Hazel Grove to Blackpool via Bolton and Chorley

[@daveelliott5855]

Nothing better to sit down and watch this as therapeutic therapy for the mind when you've spent two days listening to England getting Aussie bashed in the cricket 😂😂. Some wonderful history and local lessons. Brilliant and thanks for your efforts in producing videos like these

[@doncoffey5820]

I don’t do cricket Dave but I think you might have had quite a nice surprise since you wrote this! I’m flattered to compete with England cricket though!!!

[@paulw4090]

This is to much of a coincidence for me not to comment. This premiered on August 11th (my birthday) and covers the journey from Hazel Grove (where I lived age 1-5 and again age 11-14) to the place of my birth (Blackpool - Victoria Hospital). Thank you for this video and especially thanks for the well timed tickertape explanations along the bottom of the screen on this and others of you excellent videos :-)

[@doncoffey5820]

I heard it was your birthday Paul, that’s why it ran on that day! Well, not really but glad it had some significance and thanks for the feedback on the other videos too.

[@Thursdaym2]

Thanks. Brings back memories of around 1960 when in summer we often went on Sat nights at 4 pm from Stockport to Blackpool North to go dancing at the Winter Gardens ballroom. 4 shilling ( 20 pence ) return. Left Blackpool at midnight then walked home 4 miles from Stockport to Bredbury. Happy youth.

[@doncoffey5820]

Me too Butch. Do you remember Uncle Peter Webster and his amazing Wurlitzer?

[@MartinMiller1]

Another great job Don and very well researched. It was nice to see the developments at Bolton but caused an "all our yesterdays" moment! Spent a delightful period there as Assistant Area Manager (Parcels) with my 100 ladies who sorted and loaded parcels from the surrounding mills serving the mail order industry long before Amazon.

[@doncoffey5820]

Rail was the premier parcels carrier. Thanks Martin, very interesting.

[@PNEKarl]

Thanks for the ride. It was good to see the BNFL Springfields plant at Salwick where I served my apprenticeship in 1977. I had 20 wonderful years there. I'm now going to travel with you from Preston to Carlisle. Thanks for taking us along.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for coming Karl and it all helps charity too.

[@Xenogeek2]

I'm a Brit who has lived in the States most of his life. Americans think the phrase "Mind the Gap" is enormously funny. I have never understood why. Great vid, anyway. Very informative.

[@doncoffey5820]

We take it for granted but it’s surprising just how many people manage to fall down between the train and the platform.

[@martinmarsola6477]

An interesting video and the historical arches in restoration. A unique video today. Thanks Don. 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@doncoffey5820]

That was my core route when I worked at Northern. Thanks as always Martin.

[@charlesshivoder2887]

Hi from Pennsylvania. Thank you Don for another of your fine, informative videos. I see directly ahead of the train at the end the notable Blackpool Tower, which I remember from videos of Blackpool’s unique streetcar line. Blackpool’s streetcar line is the only one which ran uninterrupted through the dark days when tram lines were in ill repute throughout the UK and were all abandoned. Now modern streetcar systems, called Light Rail Transit (LRTs) are being installed worldwide. Blackpool’s system was recently renovated to modern standards, although great care was taken to retain its unique history and character. You do such a great job on these presentations. Thank you again!! CAS

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Charles and thanks for the interesting feedback. Blackpool trams were an important feature of the tourism industry for the town. LRTs have a place but they have converted a couple of heavy rail lines around Manchester which seems an unnecessary cost to me.

[@aladdinsane1220]

Don’t mean this in a bad way Don,but when I can’t sleep I put on one of your excellent train journeys,they are so relaxing 😀

[@doncoffey5820]

Is that a nice way of saying boring!!! Haha, glad you like them whatever the reason (to be honest I nod off sometimes when watching but thankfully not while I’m driving).

[@EM-yk1dw]

Don these films are excellent, and indeed just get better and better. Far better than any drivers eye view films which I have seen over the last 30 years.

[@doncoffey5820]

I appreciate that. I try to get them right so some positive feedback is good info.

[@dwcowie9687]

Thanks again Don for taking us to the seaside. More nostalgia. As a 10 year old I was evacuated from Hull to Fleetwood. I travelled alone changing stations at Manchester, and then at Kirkham and Poulton. Trains crowded at all times. I suppose we should not have been surprised that there was trouble with a water crossing Moses Gate!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks DW. Its amazing that that little cutting ever drains because from there, the only way is up! Yep, Network Rail couldn’t win with that one.

[@bennwhite4052]

They just get better and better! An object lesson in producing in-cab videos. Thanks, Don, for the considerable time and effort you must expend producing these videos.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very much appreciated Benn.

[@andrewpalm2103]

I very much enjoyed this video with all the information provided. The annotations and maps really help a Yank understand your rail system. Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Andrew. The captions have evolved as a result of feedback.

[@tiplady44]

Bolton to Blackpool journey was epic and very informative (my world not done that journey since the early 60s) Just loved the whole journey.Thanks for the memories 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Francis.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Does a very good job of explaining why upgrade projects can run so late. It's not just a case of stringing the wires up, the whole line is upgraded as well. In fact, it does a better job of explaining the difficulties that can arise than Network Rail do themselves.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, Network Rail and the train companies came under heavy criticism over that but a lot of it was out of their control.

[@sfb1964]

Don, your videos are rapidly becoming my most eagerly awaited alerts. May you never run out of routes! Another fascinating trip, especially the bit about the arches

[@doncoffey5820]

I really appreciate that Steve, thanks.

[@peterg957]

Not just a great video but a fascinating history lesson too... Thank you Don... Lovely Jubbly...

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter and thanks for being a “regular”.

[@peterg957]

@@doncoffey5820 I have watched every one some twice and even thrice... Absolute Magic my friend...

[@MrRedneckuk]

Always a pleasure to ride with you. Thanks Don.

[@raysmith114]

Excellent. They just keep getting better and better. Great captioning especially at the points of historical or technical interest. keep 'em coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Ray.

[@mickyg1953]

Fascinating video Don, especially liked the description of the engineering works at Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches. Back in the late 1950s I used to travel on steam trains from Oldham Mumps to Bolton via Manchester once a month on a Saturday with my Mum to visit my Dad who worked in Bolton.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Michael. That would have made an interesting cab ride!!!

[@StageParades]

Stayed throughout the premiere, hope the charity benefits well with nearly 400 watching by the end. My 60 minute dog walk over the Carleton Crossing to the next bridge and beyond back to Bispham and Cleveleys was good to see and nice that the housing estate on the outskirts of Blackpool is finally back on track (well not literally). The Flying Arches, the highlight with superb background information. FYI, there is a plan to extend the tram route with an outer circle to include Poulton-Le-Fylde using the old train route. I hold my breath on that one ! Cheers Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for tuning in last night. It would be good to get at least some use out of that Fleetwood line.

[@philipalldred5038]

Thank you Don for a most interesting trip to Blackpool, I have watched a Blog from a Blackpool Lad called Nodrog I watched all his videos from early 2018 when the start of the electrification began, he is very passionate in railways in that part of the country. Great to see how things have changed over the years, with routes disappearing not always for the better. I do hope that they decide to reopen the Fleetwood branch. thanks again for sharing your journeys with us my it long continue.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Phillip. I’ve watched a few of his videos. Very good. I’ve been informed by one of the comments that they are looking to put a tram line on the Fleetwood branch. That would be much better than houses on it.

[@philipalldred5038]

@@doncoffey5820 trams would be a good idea

[@dobbinism]

You've just stolen 90+ minutes of my Saturday morning because I was transfixed by your video, complete with ordnance survey map open on another tab to identify the landmarks. Truly fascinating, thank you for a most interesting and educational production, well done!

[@doncoffey5820]

Best 90 minutes you’ve ever spent David! Thanks for watching and the best part - you donated to charity.

[@drewsterwa]

Yet another fantastic video, I never tire of watching your videos over and over again. Thank you for providing them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Drew.

[@hugebartlett1884]

Really enjoyed that ride,seeing places I would otherwise never see. Some very interesting developments along that line,especially the Arches. What a feat of engineering that was!

[@doncoffey5820]

Fascinating isn’t it Hugh.

[@robertlittlefield1855]

One of the better done cab rides, and very informative. Well done! I wish someone would do an Acela Express this good

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m open to invites on that one Robert!!!

[@frankrogowski5608]

This video is so professionally made. Thank you, Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Frank.

[@stevejackson327]

Thx Don, for yet another superbly presented, and commented, video. It is such a pleasure to be a part of this community that you have created.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Steve, its a pleasure for me to be part of it too.

[@keithashley6298]

Another magnificent video, a must see for anyone interested in British Railway’s and again, great information along the way. Thank you Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank Keith. Those flying arches are amazing aren’t they.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another brillaint video! I found the section on the Chorley Flying Arches very interesting!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@henryilenekeutmann1046]

In my travels around the UK I've always admired the Stockport Viaduct, now I see what it's like to cross it! Dramatic urban views going through Manchester also, and the story of the Chorley arches is fascinating! Chance to travel about with you is a perfect escape from our current quarantine...Thanks so much!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Henry.

[@edwardbarnes2702]

Hi Don what another great film! Your route knowledge is amazing, love the compassion between the the two Aldlington stations think correct spelling, think also the Cheshire one is far the prettier one! plus the information on the flying arch’s was very informative brilliant what they did plus the fact that no one will really see it. Good on Network Rail. Enjoyable journey on a very wet day here on the Kent coast. Eddie 🤓

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope things improve down there Eddie. Glad you enjoyed the video. I’m just editing a run out of St Pancras to Derby that you might like.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Thank you for another educational and entertaining film! I especially enjoyed the section on the flying arches!

[@doncoffey5820]

From the feedback, that went down very well - thanks Steven.

[@davidneesam2626]

Really enjoy watching your videos. Especially with the comments and historical and technical information.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David, much appreciated.

[@twyfordlion]

This is one of the best cab videos I have seen for a very long time. Bravo Don, 1st class work that I very much appreciate. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it and thanks for being a subscriber.

[@tact86]

Continuing my rail education around the UK. Thanks for another great video!

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll sign all the routes soon!

[@gb5uq]

Fantastic video Don. The information is great. Some of the catenery at skew bridge junction is amazing. Don't think I've seen fizzy knitting so intricate and that signalling is a marvel. Many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

We take it for granted but it really is amazing engineering. Thanks for the kind words.

[@STEPHENRWILLIAMSMUSIC]

Stunning video Don. Really enjoy your channel keep up the amazing work mate.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Steve, will do.

[@KaitlynnUK]

Great video. I lived in the flats right next to Layton Station up until 2016, I used to watch the old semaphore distance signal on the Up line. Nice to see the line all electrified.

[@doncoffey5820]

Well then I would have probably pass right by your window. I was actually an assessor on that line up until 2013. Thanks as alway Kaitlynn.

[@KaitlynnUK]

@@doncoffey5820 probably, I moved there in the spring of 2012.

[@doncoffey5820]

They were working on properties both side of the line there for several years. An older one on the Blackpool direction side and newer ones on the Poulton direction.

[@amsmith123]

Another great video from you, thanks so much for sharing. Brings back memories of when my late dad worked at Longsight shed in the '70s & '80s when everything was British Rail. The downtown Manchester skyline has changed a lot since I was last there in the late '80s.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Anthony. It changes daily but it is interesting to see.

[@amsmith123]

How are you able to film in the driver cabs, do the drivers do it then send to you.

[@doncoffey5820]

If its a TPE diesel, usually I drive it and you’ll notice - no side shots for obvious reasons. If its a Northern train, I’m lucky to get access with a cab pass as I used to work there bit a good friend is a big help with those. On the Preston to Carlisle trip, I just asked a colleague to have a camera in the cab. I wasn’t in there at the time. The disadvantage of that is that I can’t watch the camera or if the screen has got insects that need clearing. At speed the camera gets unbelievably hot as it processes the images and sometimes it will shut down in which case I lose the footage.

[@Gazvegslayer7]

Thank you, I appreciate the obvious time and effort that has gone into the production of this video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@Bigbro28]

You’re a good man, Don C. Your efforts to entertain and inform us are much appreciated. This video is a fine example of that. Thanks for doing a great job. 🐨🇦🇺

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks martin and don’t forget that by watching them, you donate to charity.

[@paulbutterfield4867]

Thank you for all your hard work in producing yet another great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul. It does indeed take a lot of time up.

[@ukrailspotter21]

I agree

[@calopes68]

Thanks for sharing such a great vídeo. Indeed very informative for a bloke living faraway from UK...the story of the arches in Chorley is touching, considering that here in my country all the intercity passenger services have stopped. The lines and stations are mostly ruined or abandoned. By the way, you English railroad engeneering long ago built the early railroad system of my state São Paulo: Santos-Jundiaí (São Paulo Railway), Sorocabana, Noroeste, Mogiana, Cia Paulista de Estrada de Ferro. Cheers from Brazil.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you for commenting Carlos and I’m glad you enjoyed it. The British were involved with the railways in many countries. Our railway is nothing like it used to be but at least we still have the main routes.

[@rydermike33]

Really excellent Don. Thanks so much. A great cab-ride and loads of interesting facts. (Especilly liked the restoration of the 'Flying Arches') Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

I hoped it would be of interest and then number of comments shows it was a success. Thanks.

[@jeremywilliams2478]

These are the very best of this genre. Thanks Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very flattering, thanks Jeremy.

[@devilsadvocate1218]

Thanks for another fantastic and informative video Don. No wonder it took you so long to publish it given the amazing amount of research you must have put into it. I would dare to say its could be your best video to date. Many thanks for giving us the opportunity to watch it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Much appreciated.

[@johnhopkinson695]

Good job it wasn't raining at Blackpool. No cover for passengers! Excellent commentary. Not an area I know well, so it has added to my knowledge. Thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you are well John. I used to go on holiday as a youth but it always rained.

[@geoffreystevens663]

Excellent production, really enjoyed it, many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Gregory.

[@HMFC-il7tb]

Brilliant video with loads of information about things and places on the route. EXCELLENT 😀

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks.

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

Well done Don - another excellent production!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks GBEL, I’m just working on the St Pancras to Derby video - bear with me!!!

[@petergates5170]

Facinating rail travelogue....very informative comments...all round ...very good video...Well Done

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Peter 👍

[@davidfarrow44]

Once again a superb and informative presentation. I've done this run from Manchester to Blackpool before electrification so brought back fond memories. Thank you Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David, much appreciated.

[@ianr]

Great video again Don. Very enjoyable ninety minutes. 👍🙂

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Ian.

[@LeShark75]

Hi Don, this has been very very entertaining and thank you so much for the Text Commentary, very informative. I've not been on this route to Blackpool North for nearly 25 years now. I have a vivid memory of a day trip to Blackpool with my Mum back in 1983 , we pulling into the station and walked inside to be greeted by a giant poster for the new Bond Movie Octopussy. Good times and thanks again for the video.

[@doncoffey5820]

I remember it well. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alanhutchins4233]

Many thanks for the effort you put into these. It was highly enjoyable AND very interesting.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Alan.

[@gregwalker7341]

I live in Blackpool just on Cromwell Road about 2 minutes walk to the depot yard. I can actually hear the class 319s motor sound as shoot out from Blackpool North. It is amazing to hear it. Also a lovely video Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Greg.

[@gregwalker7341]

@@doncoffey5820 also a quick question. Do you work for Northern and Trans Pennine express now?

[@alanmolyneux5957]

Only just seen this. Another excellent and very informative video. I was aware of the Chorley Arches but never knew the history of them until now.

[@doncoffey5820]

Lovely to see the preserved Alan 👍

[@moosetraxx83]

Another excellent video! I do like your informative and educational notations.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated thanks 👍

[@wobnif123]

Thanks Don for another excellent video. The extended feature on Chorley tunnel and the flying arches gave a real insight into the complex engineering work that was undertaken there. You also mentioned the line from Preston via Blackburn and Copy Pit summit to Hall Royd Junction and I wondered what the chances were of you getting permission to film this fascinating route. I’m guessing it’s a bit off the beaten track for you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Actually, I believe I can twist somebody’s arm for that route - leave it with me, it could take some time!!!

[@martinjh999]

@@doncoffey5820 :) Would love Preston to Blackburn myself or even further to Colne maybe?

[@marksinthehouse1968]

It’s great to the infrastructure on these lines being upgraded Blackpool last time I went there years ago was run down now looks great new lines and sidings being reinstated ,glad I’ve subscribed ,I’m an ex railman RO2 platform staff I’ll health miss it ,all the best

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks. I get a lot of ex-railway employees that can relate to the videos 👍

[@craftythio]

Beautiful video! just found this and im glad someone has recorded a drivers eye view of my local line!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phwbooth]

Another excellent video, with really good comments. Thanks, Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul. Much appreciated.

[@peterlindop4491]

Excellent video. Peter Lindop.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter.

[@Melalmighty]

Another good video Don thanks once again for all the imformation that you put on it

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks - much appreciated Mel.

[@peterg957]

Hi Don... Can't wait my friend... Thank you...

[@dereklund2321]

At 1:01:30 you mention the Royal Ordnance factory. I can remember as a child on the train going past the siding and seeing the brooding presence of the blast walls. Mum was drafted to work at the factory during WW2 packing shells. She hated it. Anyway, she managed to get a transfer to the railway and ended up operating Newhey signal box on the Oldham loop. She trained at Hunts Bank on the "model railway" which is now at York Museum. Mum loved it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Derek. Very interesting thanks. I bet your mum knows Alan Lewis who was the chief trainer on that signalling model. I’ve got something coming that you will both enjoy soon. Keep your eye on the channel.

[@allant53]

Just watching your video and around Oldfield Road, one of the places I used to work back in the 1980's has gone and new buildings going up and around East Osdsall Lane the firm had some of the railway arches but all that land has been cleared and I presume all the small industries that were in the arches have been moved out. Going through Piccadilly your video shows how much new buildings are going up, seems to be tower cranes everywhere. Fantastic to see.

[@doncoffey5820]

I never get tired of driving through Manchester. If you look at one of my early videos (only as early as 2018) and compare it with the Oxford Rd to York video, its remarkable just how much is has changed.

[@ufx808]

Yep, another good'un. This route went through my neck of the woods, Manchester to Preston. Nice to see the old familiar places. Thanks Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@k.kristianjonsson4814]

The story behind the restoration of the Chorley’s Historic Flying Arches is fantastic! Would newer happened in Sweden. The Brits know how to save historic landmarks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sweden is beautiful though. I visited Volvo Bus many times in my previous career.

[@rodgermoss8975]

Super vid. as usual please keep up the good work. P.S. Nice to see since the electrification that the Chorley cakes are now made with currents and not currants. !.Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Somebody else got me on that Rodger. I’m better at eating those cakes than spelling ;-)

[@penmarian1]

excellent video, very informative and enjoyable to watch, thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ozbo54]

outstanding video one of Don's best it's all the extra iofo that makes his videos so good

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks ozbo, much appreciated.

[@paulsouthall3096]

Brilliant video as always Don. Thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul.

[@pauldart8548]

I love how you name every station you stop at or go thru,wish they all did

[@doncoffey5820]

Only the best for you Paul 😉. Actually, what I include is what I want to see if I’m watching and I explain what I would be explaining if you were with me in the cab.

[@nomansviewguide3921]

What a brilliant video, thank you so much for sharing.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks! I have to credit TPE and Northern for allowing it.

[@MrAuriga67]

Another great and informative video Don,thank you for uploading it. Its my local line and my local station (Chorley), nice to view it from this angle....

[@doncoffey5820]

I told you I would get round to it!! ;-) Glad you enjoyed it.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Thanks don for another wonderful journey on a great rail network cheer's bob.ps I wish our trains could run this fast.

[@doncoffey5820]

Wait until you see the London to Derby video Bob. It premieres tomorrow night.

[@atgordon1948]

Thanks Don, I always enjoy your very well produced and annotated videos. keep up the good work!

[@yjg8245]

Thanks Don, another excellent video. That's refreshed my route knowledge Slade Lane Junction to Blackpool. By the way I am meant to be working on a VAT return, not watching videos !!

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry about that Alan. I’m equally captivated by VAT returns ;-) Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@lenniecapuano6010]

another fantastic video sir seeing bolton were we travelled to from castleton to train spot in the 50s brilliant

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Lennie. I imagine it was fantastic in those days. I’ve driven trains through Bolton but only since 2003.

[@antonydicesare4632]

Yet another outstanding production 👌

[@antonydicesare4632]

Travelled the line from Preston to both, Blackpool south and north, the north section many times, happy memories of holidays in Blackpool

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you think so!

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

This is one hell of a fantastic video. Thank you so very much

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AmazeTase]

All we need Keith was to have you as a passenger on this train filming outta the window!

[@Geeves8612]

I was in the announcers that day hoping they brought that 86 round to Vic. It had been a 47 the other days and did come. Sadly it was routed to Oxford Road at the last minute where your camera caught it, hope to see one at Vic under power one day. Great video as always Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Many Thanks, yes it was on that route learning job - a stroke of luck for the video.

[@theovanstaden5766]

Great video, interesting facts about the tunnel a the arches, another very good video Don, thanks for sharing!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Theo.

[@guygodemont3258]

excellente vidéo et reportage merci pour le travail fournis très professionnel merci Don Coffey

[@doncoffey5820]

C'est très apprécié, merci

[@lesliebradshaw1408]

Thanks for the video I rely look forward to them I live in the South West and find your Videos fascinating and very interesting Thanks Again

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Les. Thats a bit off my patch or I’d come and do some down there. Glad you enjoy them.

[@raysmith114]

Another terrific video with excellent captioning - thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ray.

[@ModelRailway]

Hi Don, I’m really enjoying your videos and excellent descriptions of each route. I’m especially glad that you covered the Chorley Flying Arches. Some additional information about them (as I worked within the West Coast Route Mod project): When WCRM was requested to gauge clear the Manchester - Bolton - Chorley - Euxton Jn route as a diversionary route for the Class 390 Pendolino’s, we calculated that the clearances to the flying arches are Chorley were very tight, indeed foul to some of the arches. We investigated and calculated that clearances to other gauge-cleared stock at the time (eg Class 87s) was also very tight. We learnt that the track quality through the location was historically problematic (due to the geology, steep cutting, poor drainage etc) and maintenance tamping over time to maintain track quality had resulted in the height of the track being increased, leading to problematic gauge clearance. It got so bad that a TSR was imposed. In addition, WCRM also did a static clearance trial during a Saturday night in the early 2000s that took a Pendolino and a Class 87 under the arches to statically measure clearances - to validate the clearance calculation software and to prove to the higher level management in both Railtrack and Virgin just how tight the clearances actually were! (390033 and 87006 were used). WCRM investigated having the original arches removed but we found that they were listed, also the timescales to progress would be far too long. So WCRM implemented a medium term solution of a full track renewal to reset track position and improve drainage. This work was carried out and allowed the TSR to be removed, also improved gauge clearances to existing stock and allowed the Pendolino’s to be gauge cleared (non-electrified at the time, so only gauge cleared to be dragged by a Thunderbird loco). After a few years following WCRM, the track quality began to be a problem again, maintenance tamping increased track height and this led to gauge clearance issues again. In the meantime, Network Rail had enough time to explore a more permanent solution to the problem, and this led to the scheme to remove the original arches, place into store, while installing the temporary steel arches - which you covered. So the primary reason for the removal of the arches was actually tight gauge clearance (rather than condition) ... but you’ve covered the story of the arches in more recent times in excellent detail, and it’s great to see that the original arches were eventually restored and re-installed. 👍 Hope this additional information is useful, kind regards, Mark.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m ever so sorry Mark but your comprehensive reply got lost at the time so I’m still attempting to catch up. I remember those speed restrictions because I signed that route at the time and I definitely remember the poor track and drainage because you could see it. Then they monitored the cutting walls for movement and then they started the project proper and the arches ended up in the NR yard at Kirkham. I hope you get to see this and thank you for going into detail.

[@StageParades]

Now watching the premiere at the correct time. Good to see the video will NOW run on to Blackpool, passing my fave local level crossing at Carleton. Am sure it will be as EXCELLENT as all your others.

[@bazza945]

Thank you, Don, your videos are a great comfort during this time of "stay at home" lockdown.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@moparluvrsgagarage2898]

Don just viewed this great video on the old steam railroads of about 1962, some trip video/film included and much of the stone work shown from then is as it is now, also the builder and his design ideas for each area and tunnel(s) just a great history lesson. Video title is : John Betjeman: In View - Men of Steam. It is going to add more enjoyment to your videos as now I understand some of the stone and brick work and how it was done. Magnificent.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it is. I spend ages trying to work out how some of these things were done - they were true craftsmen.

[@moparluvrsgagarage2898]

@@doncoffey5820 Like some of the low arch bridges, Don, I think I heard them say forms were built out of wood and left till the "mud" had cured and some wood was left up till it rotted away. Whatever works RIGHT ?? still fabulous in all of it. We need them today for sure.

[@doncoffey5820]

Some of the bridges near Bolton were built by the canal company. I can get quite excited about a well built bridge!!!

[@kenunderwood8621]

Hi Don! Brilliant videos as per usual. I think being in the dead centre of the tracks is far superior. :)

[@doncoffey5820]

It gives a view much better than inside the train. Glad you liked it Ken.

[@thomasnorton2679]

What a wonderful trip Don, thanks for sharing

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Thomas.

[@PhilPage227]

Excellent to watch Don. There was a junction from Hilton House in Westhoughton station that joined the line between Horwich Parkway and Blackrod station. I used to train spot there as a kid. All the evidence is still there.

[@doncoffey5820]

I signed both lines there when I was at Northern Phillip and I could make out the junctions. It didn’t come out so clear in the video because of all the foliage there. It must have been a fantastic location in its heyday.

[@PhilPage227]

@@doncoffey5820 it was indeed, and so was Horwich Loco Works in its heyday. We would sit on the junction looking for "namers". I would walk the lines with my dad in the 50s, no fencing then.

[@G0RXA]

Cracking video Don. I hope they do manage to resurrect the Fleetwood line. Once again, thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks to you too Nigel. One of the respondents said they are looking at light rail for it. I’d be quite happy if that were the case rather than build on it.

[@G0RXA]

@@doncoffey5820 Indeed, I heard a story about a heritage line. www.pwrs.org/

[@29brendus]

Very enjoyable Don. I should have been a train driver. Missed my calling!

[@doncoffey5820]

I came to the railway much later than I should have done. I love every minute of it.

[@TheMisterB2u]

Lovely quality video!We are glad to get rid of 319's in south.!It was oldest stock we had and passengers didn't think they were great either!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. Any chance of swapping them for the 700s? ;-)

[@ccjelley2390]

Brilliant video - especially the section on the flying arches at Chorley. My ggf and one of his sons were L&Y drivers on the Blackburn - Wigan route via Heapey and Red Rock. The main Euxton - Manchester section is pretty boring now though. It must have been very busy with coal and other goods when my mother commuted along it during the last war. [you didn't mention the site of Farington Station around 1:07:50

[@doncoffey5820]

Wouldn’t it be good if we could get the same video from about 1960!!! I struggle moderating the amount of captions so as not to be one long one. What I tend to do is vary them and add different features if I get over the route twice.

[@chrisedmundson6673]

Great video Don, I remember taking this line from Bolton to Blackpool as a young lad on day trips.I remember the old MOD station at Chorley ROF and just after it went to single track before it joined the WCML at Euxton Junction. Sorry mate showing my age here, but keep the videos coming and hopefully you can do Manchester to Clitheroe via Blackburn one day.

[@doncoffey5820]

I remember that single lead junction Chris. I was once in the cab of a Class 156 as it slid all the way to the single line and there was a Class 158 coming the other way. How we missed it I’ll never know.