St Pancras to Derby - 125 mph!

[@stephy_j3156]

I am an American and I absolutely love these videos. It is like a little vacation, to the UK, on my computer. Keep up the great work!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Stephy. More vids coming soon. Proceeds go to charity 👍

[@Peter9530]

This video is superb. The video is very informative and it give so much quality, that you stop the video every now and then to show what you have been explaining to the viewers. Thank you for taking you time to show this from your job and to take your time to explain the things during the ride.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the feedback Peter, much appreciated.

[@Texanator1987]

You’ve set the standard for these kinds of videos. I may live 5 time zones away but the clarity of the image and sound with accompanying commentary puts me right in the moment. And I don’t even have to shell out the £100 for the ride!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jeff. I’m fussy about such things and it’s taken a lot of experimenting to get here. The bottom line is that most cameras and memory cards won’t handle the motion after about 70 of 80 mph so everything has to be top notch to get a standard I’m happy with so it’s nice to get feedback of this kind.

[@modtwentyeight]

From the other side of the pond - This is amazing and informative. I love the captions: Where you are, how many miles out, speeds and most informative the explanation of the signal and whistle rules. And a history lesson also. Thank you!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated. They’ve evolved into magazine type publications that cover all sorts of subjects.

[@theBusManiac]

TV style quality video. Professional informative and interesting captions. No in your face “look at Me” presenter reminding us to subscribe/like constantly . Proceeds to charity. Don, you should get KZbinr of the year! Best video I have seen this year and hope you enjoyed your break from Manchester!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m flattered James thanks. I try to make each video into a kind of magazine for anyone with the remotest interest to true enthusiasts. The revenue to charity is the cherry on top. I’m delighted that you enjoy them.

[@theBusManiac]

Don Coffey which charity may I ask?

[@doncoffey5820]

I donate to a different one every time. I don’t do the videos for money but since Google (who own KZbin) offer money for advertising, I take the money and donate every single penny of it to charity. I recently rescued a homeless person from a tunnel so will give the next donation to the homeless.

[@waynecopple385]

This is great video. I am a fan of high speed passenger rail, being in the middle of the United States I have to be satisfied by watching it elsewhere. I have been to the UK several times but I have never traveled on this route. Your commentary is especially informative for us foreigners. I'm looking forward to visiting the UK again, someday. Take care and stay safe.

[@doncoffey5820]

Watch out for the next video Wayne. We go north from York to Newcastle on one of our brand new Class 802s at mostly 125mph.

[@pauleyd80]

Love your comment about the HST, “Queen of the rails”. Couldn’t agree more.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

A fascinating film. Aside from the superb footage I greatly enjoyed the captions detailing the lineside equipment and features. Really well put together and a joy to watch.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated. I love your logo.

[@philball7779]

Have just discovered these videos - very relaxing during the "lockdown"

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@MsDenboy]

Got to be one of the best cab rides I've watched. Very enjoyable and informative. Thanks Don. Keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@adamgreenslade1293]

Brilliant video! It’s so fascinating to see the driver’s view of this line that I’ve travelled up and down from Sheffield to London many times. The accompanying text you provide gives a great insight into the route and helps me appreciate the work of thh drivers, one of whom is relative (of sorts) of mine.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Adam.

[@mikelipinski4823]

Hi, Don. I watch your videos in Canada and I'm always amazed at European trains. They are so quiet and efficient, and so incredibly fast! I think if I have enough money, someday, I'd like to come to England and buy a private coach and attach it any train that would take me, and I would just travel from place to place, meeting people in different communities, and generally having a great time! Well, dream on I guess!

[@TERRYBYPASS106]

Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant.Without a doubt the best train video on KZbin. The descriptions as you go along are fascinating and really add to the journey. Many Thanks.Do you have any more of the same type?

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Terry. There’s a whole series of them on my KZbin Channel; kzbin.info/door/8LH7xMAyCSqpClAvTHwJRw

[@TERRYBYPASS106]

@@doncoffey5820 Many Thanks

[@fezachary4519]

A really excellent video. one of the best I have seen. great camera work with lots of information on the way. This maker of the video knows what he is doing and about trains. Thanks very much

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very kind, thank you.

[@ralphdadge302]

Enjoyed this cab ride, Thank you Don & EMR for making it possible, it's good to see a view of the line a normal passenger doesn't get.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ralph, I’ll make sure my mate knows.

[@John2Ward]

Don Coffey raises the bar again! This is extremely well done (okay, apart from the spelling mistakes!) and top-notch quality as well. Definitely one of my favourite driver's-eye view uploaders - and I am a great fan of the likes of fourfoot and OldSkidmark, so my standards are high!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John and much appreciated. My spelling isn’t brilliant because I missed so much school (working class upbringing) and I’m slightly dyslexic. In some ways, I’m surprised you can read it at all but it’s free to view and the footage itself is where I’m satisfied. More soon John.

[@aeoliankid1]

Great train video! No annoying panning and zooming, just fine camera work. The comments and location names add greatly to this footage, keep up the good work! Cheerio from the USA!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it. If you visit my community page you’ll find updates on new videos.

[@jimcrawford5039]

Yes, a brilliant video in every way! Australia.

[@limeyfox]

Really excellent video! Thank you for sharing your many cab adventures with us.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ianhjan]

An hour and a half of pure entertainment Don, so informative. I saved it for Saturday night to watch it through in one go.

[@doncoffey5820]

A proper Saturday night blockbuster 😉

[@ianhjan]

@@doncoffey5820 Better than the what's on the telly!

[@spammerwhammer5526]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. As a young man I commuted to St Pancras and walked to St Pancras Hospital to my first job. Later in life I lived and worked in the East Midlands area so this all brought back many memories. Thanks!

[@doncoffey5820]

I pleased that it brought back memories for you. Thanks and regards.

[@dianadowning7992]

Watching from California during lockdown.Love this video.Been a fan of England and trains for a long time.We don't have trains like this in the USA.Thank you for taking me out on a ride in my mind! May you and all your viewers stay safe and healthy.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Diana. Glad it help you forget for a while.

[@drummerboy1390]

I love the information. Some videos have information running along the bottom of the screen, but by the time you've read it, the thing they were describing has passed. Not so with these videos. There's obviously a lot of time and effort put into these videos and it's much appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks, yes I was guilty of that once so I’ve learned to time the captions so you can read them before returning to the footage.

[@rwm2986]

Thanks Don, as brilliant as ever and well worth the wait. I have watched a lot of videos on SmileVideoTrains (SVT) channel and seen the MML from a passenger perspective (on board trains and on stations) - this is a perfect complement. As I commented on SVT a couple of weeks ago - Marples and Beeching must be spinning in their graves with all the railway upgrade/expansion work taking place!

[@doncoffey5820]

What they did needed doing but not on the scale they did it. Now some of what needs reopening can’t because the land is lost.

[@ianr]

@@doncoffey5820 Exactly my thoughts Don. Should have been a pruning & trimming job, instead it was a heavy handed hatchet job. Alas the damage is done........

[@andrewpalm2103]

Another very informative and interesting ride. I especially like the freeze frame showing infrastructure that otherwise would be missed. I remember looking at flange greasers due to relatively sharp curves on the CSS&SB electric line in my home town (Michigan City, Indiana) back in the early 60's. No solar power back then! Thanks, Don

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Andrew. I used to visit Troy in Michigan in my motor industry days and I would spend as much time as I could get away with peering out of the office windows at the gigantic double decker freight trains that rumbled past every few minutes.

[@peteacher52]

Most interesting added information throughout, very helpful to an NZ viewer. Kudos to yourself for presenting a quality piece of work and a shout-out to the driver for keeping the screen clean as this is by no means the norm! Salutary to realise that the train was travelling at pretty well the all-out speed of an earlier 4.2 XJ6 Jaguar - I know; I used to drive one. Frankly, I'd feel much safer in the train!

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment thanks. I think your jag might have used the same amount of fuel too!

[@MrKiwi200]

This is very well edited!! It's a shame in Ireland we have hardly any drivers willing to do as you do. Great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Kieran. You have to get special permission to film from a cab and maybe your guys aren’t allowed.

[@charlesshivoder2887]

Hello Don from Pennsylvania. I’m taking advantage of the lockdown to catch up on lots of older videos. Thank you for this fine video. I always enjoy the historical perspective you provide as well as the operational information about the railway you are riding along. Always the very best. Thanks again. Stay well. CAS.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s much appreciated Charles and the same to you my friend.

[@anamitradasgupta2608]

A most instructive video. There's a hypnotic quality about it that's restful, reassuring and relaxing. The subtitles added were a thoughtful bonus. Thank you for sharing this.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gezwheeler8282]

Hi Don, this the first time I’ve seen your videos and I say what an excellent production. Apart from the enjoyment derived I found your comments most helpful, especially the track working ones plus the stopping of the action at points of interest. Thank you, I look forward to watching more of them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Gez, much appreciated.

[@starwood213]

Thank you for the wonderful and informative video. I have travelled to Britain twice and greatly enjoyed travelling on my Britrail pass around the country. I enjoy all your videos and find them very relaxing.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very pleasing, thank you 👍

[@geoffcarol1]

I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute. Thankyou for taking the time to film, edit and upload. I love the way you stop the film so we can see what you have described and I also like the way you describe what we will see before we get to it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Geoffrey, I sometimes add picture in picture too. Glad you liked it.

[@bardmathiasbergersen5068]

Thank you for a brilliant video! With the comments along the route it lifted it well beyond lots of other front window videos.

[@doncoffey5820]

I appreciate that, thank you.

[@robertjewell6146]

I just recently found your videos, and I want to say I much appreciate the various sorts of information you provide along the way. The mix of technical stuff and the historical is just fine. I follow along in my copy of Trackatlas of Mainland Britain (which of course shows the attitude of Brits toward the rest of Europe: this is the mainland, and over there is the rest of them). I look forward to hours of enjoyment with these cab rides.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Robert. I try to answer all the questions I’d be asking if I were out in the cab as an interested party. Lots more videos to come.

[@WiggyBboy]

I've watched quite a few train video's in my time but this was one of the best I've ever seen. I learnt more about what a train driver has to look out for, and about the track, then any of the others. So a big THANK YOU for recording this.

[@doncoffey5820]

How do you mean “one of”? ;-). Just kidding, I’m very flattered and appreciate the positive feedback.

[@theguvnor7467]

BRILLIANT Don, really enjoyed it. Love the commentary. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you too.

[@AnubhabKundu]

Commentary is the best and most important part of your trainspotting videos I have come across. Those are very informative.

[@David330ify]

Don that was a brilliant video. Information top class as usual. It must take a lot of your time, but it is really appreciated. THANK YOU.

[@doncoffey5820]

It takes a day to get the footage and hours and hours to edit it.

[@peterbaxter2913]

Thank you Don Coffey, for a most enjoyable journey. I have had to watch this twice - just in case I missed anything the first time through when reading the informative and interesting captions!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I must admit I do to. Maybe I’ll narrate one at some stage!!!

[@johnm2012]

The section between East Midlands Parkway station and Sheet Stores Junction is very busy. I went back through that several times.

[@iantaf5559]

Tell you what, Don, I have just spent the best part of two hours reading through the comments for this video. Great to know the wealth and breadth of viewership you have all over the world!!!

[@doncoffey5820]

There. Ishtar come a day when I have to choose a few but I’m grateful for all the comments and humbled that people read them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry, write them (not found a way of editing my replies yet,

[@paulanderson79]

@@doncoffey5820 click the three little dots which 'light up' when your mouse pointer moves over the comment you wish to edit. Great footage btw.

[@johnairs2735]

Just watched and enjoyed this video again during our lock-down period. I like the rolling informative captions which explain interesting features en-route. The skills and experience needed to be a train driver are also explained. I've gained an even greater respect for all drivers from these videos.

[@doncoffey5820]

I try to vary the info from video to video so by watching more of them you build up a wider knowledge. Glad you enjoy them.

[@derrickgreen9020]

There’s been so much disruption on the A45 here waiting for the bridge to be raised in Irchester...it seemed to go on for ever and that’s just ONE bridge on the route! Your explanations are always brilliant Don. Many thanks for spending so much time and effort on these. Very professional and brilliant fun as always.

[@neiltrotter5933]

Always great to find quality content like this on KZbin :-) I enjoyed it a lot, having lived in Wigston as a boy, and even worked on Kilby Bridge farm for a bit. When I took the train from Leicester to see chums in London in the early '70s it was often headed by a Class 55, oh yeah.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Neil. I never drove a Class 55 but I have mastered a Class 142. They’ll be iconic one day!!! Glad it brought back memories for you.

[@neiltrotter5933]

@@doncoffey5820 I should have said also that your running commentary about track maintenance brought to mind my stepdad (also named Don), who as a trackworker used to walk the road as part of his duties, knocking those pins in. I think his stretch was just about where you were talking about it. He's retired now.

[@doncoffey5820]

There’s a set of books by a chap called Adrian Vaughan that you might like. They tell the tale of all these workers like your stepdad and how they visited the signal boxes for a brew. Fascinating stuff. Signalsmans Morning, Signalmans Nightmare and Signalmans Twighlight. You can get them dead cheap secondhand.

[@neiltrotter5933]

Thanks, Don. I found a copy of SIgnalman's Morning for a couple of pounds, and will give it a read.

[@phillwainewright4221]

An excellent and informative video. May I confess, I watched it at double speed. None the less for that! Well done.

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, you are not alone apparently but at least you watched it and by doing so you donated to charity.

[@tonyweston3281]

A very informative video. in my army days I trave led a lot by train. in my young days I lived along side the Southend Victoria---Liverpool Street line (in steam and electric days. I lived in Nottingham in the 60s. Traveled to Edinburgh a few times. Some of your videos bring back great memories. I'm in my early 80s now. Thanks again for your efforts.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed them Tony.

[@Renovator26]

A Canadian here. I was born and grew up in the UK, and as a young adult used to live her the Leagrave (Luton) Beds station. In those slow steam train days, the train from St. Pancras to Bedford would slooooooow down through Leagrave and I have memories of actual jumping off late-night trains that weren’t supposed to actually stop there. Mind you, I’m not sure what I would have done if it sped on through! I’m 93 now, and I thoroughly enjoyed your video, and I followed along with Google Earth. My how things have changed! Stay well. John, Ontario, Canada

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John. Thanks for the interesting feedback too.

[@petermew3428]

This is a first class, informative and interesting video. Probably the best I've seen for a long time.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Peter. More soon.

[@radders261]

Excellent captions (have to be the best yet on all the cab videos I have seen). Well played!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Paul.

[@paulbutterfield4867]

Great video as always . Thanks for all time and effort you put in.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Paul.

[@duncanvincent9106]

I find it hard to work out why I loved this so much. The front view we all can’t see? The historical romance of trains? The beautiful scenery? The lack of annoying music? The quality of the very informative notes? I think all. I’m hooked! Many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha! Got you Duncan ;-) Glad you enjoyed it. More coming soon.

[@duncanvincent9106]

Hoping for a London Euston to Manchester or somewhere north video!

[@doncoffey5820]

Its in the pipeline Duncan, being planned right now.

[@lewstone1934]

It's pretty soulless quite frankly.

[@andrewcole1323]

Love this video and others like it. Love the text commentary giving information en-route, diverging lines, names of stations passing through, etc... - very informative. So much better than other videos which, whilst great to watch, have no information on them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Andrew. The format has evolved very much from listening to feedback. There is mix of information that will hopefully appeal to those not really interested in trains to those that love trains.

[@jslasher1]

This is one of the very best POV videos shot from a locomotive that I've viewed to date. I appreciate the informative commentary as well. Congrats to Mr Coffey.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated but it would be incorrect for me to take all the credit for it. A number of people have been very accomodating in helping me share them with the growing number of viewers.

[@polestar696]

What a great upload. Love the information on the screen. Great quality filming. Must have been a lot of hard work for you. Thanks so much.

[@doncoffey5820]

It is a lot of work, I’m glad you appreciate it.

[@mrb9735]

Very much enjoyed the video. I was surprised you didn't mention the track remodelling at Derby following major work at the station in 2018. This eliminated the bottleneck to the south of the station where there was conflict between the London lines and the Birmingham lines. Both routes had to merge before reaching / after leaving the platforms, but now they are separated to avoid this. The video shows this new approach very clearly. New track, further track realignment and new signalling also improved approach and through line speeds.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mr B. I can’t always fit everything in but in any case I didn’t know the detail you’ve added because it’s off my patch. However, many people read the comments so will benefit from your explanation.

[@hugebartlett1884]

Really glad to find these videos,allowing me glimpses of parts of England I would otherwise never see.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Hugh, glad you like them.

[@DHogsett]

I just wanted to say thank you for all your content. As someone who lives in the states, I have a very low probability of ever riding or seeing these trains in real life so the only way I can experience them is through your videos and I am very grateful that you put so much effort into making them with the annotations and history of the line. Keep up the great work and again thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

I sincerely appreciate that. I try to make it as interesting as possible and include historical, architectural and railways items of interest. Thank you.

[@drawbridge611]

Don, I just found your channel. Your work is outstanding. The technical info scrolling at the bottom, and the occasional freeze frame to show a particular sign or a particular electrical configuration, are extremely informative. Thank you for the obvious effort you put in. Apart from that, these speeds are frightening -- or at least they'd be if I were at the controls -- in the sense of having to maintain constant, intense vigilance with respect to signaling and signage. Much respect for the drivers.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks. Its something you get used to and as far as I am concerned, never get bored with.

[@barrypotts3208]

Brilliant video with lots of information that only a railway man would know.

[@alistairpowers8129]

Stunning, thank you for posting, really interesting facts and figures along the way.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Alistair

[@phillgrant4460]

This is an excellent and very informative video. I don't think I have seen a better on for information!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Phill

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

I just thoroughly enjoyed watching this! It was marvellous to see all the electrification work going on down the line!

[@doncoffey5820]

Impressive isn’t it Steven. There’s a lot that isn’t obvious where the track has been moved and wiring has been changed etc. It all has to be brought to standard.

[@peterhorton5402]

Magnificent video. Priceless insight into train operation and amazing detail that helps those inexperienced - such as me - get a taste of the sheer scope of what is involved in operating a railway system. Wonderful, absolutely loved it!

[@doncoffey5820]

Its an eye opener isn’t it Peter? Glad you liked it.

[@asbood112]

Exceptional video. All the junctions and stations being pointed out is genius. The scrolling info bar takes it to the next level. Used to travel this route on an almost daily basis as a student for 3 years (the Derby-Leicester section) and it was good to see the route from the driver's eye perspective. An improvement might be that if there is any additional info that you cannot fit into the scrolling bar (eg wagon's crane colliding with a train at Mountsorrel) you could put that information into the description or provide some sort of link to a news article. I shall leave you to consider if this is a worthy idea and, if so, how you would wish to implement it. Finally, congratulations on an additional subscriber. I wish you well in your future ventures on the railways of this country.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the positive feedback (I do post both but thankfully very little poor feedback) I’m pleased you find the content interesting.

[@christopherthompson2078]

Wonderful and great video. Outside the station is a great hotel and great Italian restaurant. Loads of model railway exhibitions along this line this x

[@doncoffey5820]

Good info Chris.

[@Malabus73]

I find this so calming...thank you uploader.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you for watching and the positive feedback.

[@adamwilson6174]

Fantastic edited video! best one I've seen in a while thank you for spending time editing different information about the route much appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Adam. More coming soon.

[@laurencea-b6027]

@ 5:16 You'll notice stonework lining the retaining walls and the 2 tunnels to the left (instead of bricks), this is because when the London extension was built in the 1860's, this small section of railway passed underneath a posh area of London, and the locals demanded that the tunnels/retaining walls be made out of stone, to look prettier and fit in with the surroundings.

[@doncoffey5820]

I love these little snippets of information that I get from the comments. I can get quite worked up just thinking about the effort involved in making such a wall - so easy to take for granted. Thanks Lawrence.

[@Spacklatard]

Brilliant! I don't think I've seen such an informative cab ride before. I find I'm having to concentrate a little more than usual rather than be lulled by the general passing of the countryside 😀.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@33stevelinda]

Awesome video enjoyed every bit of it especially with the information running along bottom of screen :) sometimes i can get bored when just looking at a track and trees so it makes it much more interesting for me does all the info thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated. 👍

[@markstone7124]

Thank you for the really informative video. I operate out of St Pancras as a on Board cleaner via kettering and onto Corby. I can fully understand why this line is loved stunning views. and great video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Mark and thanks for the great job you do. Our onboard cleaners do a superb job at TPE and I know you do too.

[@drummerboy1390]

Superb video and great information, as always. The time and effort you put in to your videos is much appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you, much appreciated.

[@TheMisterB2u]

Excellent screen footage and love the scrolling info ,which adds another dimension.Will look out for any future videos you produce!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like it Mark. You’ll find several more with a wide variety of subjects covered and you can find details of forthcoming videos on my community page. kzbin.info/door/8LH7xMAyCSqpClAvTHwJRw

[@noelroberts8199]

I'm from Australia, love your rail network and love your video, very informative...........

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Noel, glad you like them. Next one coming soon.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Very clear video. It's a great line. North of Sheffield needs inproving. It is a pity it doesn't run beyond Sheffield.

[@doncoffey5820]

I think improvements are afoot Alex 👍

[@stevewhelan3725]

First timer here, watching March 2020 in UK lockdown. What lovely video to watch, really relaxing and informative, subbed & coming back for more.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad to have you with us Steve.

[@andrewr2825]

Another excellent video Don. You have, however, shattered my mid-1970’s memories of Leicester! Travelling up on the Thames-Clyde Express from St.Pancras to what I remembered to be a grim, and grimy, Leicester station. It was my first introduction to travelling by rail in the UK (after moving from Australia) was this almighty diesel locomotive at the head of the train, what was probably a 44/45/46 Class?! How much lighter and airy these places look now! Again, thanks for posting.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry Andrew! Yes, they have brightened and de cluttered many stations but the old ones with the fancy wooden awnings had a certain charm. These videos are proving to bring back memories for so many ex pats.

[@AndyGabrielPowell]

TV Documentary standards Don. A fascinating video. Love the informational text. My gratitude to your driver colleague for his part too.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I appreciate that Andy, my mate played the pivotal role in bringing this footage.

[@Nikola16789]

Hey, first time on your channel: Production is superb, in class of its own. Thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you found us Nikola.

[@conman5135]

I love all the tidbits of information and history you put into this video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@Scottishboy-gg8bc]

Great video and a history lesson. Can it get any better? I've stood in St Pancras when Midland Main Line ran smokey HST sets out of there. It was a very dark horrible station but now I'd say, St Pancras along with the hotel is one the most beautiful railway termini in the UK.The fact that the {Powers that be} wanted to demolish it all, beggars belief. The Midland Railway company certainly went to town building that masterpiece. It's just as well we had Railway Mania at the turn of last century when I see the amount of space/land given over to put down the tracks, that would be near impossible today with the dense concentration of buildings and we need all those lines to cope with growth and there seems to have been a lot of digging to get the line in, judging by the embankments either side. I remember hearing years ago there was talk of putting in another carriage into these trains with a pantograph so it would be electric propulsion where there were wires. I notice the XC Class 220/221trains seem to spend most of their time under wires, except when the come up my way (Stonehaven) to Aberdeen.

[@doncoffey5820]

They do but as soon as they leave the wires they only have one option. Agree entirely about saving the station.

[@TheChrisEMartin]

Agreed. I remember as a child, many decades ago, being taken to London from Leicester with my parents from time to time. My overriding impression of St. Pancras was the blackness, the dark (you could barely see light through any of the glass in the roof), the dirt and the clouds and clouds of grey smoke and steam. The station now and the Hotel are absolutely magnificent and stand comparison with any station anywhere!

[@Tiffy552]

Great video as usual Don, running at those speeds we can appreciate why the driver must be totally focused on his job at all times.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it’s why they break the horniest up too.

[@RWBHere]

Never expected a video about a train journey to be as interesting as this one. Thank-you, Don, for the extensive annotations which transform the experience. Your hard work is appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated.

[@ulazygit]

This used to be a daily commute for me 2004-2008 and then a ‘regular’ trip for a few months in 2010. I remember St Pancras before it was upgraded to international and reminisced when waiting for a train to depart from platform 3 where the lower level shops/upper concourse stands now - plus the short, underground passageway that led you towards Kings Cross mainline/Kings Cross St Pancras underground ticket hall. … and the free tea/coffee on the Master Cutler, with the quiet Car ‘D’ and Smoking Car ‘A’

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m not lazy ;-) I bet it’s changed a bit since you travelled it. Thanks for looking.

[@ennohund9515]

A really great video, for which I would like to thank you very much. Especially the explanations to some special features along the route and then the "freezing" of the film at the decisive point are a lot of fun and unique for the driver's cab rides. I am already looking forward to the next excursions and wish you a safe and accident-free journey! Many greetings from Königstein im Taunus (near Frankfurt / Main), Germany

[@doncoffey5820]

Many thanks Herr Hund. I’ve noticed in the analytics that more of your fellow countrymen are watching the videos for which I’m grateful and flattered. I’ve got several more videos planned and will share them soon.

[@josephkarl2061]

It must be a bit unsettling standing on a platform and having many tons of metal zip by you at more than 200 kmh... Great video as always Don 👍👍👌😁

[@doncoffey5820]

Its an experience for sure Joseph.

[@gteaz]

That's nothing compared to standing on the track.

[@patrickchampion8179]

The worst place for it is Didcot Parkway - one of the platforms in particular is horribly exposed and turbulent...

[@vincitveritas3872]

MPH please.

[@johnparker1290]

They aren't kidding when they say stay behind the line. Something that big moving that fast definitely creates an air vortex that can suck you right in.

[@johnestowell]

Thanks Don, most enjoyable trip, my early teenage years were spent train spotting at Elstree station, I see my favourite spot on the left approaching the station has been claimed by buildings😒, still that was 60 years ago. Derby was my birthplace.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories John. I can remember watching trains in the 60s. It’s a sobering thought isn’t it!

[@cliffmiller689]

I watch a lot of rail related video's and this has got to be the most informative one I have ever seen. Thank you so much. As a professional photographer (not film maker) I appreciate all the work you have put in to editing and captioning this video.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m flattered by your comments Cliff. They take at least a day to collect the footage and hours and hours of editing so I do appreciate you acknowledging that.

[@expoers]

Hello Thank you for this post, as a Rail-Road enthusiast I enjoy this soo much, and a lot of info in it, I´m locked in my home here in Spain, hope you and relatives are protected from the Covid19,.... today is on April 3, 2020, thank you again I will watch more of your vids,. good luck and God bless all.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Eduardo. Glad you enjoyed it and best wishes to you too.

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Brilliant, just Brilliant, thank you for sharing

[@hammondpickle]

Awesome footage. I live in Leicester and travel this route every now and again. Just wish it was electrified this far.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, hopefully one day soon HP.

[@pboperations]

I absolutely love the written commentary at the bottom of these videos and the strategic pauses. Makes them so much more interesting and educational to the lay person.

[@doncoffey5820]

That is much appreciated. I’ve added different info to different films which build up a wider knowledge.

[@robt2182]

Wonderful trip! As a longtime railfan and a US resident, your comments were perfect: not too long but providing insight for those not familiar with the area. Keep up the good work!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Rob. I’m working on the next video right now.

[@sfb1964]

Another really enjoyable one Don. A great way to spend my Friday afternoon. Thank you again, and thanks to the driver of the 222.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll pass it on Steve.

[@dinshawmuncherjee5123]

Well compiled documentary. A scan of the driver's cab and his handling of the controls and other related duties involved with the safe and smooth running of the train would have added more interest to it. Thanks anyway

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve got to be careful what I show. One of the conditions of being able to share the video is that I don’t show how the train is driven. I do show the occasional glimpse.

[@maxplanck9055]

A useful and interesting education about the railway in this part of the u.k✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@doncoffey5820]

You might like Kings Cross to Hull on Boxing Day.

[@derrickjones8149]

Yet another great video, Don. Very informative as ever. Thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Derek, much appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry, Derrick!

[@derrickjones8149]

@@doncoffey5820 you're in good company spelling my name wrongly, Dan! ;o)

[@chasc2389]

Thank-you Don for an excellent video. Great to hear your description of the Inter City 125. It will be a sad day when they are all withdrawn. Must be one identified for preservation surely? I maintained them at Laira, Plymouth, back in the early 80s. Alongside the 50s, 37s (& 08s!) they were about as high tech as anything around. Air conditioning, self levelling suspension, anti slip and slide. Beautiful. I wasn't so keen to be alongside the Paxman engine when being run-up after one was brought in which had thrown a con rod out of the block and side panel! Thanks again, your efforts appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

The characteristic scream of the PV engines virtually obsolete Chas. I’m hoping to film from a IC125 but I suspect it will have been MTU-ised!

[@christopherfairs9095]

A splendid and informative video. I learnt a lot and will be sure to drop the expression 'solar-powered flange greaser' into polite after dinner conversation at the earliest opportunity.

[@lordbelvoir2543]

Ya cant beat a "greased flange"🤣👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha! Thanks Chris. It’s an ice breaker isn’t it? I was in training school with a certain person to whom “flange contact” often came into his conversation.

[@doncoffey5820]

See above!

[@TheChrisEMartin]

@@lordbelvoir2543 particularly spoken as if by Kenneth Williams in the 'Carry On' Films!

[@janecox2401]

Thank you for the wonderful and informative video. I agree with Steve Bailey, I don't mind the odd spelling mistake just keep those videos coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

You are so welcome! Thanks Jane, next one tonight!

[@mikeymike461]

Love your videos. The info bar is perfect and unobtrusive but filled with interesting snippets. Just spent my morning watching this. Am I sad?

[@doncoffey5820]

I hope not! The analytics suggest you are not alone by a long chalk!!!

[@colinhothersall8343]

Great vid. Love the information bar with info about the tracks and track side equipment.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Colin. The format has evolved largely from feedback.

[@valfaulkner648]

I love this video,I have now watched it about six times, I just love sitting on the sofa and travel for miles without leaving home.I also love all the information and learning all about trains! Love you Don! Happy New Year!

[@doncoffey5820]

Good Val, I’m really pleased you enjoyed it.