Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe and MIA

[@edwardhugus2772]

New viewer from Pennsylvania. For some reason I watch a lot of UK driver and train videos. I love looking at the countryside and seeing different trains. Thank you for all of the extra info you have given. People don't have to read it if they choose not to, but I read everything and find it very interesting. You, sir, did a great job and gained another subscriber.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very kind Edward, thanks to you too sir.

[@charlesshivoder2887]

Hello again Don from Pennsylvania. I really enjoyed this video in as much as it is a travelogue as well as a very fine train run movie. Your explanation of the signals, track routes, scenery, and historical info is very much appreciated. Your work is really the top of train video production. The Class 319 equipment still seems very peppy for its age. And I love the sound of the DC traction motors as they grind up to speed. Undoubtedly the exact same design that Frank Sprague used in his initial streetcar system in Richmond VA over 150 years ago. Wonderful stuff!! Many thanks again. CAS

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Charles. I get a bit worried about the captions because I tend to add the things that interest me in the hope it interests everyone else. Feedback like this is something of a relief and much appreciated.

[@farric1]

The Lovell telescope dish rotates on repurposed bearings which were formerly used as supports for WW1 battleship gun turrets. It was a considerable cost saving being able to buy these from scrapped ships rather than have to manufacture from scratch.

[@doncoffey5820]

Quite a lot of info has come back on the running gear Craig. Thanks for the feedback - very interesting.

[@farric1]

@@doncoffey5820 Apparently they were sourced from HMS Royal Sovereign and HMS Revenge...www.jb.man.ac.uk/history/mk1.html

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Craig.

[@mrbluesky2050]

Another great Video Don, nice out and back on a lovely day. Couple of points, Chelford used to be the home base of 'James Irlam & Sons' a well known transport and logistic company, also know as the thinking man's Eddie Stobart And Dane viaduct sticks in my mind, where, on a cold January morning I de-panned a 305 unit in snow and wind, hell of a bang and about a mile of torn down 'knitting' ! the balance weights are still down in the valley somewhere....

[@doncoffey5820]

I nearly mentioned Irlams Richard but I wasn’t sure how many would relate to it. Their fleet was immaculate and I seem to remember they had a close working relationship with Stobarts. I knew Edward (son of Eddie) quite well but he unfortunately died at an early age. Regarding the weights, fancy having one of those as an ornament in the back garden. I’d call it a “Timms Weight”!

[@rydermike33]

Very interesting and informative video,as always. The good old 319's can still gallop along can't they! Your comments about the railway regs brought back memories. As a Signaller, many moons ago, I would have unannounced visits from the Inspector, to go through the Rule Book! Great times. Thanks again Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories. I make it my business to spend time with the signallers and some have become good friends. We share the same lift in Piccadilly Tower when they are off for their rules exam!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mike. I have several signaller friends and appreciate v dry much what they do. Glad it brought back memories for you.

[@robsrailvids8170]

I used to live in Cheadle Hume & my dad used to take me to the station alot. Used to love it. Fantastic video. Thankyou.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories Rob.

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

We travelled up from Cheltenham Spa via Birmingham New Street to Crewe then onto the MIA train - It was early morning some 10 years ago and I remember we were the only passengers on that train - spooky, but a brilliant ride right into the Airport Terminal, enroute to Margarita Island in the Caribbean.

[@doncoffey5820]

I think it is probably the best route to the airport now as cars are being alienated.

[@doctorleitz4795]

Hello Don Thanks for your superb efforts with all of your work. Like most here, I guess, I watch lots of cab ride material but your videos are truly of exceptional quality, and most informative too. The icing on the cake for me is that I grew up in the North West and rode many of these routes before moving away some 40 years ago. Please keep up the great work; one of life’s pleasures is watching these magnificent videos. Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m glad you enjoyed them. More soon!

[@soundseeker63]

Superb quality! The greenery is looking very lush.....like it could do with a bit of a trim in some places! I wish we'd had this kind of recording technology back when the 304s and 81-86 locos ruled this line. They must have seemed shockingly radical and modern next to the steam locos they replaced.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I guess we have to start somewhere and who knows, these videos might provide library records for today’s routes.

[@georgeronn1263]

Another awesome video Don. I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thank you for the extensive narration. It answers so many question I would end up asking here in the comment section.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks George. A lot of the comments are based on common questions so it sounds like I’m getting it right. Much appreciated mate.

[@nodularprurigo]

A wonderfully informative and entertaining video. One of your best yet. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Rebecca, much appreciated.

[@stevejackson327]

Once again, many thanks for bringing me memoirs of the areas I used to call home. There is so much beauty in Cheshire. Thanks Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoy them Steve. Cheshire really looks nice under blue skies.

[@Thursdaym2]

Thanks Don, lovely with good memories. Leaving the cutting at Edgeley junction is where we used to trainspot back in the early fifties. It was on the workers track leading to the Edgeley sheds. Earlier in the cutting, the green top building on the left is ( or was ) the Armoury on Castle Street.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one Butch. I’ve got similar memories from New Mills but it was nowhere near as busy. It always seemed to be sunny as well.

[@anthonychallis2472]

Another great ride with lots of info, I didn’t realise that the pantographs had air pressure in the carbon strip as a safety feature. As soon as you pulled out of Manchester Victoria I noticed the traction motor sound, I remember that sound from the days I used to travel from Waterloo to Farnborough on the BR Southern blue and grey slam door EMU’s (I think 4VEP) in the early 70’s. I also travelled on one of the 319 units when they were brand new from Kings Cross Thameslink to Brighton. Thanks again for an entertaining hour and half.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the interesting comment Anthony and thanks for being a regular viewer.

[@MrOldways]

It amazes me just how many people waiting on platforms are looking down at their little screens.

[@doncoffey5820]

I know Steve. Sometimes I shake my head and others I realise I’m one of them 🙄😉

[@jimkerr9429]

Thank you Don (and your driver of course) for yet another great video. I liked the great amount of information, railway based and otherwise. The hour and a half or so just flew by !

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jim. It takes a day to get the footage and then quite a number of hours to then edit it so it pleases me that you appreciate that.

[@jameswillson7635]

You have done it again, another amazing video. Loved the part about Jodrell Bank, never been to see it. Well done Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks James, glad you enjoyed it.

[@neilcrawford8303]

I did attempt this service a couple of Saturday's ago from Crewe to Lime Street via Manchester Airport. The guard did warn me that it wasn't the quickest journey to Liverpool. Sadly the service was terminated at Piccadilly due to no staff for the crew change at Oxford Road. Thanks for the video. I'm new to the region having previously lived on the Surrey-SW London boarders, so it's all new to me.

[@doncoffey5820]

There is a horrendous shortage of drivers and conductors at the moment. Sorry you were turfed off prematurely.

[@neilcrawford8303]

@@doncoffey5820 Thanks. I think there had been operational problems that day around Wigan which had also thrown a spanner in the works. It gave me chance to have a quick look around Piccadilly station. I got an East Midlands service on to Lime Street. A friend of mine applied to be a driver for a freight company. No wonder they struggle for staff, the recruitment system doesn't help. Some bazaar questions, plus some that only people with some railway knowledge may know. I don't think it helps with staff recruitment.

[@satenderanita]

Hi dear Don Coffey, Watching this video was mesmerizing and what to talk of various interesting details given through captions related to the specific areas from which the training was passing. Absolutely fantastic.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very kind. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@peterbuhler1202]

Thanks very much Don, brilliant as usual, love the information which accompanies the great videos. Sunday here and I saved this for my mid morning cuppa, regards pete

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Pete. Your Sunday sounds idyllic to me!

[@muzingwenya64]

I honestly love the fact that you doing this for passion. It really inspires me

[@doncoffey5820]

Good, I’m glad you enjoy them. Best wishes.

[@philipalldred5038]

Well done Don another great video to watch and learn, it was nice to see a photo of the country retreat in its spender of white and black. keep up the good work enjoying the videos

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Phillip and thanks for your regular feedback. Glad you like my little “spot” in the country! Well not quite but my house is black and white 😉

[@mikec7108]

An excellent video. A joy to watch. Thank you !

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mike.

[@followthetrawler]

Another fabulous and informative video. thanks for all the snippets of information you add.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Stuart, much appreciated.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another brilliant video! I really enjoyed watching. I didn't know there were so many viaducts in the Cheshire area South of Manchester.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Henry.

[@Melalmighty]

Another very good and informative video. Thank you for sharing with us Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mel. Much appreciated.

[@mikeclayton4439]

Excellent video again Mr Coffey with some lovely scenery to boot,especially liked the lovell telescope first time I have really seen it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike.

[@mikeclayton4439]

@@doncoffey5820 when is the next video coming out don?

[@raysmith114]

Very nice, Don and excellently captioned - much appreciated. Keep them coming!

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do Ray.

[@simonrichardson5077]

I love your videos Don,great work,thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Simon. I’m working on the next one.

[@TGSUK_Productions]

Was looking forward to this video as I love the 319s like your channel too, watched everyone and its enjoyable thanks again for bringing another smile to my face

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m pleased you liked it. Hopefully the next one will be worth waiting for.

[@TGSUK_Productions]

@@doncoffey5820 oh I can't wait to see, hopefully I may see around in the North West in Manchester

[@andrewr2825]

Thanks for the posting of this and other videos Don. Living here in Australia it’s interesting to see other railway systems compared to ours - the similarities and the differences. The narrative is extra good!👍🏻

[@doncoffey5820]

I can see from the analytics that more and more watchers are from Australia which is really satisfying from my point of view - thank you.

[@rhythmace1]

Thanks for this, I grew up in Goostrey (with a view of the distant Lovell dish and railway line from my bedroom window) and my parents remained there until the end of their lives, so from childhood trips to go trainspotting on Crewe Station, to teenage record shopping expeditions in Manchester, to years of arriving from Bristol via Crewe to visit my parents, you could say this video is a real trip down memory *line*! (I'll get my coat). I really appreciated the extra facts, too, they're a nice addition and I learned some things I never knew about the line and area, some of which I have wondered about in the past. I just wish I could have shown this to my Dad, he would have enjoyed it. Did you know the grassy lumps on the left at Twemlow shortly after departing Goostrey towards Crewe was a significant aviation fuel storage and distribution depot in the 50s? The long flat field on the right held sidings for up to 4 trains of tankers with 2 resident shunters, apparently. They used it again for storing equipment needed for the conversion to bi-directional running in the 2000s. One other thing, I recently saw that an apparently original mid-century Goostrey station sign, in the style of the "best kept station" award plaques shown here, has been spotted hanging on the wall of an Ohio diner!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories aramando and thanks for the extra info. I hardly knew my dad so its nice to hear about a close relationship.

[@johnackerley6553]

Did you notice the bases of the overhead masts as you pass over Sandbach Flashes? They are supported on solid concrete blocks and metalwork which allow them to be adjusted in the event of future subsidence.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not specifically John but I know that applies to the Chat Moss line. Thanks for the feedback.

[@amtrakharry]

That was excellent Don !!! Getting me all pumped up for my trip tomorrow from Toronto, ON to Halifax NS On Via Rail... Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)

[@doncoffey5820]

That sounds like a trip I’d enjoy too Harry. Have a good time buddy.

[@amtrakharry]

@@doncoffey5820 I will !!! :):):)

[@amtrakharry]

@@doncoffey5820 Hi Don . The trip was great! The train was 20 cars long with two engines... A nice little trip if you leave on Friday and you are back on Monday...

[@mickd6942]

Remember going to crew from picadilly as a teanager coming back past jodrel bank in the dark hauled by a class 86 that was going so fast it seemed like it was trying to take off , enjoyed this video thank you .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mick. Class 86s are quite capable of hauling heavy freight trains so a rake of coaches are a piece of cake!

[@tonylancaster8704]

Did this route on Monday of this week and noticed that at Handforth the station name was done on various styles of singage from all over the country including in Irish and Scotish'

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes they do very well there and get lots of awards for best kept station.

[@davestrains]

love the videos Don !! brilliant all the best,dave

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Dave.

[@anmolmehta7116]

A perfect day in England for a cabride with the sun out. I suppose we were lucky with the weather. Thanks for entertaining us with all the details while enjoying the countryside at the same time Don. Can't wait for your next video. ☺☺☺☺☺

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Anmol, glad you enjoyed it.

[@LokiAvivson]

love the class 319s as they used to operate in the south with thameslink until 2015-2017. my favourite brel mk3-derived unit

[@doncoffey5820]

There’s something classic about them, I agree Loki.

[@jerrydowse5061]

Many thanks Don,another enjoyable romp around the Cheshire,now if only you could replicate the sunny day 👍🏻😻.best wishes.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Jerry. I recorded the much requested Calder Valley route the day before I left work for my annual leave and it was horrendous then!

[@planemanship1216]

Hi Don. New subscriber. These videos are excellently produced, informative and strangely additive. Cheers!

[@doncoffey5820]

.....and each time you watch one you donate to charity. I give 100% of the earnings from it to charity.

[@planemanship1216]

Don Coffey Oh good man.

[@mikep4821]

Still catching up Don having found your channel. I used to love the non-stop Stockport to Crewe leg of the Scot-hauled Pines Express in the early 60s. And yes the Cheshire countryside round there is superb.

[@doncoffey5820]

All those Cheshire routes are picturesque in my opinion Mike. Its just rolling English countryside. Glad you’ve found us, more coming soon. East Riding and the Yorkshire Wolds on Saturday.

[@janetturner7489]

I grew up Gatley. Whilst there I learnt that the line from Gatley up to just past Mauldeth Road ran due north, between the North Pole and the Magnetic North pole.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting Janet, thanks.

[@noelroberts8199]

Excellent video as usual.........

[@tonyp011]

Crewe's platform 1 is a bit like Shrewsbury stations platform 1 with the brick wall on the left hand side of the train and a bit tight between the wall and platform, but the difference between the 2 if I remember correctly Shrewsbury's has another track on the other side of the wall for the freight trains to pass through the station when all the main platforms are in use and have trains standing at them

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Anthony, they could well have had the same designer. Lovely isn’t it?

[@highwindsclarke2685]

Great video, nice scenery.

[@glenaetitmus2106]

Hi Don, Great video again, with suberb mid-spring weather conditions. The Lovall telescope sits upon three concentric sets of rails the largest being 107m in diameter, (the railway turntable theory is somewhat fanciful). Bi-directional working - I was still a secondman at Old Oak Common (1977) when it was installed between Didcot and Bristol Parkway / Bath ready for the introduction of the HST's and 125 linespeeds; I also had the privilage of being rostered during trials of the prototype and the series version. All the best from Brittany

[@doncoffey5820]

Interesting feedback Glen, thanks. I agree that the turntable story is a little bit far fetched but stranger things happened in those days. Interesting about your time at OOC too. I had a little experience of the line when Class 50s were coming to the end of there life.

[@glenaetitmus2106]

@@doncoffey5820 I also worked on the 'Hoovers' and the class 52's until their demise in 1978; I remember arriving at Birmingham New Str (ex-Paddington via Oxford working) whereupon we were litterally mobbed...! Those were the days! Take care

[@edwardbarnes2702]

Another great video Don! Especially on a very cool, Very wet day down here in Kent, cheered me up no end, like the ‘mini’ recruitment drive!🤓

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Edward.

[@noyonb1483]

Well that’s made my day! Always great to see another of Dons brilliant videos! 😀 The countdown begins.

[@doncoffey5820]

Is Noyon your name or your location? I used to go to Noyon in France with my work when I was on the motor industry.

[@noyonb1483]

Hey Don. Neither I’m afraid. It’s a name I borrowed from a friend many years ago and is primarily used as a Dungeons & Dragons character name. I worked in IT for many years and got out of the habit of using my real name on line. I’m an Alan in the real world. Missed most of the premiere but will look forward to watching when family/work time allows. As always a big thank you for the time and effort you put into the videos which are informative and entertaining. A difficult trick to pull off. Cheers and keep up the great work! 👍😃

[@manmeetsinghmahajan6183]

Very nice Sir.I eagerly wait for your videos.Awesome.All the Best.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks. More soon.

[@gb5uq]

Fantastic video Don many thanks as always.

[@amsmith123]

Ditto.

[@blob7282]

I took a TPE train to Piccadilly today, and I got a free upgrade to first class from a friend called Alex Berry who works there, very pleasant experience!

[@doncoffey5820]

You can pay me instead! Glad you enjoyed the video and the ride.

[@blob7282]

@@doncoffey5820 just a question, how come you drive northern and transpennine express trains?

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Another excellent film! Bravo!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Steven.

[@hamshackleton]

The 'Edge' at Alderley Edge is a rock outcrop which was home to copper and lead mines in Roman, and possibly pre-Roman times. Another 'tuber, Martin Zero, made a film in the mines a week or two ago!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, a saw the video Martin did. Excellent as always.

[@andrewganley9016]

Another quality production Mr C! you are so lucky to have these classic BR built units while we 'down sarf' are lumbered with the utterly rancid Class 700s!

[@doncoffey5820]

My guess is Andrew that the people of Manchester would swap with you 😉

[@frankdent6397]

Yet another enjoyable ride Don. My cousin was a porter at Cheadle Hume years ago. A little on the portly side he was known to the kids as "the Fat Controller". Cheers!

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one Frank.

[@colinsmith6611]

As usual a great watch. I was under the impression that the 319's were underpowered but this video blows that one right out of the water.

[@doncoffey5820]

They don’t go anything like a 323 but let’s say they are adequate. They do struggle in leaf fall because they don’t have a lot of driving wheels. Only one car is powered.

[@colinsmith6611]

@@doncoffey5820 The last point you make is what gave me the impression of lack of power, especially as they are 4 car.

[@davidgolbert3548]

Don; slowly working my way through your past postings and finding them enjoyable and informative as usual. A word about the quick succession of beeps indicating the "Drivers Vigilance Device". I thought that that was what it was and your comment confirmed it. In ancient days, before all the modern electronics, in the US there was a pedal on the floor that the engineer (driver) had to keep depressed with his foot or the brakes would be applied; it was charmingly called a "dead mans switch". Also, a note about the black birds diving on the train. There is a bird, the Mississippi River Kite that nests and breeds here in the Texas Panhandle during the summer, only its targets are humans that venture too closely to the nest. There are reported instances of birds removing caps and hats. Anyone interested can look up " Mississippi River Kite" on u tube. Well, thats all and thanks for the postings.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David. All of the trains in these videos still have a “Dead Mans Pedal” or Drivers Safety Device to give it the correct name. It serves the dual purpose of acknowledging the vigilance device and stopping the train if the driver releases pressure from it.

[@schwarzalben88]

I spent many hour on Crewe Station in the late 70’s when I was at college in North Wales making connections. That was before they reduced the number of platforms and resignalled it. As I remember it the line via Sandbach used to be a bit “bouncy” at speed. ( incidentally the CLC had its own station in Sandbach at one point, basically the end of a branch line)

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s interesting, thank you.

[@rhythmace1]

You know what, now that you mention it I seem to recall from the 90s that the line between Crewe and Sandbach was a bit bouncy! It was exacerbated by the old local trains' sprung seats! I then seem to recall a period of slow running through that section, which would be consistent with an uneven track. Perhaps all due to the subsidence caused by salt/brine extraction mentioned in the video.

[@martinmarsola6477]

Another fine video today, the next time I fly to the UK, will probably use Manchester A/P instead of Heathrow. London is too busy. I have friends in Chesterfield. Thanks for the tour today, Don. Cheers mate!

[@doncoffey5820]

On my doorstep Martin. Let me know if you come and I will try to come and say hello.

[@timstephenson4520]

Don another great video, ideal viewing on a very wet night in Weardale.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m in Florida Tim and it’s unusually changeable here. More videos when I get back.

[@timstephenson4520]

@@doncoffey5820 we were in Miami in Feb and it was changeable but so hot

[@Shadow78UK]

I live between both Mauldeth Road and Levenshulme stations and I've always wanted to see the drivers point of view of the Styal line through to Wilmslow, about to watch it now.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s a very busy line now. Thanks for watching.

[@johnhardman3]

Some of the track in the Sandbach area (between Sandbach and Crewe) was originally in a cutting but salt-mining caused so much subsidence that the lines are now on an embankment that was supported by giant concrete pipes when I last passed over it nearly 40 years ago. There were also speed-restrictions for miles (and miles). All the subsidence trouble must have been remedied way back by the look of it now on thus video.

[@doncoffey5820]

The early engineers were very resourceful but truthfully I’m not sure at what stage they cured the subsidence. It provides quite a scenic ride these days.

[@pantographproductions1888]

Splendid video, love these driver eye view shots!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoy them.

[@rogerhunt3864]

Thank you Don. This is my local area and I have travelled from Sandbach station numerous times e.g. to Crewe, Manchester and the airport so to see it from the cab is fascinating. On a recent visit to Jodrell Bank our guide clearly stated that the large telescope is mounted on an old turntable. The land belonged to Manchester University Botany Department I believe and the university granted Bernard Lovell the use of the site following great persistence from him. If the line from Sandbach to Northwich is ever re-opened (and the Mid-Cheshire Rail Group are working hard at the task) please try to film a cab ride along it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Roger. We’ve not been able to confirm this turntable theory although one correspondent stated that it categorically was not.

[@markcf83]

I remember travelling on those Class 319 units from not long after their introduction to service on the Thameslink route. Very reliable trains. That Cross Country service must have left Piccadilly at around the same time as you did.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes the XC service scoots along where we stop all over the place.

[@MrAuriga67]

Another brilliant and informative video Don. Caption speed is perfect ! Bonus, you got a green at Slade Lane coming off the Style Line, I always find I get held there more times than not.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I often get held there. If the pendo is anywhere this side of Kidsgrove, you’ve no chance 😉

[@VMCAviationVideos]

Another great Video, Don. I can't get enough of them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them. More soon.

[@justincrawford7508]

Thanks for the video, miss driving these old girls and there little quirks. Totally forgot about the SSR relay clicking at 9 mph. TrainfX was really hit and miss on TL glad to see it works now.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Justin. Glad it brought back memories for you. I take it you hauled commuters around the capital?

[@justincrawford7508]

@@doncoffey5820 yes i did, TL driver who learnt to drive on 319's driving them all the way to brighton, kent and london 👍. Great units.

[@doncoffey5820]

319s are as busy as ever up here!

[@mattstrains6133]

Love the video great footage and great to learn something new about the 319

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Matt.

[@rhythmace1]

For me that would be the fact they were being used in the North West at all! I remember reading about the new Thameslink trains in Motive Power Monthly when I was a kid in Goostrey, I wish I could tell my childhood self that they'd start using them on our line 30 years later!

[@peckelhaze6934]

Great video. Most enjoyable.

[@chrisb903]

Very interesting and informative stuff about part of the network which I don't know living in the south. Not familiar with classification either but these 319s look like the ones that Thameslink/FCC used to use on the Brighton to Bedford route which it was my grave misfortune to have to travel for work on more occasions than I liked from Three Bridges in West Sussex through London to Bedford and back. This maybe confirmed by the note at 7.20 as they used to use 3rd rail power pick up on Southern routes up to Farringdon in London where they switched to overhead power to Bedford. As a passenger they were appallingly uncomfortable badly ventilated relics to travel on particularly when full and I'm amazed they're still being used. I hope they're more interesting and comfortable for you to drive.

[@doncoffey5820]

They came up here as “new” Chris, however, they will now get replaced by cascaded Class 323s which are more modern.

[@iantaf5559]

Another one enjoyed, Don!! I am sure that I read somewhere that the Lovell Telescope rotate on wheels donated from ex GWR Castle Class locos...

[@doncoffey5820]

Oh blimey, that’s another one that needs validating Ian! Hope all is well with you.

[@2H80vids]

Heaton Chapel station is a bit of an oddball design. I had a look on Flickr and there's not two bits of it that point the same way. For once, not BR's fault either. I'd love to find a decent shot of the place in it's heyday. Interesting, looking at RTT, there are some pass. trains that use Plat.3 at Sandbach. Running into Crewe station, you seem to have very limited options from the Manchester lines, do I not remember running into bay platforms, much farther to the right, probably early 1980s? Another thing I noticed, some *very* lightweight OHLE gantries, on the way back from the airport. Shame that these aren't used more often. Another interesting journey Don, Thanks for taking us with you; the view is *so* much better from the cab.👌 Cheers for now, Dougie.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Dougie. I’m a relative newcomer to that route and don’t remember it any other way other than vague memories from train spotting days years ago. The overhead structures have gone very lightweight now and a good video to view them is the Chat Moss video.

[@kilmog44]

Thanks Don....another great video...I'm enjoying my Geography and History again.....especially sitting here in a comfy chair in NZ

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Hi Don. Hope your ok 👍🏻 Great video again. What do you think of the 319s? I think there a fantastic EMU 😄 I worked at Timperly station im the 70s as boy working the platform. I got friendly with some of the drivers and they let me drive the class 304 EMUs on this line and tried to get me to become a traction trainee..... 😁 Unfortunately I left the railway industry as the line was closing to become the metro link.......☹️ I’m so sorry didn’t stay as I could of met up with yourself maybe Don lol 😆 My eldest daughter is a BTP officer working the north west out of victory station. You may see her one day and her name is Jenny Atherton. Keep these great videos coming as there really interesting. I drive a mobile medical lorry now 😩 Thanks Stevie.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the comments Stevie. It’s probably inevitable that truck and train drivers cross paths because many truck and bus drivers are now train drivers. I served my time as a mechanic at H Crabtree Ltd in New Mills. It’s a pity you didn’t take that job because I think you would have enjoyed it. If you find yourself at Piccadilly or Victoria or the airport, be sure to say hello if you see me there - I’m often about. I may have had a discussion with Jenny about an incident a couple of years ago. I definitely seem to recognise the name.

[@Tiffy552]

Thanks Don for another great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Tony.

[@m3hnl]

top class vid mr coffey many many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks James.

[@johnestowell]

Terrific trip, not many passengers boarding on the way to Crewe. Am I too old at 75 to be a driver...lol Hi from Aussieland. Great commentary's on all videos Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Young at heart John and I’m not that far behind you. I could retire now but I’m enjoying playing 1:1 scale trains! Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@bethdoughty114]

Am very familiar with platform 14, as my route home after visiting family in England is Bournemouth toManchester Piccadilly then Manchester Piccadilly (platform 14) to Motherwell, Scotland. Last trip was March 2019.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats it Beth. Was that on a new Class 397 or the outgoing Class 350s?

[@bethdoughty114]

@@doncoffey5820 The platform is usually so crowded that you can barely see the train, let alone what type it is! Lol!

[@bobfromhull]

Another blockbuster Don. I thought 'velocity smoothing' towards red signals was to save power and avoid a zero start. Never thought about passenger perception. Customers are very binary, Moving = OK. Stopped = Not OK. There's a lesson there for all of us in customer facing jobs

[@doncoffey5820]

Its generally considered more professional to avoid “chasing red signals”. Hang back, avoid the risk of passing the signals danger and keep everybody inside happy too!

[@nickolaslewis1970]

i like your series. they are very informative!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Nikolas, much appreciated.

[@derrickjones8149]

Most excellent, Don! Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Derrick.

[@amsmith123]

At the 40:00 mark in Northwich station you see an orange DB(German Railway) engine pulling a goods train, why are UK Railways using German stock?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I suppose it looks odd to you Anthony. The UK railway system is let out to several franchises and that particular freight company is owned by the German State Railway - Deutsche Bahn or “DB”. The loco and wagons are displaying the corporate livery.

[@markemarkpsv1]

That made me chuckle inside when I read "provisions for weather" does this include training for how to get those scary, treacherous and train stopping "leaves on the line" Cleared up? Bring back the EMU AM4's, doesn't seem right anything else going through Handforth and Wilmslow. Apart from the DMU's that ran through, just on Sundays though. 👍😎👍 m-E-m

[@doncoffey5820]

The media mocks weather related problems on the railway. I’d like to get one in the front when sliding towards a junction.

[@ianr]

Another excellent video. Thanks Don. 🙂👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ian.

[@theBusManiac]

I wish the microphone could be placed in the motor coach. The noise of these units at speed is immense. Great factual video and a pleasure to watch anyway =)

[@doncoffey5820]

If I film another video from a 319, I’ll try to remember to record a clip.

[@ukrailspotter21]

Great video Don. I do love the Northern 319s and he returns via the airport go to Liverpool Lime Street (all stations).

[@塩島聖一]

This is a quite interesting contents for me, especially site-view of way, british country-side.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, we get lots of rain so the countryside is often very green. Thanks for watching.

[@pepperboys9572]

Great Video - Re: Joddrell Bank - I believe the rails it sits on were old WW1 Battleship gun rails. The bogies are massive!

[@doncoffey5820]

There have been many comments on what the rails are but I think that is the first about gun rails. Thanks for commenting.

[@yewenyi]

My wife has a great (not sure how many) grandfather who worked at crew as a foreman for iron puddling to make the plates that rails sit on. He got a patent for a two metal track. We have the text but none of the images.

[@doncoffey5820]

Excellent. That’s a real contribution to history.

[@cliffordhurst2564]

Re the radio telescope. It does not turn on an old turntable, it is much too big to fit, but it does turn on old railway track specially laid for the purpose.

[@doncoffey5820]

I looked into this Clifford. A fella that worked there says it absolutely does not despite how it looks but I’m not the expert.

[@davidfarrow44]

Cracking video with great captions well done

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David.

[@davidcowie2462]

I appreciate the need for security. Thanks for your reply

[@kennethainsworth1716]

The circular double rails on which the Jodrell Bank telescope rotates horizontally were specially manufactured with accuracy in mind.

[@doncoffey5820]

That makes perfect sense but I can see how the rumour might have started as it was built in the day of “make do and mend”. It does use gun turret runners from battleships in some of the mechanism.

[@kennethainsworth1716]

@@doncoffey5820 - Hi Don. Good job is was just a rumour, in all my travels I have never seen a 230-foot diameter railway turntable. That would be some size locomotive or piece of rolling-stock. Really enjoy your videos, keep them coming.

[@phwbooth]

Excellent, Don. Thanks again. I hesitate to make a suggestion, but it might help newcomers if there were a caption explaining how the fast/slow lines configuration changes south of Slade Lane junction.

[@doncoffey5820]

Not a problem Paul but I try not to repeat the same info in every video and that info is covered in other videos. If you go back through some of the older ones I’m sure you’ll come across it. Please keep feeding back though because it helps with future videos.

[@no1iznedog]

It’s not the case that the Lovell Telescope rests on a railway turntable. It’s too big and heavy for that. It weighs over 3000 tons and it rotates on two circular “railway tracks”, the diameters of which are over 100 metres. Jodrell Bank is well worth a visit and it’s a great sight if you are lucky enough to see the telescope move.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Joe. Each comment on the subject completes a bit more of the story. Much appreciated.

[@christopherthompson2078]

Excellent. Travel that route many times x

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Chris.

[@stevehallam0850]

Another excellent video, full of interesting info as always! Thanks Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Steve.

[@BevMattocks]

"Tea and biscuits with his manager" if he drives too fast towards the buffers - made me giggle! On another video you said something like "find himself getting better acquainted with his manager"!

[@doncoffey5820]

I had a manager once from Perth in Scotland. A great bloke and a good mate now but his catch phrase was “can I have a wee word?”. Uh - oh, somebody is in bother!!!