Worksop to Nottingham

[@silvanski]

I just hopped aboard and am already loving this trip. The information we get along the way makes your videos stand out from other cab rides.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, they’ve evolved over the years largely based on feedback from you guys.

[@MM0IMC]

39:06 I feel a sense of pride when I hear about lines reopening, especially those requiring old tunnels to be reused. It's like 2 fingers to "The Cuts"!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, a victory for a change and it shows what can be done.

[@johntaylor7612]

Brilliant well made Thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it John 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

I'm really pleased that you covered this line, Don. I've heard of it for so long but have not had a clue as to the workings on it. Obviously it was a big shame that the collieries, power stations and associated MGR trains had to finish, and the amount of employment just disappearing, but that's how we go these days, unfortunately! Well, this service on the Robin Hood line is most excellent, and wherever possible, a lot of the old station buildings have been restored. Towns and villages that had no rail service for decades, are back in business again. The section from Hucknall is amazing, where heavy rail meets NET, and runs parallel for quite a way. To be quite honest, their trams make Greater Manchester ones look very much dated indeed. Very interesting and brilliantly edited (as usual), Don, many thank yous to you and the other people involved with the making of this fantastic video.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Frank. I knew very little about this line but of course when I got the footage from Mike I had to get studying. I’m familiar with every one of the locations because I served my time as a mechanic at Crabtree’s who had a fleet of coal wagons. It’s a relatively short period of time between the downfall and restoration of the route. It’s just good it’s back. One of these days I’ll grab Mr Sansom and we’ll come for a brew with you.

[@johnm2012]

Thanks for covering this route, Don. This is "my" line. I grew up in the Mansfield/Shirebrook area in the '60s and '70s and watched a lot of coal trains use the line. By the time the pits closed I'd moved away to find work and settled in London. I still have family in the area and use the Midland Main Line and the Robin Hood Line when visiting. About 40 years ago I travelled on the High Marnham branch as far as Ollerton on a railtour. The power station was still open, of course, as were several of the coal mines, including Thoresby, which was (I believe) the last one to close. I read that the branch is now used as a test track. It would be fascinating to see footage if that should ever be possible in the future.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it brought back memories John. We have to thank Mike Clark and EMR for filming it. Mike had one of my cameras for a while and there are other routes you might like. I’m not sure what there is but it is all scheduled passenger routes rather than a special.

[@steves9753]

What a great free rail trip down the robin hood line, passing down some of the old colliery lines, like Newstead, Linby and Hucknall. I remember that line and all the coal trains entering into Linby sidings. Interesting how much it had changed since they closed about 35 years ago.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Steve. I was familiar with all the mines because I was a mechanic at a haulage contractor that had coal tippers. The line went from feast to famine and back again in no time.

[@Chriswolvesfan]

Love watching the videos they are amazing I can’t stop watching them and I love the about the trains and stuff on the bottom of the screen it’s amazing

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them Chris. More soon.

[@kenstevens5065]

Another superb production Don, I travelled the route to Worksop when it was first completed to visit Mr Straws House (look it up if you don't know about it). I am pleased to see how well kept and used the route is. A bit different to the Ivanhoe line, Leicester to Burton. Being ex Nottingham I must get a dig in at the closure of all the pits. You will never convince me that with a fraction of the money spent on wind put into carbon capture we couldn't have had coal in the power generation mix for decades to come. When the wind doesn't blow......... Never mind that's politics.

[@doncoffey5820]

I suppose the argument to get away from coal comes from emissions rather than efficiency but I must say I’m sad to see that industry gone. Thanks for commenting Ken

[@MrChris1985]

Great video!! My dad, who passed away in January of this year, was a signalman for 45+ years. He started out along the Linby/ Annesley colliery lines as well as the old signal box that used to be at Lincoln street crossing in basford. It was literally a 10 minute walk from home for him. When the colliery lines closed, he move onto the Nottingham to Lincoln/ Grantham lines.

[@doncoffey5820]

I worked for a haulage contractor when I left school and every one (and more) of those mining towns resonate with me. Signal boxes are dying out but they were very important and your dad was part of it all.

[@tomward3656]

Another exellent video, always interesting. Thank you Don & most of all thank you to mike clark for allowing the camera in.

[@doncoffey5820]

Here, here. Mike wasn’t well last night so couldn’t join us but he’ll see your comment 👍

[@Deepak-wr9pt]

Another interesting journey. I look forward to your offerings, they're the ones to beat! Thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m flattered - thank you.

[@petefofulit1322]

another great video from Don. i know that line well, my home town is Hucknall (next time you there i will buy you a drink), only done the north bit to Worksop twice though, I'm a Nottingham bloke..

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll take you up on that Pete although I must say it was Mike Clark that filmed it.

[@EM-yk1dw]

One of the railway reinstatement success stories of the 90s ❤

[@doncoffey5820]

Heartwarming isn’t it - for a change!!!

[@Antisocial_Metalhead]

Loved watching this one, it's our local route. The mining history is very bittersweet though.

[@doncoffey5820]

Totally agree, it’s progress I suppose.

[@colinsmith891]

Thanks Don I enjoy every video but just wanted you to know we also listen to your words

[@doncoffey5820]

I find that very humbling Colin, much appreciated.

[@geoffhurrell8478]

Another fascinating video, Don, thank you. I wonder, is stopping at these tiny stations 'interesting' in leaf-fall season?

[@doncoffey5820]

Most stations are Geoff. Leaf fall is creeping up and we make preparations for it as we speak. Of course those lightweight 170s that Mike drives can be a challenge. I used to sign those myself in days gone by.

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Enjoyed your new video Don, hope you and family are well.Kind regards🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks, you too Ramon!

[@mrsynth503]

Great video ,thank you

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidjheathcote]

Excellent production: it's all very clear. Not sure about the one spelling of "Bullwell", though; I think it's always "Bulwell".

[@doncoffey5820]

I sometimes get unwanted help from spell checker.

[@jessicamorgan3073]

Thanks Don and EMR

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Jess. Good to see you.

[@annawinters4346]

A wonderful, relaxing journey, thank you! I'm usually on a virtual train trip in Switzerland but decided to have a change. What struck me more than anything, apart from the excellent source of information, is the weed-free tracks. Am I right when I say some trains sprayed weedkiller on the tracks?

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s not always the case but yes, we do have weed killing trains that make periodic journeys around the network.

[@lordgemini2376]

Great video!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robharris5245]

Looking forward to viewing this as its my local line.

[@stephendavies6949]

Nobody does it better, Mr C.

[@doncoffey5820]

That reminds me of Carly Simon. I’m flattered, thank you ☺️

[@chaz1550]

Greetings from somewhere in the Peak District. Made it at last.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll see you soon Mr L.

[@masonlawson649]

Fabulous

[@epj900]

I couldn't drive with that constant rattling!!!

[@doncoffey5820]

I tend to be a bit OCD with rattles but you have to close your mind because they often rattle!

[@AllThingsTransport1]

Nice ❤❤❤

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks 🤗

[@colinsmith891]

Don you said NET operates on line of sight but surely they must have signalling for the single line section?

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m sure you’re right Colin. If you watch the Metrolink videos, they use line of sight on street and signalling off but they maintain a six minute service.

[@thetraininator40]

I've been up and down this line numerous times

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes and thanks for joining the premier.

[@epj900]

"Megawatt Valley" should still be there! producing electricity for us to live by

[@doncoffey5820]

Progress the Ogress but they want to cut emissions so we have to accept it I suppose.

[@shanemjrlambie6032]

😊