Landor Street to Barrow Hill via Derby

I know, there is a much shorter route to Derby via Tamworth and Burton but there simply isn’t a path so we must go via Leicester. However, we travel under clear blue sky with the sun behind us on a delightful February day in 2023! Some thoughts on signalling and becoming a train driver. The usual mix of locations, history and what the driver is doing and why. You’ll be better at it than me soon (hey, I heard that ;-)).
Addendum
The railway pioneers may have used gunpowder to blast tunnels. Nobel’s “dynamite” wasn’t patented until 1866.
The sidings at Derby should be labelled “Chaddesden”.
For some reason that I can’t explain, one of the opening slides suggests the train goes via Northampton when of course, it should say Nuneaton.

[@ralphdadge302]

Another masterpiece, Thank you to your Frieghtliner colleague for filming & to Freightliner for allowing us to watch the film,

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Ralph. Much appreciated 👍

[@peterwilliams8122]

Excellent video Don, please keep them coming. As I am house bound it’s wonderful to see some old places I know but more importantly new places that I would never have seen. Thank you for your work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Peter, I’m glad they provide an escape for you. More videos coming soon 👍

[@big_trains_tv]

Just applied for trainee driver @ Colas Rail👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@doncoffey5820]

Best wishes. Keep me informed of progress. Contact me by messenger 😉👍

[@mikeanscombe9883]

Fabulous! These videos are just wonderful…😎

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very flattering, thank you 😊

[@hirisk761]

giving this a thumbs 👍 already cause I know it's gonna be a banger!

[@paulkettle8834]

Yep - although there are many cab ride video's on YT, Dons are (IMHO) still the gold standard.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Matt and Paul. Hope you enjoyed it 👍

[@martinmarsola6477]

Another fabulous video today. Always enjoy and look forward to them. Will see the rest of it tomorrow. Cheers Don Coffey! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Martin 👍

[@followthetrawler]

Thanks Don and Freightliner for yet another superb insight into freight operations.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Stuart.

[@Martin_Adams184]

Thank you, Don, for an excellent, most enjoyable video. Great quality filming and editing; and the comments are most informative and memorable. So I learned a lot from them. Thank you also to driver Vinny, and to Freightliner.

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Martin 👍

[@Andrewjg_89]

I must say that most of the route goes through the most gorgeous landscape that the East Midlands and Derbyshire has to offer. Brilliant content as always. 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Lovely isn’t it Andrew 👍

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

Very enjoyable journey. Thanks to all, esp the extremely professional driver we had.

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Andrew 👍

[@alan.mcneal]

Congrats Don. Your drivers eye view channel is quite the best on You Tube. Well recorded, with lots of informed and fascinating information. As a crossing keeper volunteer on the Mid Norfolk Railway I know a little, but I have learned so much more about railway history and railway operations from your channle - and been thoroughly entertained too! Terrific - keep 'em coming!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated and keep up the good work on the MNR 👍

[@Del-bm]

I do love putting these videos on when I’m winding down at night

[@doncoffey5820]

I think they call it “slow TV” - helps you relax!

[@donnagray9579]

I studied Geology at Derby 40 some years ago. I remember those hills very well. Beautiful country.

[@doncoffey5820]

It is indeed Donna. I live in the Peak District but I suppose it’s like someone who lives on the Devon Coast, it’s easy to take for granted. It stood out in the video, partly due to the weather.

[@GayCheesetuber]

I love these, makes me wanna be a train driver

[@doncoffey5820]

Then you should apply 👍

[@djsmeguk]

Love following along on the simsig maps. This one criss crosses the trent map a bit. It can be really illuminating seeing how all the signalling is put together, and seeing how the trains navigate it all.

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

Another beautiful video.❤❤❤❤

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll sign all the routes soon 😉

[@anthonycatt7808]

I am a train loving Brit living in Arizona. On days like today when it's been 114 Degrees outside there is nothing better than watching Don's cab ride videos. I particuarly like the heavy freight videos like this one. Can somebody please tell me in which video the driver blows his horn to acknowlede a Grandad and grandson watching trains from the platform. Just to make sure the sun has not frazzled my brain and I imagined it. Thanks Don for the great and informative videos you produce.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like the videos Anthony. I think the video you refer to is the Drax to Earles video - . Most of us acknowledge the enthusiasts, no matter what the age. Have a look at 1:55:30..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4KVmK2BnrqDfdk

[@shaddersshadwell4941]

Hooked on these. Great stuff... Thanks

[@Paul-qk5et]

Enjoyed the video. Nice to know the history of the railway. And the views. It seems to cross the river Derwent a lot. Wish I had been in the cab

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it’s a lovely view Paul 👍

[@MisterHughie]

So much history appears around Barrow Hill, some old columns and rail heading into the wilderness, love seeing this - thank you for sharing

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, of course it used to form the boundary of the massive Staveley Steel Works.

[@KH-vt4op]

It's a great video don, why do I like your videos it's because of the snippets of information you give us on the line. I have been a railway enthusiast for well over 50 years. I started train spotting on the line that went by the Sheffield canal on its way to Tinsley motive power depot. This was before everything got changed around, and they got rid of the guards' van siding on the Attercliffe canal. My favourite time was seeing class 25 and class 40 on the boc tanks leaving Broughton lane. Oh, happy days 😂

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks - glad it took you back. It’s surprising how many make that comment. For some, a new experience and others, memories.

[@davidwallace5831]

Thanks Don. This was a brilliant video and I hugely enjoyed watching it. I really appreciate the effort that goes into making these. Thank you very much indeed!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it David and so far we’ve donated £21169 to the Samaritans.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Thanks Don for another great adventure, What i like is the beautiful stonework in the bridges , stations, tunnel's, viaducts & cuttings, Cheers bob and i will be patiently waiting for your next great adventure.🦘🐨☕🫖🍪

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Bob and I do recognise you as a regular contributor. Yes, for me the architecture and history is a major part of everything I love about the railway. New video soon.

[@johnwhitehouse9885]

Thank you Don and your Time for a great video Enjoyed all and as always very interesting must Thank the Driver as well. Without you both it’s back to the T V. Thank you again. Take care. Looking forward to your next video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated John and Vinny looks in so he’ll see your comment 👍

[@mavadelo]

Today I went to the railroad museum in my hometown of Utrecht, the Netherlands where I learned that our first Steam engines were build in the UK by Longridge&Co based on a design by George Stephenson (type Patentee). Not only that, the first drivers to run them "in anger" in the Netherlands were Brits as well. This all went down in1838. The first group was made out of 4 engines called "Sbelheid" (Speed, the actual first engine delivered) "Hoop" (Hope), "de Leeuw" (the Lion) and "de Arend" Othe Eagle, together with Speed it pulled the first official train and is the only engine we still can admire trhough a replica that was build in 1938. So... thank you UK, for laying the groundwork for (imho) one of the best railway systems in the world :)

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting, I’d like to visit that museum myself. The next video out Friday runs over yet another Stephenson route - the Cross Country line between Derby and Birmingham.

[@tranmere292]

Informative and entertaining as always. Thanks Don and all the others involved.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated David 👍

[@taffboyslim]

Very nice. I live in Chesterfield and whenever I've driven past Barrow Hill sidings I've always assumed that the wagons in the yard are awaiting scrap - it's nice to know that they are in service. Also the scenery between Clay Cross and Ambergate is stunning.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, spectacular really. It’s helped by the good weather.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Excellent film again Don, many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you EM176. Thanks as always 👍

[@EricDalton1910]

I see the Derby signalmen still like to use freight trains for points checks and rust removal in loops. They especially like looping freight on a Saturday. Must be 12 years since I last drove the “old road”. Water Orton to Derby much quicker via Tamworth.

[@doncoffey5820]

No paths and route retention Eric. Keep up the good work 👍

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another great cab ride. Love the ride to Barrow Hill. I've done this on a few charter trains over the years.

[@doncoffey5820]

Watch pout for the next one Henry. Two good freight lines that are rare to see. Toton to Walsall.

[@daronleemaple6049]

This is the best video so far, I'd love to be a driver, but I have health problems had a heart attack last year, and a diabetic, anyway I also love all the information that you bring and the history of the area, keep them coming but please don't do your self in👌👍and the quality of the film looks amazing on my 65" TV and again..... thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear it Daron. However, things have changed somewhat with modern healthcare so I recommend you write to your local operator for advice.

[@duainesimpson274]

Absolute Triumph 🇬🇧💯

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you think so Duaine 👍

[@davidbarrett1487]

Thanks Don, very enjoyable & interesting.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it David.

[@normalincoln8502]

You have an amazing job with amazing views. Oh to be so blessed.

[@doncoffey5820]

I pinch myself some days Norma. I’m under no illusion how fortunate I am.

[@ffrancrogowski6263]

Most excellent Don. From Landore Street to Wigston North Junction via Nuneaton, I've never been along at all before, and this was a more or less clear run to the Midland Main Line. I never realised that there are so many junctions, along with a number of closed passenger stations. A very roundabout route, especially going via Derby to Barrow Hill, rather than the Erewash Valley. Your videos are exceptional, Don, with all the details of signalling, junctions, level crossings, rivers beneath and some lineside features. I purchase quite a number of cab-ride dvds and vhs videos by reputable publishers, a few years ago, but the details and filming didn't come anywhere close to yours. Who wants to watch any rubbish main stream tv when we've got yours to look at and thoroughly enjoy. Many thanks Don, and keep well. PS . . . another fresh route to me: Chesterfield to Barrow Hill!

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Frank, good to see you. Thanks for the accolade and as you know, I’m equally impressed with your artistic talent. Between us, we can thank our good friend PF who authorised the sharing of these videos and of course Vinny who was interviewed by the same! I’ve seen areas I never thought I’d see and trust me, there is a lot more to come. I’ve definitely got a run into Barrow Hill from the Sheffield end and I’ve got Toton to Walsall via Sheet Stores and Castle Donnington. Keep in touch Frank, all the best 👍

[@jondavies9347]

Love visiting Matlock and Matlock Bath in the summer months,definitely will be getting off at Duffield.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, a lovely part of the world. I visit with my wife occasionally as it’s a nice drive from where I live.

[@SuperWoody1001]

Makes the working day more bearable. Many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad to assist Woody 👍

[@williamparker3765]

Thanks Don for another great video, full of interesting information as always, please keep up the good work

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks William, much appreciated 👍

[@Al.Buterol]

Another spectacular video. Thank you, Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Michael 👍

[@brianknowles7130]

Many thanks, as always. enjoy these vids. Please keep 'em coming. Rgds

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do Brian 👍

[@ianplowman2808]

Great video thanks to you and the team

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Ian.

[@DollyHall-z5u]

Thank you for the great ride very enjoyable

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Dolly.

[@daz4643]

Thank you Don. This is truly remarkable stuff. My late father took me to Crewe back in 86' for a day. A picture next to Class 47 (Odin) I still have too! (I even still have the motive power pocket book from the day, and notebook!) ever since then I have had an interest in Trains. I am not hardcore but keep my hand in. Your videos are a great insight. Once again thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Daz. It takes a lot back to happy days. Glad you like them.

[@mitabpraga7487]

I'm not a railwayist by any means but I've watched a few of Mr Coffey's videos now (for a variety of reasons) and there are two things I've really taken away from them. One is that the train driver's job is not as glamourous and exciting as it seems to be when you're eight years old. Yes, I wanted to be one, but I wouldn't want to do the job now. The other is the sheer staggering scale of the achievement of building and operating a railway network, particularly one as compact and complex as Britain's, to such a high degree of safety and exactitude. To top it off Mr Coffey doesn't confine himself to practicalities, he also draws the eye to the beauty and artistry of the infrastructure and its creators. The brick and stone work. The viaducts and bridges, the ironwork. Those people weren't just craftsmen, they were artists.They didn't just want the railway to be the workhorse of the nation, they wanted it to be a thing of beauty. Two years ago I had (probably like most people) a vague idea of what railways were all about, and enjoyed the occasional chuckle over things like the curled-up BR sandwich and the wrong sort of snow. Thanks to Mr Coffey's videos, I am better educated. The railway is truly The Backbone Of Britain, and everyone involved in its history, from the visionaries to the navvies, humbles me.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you for the feedback and I’m pleased you appreciate as much of the railway intricacies and artefacts that I do. There’s a limit to what I can add to a single video but it sounds like you’ve cottoned on to the fact that each video covers a slightly different theme. If you were in the cab with me I’d be bending your ear with all sorts of things! I hope I haven’t put you off driving, you do need to keep your wits about you but there is time to take in the view when the time is right. I consider myself very fortunate. Regards. Don.

[@markpierce2402]

Been watching the vids for the past year or so, love the information and detail you go into, keep it up 😁

[@doncoffey5820]

More soon Mark 👍

[@rickschell7874]

Very informative. Loved the information you give!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Rick 👍

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Excellent journey on a lovely crisp winters day. I've been following the GCR Reunification with interest and have seen a few pictures of the replaced bridge over EM, but this is the first time seeing it from track level and doesn't it look good! Love all the info you add along the route. Thanks for sharing.

[@doncoffey5820]

It gives a different perspective doesn’t it. I pinch myself some days. More videos soon 👍

[@markwelsh3957]

I can't believe somebody actually quibbled your description of a signal colour definition. I mean does it really matter! I couldn't care less what you call it, all I know is that I've just enjoyed another great journey thank you and am looking forward to the next one.

[@doncoffey5820]

He was quite curt about it about it. I can understand questioning it but he seem quite emotive.

[@colinsmith891]

Don, a fantastic video in terms of visual quality, information and presentation 😍

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Colin 👍

[@markparry63]

Another fantastic video Don. Really enjoyed the 4K, it is a noticeable difference at least on my telly. Your railway history is comprehensive and extremely interesting too. I hope you're not pushing yourself too hard mate? Make time for you and yours and don't stress over getting these vids out. Thank you so much and look after yourself. Mark.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ve not actually done a 4k video yet mark but it just shows that KZbin has upped their game and the videos are running much smoother than they did. However, I am experimenting with 4k and will be showing some results soon.

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Thank you Don for another great video.I do envy you drivers of today, go to work clean and go home the same way, I suppose at 90, it no good applying for my job back as a driver???Kind Regards.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’d take you on any time Ramon! Good to see you as always 👍

[@ZoKitchen]

great scenes

[@jackking5567]

Excellent! Of interest for me was how HS2 looks from the trackside near Birmingham. I night drive past the sites often (M6) and it's difficult to get a better look from a road.

[@doncoffey5820]

I was thinking you’d get a good view up there Jack. Take care up there 👍

[@mccoy79productions66]

Great video

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks!

[@jessicamorgan3073]

Thanks Don and team for another excellent video. The light (and scenery) north of Derby was especially superb. I get why the train wasn't routed via Tamworth, but wouldn't using Erewash Valley Line relieve the line via Derby more?

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Jess. Trains are routed for pathing reasons and for route competency. If the Erewash is blocked for some reason, they’ll send them via Derby but the driver must go over it to keep competency 👍

[@Del-bm]

A pleasure to watch

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it 👍

[@kevinhowell8758]

Wash wood Heath unrecognisable from 2000 great video as usual Don!!

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a shame isn’t it Kevin. Such a lot was lost.

[@LingLiu2014]

Going past my old home town Loughborough :)

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one. Hopefully they’ll connect that GCR soon 👍

[@itsjustspecial3231]

Thanks Don. Superb as always. Interesting as Leicestershire is my patch. Cheers.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated 👍

[@dahliagreen5919]

Thank you, great footage and very interesting commentary. I'm quite surprised at how low revving the power unit is, even at what looks to be around 60mph plus. I had expected it to be higher given that 66's have a 75mph maximum speed, but likely the gearing for very heavy loads has a bearing on this.

[@doncoffey5820]

Precisely Dahlia. They only rev at about 900 rpm flat out and that applies to 66/5s and 66/6s. The latter are geared for 60mph and heavy loads at the traction motors.

[@paulbennett8893]

Another great video Don thanks for sharing 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Paul.

[@44662dc]

Most enjoyable video Don really informative and I guess the driver must have a wide range of route knowledge if it's the same Freightliner driver as previous video's.The quality of picture was superb. I am going to take another look at the Binliner train which was excellent.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Denis. Most of the Freightliner routes are the same driver but not anything south of Bedford. The driver on the Binliner was Lee at DB Cargo.

[@estar9d749]

Thanks for another excellent video Don. For once it was a route that I've never driven over any part of! Fully endorse the comments you make at 2h15 -2h 17m, encouraging people to go for the job if they think they might be suited to it. Having done both freight and passenger work over a 40 year career I think I probably preferred freight work, but having said that you have to factor in the unpredictable finishes and the high incidence of night work. As a teenage secondman that mattered to me, but now that they only recruit older entrants just go for it - as long as you don't mind your neighbours mowing their lawn while you're in bed recovering from a 12 hour night shift on a Sunday afternoon!

[@doncoffey5820]

I know at 9D you had a wonderful mix of work before I was lucky enough to work there in 2003. If I wasn’t pushing retirement, I’d apply for freight somewhere because they get such variety. I do enjoy my current job at Transpennine though. Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@L3go_Man87]

Thank you for showing my local railway network (this part of Erewash and Derby/Derbyshire) as I live in Long Eaton, so some fun facts... 1:43:21 you see all the stone work that slops by the bridge, this is where the Derby and Sandiacre Canal group are restoring the old Sandiacre canal at Borrowash; this restored canal will go from Sandiacre at the Erewash canal to Swarkstone via Derby. These stones are all original and built by the rail company mentioned in the video, originally the canal was on the left where the bridge is, but when the railway came they moved the canal over to the right; this was paid for by the rail company and I am pretty sure they also paid and build the canal on that side too including locks. Another fun fact is at Derby by the railway station, Derby College own the old Roundhouse; it's a college campus...wish I could go in as I think they have the turntable still there as decoration only. Also the Spondon industrial unit is where the Celanese is based, having been much bigger in it's heyday; its no wonder the line is OOU 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Good work with the canal project, I love to see that kind of restoration taking place. I could see Celanese was much bigger in my old maps. Thanks for the interesting info 👍

[@terryashton3541]

Once again many thanks Don for this splendid and informative video, was a little puzzled by the signalling just north of Derby and will watch again and take note to get my head around it, these train drivers must have good memories to remember all this info they have to keep up with.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it is a bit confusing just there which is why a dwelled on it but that’s why on the railway we have route learning briefs. That one is a masterpiece of moving back and too.

[@paulprescott7913]

Hello Don absolutely brilliant vid. Particularly enjoyed the Derby to Chesterfield part. As i live in Derby and travel about that area a bit. So seeing the different views is great. And it puts pieces of route jigsaw in my mind. A trip to East Midlands Parkway is on the cards for me i can see. Oh and its Chaddesden sidings btw, i fear that you have been auto corrected😂. Looking forward to the next ones and thank you for not putting music in.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Paul. Editing these videos also gives me a chance to see the route and I enjoyed it too. I know it’s Chaddesden but not sure what I wrote so I’ll put a correction in the description if I can find the error 👍

[@tardismole]

I love the Class 66 engines. They stop outside my home every day. Yesterday is was 556's turn.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll be familiar with the soundtrack 👍

[@martynd]

Couldn't help noticing the typo at 00:45.... routed via Nuneaton, not Northampton as written up 😉😉... all in jest of course, excellent video and many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Martyn. I can’t edit it now but there is a correction in the description.

[@vincitveritas3872]

Excellent as always 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated 👍

[@tango6nf477]

Another great video, thank you. I find your narration very informative and interesting, I especially get great satisfaction from the stations closed in for example 1968, then reopened at a later date. I wonder how many others on the system could be justifiably reopened?

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll never know. I often wonder how much of the Beeching Cuts could have restored if they’d been mothballed instead of lifted.

[@richardcrosk6428]

Great video and info too

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it!

[@TrainsBoatsPlanes]

Great video, well filmed.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. Vinny will see your comments 👍

[@kevinfisher4221]

Thanks great video

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Kevin.

[@bobp6742]

You started where I started my footplate career back in 1977 when I was 17 at the now nonexistent Saltley DD even the power box has gone now I see.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s actually off my patch down there Bob but yes, it’s changed a lot.

[@lukesdad5218]

@14.40 It'd be better for Water Orton Station to return to it's original site. It gets just a handful of services to and from Tamworth each week and remodelling a station-free junction would bring great improvements in capacity.

[@doncoffey5820]

You might have a good point but it would need a lot of pressure from local government and authorities to get it pushed through.

[@c-historia]

this is really great!!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like it 👍

[@bigrstransport6783]

I LOVE YIUR CONTENT AND VIDEOS MATE PLEASE KEEP UPLOADING VIDEOS 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do 👍

[@jpjackson4982]

Another good one Don i like the Freight because you go where we can't .

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I like them for that reason too. Watch out for Toton to Walsall where go down the freight only line via Castle Donnington.

[@bobowen7754]

Another excellent and informative video. I did wonder whether you might finish up in the trees at the end!

[@doncoffey5820]

He told me he went further than he needed to just to show it.

[@rogerdorrington]

Again A1 from Don's team. Owl decided to sit out this trip.

[@doncoffey5820]

I think he was sleeping Roger 😉

[@vasilicastoica1413]

SALUTĂRI DIN ROMÂNIA👋👋

[@doncoffey5820]

mult apreciat, multumesc ca urmaresti canalul.

[@petenikolic5244]

Interesting following the journey along on Google Earth as well cheers

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Pete. Glad you like them.

[@davidhamm7909]

Another great video. I’m pretty sure I rode this route one Sunday years ago travelling from Plymouth to Chesterfield when there was engineering works on the Burton/Tamworth line. I know we went via Leicester and it took ages.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sounds very plausible David, that could well be what happened and of course the passenger train drivers have to sign it.

[@blah7956]

Very nice, and no ghost owls!

[@doncoffey5820]

I think he was fast asleep Phil 🦉😉

[@rogergaspar709]

Great video. A sunny day is good as well. I couldn't understand how we passed Long Eaton on the Derby line for the Redhill Tunnels until I read up that its location changed over the years (My memories are about when there was a Trent Station! - for the unaware, Trent Station had no town or village and you could pick up a train to the same destination facing the opposite way to another train! ). Why, given that we rejoined the Erewash line, why didn't it pick up that line after the Redhill Tunnels. I could have avoided Derby completely (not that was unpleasant! Quite the opposite).

[@doncoffey5820]

Interesting Roger. I suppose it was an interchange for all 3 routes. Looking at Side by Side maps it was off to the north west but had a loop so trains from Derby could access from the north.

[@pappakilo3965]

Another great video! The section from Landor St to Washwood Heath reminded me of times in the early 70s that I used to travel past there and saw the SU carburettor factory (close to Fort Dunlop?) with cars touring around the adjacent test track. Of course there was Saltley TMD too which was always interesting/frustrating for a youngster with a notepad but no bionic eyes/instant replay. Saltley was impossible to 'bunk' or that was my experience, so retained its secrets.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks PK. By the way, SU stands for Skinners Union. I served my time as a mechanic during the 70s when cars were still being made with them. I occasionally drove over that elevated section and it’s a wonder I didn’t cause chaos trying to peer over onto the railway. I did once visit Metro Cammell Weyman when all the 156s were all stood outside brand new.

[@stephenrice4554]

Nice , pl Ike the knowledge

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Stephen.

[@paulcampbell5202]

Dear Don Another great video but one that makes me homesick. This one more than usual as I come from Derby and it seems so far away out here in Canada. May I recommend a Canadian video that I would think your viewers may enjoy given it is very different from the British railway scene. On KZbin, look up "Tripping Train 185" put out by the actual producer of the film - "TVO Today Docs". It is a 3 hour (!) documentary on Train 185, the only scheduled passenger service in the whole of North America that uses "Budd Cars", the only diesel multiple units ever made in North America (all were built in the late 1940's through the 1950's). Despite the inherent practicality of DMU's for shorter routes they essentially do not exist over here except on this train. The route runs through northern Ontario for 300 miles on the CP main line (mostly single tracked!) that runs through to Vancouver. It goes from the nickel mining centre of Sudbury, Ontario (pop 75,000) north west to the small, isolated town of White River. The trip takes 8 hours due to the low track speed of 55 mph, having to get out of the way (passing loops) of numerous freight trains and in summer, stopping to drop off and pick up canoeists, and various people who live off grid along the route as there is no road access for most of the run. The video has no audio commentary although you can hear the crew talking amongst themselves and using the radio to talk to other trains and the control centre. There are occasional "subtitles" to explain some aspect of the history or local sites. The scenery is wonderful and made better by lots of drone footage from above the train as it moves along. By the way, all the power operated points and all the signals in this part of the country are controlled from a traffic control centre located in Calgary, Alberta, 2000 miles to the west! I would love to hear what any of your views thought of the video.

[@doncoffey5820]

This comment is published now Paul so hopefully they will. I certainly will but I can’t easily feed it back to you. I’ve been on holiday and now I’m working on my house but I’ll get more videos out soon. Take care over there.

[@Guard_Amos]

A tunnel has a name and a bridge has a number

[@doncoffey5820]

That is often true but generally speaking, a tunnel is bored and a bridge spans a gap.

[@kimjongbingbongtingtong4430]

Another great video there Don - thanks for all your hard work. Once again this passes close to my house, so I've got a few bits to add to it. At 33:26 the line bends to the right, but originally this was the point that the Nuneaton avoiding line headed off to the left and re-joined at 35:51. I don't recall why they permanently closed that chord because it's certainly a bigger load for the 66's that have to drag up the hill and round the relatively tight curve through platform 6. Starting with the bridge at 36:40 almost all of the original Victorian structures between Nuneaton and Leicester have recently been modified to meet the Gabarit passe-partout international (commonly referred to as Berne gauge) standards as the volume of international intermodal workings has increased significantly, and this is a valuable corridor for freight moving East-West. At 38:15 you cross the A5 at possibly the most notoriously 'bashed bridge' on the network (it was hit for the umpteenth time on the 26th April) and to make sure that it wasn't alone, on the same day Rugby Road bridge at 39:29 was also struck, resulting in the usual carnage around Hinckley. Countless solutions have been considered for the road infrastructure around the A5 bridge to reduce the seemingly endless incidents (it is WELL signposted and has electronic detector warnings, but nothing seems to deter the steady stream of lorry drivers). www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/lorry-smashes-notorious-a5-bridge-8388003 A little after Hinckley at 41:44 it is possible to see the alternative to raising the bridges, where the track bed has been dipped to pass under the Burbage Common bridge. Much of this work is likely to be changed again as a giant 440 acre rail distribution depot is planned at this point, so the next video will probably look VERY different as multiple sidings will serve the hub on the right. Immediately after the bridge at 45:34 is the site of the original Croft station and goods yards. This was a very important area for many of the local farms as it was the perfect place to load livestock and supplies onto trains that would then head off to local markets - and a little after Knighton tunnel 55:15 there was a dedicated spur that ran into the heart of Leicester livestock market, but that has all been closed for some time. I've also mentioned it previously, but at 47:42 (with a little careful application of frame stepping using < or >) it's just about possible to make out the damage to Narborough signal box that was sustained after a runaway mineral train caused a major incident here in around 1971/72. Luckily there were no passengers hurt on the platform as several wagons left the rails, but the infrastructure damage was very significant as the signal frame in the bottom of the box was destroyed, the level crossing was blocked and the Leicester bound platform was severely damaged. The cause was attributed to a faulty set of points that served the mineral line about 100m before the crossing and as a small boy I can remember being taken to see the aftermath of the accident. The footbridge has also just had a makeover, and is now resplendent in the original colours of the South Leicestershire Railway, although some have suggested that it is more in keeping with the LNWR who took over operations in 1867.

[@doncoffey5820]

Well! What an interesting read and thank you for going to so much effort. It’s interesting about how things might look as some of the older videos are beginning to show how things used to be. Of course it would be interesting to go back in say 10 year steps but at least we’ve made a start. Thanks again 👍

[@Q8Bart]

Sir Don Thomas 🚂😉

[@1hermannk]

As always a delight to watch your videos! Being not to familiar with British railway systems (being from South Africa), I got just one question if I may. Waiting at East Midlands Parkway station (1:27:35) for on oncoming passenger train at the adjacent platform, why wait at the signal as the track is two lines and the turnoff junction ahead to Derby is also two lines. The two trains were not on the same track and could have passed easily. Why the wait then? First time I notice the direction lights going first and then the signal joined to it. Great work.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a good question Hermann. In fact that was quite a long wait while trains passed on the fast line. The signallers also leave trains there if if there is a queue for the Derby line. We’d need to see their computer for the full picture.

[@TheCyberSalvager]

Came up from Banbury, eh? I wonder if that was the Lafarge aggregate works on the outskirts of town? I lived in a house not far from there right beside the railway line. I remember the house would shake every Thursday morning at the crack of sparrows as a loaded train approached the place!

[@doncoffey5820]

It could well be. The headcode was 6Z80 if you can look it up.

[@gerrymckenna4878]

Another excellent and informative video. I believe there used to be a station at Croft ( approx 45:30 ) which closed in 1968.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Gerry. I try to add some of the closed stations but sometimes captions don’t allow. All the best 👍

[@paulebberson4884]

Superb video. A lot of junctions to remember for the driver. How little railway infrastructure is left in terms of tracks and sidings. A lot of the old Midland was continuous 4 track - not much of that left. The delay caused by the 4 track to 2 track section - almost immediately back to 3 track highlights the wacky decisions that have been made under the 'cost cutting' rationalisation banner.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Paul. Yes, no doubt a lot was lost but we’re all in some way complicit because we all wanted our own personal transport and of course the railway couldn’t compete. It’s a pity so much was sold off otherwise we might be able to recover it. That’s the “royal we” of course, there was just a decline in interest in the sixties and the tax payers couldn’t justify the upkeep. I must admit that there were places I had to study the maps to see what was going on with those rationalised sections. Take care 👍

[@michaeldewey5652]

Thanks for another great freight video. Unfortunately at 76 I'm afraid I might be bit too old to respond to the driver recruitment invitation!

[@doncoffey5820]

You’re as old as you feel Michael. If not you can always come ride with us 😉👍

[@DOCTORDROTT]

Wish I was younger , I would like to be a driver. Did 48 years in the industry , passed out to drive in yards . Nearly became a traction trainee years ago but did an apprenticeship starting at Swindon works

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m no spring chicken James. I joined the railway at 45 and I’m 65 this year! I know what you mean though, I’m still loving it an no intensions of retirement yet. It’s not the same but you can follow the railway with these videos 👍

[@Carew783]

This may have been asked before but how do the long welded rails not buckle on hot days , thanks for the informative videos,greetings from Western Australia

[@doncoffey5820]

They have breather joints that slide beside each other and if you notice, they really pile ballast up on the sleeper ends (called shoulders) 👍

[@iangill8984]

A question for anyone to answer. I enjoy the blog to watching the videos and a question has just popped in to my head. Airplane pilots are type rated so for example they fly one type of aircraft. A pilot flying a Boeing 737 is not able to fly an A320 unless they change their tryperatings through training. Does the same apply to train drivers - I am part way through so the answer will pop up I am going out and will catch up later.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, absolutely it does Ian. A driver must learn and pass an exam for every type of traction and every route and then signs to say he or she is competent.

[@Adullamite]

Driving a train is dead easy. It is following those confused tracks and multi signals that are difficult! Good video again, thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it’s easy to make it stop and go. 😉👍