would it help if there was a station mile marker or something? It seems a little surprising that it all relies on a driver's intimate knowledge of the route.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not always. When interviewing drivers, you often find that they were conscious of needing to stop until very close to the station and only lost concentration when it was too late. Drivers have visual markers for coasting and braking points.

[@tango6nf477]

A question for you Don, I have often wondered how a Driver is allocated a type of train, e.g. freight or passenger, is there a progression involved? I know in the days of steam Drivers could work their way up to driving the "top link" trains like the Flying Scotsman.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good question. There is much less mixed traffic driving than there used to be because the train companies are separated. Also, there are very tough requirements for traction knowledge so each driver will sign a number of routes and types of traction and beyond that they mustn’t deviate. Freight drivers tend to sign many more routes than passenger drivers.

[@russouk]

Nice to see driver toot woody pigeon on line at 45:29 ish

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, yes, we prefer not to hit them if poss 👍🐤🐥

[@bigcasey4143]

Being based in South Wales, this was not a branch I ever worked on, but it's interesting nevertheless... I only lasted a month into the TfW era before retiring three years ago... and I'm not missing the job... I'm contented with leaving my train driving job to the young pretenders... I probably drove every class 150 in the ATW/TfW fleet in my 30 years of driving them... The cramped class 150 cab was in fact my nemesis... A well shot & informative video as usual..

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m still driving part time but when asked when I will retire, I always say “when it hurts”, in other words, when I’m not enjoying it any more and if that was the case with you Casey, I fully understand why you packed in. I’ve definitely driven every one of Northerns 150, 150/2 and 156 so can relate to that, the draughts were terrible and I had to sit sideways in a 156. I must say the vista and comfort in a 185 compensates for all that. Glad you liked the video. I can’t get down your patch to film but you never know, it might happen one day.

[@sparkyUK]

I miss the jointed track sound these days!

[@doncoffey5820]

It reminds us of the old days doesn’t it?

[@geoffreymoore1510]

Thanks very much, will look for the Burmingham video. Never could figure out Welsh lingo, hehe. A late former pastor was of Welsh origin. Had the typical grand Welsh singing voice as well. Just sorry, once again too old and disabled to do these trips live, now. Let me know what sort of videos I can share on your Facebook page I am registered there I think. Definitely NOT professional.(My videos I mean.)

[@doncoffey5820]

Any railway or tram videos can be shared there Geoffrey.

[@suninn22]

I remember the class 108s on this route in the 1980s and I remember the trains went Birkenhead North and not Bidston, The Wrexham to Bidston line should be electrified as the Merseyrail system, same as Chester

[@doncoffey5820]

Well they should and they probably will one day but it’s always about budgets.

[@Harry-me1zq]

Don,in this video video you touched on Tea and Biscuits and i know where you are coming from,however is there any universal policy regards suicide ? We have all seen ppl who are down and out,but what support is there for the driver/train crew ?

[@doncoffey5820]

Tea and biscuits was probably more pointed towards operating incidents but in the case of suicide things take a very sympathetic and caring approach. There is a section of the rule book given up to the subject and the very first number in the radio phone book is the suicide hotline. Any crew witnessing a fatality or collision with a person is immediately removed from duty pending an assessment of their condition and needs.

[@andyc3088]

Does the type of biscuits for the meeting determines the type of meeting it's going to be? LOL

[@doncoffey5820]

Oh very much Andy. If the chocolate hobnobs are out you’re still in the good books. If the cheap plain biscuits are out, woe betide!

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

Why does modern rail line not buckle in the heat , was told old had to have gaps to stop this happening ?

[@doncoffey5820]

It would under normal conditions Robert. The rails have sliding joints that allow for expansion and the sleepers are partially buried in ballast which forces the rails to slide through their fixings.

[@caroljane6313]

I live right by Upton, trains go right past my house. I've heard that the Bidston to Wrexham trains are going to be running every half an hour, is there any truth in it?

[@doncoffey5820]

There are plans to up the service according to Divvy who drove the train. How Covid has effected those plans is anybody’s guess.

[@Coach_McGuirk]

I wish there were versions of these videos without the scrolling text. I find it distracting.

[@doncoffey5820]

I did this one but it caused uproar. It seems people prefer the captions on these videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnrEc6etr8imeKM