Earles Sidings to Leeds Midland Road

[@TheMisterB2u]

Nice quality and always enjoy your scrolling facts.Being a former driver on Southern routes,it's great to 'road learn' other parts of country,even though I'm retired after 40 years on the iron road !

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m coming towards retirement myself but hopefully I’ll keep making videos 👍

[@thegreyfolk]

Another brilliant video. Those mighty 66's have good acceleration running light engine.

[@doncoffey5820]

They’ll throw you back in the seat if unleashed. More freight soon.

[@brianknowles7130]

Yet another great vid. much appreciated. Thanks to all concerned with publishing this.

[@doncoffey5820]

Vinny will see your comment Brian. Much appreciated 👍

[@Melalmighty]

Another great video Don thank you. I like these freight trains, engine only etc videos. Good to see how they get out of the way of passenger trains and to see some routes you wouldn’t normally see.

[@doncoffey5820]

More freight soon Mel.

[@peterlane354]

Another great trip. I know control like to play trains but surely this could have been routed via Westgate and Whitehall.

[@doncoffey5820]

It couldn’t Peter. That approach to Leeds is completely at capacity.

[@basingstoke63]

Another interesting journey . Thanks ,Don .

[@kevinellis8869]

Always good to have a trip along the Hope Valley line with the added bonus of more freight only lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll be doing another trip soon now the changes are complete.

[@markparry63]

Thanks for another quality video Don. Didn't know Yorkshire had so many lines. Really enjoyed it.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a labyrinth Mark 👍

[@westrain2]

A question why do the track workers wave to the driver? Brilliant video.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a rule book requirement. Track workers must wave when hearing the train horn to acknowledge the warning and go immediately to a position of safety.

[@Pjs75]

Brill! Thnx +

[@Pettsy68]

Thanks Don for another brilliant and informative video. Graham

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Graham.

[@alancutler2686]

Great video again, thank you. How does the driver get home once he has made delivery?

[@doncoffey5820]

In this case Alan, he took another loco in exchange and drove it back.

[@jpjackson4982]

Another good one Don JP

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers JP 👍

[@ianeccles111]

Is the Freightliner depot on the old Balm Road Stone Terminal?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, that’s it Ian.

[@Spookieham]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@Riogrande1964]

Love these videos - 21st century rebirth of the world’s most impressive 19th century infrastructure

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m flattered. Next one this Wednesday 👍

[@WalterKuhn-pb2rd]

Thanks for this Video and many information!

[@jontaylor1652]

I've done some UniPart (Rail) deliveries to Midland Road, it's a very interesting site.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll have seen some interesting things then Jon.👍

[@Adullamite]

Another great video. I love the history glimses of original railways.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@miketintinsmith9775]

Certainly another superb video Mr Coffey! Interestingly I tried to follow it on the NLS 1:25000 1937 to 1961 map, not that easy but for your station markers. Suprising how much infastructure remains despite the 1960s culling! Many thanks again for your efforts!

[@doncoffey5820]

I research off the 1914 OS 25 map. Good aren’t they.

[@ianhutchinson1783]

Thanks Don, nice video. I wonder why they didn't save a reversal by routing via Wakefield Westgate rather than Woodlesford?

[@doncoffey5820]

Good question! It’s because that line is at capacity and running an engine through could cause delays.

[@briansr.5219]

Yet another from the top drawer Don,this one is a good watch,no blinding son to distract viewing 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Recording on a sunny day is always a challenge. It’s either rain or sun in our country!

[@mikeymike3634]

What a great video Don and have now subscribed to your channel. One question; In your video's is it you doing the driving ? If not on a "dead end" journey like this one how do you get your camera's back?

[@doncoffey5820]

It wasn’t me Mike. The driver has his own camera and gave me a copy of the footage.

[@markwright6866]

Another excellent video

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

There's a few changes in the Hope Valley, Don, I can see. You know, when at Buxton (back in the 80s), we had a peak Forest to Leeds (Balm Road), job, with those rubbishy 35 ton 45 m.p.h. maximum ex-iron ore tipplers, then carrying limestone aggregate. It was a crew worked job, then became DOO. It seemed to take forever to get to Leeds via the way of your video here. I'd say that a driver on this route really needs to have a damned good knowledge, especially with all the junctions on the way, primarily after Sheffield! It's a video well explained Don, and many thanks for its release. Goodbye, and take care.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll be doing another video soon Frank because the project is now finished. You might know the driver Vinny as he was interviewed by our mutual friend. He’s a mine of information and he’s done a lot of the route mapping and risk assessments that are necessary these days. That run should bring back memories for you as it’s virtually identical but of course it’s all been rationalised now. Goid to hear from you and keep up with the art, I always enjoy looking at your work old and new 👍

[@StevenSmall-j5f]

Fantastic video , I’ve always been curious about the drivers view of that particular route , 👍👍👍

[@davidfarrow44]

Superb thank you to all involved most enjoyable once again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated David.

[@firstfreeone]

As usual Don a great video. Thanks to the driver as well. As an aside what maintenance was required? The GM 2 stroke howled beautifully and the loco handled well, no brake or air issues, just wondering

[@doncoffey5820]

Could be anything but while the minor inspections can be done on site, the more intense need to go back to the depot. Anything from oil change to engine change, they get done on mileage and hours.

[@matthewaisthorpe3706]

Great as always. Enjoy these so much. Still hoping for a Bristol to the south coast tho.

[@doncoffey5820]

Maybe one day Matthew. Things are starting to ease a bit with cab access but time is another limiting factor.

[@laycock1504]

I would have thought network rail would have put a set of points. cross over in to make it easier for pathing

[@doncoffey5820]

The reasons are all explained in the video. It will get done one day.

[@Life_Of_AL]

Seems to be one or two AWS anomalies in this I think. One gave no audible sound at all and one at 51m 40s gave a Horn but there didn’t seem to be a signal related to it. I thought it was for the proceed aspect in L6573 in the distance, but as we approach that signal we pass over another AWS in front which gave the correct Bell.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’d have to tell me where the first is but the one at 51:40 is for the speed warning board just after the bridge 👍

[@fashnea1]

Thank you for doing those vids .

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure!

[@markcf83]

Another brilliant video Don. I noticed the Hunslet Station Junction and wondered if METRO, the erstwhile West Yorkshire PTE, would build a new station there or is that a non starter?

[@doncoffey5820]

There’s aspirations for stations in several locations Mark but as usual they talk more than act. I’m not aware of plans for a station there and we usually hear rumours before they get to the public.

[@laycock1504]

Can not believe Midland road.Depot is so hard to get into from the southend

[@doncoffey5820]

That sort of thing happens all over the country. It originated when the railway was in decline but now the railway is on the up it needs huge investment. It’ll get done one day.

[@liamoshea6614]

Would luv a video of a run from Huddersfield to Sheffield

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s planned. We need our diaries and the weather to play ball.

[@rickmeyrick4357]

Great stuff Donald as usual, but why do Bells & Horns (AWS Audible) not sound like Bells & Horns when i were a Lad. P.S. Re- Open Buxton/Tinsley TMD to save on fuel and zig-zag timewasting on this Loco M.O.T. move.

[@doncoffey5820]

I need to get you on our simulator Rick. I’ll be doing one in June or July but you can come and see what’s going on. Basically, they’re electronically generated now. I’ll be in touch.

[@fatwalletboy2]

What is that constant clicking in the cab?

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s both the throttle and the brake that make similar noises.

[@josesal]

Thanks Don.

[@markymash]

I assume that a signal may be passed at danger if those two white lights are showing??

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes exactly. They don’t assure safe passage to the next signal. The driver must be prepared to stop short of any obstruction.

[@nealc.6927]

When you're sitting in the seat, does the loco headlight illuminate the tunnel as poorly as it seems to us?

[@doncoffey5820]

No, it’s a lot better in real life. GoPro’s are superb at capturing data at high speed but they are hopeless in low light due to the size of the image sensor.

[@JoshHodginsTrains]

Great

[@johnmarshall1597]

Cannot get over going through tunnels in total darkness. Here in Australia we turn headlights or ditch lights on.

[@doncoffey5820]

They don’t John. The GoPro cameras are hopeless in low light.

[@paulrerrie75]

Silly question but why can't Hunslet Station Junction crossover be used to change lines?

[@doncoffey5820]

Could do Paul but for another minute up to the west curve, the loco is out of the way while trains run. If it was the middle of the night they might.

[@scooby2142]

Supremo !

[@danielscott7278]

How long is totley tunnel lol

[@doncoffey5820]

5697m or 3 miles 950 yds like it says in the video. Were you making a point Daniel?

[@garywhitehead4160]

Holbeck train depot...?? Don't you mean Holbeck train care centre which Northern renamed Newton Heath traction depot.. 😮😂😂

[@doncoffey5820]

Don’t know what you’re getting at Gary 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jimmyhillschin9987]

The area around Sheffield station is supremely ugly, as if it's been landscaped by someone without a soul.

[@doncoffey5820]

The station itself is fabulous but I agree the surroundings are somewhat urban.

[@scottbrown783]

Sure it’s New Year’s Day? Cos passenger trains don’t run New Year’s Day on the network

[@doncoffey5820]

Oh yes they do, read above.

[@scottbrown783]

I’ve seen people in the station at Sheffield defo not New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve maybe don coffey

[@doncoffey5820]

You appear to be saying I’ve deceived everybody. I’ve been on the railway 24 years and I can assure you that there is a full service, not even a Sunday service on New Years Day every year and always has been. Settle down Scott, you haven’t caught me out, there would be no point me trying to lie about such a thing. For your information, trains don’t currently run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but New Years Day is a normal full service. There are discussions about Sunday services on Boxing Day.

[@NeilStamper-j4x]

First!

[@doncoffey5820]

First what?

[@broadsmilemissmagootewkesb5799]

That's an awful lot of fuss for not having a set of points in the right place.

[@doncoffey5820]

It is, that’s why I explained it in the text 👍