Manchester Airport to Carlisle

[@philipgrieve394]

Fascinating video and thoroughly enjoyed the commentary from driver Steve. Makes you appreciate the route knowledge the drivers have and use on a daily basis.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Philip. He’ll see your comment.

[@klnv6564]

Thank you for these, Don. I'm a big fan of the context provided, and love seeing little snippets of trains coming in and out of service. The POV from behind the driver is fantastic.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them! The 397 cab is superb.

[@verved1]

Brilliant Video Don thank you and a big thank you to Steve! Really enjoyed the commentary & looking forward to the next parts. I spotted 2 of our ex-WMR 323’s outside Preston rather sad but at least they live on. Please look after them they are served us well down here.

[@doncoffey5820]

I signed 323s at Northern, they were cracking units. I’ll make sure Steve gets your feedback 👍

[@paulmark63]

Firstly Don a great video and a special thanks to Steve he was wonderful a wealth of knowledge and driving skill and he has a incredible memory for all the points crossings and disused station please if you can pass on my gratitude to Steve. Kindest regards Paul in Kent .

[@doncoffey5820]

Rest assured I will do that Paul. 👍

[@Porthole9]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching that. I travel that route often. I didn't realise there were so many stations along the line, that have closed down. Thanks to you both for the commentary and interesting map details. I live near the Chorley tunnel.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. Did you see the Hazel Grove to Blackpool video that details the refurb of the flying arches at Chorley?

[@stevehall6584]

Fabulous video, Don. Many thanks for it and special thanks to Steve for his in depth commentary. One of the best yet,

[@doncoffey5820]

Agreed, he’ll see your comment 👍

[@phwbooth]

I've followed all your productions, Don, and you've now reached your peak, I feel. Wonderful comments and captions, and it is great to see the disused stations identified. Thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m very aware of your loyalty to the channel and let me assure you it is appreciated. Always appreciate your comments and consider you a regular.

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. especially the drivers descriptions. The long ones I tend to split up, watch an hour today and another tomorrow. Cant wait for your next offering. Many thank, Dave M.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Dave. The next one is a freight video which actually shows the unloading of the train but it all has to be approved by the stone terminal owners so bear with me and I’ll get it out asap.

[@Goldenoldie49]

Excellent video, and a very informative commentary. Many thanks to the driver.

[@doncoffey5820]

Steve has been very helpful to the channel 👍

[@foxstrangler]

Another masterpiece. Can never get enough of Carlisle station. Managed to do the Tyne Valley last June.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll stay tuned because we’ll be doing part 2 and part 3 from Carlisle. We’ve also just been cleared for Carlisle to Newcastle with Northern.

[@MichaelBoot-t2o]

Yet another absolutely superb video Don, thank you for the time and effort that goes into these presentations. As per previous comments, many thanks to Steve for going 'beyond the call of duty' with his commentary and such interesting insights.

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Michael.

[@owentoller5280]

Huge thanks as ever for such a delightful video. When I was very young my parents and I used to holiday in the Fylde and we enjoyed exploring the Garstang and Knott End Railway. I even have a photo, taken in about 1962, of the “Pilling Pig” with BR 44764 at the level crossing at Pilling.

[@karlbbb]

Thank you so much (and everyone else involved) for this video. Beautiful stretch of track, and a very timely release with the WCML Over Shap soon to be represented in Train Sim World. It'll be 80s era but videos like this still give a good feel of the route to mere mortals like me who don't drive trains.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you too!

[@dixiedean1955]

Excellent. Thanks for giving up your valuable time to produce and edit these great cab ride rides!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Dixie and of course, we make a Bob or two for charity.

[@CliqueSpace]

Great commentary from the cab. I hope to hear it in future videos; it would be anther feature that makes your content so thoroughly worth watching. Thank you Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, in part two, another colleague call Michael Collins does another superb running commentary. Glad you liked it too.

[@AdrianBritton]

Another fabulous video Don, and I can't really add a great deal what's been noted previously. Beautiful dramatic skies north of Lancaster and plenty of interesting commentary from Steve and your rolling notes. Looking forward to more!

[@doncoffey5820]

Next video soon Adrian.

[@Iaintaylorart60]

Brilliant video as ever. Thank you for the productions.

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure!

[@followthetrawler]

Fantastic journey Don, and thank you Steve for the commentary. Really looking forward to the continuation northwards

[@doncoffey5820]

That has been filmed and you should get it before the end of the year 👍

[@mikeryan959]

A great combination of captions and in-cab commentary. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Mike.

[@ADAMEDWARDS17]

Much appreciated. I'm doing Halifax - Preston - Oxenholme - Kendal on Saturday, so had to watch this as prep for the trip.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good research Adam 👍

[@peterwilliams8122]

One word, excellent. Love the drivers commentary and the information from Don . It would be nice to see the actual train speed.

[@doncoffey5820]

I haven’t got the software Peter and I’m bound by the rules of me showing the footage too.

[@javierguidounicaud6621]

Thank you for this video. It was a nice and interesting cab ride with some beautiful landscapes seen (lake district area)

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Javier.

[@mjradar]

The commentary from the driver was fantastic goes to show how much knowledge the drivers have to learn for routes

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a common comment and well justified. Thanks 👍

[@georgemaund4964]

Thanks for another great film of this fantastic line....the quality of the pictures and sound is amazing with excellent commentary and captions. For detail of the history and infrastructure , especially pre electrification signalling, of earlier times, can I recommend Harold Bowtell's Over Shap to Carlisle ?

[@doncoffey5820]

Part 2 will be out soon George. I’m just arranging a launch with the driver but you can see the trailer on KZbin now.

[@estar9d749]

Thanks Don (and Steve) for another interesting and informative video. When I was route learning up there years ago I remember a driver telling me that on the entire WCML route the lowest pan height was under the bridge at the north end of Preston station, and the highest was at Bolton le Sands LC - (you know how it is when you're road learning!). I never bothered checking, as I only drove diesel traction in those days, but wonder if that's true? I still find the 100 mph line speed towards Bolton incredible - especially on three aspect signalling, which must call for some quick reactions - particularly in the fog! I spent a lot of my time plodding along there at 25 mph with class 9 freights for Burnden, Halliwell, Horwich works etc, but even on passenger trains it was still only 60 mph. It's a bit like watching it on fast-forward! Keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Things have changed a bit since I signed it in 2013 but you must have seen some amazing sights. The wires tend to go high over level crossings. The highest in Manchester are at Ardwick Station.

[@fionakierton1231]

Loving 'the knowledge' as you take us on this journey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Fiona.

[@keithjones9054]

Great video with great coms from our driver. It's a route I know very well from past experience, and not much has changed on it for many years apart from the early Manchester stuff. Working 86/87's locos from Preston onwards was a real challenge

[@doncoffey5820]

For containers, they must have been quite good though?

[@tomward3656]

What an excellent video. I very much like the running commentary the speed restrictions etc, etc Thank you don & our driver .apologies for not saying your name.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s Steve, he’s a great bloke.

[@warwickholden6332]

Eccles cakes are made from flaky pastry with currants in the middle, which is hollow. Chorley cakes are made from more 'solid' pastry, and have the currants added to the mix before baking. So the currants are spread throughout the cake.I agree - both are delicious with tea or coffee!

[@NotoriousREV]

Great video, thanks Don and Steve!

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure!

[@Delta-pantages]

What an interesting route. Thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aljonflavin6760]

Enjoyed, to drive and and give a commentary ,very good knowledge.

[@doncoffey5820]

Aye he’s not bad. Just kidding, Steve is very helpful and a very professional railwayman.

[@mikebutler3263]

Lovely ride, full of interest, thanks Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike.

[@rogerredding5269]

Love the video Don 😁 thanks for sharing .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Roger, much appreciated 👍

[@rodhard688]

Here in the US we have on PBS "The Great British Baking Show". Love it when they make the Holiday Sweet Treats of all kinds.

[@doncoffey5820]

Do you get Bake Off with Paul and Pru too?

[@AlexanderKenyon]

Good watch as always Don. Steve is a fantastic driver to work with, worked with him both on the East and now the WCML. Good knowledge too!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, he’s a great bloke. I get on famously with him.

[@PaddyWV]

I must be pulling some short straws! I've only been on Northern Services recently when heading to Manchester! 😮 (From Lancaster.) Thank you for capturing this.

[@doncoffey5820]

The 331s are good anyway but try a 397 when you get chance.

[@richardr8850]

Another top vid, Don, thanks for posting! And thanks to Steve for driving and commentary.

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure! Steve is a top bloke and very helpful.

[@30041946]

Excelent quality production Don. Well done. Roger

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated. That was actually Steve driving the 397, Roger drives the Class 60 in the next video. 👍

[@MG-COFFEE]

Thank you for the video I always wondered what I trained preparing to leave the depot thankss

[@charleysmith7565]

Brilliant video as usual Don, I've been as far as Oxenholme so to see it to Carlisle was really nice and will look to eventually travel to there If you think the bridge at 1:18:57 is lovely, you should have seen the Werneth tunnels at what was the Oldham Loop Line with Northern Rail and the first couple of years of the Oldham Metrolink line before it was rerouted through Westwood and Oldham Central, they are a remarkable feat of engineering and if you know the right street, you can still see one entrance that's gated up to stop trespassing.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll look it up on Google Earth Charley. Although many of these valuable artefacts were lost, luckily many survive and they’re protected these days.

[@jeffreyjohnson672]

Thank Don for another excellent video Christmas Day has arrived 😂😂x PS hope we going to get a few hours of your videos for Boxing Day

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m sure all you Christmas’s will come real soon. We’ve got much more planned.

[@tranmere292]

Thanks Don and Steve for terrific journey.

[@OliverTurnerMSc]

I bet a polorising lense filter would stop those reflections from appearing on the windscreen. Thanks for the video

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve tried and I got rainbow halos but maybe a better quality one would work.

[@peterbrackenbury]

Thanks again Don (and Steve) for another excellent and informative video. I think a couple of typos have crept in though Don, Tebay station closed in 1968 (not1948) and Scorton station closed in 1939 (not 1969).

[@doncoffey5820]

You could be right Peter, I’m sometimes sat at the computer very late but I tend to get my info off Wikipedia so if that’s wrong I will be.

[@alanpritchard3591]

Very good thanks

[@archiebald70]

Travelled on this route last week to Glasgow and back a week later. Very comfortable and quick

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked your journey 👍

[@jessicamorgan3073]

Thanks Don, Steve, and TPE for this fab video. Why wasn't that M6 motorway bridge not built to support two trains when designed?! 🤷‍♀️ Sorry I can't remember it's name.🤦‍♀️

[@doncoffey5820]

It probably was at one time Jess but if they find decay or anything of concern they do that until they can attend to it.

[@philipbolton2811]

It’s a pity some of the Northern drivers haven’t been trained by Steve regarding neutral sections. I regularly travel between Bolton and Manchester Airport on the 331’s and the effects of not doing what Steve advises are quite alarming if you’re sat under the pantograph.

[@doncoffey5820]

They go with a proper bang don’t they. Not all drivers do it.

[@davidbarber6268]

I can’t believe the difference in speed on the line now it’s electrified. I remember back in 2012 going from Picc to Horwich Parkway on the Pacer’s and it taking forever. I think they maxed out at 65mph. I can’t believe the route knowledge the drivers have. It seems on par with the London Black Cabbie

[@doncoffey5820]

75 it was David, I used to drive them and boy you knew you were doing it! It’s a good point about the cabbie knowledge because we have to maintain that level of detail for all of our routes.

[@GeorgeRose-y4j]

On leaving Preston station the caption stated that you hadn't yet passed any closed stations but I'm afraid that is an error. Between Leyland and Preston, immediately before the Farington curve, there existed Farington station which closed sometime around the middle of the last century. It was also the location of a vicious fight between locals and navvies at the time when the line was built.

[@doncoffey5820]

You are of course correct George but it isn’t on the map I was using. I’ve put a correction in the description.

[@suffolkpompey]

Well, one thing I have learnt from watching this is how to pronounce Euxton Jn, for years I have always thought it was the same as Euston in London.

[@doncoffey5820]

We aim to please! It is a tongue twister that one.

[@john1703]

With both and if you can see the cake underneath, there is not enough custard!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m 💯 with you on that John.

[@OKB1133]

What impressive knowledge of the line! (Unless he was reading from notes lol.)

[@doncoffey5820]

Considering he only recently signed it I agree.

[@davesmith7748]

I get the feeling Don is impressed by the 397.s.... Getting held by the red at the m6 (one train at a time) made me smile, all the other hundred odd year old original viaducts/bridges seemed fine.

[@doncoffey5820]

Aye you’re right about the viaducts. The 397s had reliability problems at first but they’re settling down to be cracking units.

[@ianinvancouverbc]

love that Castlefield viaduct over the city. Has the service to Wigan been affected by this route ?

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m not quite sure what you mean Ian. The service to Wigan is certainly quicker if it is routed via Bolton and the recently electrified route via Westhoughton. If that doesn’t answer your question, ask again in a new post, don’t reply to this because it doesn’t always tell me.

[@oldhand007]

Cheers Don, been a few years since I drove that line, Not changed much 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

I bet you saw some sights though 👍

[@janettetaylor8760]

Can't wait til the trains goes up from Manchester Glasgow and Edinburgh that be so ace I b going there to photography using these services...

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t tell you an exact date because Michael will film when he gets chance.

[@adamw1944]

A nice cab ride. Exciting route. Pity no insert with speedometer.

[@doncoffey5820]

One of the conditions of being able to film is that I don’t show it being driven so the best I can offer is the odd glimpse. I’m not sure what it adds anyway but I also don’t want to cram too much info in anyway.

[@Karaokeking2025]

The driver needs to say Fylde, not flied 😮😂

[@doncoffey5820]

He’d only recently signed it so he’s entitled to that one but there is a correction in the video description. Much appreciated.

[@AnthonyValentine-vm1yc]

Great vid Don & Steve's commentry was the iciing on the cake. Question please; How long are OHN sections?

[@doncoffey5820]

Good question! They are actually 155 feet long. There’s 100 ft run on. Then the actual neutral part is 15 ft consisting of 5ft ceramic bead, 5ft dead wire, another 5 ft of ceramic bead and 40 ft run off.

[@cameronhodgkins4897]

1:41:16 The blackbirds were too close to being hit by a northbound TransPennine Express 397.

[@doncoffey5820]

Some species are more commonly hit than others but those crows usually escape.

[@martinjh999]

Where's the depot for this one? Is it the one you pass going through Ardwick Station on the way to Guide Bridge and Stalybridge?

[@doncoffey5820]

No Longsight towards Stockport.

[@overhere1694]

Hi Don, thanks for this. A quick couple of questions, and apologies if they're somewhere else in the comments, but would this driver take this train back to Manchester after a short break, and that would be his /her working day done? Or would he/she go somewhere else from Carlisle? Also, would he/she typically drive trains on multiple routes? thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Most drivers sign off at the same place they book on but what happens in between varies. They can go to several locations within their shift. Drivers often sign several traction types and routes.

[@jeffreyjohnson672]

This evening is like two weeks before Christmas Eve 😂

[@doncoffey5820]

My kids used to love it.

[@neilburns8869]

I was just wondering how the drivers enjoy driving these new style of trains for TPE? It would be nice, if at all possible to actually hear from one of the experienced drivers themselves.

[@doncoffey5820]

I only sign 185s currently but I can tell you that the others all like signing them.

[@paulchapman1175]

to don coffey I enjoyed your driver eye view video please carry on making some more videos from paul chapman at London uk 🇬🇧 also can you please tell me what does ohms stands for

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Paul, OHNS stands for overhead Neutral Section.

[@thk184]

I still need help understanding the amount of memory learning needed. I can tell you where the speed limits change on my driving commute, but I've been doing it for years! I'm sure you've been asked this before and apologies if so, but how many routes would a typical passenger train driver have memorized?

[@doncoffey5820]

Good question. A driver’s route knowledge is extensive along with rules and traction knowledge so there’s a lot to remember. The way companies usually do it is to rank each route by complexity and then divide the routes into links so the driver is assured of maintaining their route knowledge. We also have comprehensive assessments every two years on rules and traction. There is a lot to remember but it’s surprising how much we absorb. Commentary driving like Steve did is a recognised method of maintaining knowledge.

[@Yorks_Transport]

Hey bro by any chance you go to York 😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Regularly. Have you looked through the collection?

[@johndavies4892]

As usual, a superb production, many thanks to Don and to Steve the driver for his very informative commentary.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it John.

[@johnshaw8013]

How come he went through a red light just before Preston?

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m not sure which you mean but I can assure you the train wouldn’t have moved if he had.

[@jasonlittlewood3874]

2 questions & a comment. Q1 - Have the 397's been cleared for multiple working yet, as there was an issue to do with pantograph performance when they were new. Q2 - Steve, Nova 1 (802/2) or Nova 2 (397) on this route?? And the comment:- No to Chorley/Eccles cakes, I'd rather have a "Fat Rascal"!!!!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m not sure about Q1 but I know that those units can cause booster overlap problems in certain locations. They can carry the current from one section to another while stood at a signal. Steve doesn’t sign 802s but Michael, our driver in part 2 does and he prefers the 802s because they’re a bit more complex I believe. I shall have to look up that morsel and report back!

[@doncoffey5820]

Well I’ve had a look at fat rascals and I want one!

[@amtrakharry]

Another Master Piece Don..The commentary by the Awesome , loved it.:):):) Just one little question please? Why don't they replace that bridge that two trains can't pass over at the same time ? Thank you Don, can't wait for the next instalment...:):):)

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to see you Harry. They’re just replacing anther motorway bridge to the north of Manchester that had a large proportion of the condemned reinforced aerated concrete in it and it has caused a lot of disruption and cost a huge amount of money. I suppose our bridge hasn’t yet met a cost benefit requirement but of course the alternatives will force their hand at some point.

[@jwoi]

Why can’t two trains pass on the M6 underbridge south of Penrith?

[@doncoffey5820]

There’s a weight limit on it.

[@number6854]

What is the driver's accent?

[@doncoffey5820]

Manchester proper!

[@MultiSparkyMarky]

What does OHNS mean?

[@doncoffey5820]

It stands for overhead neutral section. There is further information in the video but it’s a gap in the power supply that allows for more even distribution of the supply and to isolate it for emergencies and maintenance.

[@PODVOROTMAN]

what is the max speed of this train?

[@doncoffey5820]

110 mph but it has a design speed of 125 mph.

[@GordonShuffell]

Wouldn't it be better to let heavy goods trains to build up speed before a climb

[@doncoffey5820]

If there is enough time but even with a run they slow right down. You might get 25 if you’re lucky.

[@mikeryan959]

If “wrong-routed”, what doyou do?

[@doncoffey5820]

We’re supposed to stop and challenge it before the controlling signal. If we don’t, it’s considered a “wrong route taken” and a safety of the line event and goes on our record. We have to guard against it.

[@fionakierton1231]

There is a faster way to get to....😅😅👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s my dry sense of humour. The second helicopter gag was meant to be deleted 😳🙄

[@andrewtaylor6966]

I want to see good weather please

[@doncoffey5820]

Apart from a few spots as we leave the airport it turns out to be a lovely day. That can’t be said of Part 2 which continues to Glasgow. It was very mixed.

[@gerryfranklindriver]

cannot wait

[@doncoffey5820]

Not long now 👍

[@MrBubba59]

If they didn't use so many diesels on the freight trains there would be much better use of line capacity.

[@doncoffey5820]

That is true but you can’t have all electric trains without significant upgrade because the infrastructure can’t cope. It will get sorted in time.

[@ricwilki6254]

Custard!

[@doncoffey5820]

💯🥳

[@markgr1nyer]

Question is. Do you pronounce Tithe brook as "ti-the" or "tit-he" lol

[@doncoffey5820]

😂 good question!

[@Delta-pantages]

It's FYLDE not FLYDE

[@doncoffey5820]

No need to shout! 😉. Steve only signed the route in full the week before we filmed and I used to assess on it some years ago. Trust me, Steve will soon know that route like the back of his hand and from experience, I would have been more than happy with his route knowledge at that stage. I do appreciate you pointing it out though.