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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrRedneckuk]

Always a pleasure to ride with you. Thanks Don.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@davidneesam2626]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David, much appreciated.

[@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.

[@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.

[@briancooper562]

Are we nearly there yet? Traveled from Blackpool North to Fleetwood and back on the tram in the late 1950's. The yard now and where the 'new' houses are was full of train of coaches then. On a previous point of train stop positions the markers 2,4,6 could be seen at some of the station stops, 6/8 at Manchester, 3/4 at Salford, and 3/4 and 10 at Preston. The 6/8 sign said car lengths under the numbers.

[@doncoffey5820]

I saw it first Brian!! Good old days eh? ;-)

[@HenrysAdventures]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@STEPHENRWILLIAMSMUSIC]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Steve, will do.

[@frankrogowski5608]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Frank.

[@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!!!

[@tact86]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll sign all the routes soon!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@jeremywilliams2478]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Very flattering, thanks Jeremy.

[@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.

[@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.

[@moosetraxx83]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated thanks 👍

[@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.

[@Gazvegslayer7]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

Well done Don - another excellent production!

[@doncoffey5820]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@arnoldspottingvideos5652]

I agree

[@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.

[@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.

[@geoffreystevens663]

Excellent production, really enjoyed it, many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Gregory.

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@petergates5170]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Peter 👍

[@dizzydevil547]

Brilliant Video thank you! ....@21:19 i would like to say that i'ts a shame that they decided not to reopen the old Mayfield station across from Piccadily it would have made sense for extra platforms ect but i guess the cost ended up being to much ! would have made a great addition to the existing platforms ...but then again would make it a LONG journey dragging luggage across even if they popped a bridge in .....its bad enough trying to get a connection when your train pulls into platforms 13 or 14 and you have mins to get to another platform or visa versa! I know as iv done it on visits home ...train from Stalybridge then have to belt it right across Piccadilly station for the train to Bristol ! ( I'm from Ashton u lyne originaly) so know the route to Blackpool well good to see how much has changed over the yrs ....last time i traveled by car to there abuot ten yrs ago from Bristol ...but allways used the train when i lived up north !

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Sean. There have been various plans for Mayfield Station but in truth, it needs vast quantities of money spending on it. They don’t want any more junction problems in Piccadilly Throat so that wouldn’t fly either. They’ve mad an outdoor stage at the back of the station - Ariana Grande performed there a couple of weeks ago.

[@dizzydevil547]

@@doncoffey5820 Oh i know they have done that with Mayfield ! was done for this years Manchester Pride and it caused a LOT of anger splitting it up between mayfield and the gay village ! just the cost of a weekend ticket this year was scandalous! iv been to many Manchester prides ect right from the begining when it was free ...then they brought wrist bands in ect £30 for the weekend ect but a lot of the cash raised NEVER went to the charities after cost ect ! this year they Upped it to £70 plus booking fee ...made it out of reach for a lot of folks plus they over sold too so a LOT of people that paid that didn't even get into mayfield to see ariana grande! .....its down right disgusting that they take cash off folks that's supposed to go to charity ect and then they turn up to the event after spending a large sum of money and find they can't get in! just wrong on so many levels! ...thats why tbh i ain't been to manc pride in years ...the fact im down Bristol now for 15 yrs ect , would cost me around £70 return on train plus ticket price was too much! ....i do miss my home town and manchester though! only come up one a year now to see family as dont drive ect

[@atgordon1948]

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

[@alanhutchins4233]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Alan.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@ianr]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Ian.

[@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.

[@peterlindop4491]

Excellent video. Peter Lindop.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter.

[@theovanstaden5766]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Theo.

[@chrisgallant9889]

Excellent video! I hope they rebuild the Fleetwood branch. It would give a near direct connection to the tramway.

[@doncoffey5820]

Its been suggested that a tram line is on the cards Chris.

[@Melalmighty]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks - much appreciated Mel.

[@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.

[@HMFC-il7tb]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks.

[@thomasnorton2679]

What a wonderful trip Don, thanks for sharing

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Thomas.

[@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 ;-)

[@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.

[@phwbooth]

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

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul. Much appreciated.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Guard_Amos]

'The White Knight'. I miss working the 319's. Especially the bell in the cabs. Not to mention the 142's

[@doncoffey5820]

They get a bit of stick but I rather liked the nostalgia involved.

[@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!!!

[@Mortimer50145]

I travelled many times on 319s when they provided the Thameslink service across London. Nice to see that they are now having a new life "up north".

[@doncoffey5820]

They are coming to an end now Mortimer. A few have been converted to bi=mode but the rest are being displaced by new 331s.

[@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.

[@ljbyrne7]

No problem with cab ventilation noise on this one Don, as you suggested. Thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Excellent news Leo.

[@kriss_b]

Lovely video, I've travelled this line alot but have never been on or seen a train stop at salwick Station. I've always presumed that it was closed

[@doncoffey5820]

I think the Blackpool South trains stop there Chris. It might drop off when the nearby factory closes.

[@sidney001]

I d like your video's not only for the high quality Drivers view footage, but for the informative commentary as well. The Chorley arches being a perfect example. One really does have to feel for network rail sometimes having to come up with engineering solutions way beyond what would be considered reasonable. I still don't like the scrolling banner as it detracts from the film but I assume your viewers who are slow readers prefer it to the block text. If you ever get the chance to mount a camera at rail head height that would be fascinating as I've only ever seen one video ever do that, but the results were spectacular. I look forward to the next video Don and thank you for sharing all this great work with us.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the feedback Sidney001. The captions have been very controversial and its hard to please everyone. Some get quite emotive about them. I tried still captions but my software is limited and the white letters get lost on bright backgrounds where the scrolling “ticker” runs on a translucent dark background. I know some people have mounted cameras on the outside but my company would stop me from filming if I did it. Its very good of them to allow me to share the videos so I don’t want to upset them.

[@sidney001]

@@doncoffey5820 Thanks for the reply, I assumed as much regard the external camera. I quite often watch your videos twice, once to read the captions and once to ignore them and just enjoy the view. As a thought have you ever considered a narration of the caption instead, that way we can absorb the interesting information you provide while enjoying the view

[@doncoffey5820]

I sound a bit like a cranky Fred Dibnah. I think you’d find it more of a distraction!!!

[@paulsouthall3096]

Brilliant video as always Don. Thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul.

[@1951GL]

Don, this is my old stamping ground. The line through Bolton in the late 60s was unobtrusive through the bridges and cuttings from Moor Lane to Trinity Street. You could have hidden an army and its equipment in there and no one would have known Travelling from Bolton, Horwich Fork Junction was 200 yards before Blackrod Station, while the second part of the fork went north just past the far end of the station platform. The branch went to the works (umpteen relatives were employed there} and on to the single platform terminus in Horwich. The station closed in 1965. ROF Euxton was a major employer, as was Leyland Motors - both paying one shilling an hour more than Horwich Works for qualified fitters. I had relatives at both. One great uncle was an AA gunner on the ROF site during WW2. The electrification problems you describe did not surprise me. Soft ground was an issue along most of the "Lanky" line's length - at Farnworth and across Horwich Moss between Lostock and Blackrod. Superb video and, as always, thoroughly informative.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, the first junction was through that storage/warehouse facility and I knew the works was up there but not the terminus until I was researching it for the video - I learn a lot from these! I think the worst problems were between Adlington and Blackrod for soft ground. There were a couple of stanchions left abandoned for many months. Glad you enjoyed it GL.

[@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.

[@squeaksvids5886]

Thanks for a great video with some fascinating information. And that photo of the accident between the ballast train and DMU looks horrendous.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it was very unfortunate.

[@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/

[@AntonyShannon]

I remember the Windsor Link opening and the transformation it made to Blackpool services (where I was living at the time)

[@doncoffey5820]

Its a busy little stretch of railway Antony.

[@ianinvancouverbc]

Another great video. We have been discussing the now closed Whelley Loop on one of the Wigan sites. It had a stunning viaduct and lovely stretch through Haigh Hall. Did you ever travel on it or did it close before your time ? Funny you mention the problems of that electrification of that line in May 2018, its amazing I ever got to the airport at all on May 21 2018 ha ha. I was amazed they were still working on it then since many other much less used routes had it done much earlier. At least Northern can rid of their Pacers on that route and get the 195s in

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry Ian, these replies get lost sometimes. I was working that day and yes, it was “interesting”. I signed the Atheton Line and the Westhaughton Line and from Wigan NW, north to Preston.

[@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.

[@russouk]

Popular line with woodys too...nice fat ones...make a nice pie...lol...noticed mile markers...are they for network rail to help locate area ?....noted 185 1\2 miles at heaton...ish...where to\from those bridges you showed shud be seen not hidden by fences...NR get stick but do a hard job. Im impressed by B`pool Stn,,and depot...looks very tidy,and modern...need visit.

[@doncoffey5820]

Woodie’s tend to flock at the back end of the year so hitting several at once isn’t unusual. The entire Blackpool line along with a ground up rebuild of the station took place during 17/18 so yes, I would recommend a little excursion!!!

[@jasonfernee2401]

Thanks for the therapeutic uploads sir. In the 4 years since this was taken, has there been any update on the Poulten to Fleetwood reopening, considering the Government's fast tracking for rail projects?

[@doncoffey5820]

I’d love to tell you there was Jason but there’s nothing even planned as far as I know.