Watford DC Line (London Euston to Watford Junction) - DRIVER'S EYE VIEW

The Watford DC line is a relatively late addition to the railway network having opened between 1912 and 1915, running alongside the West Coast Main Line nearly all the way from London Euston to Watford Junction. Nowadays the line is operated by London Overground and shares tracks with LULs Bakerloo line from Queen's Park to Harrow & Wealdstone.
This interesting local line is shown in real time that includes narration of the history of the route. As always please like comment and subscribe to the channel if you wish to see more driver's eye views in the future. Sit back and relax and enjoy the Watford DC line.
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Artist: VANDAII
Title: Escape
Listen on KZbin: • VANDAII - Escape
00:00 Intro
00:55 Euston
07:06 South Hampstead
08:37 Kilburn High Road
10:38 Queen’s Park
12:53 Kensal Green
15:36 Willesden Junction
17:45 Harlesden
20:00 Stonebridge Park
22:18 Wembley Central
24:23 North Wembley
26:04 South Kenton
28:03 Kenton
30:15 Harrow & Wealdstone
33:24 Headstone Lane
35:18 Hatch End
38:22 Carpenders Park
40:55 Bushey
43:13 Watford High Street
46:24 Watford Junction

[@jhammond0620]

Thanks for traveling for the blue line i hope when is update.

[@sethtriggs]

I love how chock-full of info and well-produced these videos are. Fantastic and thank you for this!

[@johnjephcote7636]

I last worked at (the old) Watford Junction in 1967. It was always called 'The New Line' (new in 1917). I first used the present a year ago and using my Oyster was amazed at the frequency and comfort compared with the former green compartment stock I had previously used.

[@twofoottaylor1]

That was a very educational video and full of history as well. Thank you for recording the video and sharing it with those of us who unfortunately have never been to the UK.

[@craigymarsh941]

Nice one this line shares tracks with the Bakerloo line and the West Coast Mainline.

[@rodneygowland2562]

Here I sit in Launceston Tasmania remembering the rail trip I took many times from Euston to Watford, where I would change trains and then take the rail car on the St Albans line alighting at Bricket Wood. That was in 1968. Thankyou for all the effort you and your team put in these videos. They are truly informative and professional. Cheers Rodney.

[@johnjephcote7636]

Ah ha, I left Watford in 1969. Using my Oyster, returning to take the 'New Line' (dc) I was told to get a main line one (used to be chalked up as 'steam lines'). It took 15mins non stop. Compared with 25 mins with a stop at Harrow on a semi fast steam, that too was amazing. I miss picking up water at Bushey troughs.

[@nightoil6567]

...Bricket Wood Station - as featured at the start of the 1963 British B-movie "Impact", directed by Peter Maxwell, with Conrad Phillips, George Pastell and Anita West. Worth catching if you're into the low budget quota quickies of that era. Lots of local atmosphere and B/W footage of early 1960s London. Shot during the freezing winter of 1963. Many paths seem to be crossing as a result of Paul's very interesting video!

[@drdoolittle5724]

What a super piece of work - the running commentary makes it really special. Thank you!

[@denisxx61]

Excellent video. A special thanks for adding the narrative and including historical notes. This makes the cab ride videos so much more interesting.

[@Thomas1980]

Excellent Video! Thumbs Up!

[@mikehare7155]

What a treat! Many thanks for the excellent presentation.

[@clivegeary4587]

Excellent

[@rickstravelrides]

Again, another outstanding ride along the Watford Overground Line. Love how it rides alongside the West Coast Mainline :-)

[@jeremywilcox]

Thank you all, I enjoyed that in seeing bits never yet traveled.

[@alandavidpryce5459]

Great video ! Love your signature cutaways and contextual commentary , lots more please 👍

[@paulhwbooth]

Excellent, thanks.

[@andrewhowe555]

Fantastic work (as always Paul). Really look forward to your videos, they are consistently excellent.Keep up the great work 🚂😊

[@doncoffey5820]

Very good Paul and the production team. It’s not a line I’m familiar with although I did view it from the tower block on the station during my motor industry days. It will also feature in my forthcoming video of Trafford Park to Wembley later this year. After leaving our intermodal train at Wembley, we caught this service into Euston for return to Manchester.

[@notnjx5270]

My local line! Excellent video, great to see a journey I do a lot from the front view!

[@davidfarrow44]

Excellent and informative as always. A pleasure to watch.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Nicely filmed, edited and narrated, with interesting and informative additional content, particularly the history. Thanks!

[@lamiaitaly2549]

Professional quality. Great video. Thank you

[@davelenthall1]

Great video, and full of information. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@seankeane6482]

Very interesting. Learnt a lot about the Euston end in particular. Thank You

[@nnmmnmmnmnnm]

Great commentary; very helpful/informative.

[@tonylancaster8704]

Thanks for a very interesting video with plenty of information the various stations and lines.

[@CliqueSpace]

Bravo! I've been looking for about 6 years and think you're the first KZbinr to show this line. Good show!

[@leighmackay7486]

A well-conceived and well-presented video. Cheers.

[@alanmolyneux5957]

Excellent video and very informative.

[@stevenewton6360]

Anothe excellent and informative presentation

[@brettjones5041]

i loved it mate . love the education on early and later rail

[@shealey9763]

Great job, love the commentary.

[@landl47]

Thank you from Illinois, USA. Excellent video. I played cricket in this area back in the 60s and 70s, Great to see the trains and I enjoyed the commentary very much.

[@055deltic]

Excellent cab ride and very informative on history and current rail scene. I shall be looking into more of your videos - and those announcements! Some nostalgia there - my grandad was an LNER and BR man and taped some of the station sounds and announcements from the 50/60s. Liked and subscribed!

[@freddienz]

Very good. I enjoyed that. Cheers from Christchurch, New Zealand.

[@TrainLovers-TL69]

Great video mate! Liked 👍

[@omari9593]

This video was amazing!! It felt professional, yet we could still get a sense of your passion when showcasing your interesting. I casted it to my TV, and it creates a real immersive experience - it felt like I was actually there with you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jth385]

Brilliant, what I would like to see ia a drivers view of the now electrified "Goblin Line" between Barking Riverside and Gospel Oak...

[@Listenerandlearner870]

This is professional standard. Good all round. The track is gradually being upgraded. I remember it in the days of slam door trains and the peak services to Broad Street. It is great that it is gradually being upgraded.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

The cutrent service is good and will get better with more track upgraded and new Bakerloo Line trains which could lead to quicker line speeds eventually and automatic operation over most of the route. Broad Street could have been used as a backup for several lines.

[@heckelphon]

Very good video, and a lot of memories back to the slam door days as well. I was also recalling the rush hour direct trains from Croxley Green to Broad Street. I think I also remember being taken on the Rickmansworth line just before it closed, but I would have been too young to have travelled alone!

[@petergrannell6205]

A fascinating journey. The section from Harrow & Wealdstone to Bushey (Bushey & Oxhey, back then) was my local line 60 years ago! And I can remember riding on the Oerlikon sets, with their sliding doors at each end of the carriages. One minor correction: the viaduct north of Bushey station takes the line over OXHEY Park (not Bushey Park). It's odd, but Bushey Station is actually in Oxhey. Thanks again for an excellent video, with just enough commentary and useful station-side inserts.

[@michaelharvey5560]

The station was called "Bushey & Oxhey" when I was a lad, and changed to to "Bushey" on 6 May 1974, although the signage took until about the late 1980s to all be replaced.

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

North Wembley was my local station for several years. I wondered what the narrator could possibly say about it. Answer, zero. Sounds about right!!🤣🤣

[@Brian3989]

Nicely filmed. Line looks in need of grass and vegetation clearance.

[@davidpanton3192]

I'm not saying it's a while since I travelled this line, but it had rail blue slamdoor stock...

[@TheManwithaview]

Years ago there was a band called Kilburn and the High Roads

[@tram6214]

Great Cab ride will you do more London Overground lines or maybe the Elizabeth Line in the future?

[@train_paul9478]

Hopefully 🤞🏻 only is permission is granted

[@crazier3157]

Very interesting and well done one thing you missed Bushey Station was until around 2000 I think called bushey and Oxhey, Oxhey being that area of Watford the park just after the station is Oxhey park not bushey there is a photo in the imperial war museum of the sign being painted out during WII

[@martyn6792]

Very interesting video, what voltages are used on shared portion of line, assume unit is third rail only

[@quintuscrinis8032]

11:41 hate to be that guy but they reverse via the North shed and pass through the same North shed in service. It's the south shed you pass just before the Bakerloo rise out of the ground.

[@harrygrieves6812]

Sorry to disappoint you mate; but the first depot at Queen's Park is what's known as the southern depot towards Elephant & Castle, not at the north. The northern depot is towards Harrow.

[@michaellittlejohns7968]

Was your train a 5 car or a 4 car

[@benshelton5230]

Nice vid. Only criticism is lack of any mention of frankly glorious view of Vicarage Road Stadium between Bushey & Watford High Street 🟡🔴⚫️🟡🔴⚫️⚽️⚽️⚽️😃😃😃

[@MrGarymcadam]

Queens Park main line platforms only get used by trains during engineering work or other out of course workings today. But they did have scheduled use for a few years in the late 80s/early 90s and there was talk of them being used by open access operators a few years back as well. I travelled on it a couple of times back in the 90s when my Dad lived in Watford and Class 313 dual voltage units were the resident traction.

[@AdventuresOnLondonTransport]

Hi Paul! This video is excellent! How did you arrange this? Many Thanks, Luke

[@theprior46]

Very good video. I can't help thinking that for drivers the view ahead can be very mesmerising even boring with just rails and gantries passing by and no traffic to slow down for just the occasional red light to stop. The station stops add some release from the sameness of it all, and I wonder how drivers stay awake.

[@videonut1988]

Another TfL cab view!

[@Pjs75]

Thorough effective team work. Informative product, to your usual high standard. Thanks for the effort & sharing another example of your work.

[@AndrewG1989]

The London Overground Class 710 are very nice and since Alstom have built them. I do think that they could manufacture few more Class 710s including some Class 710/3s to be used on the North London Line and West London Line. And few more Class 710/2s for the Gospel Oak-Barking Line as the Barking Riverside extension is now completed.

[@demise3601]

Bombardier built them. Alstom took over.

[@CelticSaint]

Very interesting. But everything looks so dirty and grim!

[@melvynbuckton6881]

I don't agree with your comment. Also I have been on that line hundreds of times and the views from the passenger windows are interesting

[@smorkeyyy9845]

fascinating

[@alwayslight2658]

Nice. Thanks. Consider to go 4k. Videos will gain on quality and will last longer. This will significantly add to the joy when watch them. If this would not be a trigger point (decision factor) at first place..

[@Officialcbr]

Thank you for this video big man but I’m curious how do you get the footage?

[@BogdanSerban]

I'd really love to see the line to Enfield Town and Cheshunt!

[@john1703]

Tube trains and overground trains use different voltages. Tube trains use +420 (outer rail) and -210 (centre rail) (net 630) relative to the running rails, which do not carry current in the deep tube. Overground trains used +750 (used to be +660 on Southern Region, and still is on the Isle of Wight), with the running rails as ground return.

[@PoshBoyVapes]

How do the respective trains cope with the difference? Do the Overground trains just have to slurp a bit harder or does the ‘72 stock have step-down equipment?

[@john1703]

@@PoshBoyVapes Train Paul did say that the new Watford trains are dual voltage. Given that the tracks are shared in part with tube trains, the new trains will "see" only the +420 volts. So they must, as you say, slurp more amps for the same motor power, when over the four rail tracks. The tube trains do not make power reference to the grounded running rails. This lack of ground current return allows the tube trains to use the running rails for signals and control. See the Victoria Line. It also obviates electrolytic corrosion of the metal lining of the tube itself, since all four rails are isolated from the ground in the deep tubes.

[@oliverturner128]

@@john1703 Wikipedia says that it's running on 750V, which is within the limit (760V) of the Bakerloo line trains. It changes voltage as the trains come out of the tunnels at Queen's Park

[@craigymarsh941]

If permission you should do a drivers eye view on the sunshine coast line in essex please.

[@leeroberts1192]

I wonder if they've ever looked into lowering the track in places where there's no room for OLE. I don't think they'd need to lower it by too much to enable the use of the "solid conductor rail" like is used on some of the OLE portions of the Thames Link route

[@kevinrayner5812]

You didn't mention that the junction between Bushey and Watford Junction used to be triangular with trains from Rickmansworth able to go directly to Euston or Broad Street.

[@MorganTheTimeLord]

Not sure if you do requests but would you consider doing the cross city line at some point?

[@train_paul9478]

Unfortunately recently I got declined to filmed the CrossCity line but never say never

[@oldtechnobodycaresabout]

Could you do the northern city line?

[@darrenhillman8396]

Fascinating video. Well-narrated, too. You have a like and a new sub.

[@JohnJoseph-xw5zk]

I am writing this from Adelaide Australia. I always thought the tube trains used 630 volts. Does this mean that the tube or overground trains can use different voltage on the same track?

[@craigymarsh941]

This music was used in the northern line drivers eye view,s .

[@glennharrison7036]

Question❓ If these overground DC trains run on 750V from live rail to earthed running rails, how do Bakerloo line underground trains manage seeing as their positive rail has about 420V between it and earth and 630V between the positive rail and the negative rail. This seems like two completely different systems. How do these two different types of train run on the same track with different voltage current arrangements?

[@partyentertains4092]

14:33-17:45 Lol those wooden and concrete sleepers and 20mph speed restrictions on a 30-45mph route. 😂😂😂

[@peterwhitaker4038]

at 38:00 a London North western desiro passes the other way towards London..25 seconds later an Avanti passes going same way. are they on same line?

[@craigymarsh941]

Whens the next metropolitan line drivers eye view mate?

[@jhammond0620]

One day when i went Milton keynes i go check to build lines in news train in 2025

[@johnhood3172]

I understand the 72 stock trains are now the oldest trains in all of Britain in normal service.

[@markcf83]

Correct.

[@tld8102]

how is any of this service wheelchair accessible? the gap is so high

[@daryl2K90]

There's ramps at stations with wheelchair access but most of network is so old many stations can't have lifts and slopes in and out of the station

[@StarboundUK]

​@@daryl2K90 This.... Much of the current & former British Rail network is made wheelchair accessible via portable temporary ramps at each station. Wheelchair users book/inform station staff online/by phone etc of their travel to ensure ramps are available for boarding & exiting.... I used to regularly catch trains in Zone2 & 3 London to Central London in morning rush hour w Wheelchair passengers who made such bookings....

[@andrewhead6267]

It isn’t. Most of the DC line has stations without step free access to the platforms. So even with station staff assistance it’s not a very accessible route

[@johnrafferty8087]

Williesden Jimction Has Lifts as dose Wembley Central and Harrow &Wealdstone Headstone Lane is Acceaable Watford bound by way of a ramp to the road. Carpenders Park is accessible purely as there aren't any steps. Just how it was rebuilt. And Watford Jn as Lifts

[@johnrafferty8087]

Oh and Hatch end is Accesable Watford Bound as that side is street/car park Level

[@eddyharris2372]

Does the Southern service not go to Milton Keynes Cenral any more?

[@partyentertains4092]

No, Watford Junction-East Croydon, mostly.

[@TIMBOWERMAN]

Voltages on third rail lines are different 750 for a straight third rail (like Southern Region) and 630 - 420 positive on the outer rail and 210 negative on the middle rail - how could they accommodate two types of third raIl on this line?

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Greetings from Sydney. For all it's good looks is this a good train to drive and ride in? 🏳‍🌈

[@craigr9881]

Surprised the whole journey takes less than 50 minutes.

[@GWJUK]

Hi why are the sheds at Queens Park called the opposite to their geographical position?

[@dancemusic70]

This was an error. You see the south sheds first in the video housing 25 and 26 Road space for 4x 72 stock. The North Sheds have 4 roads 22 and 23 where trains reverse during the day. 21 is the through road from northbound LU to Down NR Road and has a train stabled overnight 24 road the through road from NR. Up to LU southbound is kept clear. You can see the boundary sign as the train passes signal WS13

[@GWJUK]

I us3d to sit in those sheds everyday - most frustrating commute 😂

[@tow1709]

42:30 The viaduct at Bushey is brick, not concrete. Also the park is Oxhey Park, not Bushey Park.

[@tonyp8034]

Also, Bushey Station used to be Bushey & Oxhey station and is in fact within the Oxhey ward of Watford Borough.

[@MichaelBeeny]

Why is the tunnel lit? looks like a waist of power.

[@harrypatrick3126]

Wrong. I think it's London Bridge or another nearby station that has two types of electrification too. It goes from the on ground electrification we user in the south east to overhead cables. And the Thames Link trains switches there to a pantograph.

[@12crepello]

Thought they might have got rid of that redundant 4th rail north of Harrow & Wealdstone?

[@andrewsingh7860]

I believe it's still bonded to the running rails and dropped onto the sleepers. TfL have stated a long term aspiration for the Bakerloo Line to return to Watford Junction so maybe they'll eventually be put back into use?

[@partyentertains4092]

@@andrewsingh7860 It depends on whether the Metropolitan Line is diverted to Watford Junction or Croxley Link. Need funding and a business case for that.

[@melvynbuckton6881]

Excellent video. Unlike many only a couple of factual errors. It's oxhey park not bushey. For interest bushey station is a long way from bushey and is in oxhey.

[@alanaldis3177]

I think the station was originally called Bushey & Oxhey as well

[@kiwitrainguy]

@@alanaldis3177 Yes, up until 1974 if memory serves. When I visited in 1987 the station platform lights still had "Bushey & Oxhey" on them.

[@empiresalliesgaming892]

28:17 Siemens inspiro london will replace 1972 stock that i think in 2030 or 2033.

[@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire]

The route does seem like it would be better if it could get up to 60mph on the Watford DC line for both London Overground and Bakerloo Line services.

[@daveb0789]

I’ve driven a 378 and a 313 on that line. The 1972 stock won’t go much faster than 45 mph lol

[@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire]

@@daveb0789 Will the replacement Bakerloo trains be able to reach 60mph? I have heard stories of the 1972 or 1973 stock getting up to 80mph.

[@daveb0789]

@@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire I think those are tales of fancy to be honest. All the new tube stock ie 1995/1996 stock have 100 kph (62 mph) designed speeds. The main exception seems to be the Victoria line 2009 stock (50 mph). It would need to be resignalled to allow higher speeds. Possibly would need enhanced substations providing electric. Class 378 was restricted in power on DC. I’m sure the 710 would be too.

[@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire]

@@daveb0789 You would probably resignal the line with ETCS.

[@daveb0789]

@@A-Trainspotter-From-Berkshire I think the metropolitan line / northern etc uses CBTC

[@nobody_123]

Are you the train driver?

[@williamkettle8666]

Nice video. The amount of grass growing on and beside the track is a disgrace ,there is also evidence of this in other parts of the network.Not a good image.

[@davethatcher4954]

I'll get my flymo out and cut the grass for you.....owzat?

[@williamkettle8666]

@@davethatcher4954 ok but watch out for the live rail

[@MrGriser]

3:25 not now it will be well into the 2030's before that happens possibly 2040!

[@bIuebitten4675]

10:45 did he just fart 😳

[@craigymarsh941]

@Blue idk but it sounded like a fart

[@bIuebitten4675]

@@craigymarsh941 yeah.................

[@harryelliott4310]

London Overground Class 710

[@aaronthomas6269]

London overground your mum

[@transportationuk7656]

Yep

[@TIMBOWERMAN]

Watford District of Columbia, get real!

[@geoffreymartin2764]

Why is Headstone Lane named Headstone Lane?🏳‍🌈

[@jameshennighan8193]

Well done, nice footage...but the stupid music...err thumping and clicking noise really... spoils it.. It really is not necessary..... You are not the first one to make the mistake of providing thumping type / beat music when more restful music could be provided..... James Hennighan Yorkshire, England

[@kiwitrainguy]

Better still, no music at all.

[@jameshennighan8193]

@@kiwitrainguy Yep.I agree.