York to Middlesbrough

[@jeremywilliams2478]

As a lifelong train enthusiast, youtube and people like yourself gives me a perspective that I never thought I would get to see.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Jeremy, I’m glad you appreciate them.

[@lesliedodds4011]

@@doncoffey5820 Is there any videos on the sheffield to birmingham journey taking in the Milford Tunnel .

[@johnwebster3224]

As an 83 year old ex=railwayman with the usual health problems, my touring days are over, so it is good to "get out and about" with your videos - Thanks a lot, Don, and a Happy New Year to you - keep up the good work!

[@doncoffey5820]

You know John, sometimes I think I’ve caught a tiger by the tail because these videos take a lot of time and effort and expense to put together. Then I get a comment like this and it makes it all worthwhile. Best wishes to you and thanks for watching.

[@keithshephard6802]

Thanks again for another great video. Had to watch it twice though, first time I was laid in bed and all I remembered was leaving York and waking up in Middlesbrough. Second viewing I did the whole trip and thoroughly enjoyed it along with the obligatory Jammy Dodgers and several pots of tea. Thanks again Don to you and your colleagues for making these trips so informative and enjoyable.

[@doncoffey5820]

Jammy Dodgers and tea - perfect. Educational and a perfect cure for insomnia as well. Such good value for money!

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

well done Don. So informative and educationa.. I'm 82 years and never tire of riding with you and reading the script. not that i remember it all. thanks againn. Keith

[@doncoffey5820]

You are one of the frequent followers Keith and its much appreciated.

[@daystatesniper01]

Lovely upload , i remember doing Tees Yard as a teenager spotting in the late 70's ,up to 15-20 , 08 shunters busying themselves in the yards and line after line of freight powered by everything from 20's to 56's good times

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll be going up to Newcastle on a Class 802 in the next video.

[@jumbo8996]

These videos are so fantastic. It gives one an insight to what it’s like to be a driver. Really interesting and I’m learning all the time...! Thank you..

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@theresamcmillan1667]

From half way around the world (New Zealand) a big thanks Don for posting these you tube entries, and a great thankyou to Aron for allowing us into his cab. You have both made me feel somewhat homesick (I am originally from Essex but I have spent forty of my fifty two years over here in NZ, the rest back home), and very envious at the same time...If I were to return home I'd be signing up for Driver training! All the very best Gentlemen, and please keep these coming!! Cheers, Dennis

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Dennis. Aron will see your comment and we’ll be riding with him again soon when we film the run up to Newcastle.

[@AndyGabrielPowell]

Another masterpiece Don. You are building an extraordinary reference library of British Railways today. They could be the next generation's Pathe collection. Thank you for your hard work (and thanks to your colleague's for their support.)

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, they may prove a legacy one day. I quite like looking at some of the older routes but they are never very good quality so hopefully these will stand the test of time.

[@kaulinycia]

My boyfriend and I love to watch your videos before bed once in a while Don! We love to learn and hear the train noises that basically lull me to sleep. Always gonna be a fan!

[@doncoffey5820]

Fortunately, when driving the train I can stay awake! Glad you like them Kauli.

[@BevMattocks]

Great stuff! I've criss-crossed this line (between York & Brompton & the various Wiskes) on my bicycle many, many times - but today I was following your video from my indoor bike.! Great to see it from the railway perspective. Thanks for all the interesting information, too, as ever with your fabulous videos. I must look out for that 1930s signal box next time I'm up that way!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it. Keep on bikin’ 👍

[@drummerboy1390]

Interesting, informative and very well produced as usual. I really appreciate the time and effort you put in. Many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you.

[@iangill8984]

I remember travelling between Leeds and Middlesbrough as a student in the early 70's. Rickety old DMU from Middlesbrough to Darlo. A decent rain to York than another rickety DMU across to Leeds. I had never used Yarm station until a few years ago because it had long been closed, nowadays there is a direct service from Manchester to Teesside on modern, comfortable rolling stock. That is the problem with progress, it gets in the way of nostalgia.

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, good point Ian.

[@Martin_Adams184]

Thank you, Don. This is well up to your usual heights. I love the way you manage to get so many historical details in - warning us in advance about something, showing it on the map and on satellite imagery. And the commentary on railway practice - driving techniques, signalling etc. is so informative. Excellent!

[@doncoffey5820]

The more you watch, the more you will pick up the full picture. Glad you liked it.

[@rydermike33]

Very many thanks Don for another great cab ride and for all your hard work in putting these videos together. Always fascinating and informative.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike.

[@DaveinLeeds]

Thanks for the excellent video. I was in Northallerton just last week and on leaving the down train couldn't work out what the line was on the left hand side crossing the road. I now know it's the station avoiding line! Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad to be of assistance Dave.

[@carlandersen3832]

Brilliant as ever! Thanks Mr.Coffey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you too Mr Anderson!

[@swerve-ul3ss]

Yet another high quality production - as I'm sure we all expected. As well as insights into the disciplines required in driving on the national network, the rolling captions provide just enough information to trigger further research into the historic background of the route. Well done sir!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated - thank you.

[@anthonycorke5689]

As an ex brit living in Canada for 50 years brings back great memories. Thank you Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’re welcome Anthony.

[@entroenbanda]

I really love your videos. And specially the text captions you display with rich information about almost everything we can see from the driver's eyes. As a rail enthusiast and in real life train driver in Spain I appreciate your content and explanations as well. Lovely trips on a lovely landscape and a really curious rail system compared to the Spanish one. Keep these videos coming. We appreciate them a lot.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s much appreciated. I’m actually visiting Lanzarote as we speak.

[@bobbrooks266]

Another superb video. Beautiful scenery. Happy new year Don to you and the family. A sincere thanks for your kindness in posting sure fantastic video's. And big thanks to our driver Aron

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Bob. Much appreciated.

[@valfaulkner648]

Brilliant, love it, another history lesson and pointing interesting sightseeing things out to us! Like the other videos, I will watch 2 or 3 times as I fine very relaxing. Thanks Don you are brilliant bloke.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Val and you always say nice things. Some credit must go to the many others that make these videos possible.

[@bartoncessna1]

Thanks Don for another brilliant video. Right past my house just north of York!

[@ishkabiddle8930]

Excellent video, Don. As a Yank rail fan who is not that familiar with the British rail system, I find the captions, photos and map illustrations most helpful. Cheers.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m delighted it is of use.

[@rubyait]

KZbin gave me the time an hour early, so here I am, my research on Middlesbrough finished, lunch eaten, and thumbs twiddled. My New Year’s resolution already broken with this message. Happy New Year, Don and trainees.

[@doncoffey5820]

Did I tell you wrong Thomas? Sorry if I did. I hope you enjoyed it eventually!

[@rubyait]

Don Coffey No, I don’t think it was you, but I don’t know enough about KZbin to know how the notifications are generated. On the plus side, I sure as heck didn’t miss it!! I enjoyed every minute, each mile. And I had plenty of time to research the destination. I was surprised that you didn’t mention that other “bridge.” It is the most unusual bridge in the civilized world and it showed up clearly near the end of the clip, although we weren’t very near it. Thanks for chatting. Looking forward to the year. (I suspected it was a time zone problem)

[@martingilligan]

Great videos. The inset photos of points of interest are great.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@roboftherock]

Don, your channel is becoming so popular it is taking nearly as long to read the comments and the replies as it does to watch. (468 comments at the time of watching.) As always - thank you for doing them. One of my favoured fonts used on the opening caption!

[@doncoffey5820]

Takes me ages too Robbie! I read every one.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Excellent video. I loved all the information and historic perspective. Never thought I would ride the Stockton to Darlington, even just a part of it. Also, total respect to you drivers for the job you do. The level of concentration must be exhausting at times. Cheers.

[@doncoffey5820]

It can be at times Pauline. Thanks for the kind words.

[@swagyoung6056]

Cheers Don, a cracking video you said to watch-out for & very happy i did watch!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it didn’t disappoint Swag!

[@mickeyjupp7749]

Brilliant ! Thank you, sir.

[@mikeclayton4439]

Another excellent quality and informative video don. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Mike.

[@Saxon1947]

Thanks for another superb video, best wishes for 2020

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Bob - same to you.

[@evelynjepson5955]

Middlesborough is where my da was born, so makes the trip extra special.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one. Did you see the Newcastle run too?

[@neilsharpe7086]

Superb video (as usual!) Don. Many thanks to you and Aron.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Neil. Aron will see your comment.

[@catherinemyles5961]

My second time watching this another great road trip hope you will do more soon Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and family

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s an accolade Catherine. There will be some more videos but not quite as frequently.

[@donsharpe5786]

Thank you for an enjoyable video over part of a line I have never travelled once I left the ECML. I found the historical comments very helpful.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Don. That was actually my first trip up there too so we have to thank Aron.

[@jasperj1000]

Really enjoyed this . Thanks Don

[@splatten8597]

Excellent. Thank you both.

[@andrewpalm2103]

Always a pleasure to ride along with you, Mr. Coffey. Happy New Year from Wisconsin!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m grateful you joined us. Best wishes Andrew.

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Another great video Don,here I am sat watching your video with emphysema that the dear old steam engines left me with.I send you and your family all the very best for 2020.Kind Regards.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear that Ramon. All the best to you too.

[@johannperaus6890]

Hello Don! I always have to mention how well you explain everything in the subtitles. Because I don't speak English very well, I have to think a little longer, but somehow it works. You really learn a lot here. Thank you from Hans from the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria.👍☺

[@doncoffey5820]

Your English is absolutely fine, thanks for watching.

[@petergroves9343]

Many thanks Don & Aron, happy new year to you both & everyone else on here 🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank Peter.

[@chappelindh]

Thank you for making and sharing. Always informative. One learns a lot. Happy new 2020 wishes from Sweden.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very welcome thanks.

[@jelofts]

Another fascinating, informative video. As ever, full marks Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jim.

[@jamiemyatt5274]

Another great vid, many thanks Don & Aron...Happy New Year !

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see it Jamie thanks. Same to you mate.

[@colincaulton3353]

Great Vidio being a Yorkshireman its good to see the railways I know in a completely different way that I would only rarely see or got to rarely in my Day Rover days as a young lad. I watch all your vidios and find them fascinating keep them coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m glad you enjoy them Colin.

[@bossco2001]

You do such a good job editing and creating these video trips. Thanks!

[@doncoffey5820]

It takes a lot of doing - glad you appreciate it.

[@jensham1945]

Thank you yet again. The first of many I hope! Have a very happy 2020 you and your family.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll get some more done Peter. All the best.

[@Westside_Kenny]

Another excellent thank you for sharing look forward to next one

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Kenny.

[@iantaf5559]

A nice trip, that. Many thanks to Aron and I'm looking forward to the Newcastle run. Hope you had a good Christmas, Don and a very happy 2020 to you. 👍🏼

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ian. Aron will see your comment.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Great footage once again Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always EM176!

[@mainaccount131]

Another delightful RR experience. My wife & I enjoyed many trips on these rails. She is dead & I now live in the US

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear about your wife - thanks for watching and glad it brought back memories.

[@Cookie2k]

Fantastic in cab video Don! Very much appreciate all you do. Looking forward to the 802 cab ride idc. Regards.

[@tonylancaster8704]

Went to the "Sidings resturant" for my 70th birthday 2 years ago had lovely meal while watching trains wizz past what could be better !!

[@doncoffey5820]

It sounds idillic Tony. I could retire if I wanted but I enjoy what I’m doing so I will continue to see it from the cab for a while. I wouldn’t mind a meal in there though.

[@theBusManiac]

10:28. The 200 miles to London sign looking rather neglected and overgrown. Another excellent video 5*

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats actually not bad compared to some! Cheers James.

[@blindpeteoz5673]

Thanks Don another great journey. Looking forward to the upcoming Newcastle trip. I moved to Australia as a kid, and came from Chester-le-Street, so will keep my eye out for the blast through there! Thanks again

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, hoping Aran has had his 802 driving course and all goes to plan.

[@vorlonb3]

Fascinating one again Don, especially liked the entrance to the station and the way the signals control it in fog, very clever and very safe. Nice to see the NE again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Russ.

[@vorlonb3]

@@doncoffey5820 i like the effort put in such detail don

[@robertcoleman4861]

Thanks don & aron for a wonderful journey cheer's bob.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you are well Bob.

[@sfb1964]

Another really interesting one, this Don. Fantastic job again!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Steve, thanks as always buddy.

[@philipalldred5038]

Very well done Don you have done it again, very informative and educational video. I do like to learn about our great country off ours. I hope you had a grand Christmas and the new year will take you far and wide up there in the northern parts on the UK.

[@doncoffey5820]

Newcastle soon Phil. Good to hear from you. All the best.

[@gareththomas6714]

great stuff thank you very much keep them coming

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do Gareth.

[@a.butler8908]

Hi Don ... A very happy New Year to you, yours and your collaborators at TPE and elsewhere. Thank you for yet another of your excellent, well informed and well presented, pleasurable journeys. I just have the feeling there is so much detail here I'm going to have to "digest" this several times over to better appreciate the finer details!! A Butler

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I suspect once to read it all and another to just watch the footage is probably a good idea.

[@kevinspence6276]

great video I 'm from Teesside and have travelled this route a few times but didn't know about the lost stations between Northallerton and Yarm great historical facts.... Thanks Don and Aron a great journey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Kevin. Aron will see your comment.

[@williamparker3765]

Thanks again for an excellent video, I didn't get chance but I enjoyed the videos of London to Derby and Derby to Lincoln, many years ago I worked at the Derby Loco Works, but from your videos Derby Station area has changed a lot. Happy New Year and please keep those videos coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do William - thanks.

[@williamparker3765]

Morning Don, this is nothing to do with the videos as such, but you talk about subscriptions and the money donated to you goes to various charities, tell me please how to donate to your charities? William

[@MartinMiller1]

Another good job Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Martin.

[@mikegibson1100]

Another wonderful video Don, from my own area too! Loved the additional map work too. Thank you so much

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Mike.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

The line from Picton was the original route to Whitby via Battersby joining the line from Whitby to Pickering at Grosmont. The current route via Nunthorpe and Battersby opened around 1865 when the line joining the Middlesbrough to Guisborough line to the line from Picton opened. The Nunthorpe route opened to make it easier to transport iron ore from Rosedale and the other ironstone mines in the area. When the Leeds Northern opened its route they shared the station at Eaglescliffe with the S&D. The S&D used the other faces of the 2 island platforms, the Leeds Northern using the inner faces. The junction for the Middlesbrough route until the late 1980s/early 1990s used to be immediately north of Eaglescliffe. The running lines passing Tees Yard were shifted to the south when the yard was being constructed. Unfortunately the 2 hump yards never handled more than about 5500 wagons per day instead of the 7500 they were designed for. This kind of yard was designed to handle goods that the railways were losing to the roads. The original S&D station now lies under Middlesbrough Goods Depot, the line for this station leaves the current route at about the 56:25 mark. The cuurent station serves the 1864 (IIRC) line to Redcar, but not the current Redcar Central, used to have fine arched roof until the H. Göring Rennivations GMBH carried out an unauthorised rennovation c. 1942.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting Neil. I often wonder if the railway had just hung on into these days of rising congestion whether we would have a thriving freight network. So much was lost in this run up to the railway revival.

[@josesal]

Missed Premiere, but still enjoyed with the full information on the trip. I do thank you good work Coffey.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated José.

[@David330ify]

Don once again a really enjoyable video, with top class information. All the very best for 2020.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you David thanks.

[@stevewareing8525]

A superb start to 2020's videos, thanks Don and Happy New Year to you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Steve, all the best for 2020.

[@terryleddra1973]

This will be my first trip this year. Happy 2020 to Don and everyone else.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you Terry.

[@paulbutterfield4867]

Thanks, Superb video as always.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Paul.

[@KaitlynBB]

cool vid, nice seeing what the driver sees 💖💖

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Kaitlyn.

[@jbz2079]

Thanks again Don, Really enjoyed this one too, you comments and captions make it so interesting. also it's good to know where you are, as many train videos are just a blur of passing stations the go by so fast you can't read their names. I shall watch this again when I haven't been sampling the Grants and Coke.

[@doncoffey5820]

Easy on the Grants! Then again - cheers.

[@ufx808]

Been offline for a while, so this is my first trip this year and I must say up to your usual standard, thanks Don and Aron. Might I also wish you, your family and everyone watching the very best for the New Year.

[@doncoffey5820]

The same to you too. Aron will see your comment.

[@anmolmehta7116]

What a lovely ride to Middlesbrough from York although it was too bad that the entire return journey could not be recorded entirely due to bad weather and technical issues. The viaduct at Yam was magnificently built. It's a marvel how the architects managed to design such a lengthy bridge. Happy New Year Don. May your year be more prosperous in your ambitions.☺☺☺

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Anmol. We’ll be going to Newcastle soon so we’ll get that return footage all being well.

[@oddities-whatnot]

I really enjoy the text commentary its very interesting thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tonyfurnandiz4637]

another great video don. I really like the information texts along the way, cheers

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Tony.

[@johnny5057]

Excellent film as always. A large part of this route is covered by the Grand Central service from Sunderland to York, and onto KGX. The section from Sunderalnd to Eaglescliffe is one of my favourite routes as it hugs the Co Durham coast. Maybe one to consider in the future.

[@doncoffey5820]

Absolutely. Its all coming soon.

[@MrRedneckuk]

Thanks again for another nice one Don, Happy New Year.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you thanks.

[@brucewilliams8714]

Another great video. While visiting UK once, I alighted at Thirsk, walked into town to wallow in James Herriot memorabilia. Thanks Don, and best wishes from a fiery Australia.

[@mikegibson1100]

You are in our thoughts, Bruce

[@doncoffey5820]

I hope all is well for you over there Bruce. Its a horrible thing to have to endure.

[@brucewilliams8714]

A heartfelt thank you, Don and Mike. We're safe here, but potentially vulnerable: 60 years ago, our little town was nearly wiped out by fire. Reading the press accounts brings tears to my eyes. BW

[@RichardMoore1947]

Excellent as always.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Richard.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Fascinating how straight it is north of York so you can see trains coming from a long way off. I think five up trains passed us in the first 7 or so minutes.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, its nice to see a few trains for a change. We’ll be going beyond Northallerton soon.

[@J--W]

Thanks for this Don. The ECML between York and Thirsk is as close as a railway line gets to where I live and I enjoyed that more than any of your videos that I've watched (I've seen all of them filmed on God's own side of the pennines as well as a few others and enjoy them all). It's interesting that Northallerton to Eaglescliffe takes its mileage measurements as though the Leeds Northern route still runs through between Harrogate and Northallerton even though it closed between Nothallerton and Ripon in 1967 and Ripon and Harrogate in 1969. I know that there is an odd change in which direction is 'up' and 'down' between Harrogate and Knaresborough which is also due to the line through Ripon having closed: The Leeds-Harrogate-Ripon-Northallerton line was measured from Leeds and so heading out of Harrogate northeastwards is down. The York to Harrogate line was a branch between the ECML and Leeds Northern and measured from York. That branch remained open when the Ripon (main) line closed, leaving a loop between Leeds and York via Harrogate. You therefore travel 'up' towards both Leeds and York from Harrogate, but because the former junction wasn't at Harrogate station (but about a mile and a half away) you leave Harrogate towards York on the Leeds down and shortly after find yourself on the York up with no apparent reason for the change. I don't know if there are a lot of anomalies like these on the network due to line closures. I have a few questions if you don't mind. The first is generic; if a driver passes a single yellow caution signal, they obviously have to be prepared to stop at the next signal. I assume however that if they are on a line where the sections are long, they may well continue at line speed for some time before reducing speed in preparation for the next signal. Is that correct? The second question specifically relates to this video. As you left Thirsk for Northallerton I noticed that a set of points would allow you back onto the down fast (I assume if it would not hold up other trains, you may have been routed that way to allow faster running). Looking across at the up lines, there did not seem to be the option of moving from the up fast to up slow between Longlands junction and Thirsk station. Am I correct or were the points obscured by a passing train? If I am correct, is there any reason for that movement not being made available? Finally, I also noticed leaving Thirsk that 'sprinters' are permitted to travel at 90mph on the slow line and other trains at 80mph. Are the class 185s categorised with sprinters or will speed and journey times have suffered when the class 158s were replaced on the trans-pennine routes? If the 185s can run at sprinter speeds, will this have an impact when the class 68s are doing the Middlesbrough/Redcar runs? Apologies for my ramblings, I seem to have gone on longer than I planned! Many thanks and keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not at all John, I’m glad to hear from you. So this single yellow business. In theory, if there is sufficient braking distance, you could pass it at line speed but a train is covering a tremendous distance at 100 mph - approaching two miles ore minute and it isn’t regarded as professional driving to be passing yellows like that When I was a Driver Manager, I would have been very disappointed to see a driver do that. I’d prefer him or her to shut off at 2 yellows and be bringing it down before passing a single yellow. In the dark, you can’t put a distance on a colour light signal so I might look for even more care. An up to down crossover isn’t unusual especially in a location like Northallerton because it does give platforms for passengers and a turn back location if there is engineering work. Our 185s are unusually heavy and are classed as locomotives (as far as axle weights go) so they are prohibited from travelling at SP or MU speeds. As for the Class 68s, they might not actually run to the “boro”. It depends on whether we get the Nottingham work from EMR in which case that might be 68s and 185s will continue to be the traction up there.

[@exileinderby51]

I love the content of every video, all the best for the New Year to all involved.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@johnestowell]

Another great informative video from The Don (not Bradman). The Sydney Harbour Bridge photo shows why it's called the Coat Hanger. Happy New Year to you and your family Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John, much appreciated.

[@richardwillcox3571]

always enjoyable and a pleasure to watch Happy New Year Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you Richard.

[@redkevful]

Another excellent video Don, keep them coming. Happy New Year to you

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve not christened the next one yet Kev but there will be another soon.

[@paulthompson7999]

Another great, informative video Don and another of 'my' bridges (previously Britannia Br. on your trip to Holyhead)! This one is at 54:59 when you pass under the A19Tees Viaduct. I was involved in its construction in 1973-5 and spent quite a few long weekend day/night 'possessions' whilst the plate girders were erected over Stockton Road, the Thornaby - Middlesbrough mainline and many tracks of the then extensive Tees Marshalling Yard, the 'hump' of which was just to the west of the viaduct.

[@doncoffey5820]

Bridges fascinate my Paul - one of my favourite subjects!

[@penninetrains1398]

Happy New Year Don! Excellent video as always. This takes me back to my teenage years in the early seventies when I used to spend the school summer holidays with my grandparents, who lived near Eaglescliffe at the time. One of my regular trips out was to travel to York on the 'parliamentary' 2 car DMU, the 08 00 from Hartlepool, sitting behind the driver for a good view of the line. The only problem was that it didn't stop at Eaglescliffe, so I had to take a bus into Stockton and pick it up there at 08 34. In those days there was still a very heavy freight traffic over the 'Leeds Northern' and much of the permanent way was pretty ropey, most of it still jointed bull-head rail on wooden sleepers. Judging by the number of 'wet beds' still visible on the up line between Eaglescliffe and Yarm, the age-old drainage problems still seem to persist. After a day's spotting and photography, I would have to return home via Darlington, as there was no direct service in the down direction. Happy days! Many thanks for making and posting.

[@doncoffey5820]

You are a similar age to me. Its amazing just how much the railway has been rationalised since the 70s. Wet beds are a common problem now - I think it may be down to extensive use of welded rail which is well buried in ballast plus all the development close to the railway which has effected much of the drainage. Thanks for the feedback as always PT.

[@penninetrains1398]

Looking forward to it Don. One small correction..... "Eaglesfield" in the introduction should read "Eaglescliffe". Happy New Year! Andy.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you PT - corrected (I hope I did it right in the video because whatever is on there can’t be!!!). (Fairly sure it is ;-)

[@robertturner4526]

Thanks for sharing. Can't believe there's a foot crossing where trains pass at 125 mph. Countryside between York and Darlington is so bleak, but ideal for high speed running.

[@doncoffey5820]

Its why I named it Robert. It has Red/Green lights and users would need to phone the signaller but yes, quite a scary prospect when trains cover a more than two miles a minute.

[@GRANDCENTRALVALENTA]

That's me up on the embankment to the left just after leaving Thornaby. I normally have a couple of hours after work taking pics. The working waiting to leave Tees Yard is 6D11 Lackenby to Scunthorpe.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one! I see you - with blue on and looks like you took a photo. Hope you got my good side! ;-)

[@GRANDCENTRALVALENTA]

@@doncoffey5820 what date was the video shot and I'll dig it out for you.

[@doncoffey5820]

I think it was Monday 7th Oct but not 100% sure. You can find me on messenger. Got a strange looking bird profile picture.

[@daveelliott5855]

A wonderful video ridden it so many times as a kid and teenager but we with Geordie blood in our veins say that Middlesbrough or as you probably know we call it Smoggieland is in Yorkshire and not the North East 🤣🤣🤣, your videos are keeping the boredom at bay in these difficult times. Stay safe 👍, PS Didn't Oz and the lads from Auf Wiedersehen Pet dismantle that bridge 😂😂

[@doncoffey5820]

We go to Newcastle next Dave (after Monday’s premier) so really Georgie land. What happened to Jimmy Nail???

[@uhegbu]

Interesting route with a fascinating history that runs through Yorkshire and Teeside (Tyne Tees area covering Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, etc). Saw a Grand Central train heading south to London Kings Cross after York, I believe the final stop. Grand Central trains run part of the route including Thirsk that has a racecourse in the area and Eaglescliffe. Middlesbrough's platforms are quite long and no doubt has the potential of a direct link to the capital very soon, if it all goes to plan. Great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@scottgibson7534]

Happy New Year to you and Family when it arrives Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you Scott - thanks.

[@jslasher1]

Sorry to have been absent when your video was live streamed. Up all night watching our BBL limited-overs cricket matches.

[@doncoffey5820]

You can be excused for that! Glad you got here eventually!

[@acleray]

Another great video Don. BTW Happy New Year to you and family.

[@doncoffey5820]

And to you Ray, much appreciated.

[@robertfreeman2608]

Fantastic vid

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Robert.

[@nathanrailfan4654]

Very cool cab ride!

[@LordHartfield]

Looking forward, Seasons greetings!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for watching.