York to Middlesbrough

[@jeremywilliams2478]

As a lifelong train enthusiast, youtube and people like yourself gives me a perspective that I never thought I would get to see.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Jeremy, I’m glad you appreciate them.

[@lesliedodds4011]

@@doncoffey5820 Is there any videos on the sheffield to birmingham journey taking in the Milford Tunnel .

[@johnwebster3224]

As an 83 year old ex=railwayman with the usual health problems, my touring days are over, so it is good to "get out and about" with your videos - Thanks a lot, Don, and a Happy New Year to you - keep up the good work!

[@doncoffey5820]

You know John, sometimes I think I’ve caught a tiger by the tail because these videos take a lot of time and effort and expense to put together. Then I get a comment like this and it makes it all worthwhile. Best wishes to you and thanks for watching.

[@robinfoulkes6515]

Just brilliant Don. The lack of commentary leaving us to read the on screen info instead is good. You and your videos have given rail enthusiasts access to a wealth of fascinating footage. Keep up the good work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Robin 👍

[@andrewr2825]

Thanks for posting this one Don. A great run along the “motorway” that is the ECML, and the cut across to Middlesbrough. That viaduct at Yarm is magnificent - certainly a credit to its engineers and builders. Appreciate the snippets about closed stations and junctions too.

[@doncoffey5820]

There was a few closed stations on the ECML as well Andrew but I have to be careful not to fill it up with constant captions.

[@garyc1805]

I thought Manchester based drivers didnt route learn this track section past York? Only York based drivers went North?

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

well done Don. So informative and educationa.. I'm 82 years and never tire of riding with you and reading the script. not that i remember it all. thanks againn. Keith

[@doncoffey5820]

You are one of the frequent followers Keith and its much appreciated.

[@keithshephard6802]

Thanks again for another great video. Had to watch it twice though, first time I was laid in bed and all I remembered was leaving York and waking up in Middlesbrough. Second viewing I did the whole trip and thoroughly enjoyed it along with the obligatory Jammy Dodgers and several pots of tea. Thanks again Don to you and your colleagues for making these trips so informative and enjoyable.

[@doncoffey5820]

Jammy Dodgers and tea - perfect. Educational and a perfect cure for insomnia as well. Such good value for money!

[@TheDroppy68]

I love how your videos are concentrating on the less glamorous routes, the ones that apparently have never been recorded before. Tees Yard still looks huge, but rather dilapidated sadly. A big thanks to Aron. Oh and Happy 2020 to you Don, and everyone else. Now if we can just get the rain we need down-under we might be shot of all these damn fires!

[@doncoffey5820]

Aron will see your comment - thanks I 540. I hope all goes well with those fires - they dominate the news here.

[@DaveinLeeds]

Thanks for the excellent video. I was in Northallerton just last week and on leaving the down train couldn't work out what the line was on the left hand side crossing the road. I now know it's the station avoiding line! Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad to be of assistance Dave.

[@terryleddra1973]

This will be my first trip this year. Happy 2020 to Don and everyone else.

[@doncoffey5820]

Same to you Terry.

[@balamuruganjeyachandran6719]

This is a treat for rail fans... Keep sharing Thanks for taking us the trip

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure 😊, Glad you liked it.

[@deejaytee5481]

As usual, a professional quality, informative video; particularly interesting to me as the north east is one of the few areas of the country I'm unfamiliar with. Many thanks. Thanks too to TPE for their co-operation and particularly to Aron for allowing us to share his domain!

[@doncoffey5820]

Aron will see your comment and TPE have been very supportive - thanks.

[@daystatesniper01]

Lovely upload , i remember doing Tees Yard as a teenager spotting in the late 70's ,up to 15-20 , 08 shunters busying themselves in the yards and line after line of freight powered by everything from 20's to 56's good times

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll be going up to Newcastle on a Class 802 in the next video.

[@kilmog44]

Another good one Don.....like those early maps/photos you include....your comments about Stockton/Darlington brought back those History lessons of years gone by [speaking of me of course]..... thanks from Wn NZ

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you looked in Douglas. More coming soon.

[@jumbo8996]

These videos are so fantastic. It gives one an insight to what it’s like to be a driver. Really interesting and I’m learning all the time...! Thank you..

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@hugebartlett1884]

I have discovered your videos,and how wonderful they are! The information you insert along the way is extremely useful. This is enabling me to see parts of the country I would only just imagine otherwise. Living in Bude in Cornwall,you can just guess how much we miss the old railway which ran from here to Holsworthy and Halwill Junction,branching off to Bideford and Barnstaple one way,and Padstow the other. Then on to Exeter St.Davids. We never thought that one day it would all be gone.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hi Huge. I was scheduled to film down to Penzance which you might find interesting but we’ll have to see how things progress with the lockdown.

[@carlandersen3832]

Brilliant as ever! Thanks Mr.Coffey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you too Mr Anderson!

[@BevMattocks]

Great stuff! I've criss-crossed this line (between York & Brompton & the various Wiskes) on my bicycle many, many times - but today I was following your video from my indoor bike.! Great to see it from the railway perspective. Thanks for all the interesting information, too, as ever with your fabulous videos. I must look out for that 1930s signal box next time I'm up that way!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it. Keep on bikin’ 👍

[@theresamcmillan1667]

From half way around the world (New Zealand) a big thanks Don for posting these you tube entries, and a great thankyou to Aron for allowing us into his cab. You have both made me feel somewhat homesick (I am originally from Essex but I have spent forty of my fifty two years over here in NZ, the rest back home), and very envious at the same time...If I were to return home I'd be signing up for Driver training! All the very best Gentlemen, and please keep these coming!! Cheers, Dennis

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Dennis. Aron will see your comment and we’ll be riding with him again soon when we film the run up to Newcastle.

[@gp3829]

Hi, thanks for the video and posting it. My old stamping ground - the whole route. But no mention of Pilmoor Jc. the GNR cottages and the former lines coming in from Boroughbridge or Coxwold and the branch to Easingwold. Also, the Transporter Bridge at Haverton Hill, Middlesbrough - framed perfectly by the over bridge. I am homesick for North Yorkshire & Cleveland, so it was great to see again, thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the info! I’m limited to what I can mention in the captions otherwise it becomes unwatchable. I am aware of the branch to Easingwold and how idyllic these little lines were. It would be lovely to step back and see them again.

[@martingilligan]

Great videos. The inset photos of points of interest are great.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@AndyGabrielPowell]

Another masterpiece Don. You are building an extraordinary reference library of British Railways today. They could be the next generation's Pathe collection. Thank you for your hard work (and thanks to your colleague's for their support.)

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, they may prove a legacy one day. I quite like looking at some of the older routes but they are never very good quality so hopefully these will stand the test of time.

[@1951GL]

As usual, fully informative - especially the Stockton part of the Stephenson route. Well into the 70s the track layouts in this area were huge and Thornaby depot was a "must" for all spotters in the 1960s. Economic forces hammered Teeside from the late 70s onward, less Mrs Thatcher's government - more to re-trenching by ICI. From being a high wage economy the decline in the 80s was precipitous. It will come back, not least free port status for the Tees. Best wishes to you Don - and Arron - plus all the fellow travellers on this site.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the comments GL. Aron will see your comment.

[@midnightstar8378]

Enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing them. The information you put is also great to read. Thanks again

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoy them.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Great footage once again Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always EM176!

[@davidcowie2462]

Thanks Aron and Don for letting us share your experience as a driver. The information and the on screen shots are so interesting. What an impressive viaduct, and experience to travel on part of the Stockton to Darlington railway. Thank you George! The ding must be reassuring to hear knowing the the signal ahead is green. I look forward to future rides with you. Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers David, Aron is running men up to Newcastle soon so watch out for that.

[@kaulinycia]

My boyfriend and I love to watch your videos before bed once in a while Don! We love to learn and hear the train noises that basically lull me to sleep. Always gonna be a fan!

[@doncoffey5820]

Fortunately, when driving the train I can stay awake! Glad you like them Kauli.

[@Martin_Adams184]

Thank you, Don. This is well up to your usual heights. I love the way you manage to get so many historical details in - warning us in advance about something, showing it on the map and on satellite imagery. And the commentary on railway practice - driving techniques, signalling etc. is so informative. Excellent!

[@doncoffey5820]

The more you watch, the more you will pick up the full picture. Glad you liked it.

[@rydermike33]

Very many thanks Don for another great cab ride and for all your hard work in putting these videos together. Always fascinating and informative.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike.

[@paulthompson7999]

Another great, informative video Don and another of 'my' bridges (previously Britannia Br. on your trip to Holyhead)! This one is at 54:59 when you pass under the A19Tees Viaduct. I was involved in its construction in 1973-5 and spent quite a few long weekend day/night 'possessions' whilst the plate girders were erected over Stockton Road, the Thornaby - Middlesbrough mainline and many tracks of the then extensive Tees Marshalling Yard, the 'hump' of which was just to the west of the viaduct.

[@doncoffey5820]

Bridges fascinate my Paul - one of my favourite subjects!

[@modelsteamers671]

Great video Don, thanks for uploading. Before I became a signalman I worked as a freight guard at Tees Yard and knew this route very well - I was keen to see how it looked today, sadly it's a shadow of it's former self. Anyway a few bits of trivia about the route that may be of interest :- When learning the ECML southbound we were taught the acronym 'NOTSPRATS' to remember the former station locations in order - Northallerton, Otterington, Thirsk, Sessay, Pilmoor, Raskelf, Alne, Tollerton and Skelton. At Pilmoor where the line used to have a junction to Malton (somewhere about 11.30 in your video) there used to be an old semaphore gantry and ground frame in the middle of nowhere (it was virtually in a field), before modern day eyesight testing was adopted it was used to test drivers who had suspected eye problems. Drivers would be taken by a traction inspector and required to state the semaphore signal aspects at the other end of a field whilst the inspector operated them from the frame. Drivers that failed the test and taken off driving duties were said to have been 'sent to Pilmoor.' The test signals can be seen partway down this page :- www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/85326-dave-fs-photos-ongoing-more-added-each-day/page/72/ As for Tees Yard, when built (I think it opened in 1962?) it was the largest marshalling yard in the country and was capable of handling 7500 wagons in 24hrs via 2 mechanised hump yards. To some extent the large hump yards like Tees, Tinsley, Kingmoor, Healey Mills etc were built too late as single wagon traffic was already in decline by the 60's so the yards rarely dealt with the volume of traffic they could theoretically handle. By the late 70's longer wheelbase 4 axle rolling stock was becoming more common and the humps could no longer cater for that traffic. Both up and down humps lasted till about 1982 when the up hump closed and the down hump closed perhaps about 5 years later. Temporarily in the mid 80's the up yard became very busy for a couple of years as all former hump traffic was then shunted on the flat using the yard pilots and at the time the railway was trying to go back to single wagon traffic with the short lived 'Speedlink' programme - needless to say it didn't last long and the yard now is very small by comparison. On the subject of the humps because of the nature of the hump profile class 40 locos (with 8 axles) weren't allowed over the hump as they would get stuck, signalmen were supposed to be advised not to route a class 40 onto the hump but we are all human and it did occasionally happen. All that was needed then was for the driver and guard to overlook it and bingo the engine is stuck blocking everything behind it ;-) Regarding Bowesfield signal box it had a long lever frame split in 2 halves and housed 130 levers, in it's heyday it was worked by 2 signalmen and a book lad. It used to be quad track infront of the box and as far as Thornaby where the yard started. It was complex junction at one time. The original Stockton Station was a terminus at the end of a very short branch that diverged from the present line opposite Bowesfield box - the original booking hall is still there but the line and everything else is long gone. I'm familiar with a lot of the railway in this area and its history so if there is anything you (or anyone else) would like to know drop me a line here and I'll do my best to answer :-)

[@doncoffey5820]

I can imagine - you’ve only got to weigh up the size of the boxes to see the were 100 lever plus frames. Thanks for feeding back as always.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

Model Steamers there's one of these eyesight test gantries in Fletton, Peterborough, on the line from the Nene Valley Railway to the ECML (this line is now owned by the NVR and usec to serve the British Sugar plant as well as the NVR). Sadly, there are no arms on the gantry, but the dolls remain in place"

[@bobbrooks266]

Another superb video. Beautiful scenery. Happy new year Don to you and the family. A sincere thanks for your kindness in posting sure fantastic video's. And big thanks to our driver Aron

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see your comment Bob. Much appreciated.

[@davidsadler419]

Many thanks Don. Clearly a lot of work went into this and it shows in the result. A stunning piece of work.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks David. Much appreciated.

[@drummerboy1390]

Interesting, informative and very well produced as usual. I really appreciate the time and effort you put in. Many thanks.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you.

[@jerryn9496]

Awesome video. I grew up just outside of Yarm. Fantastic to come over the viaduct on either a TransPennine or Grand Central service.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, both good services. Glad you enjoyed it Jeremy.

[@robertcoleman4861]

Thanks don & aron for a wonderful journey cheer's bob.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you are well Bob.

[@swagyoung6056]

Cheers Don, a cracking video you said to watch-out for & very happy i did watch!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad it didn’t disappoint Swag!

[@stevenlloyd8757]

Thank you Mr Coffey you have made an old man very happy!! Loved this, had a tear in my eye when you passed the site of Thornaby depot as that's where I passed out for driving 30 years ago and you never even mentioned it used to be there!!! Nice to see Driver Moran ( an ex trainee of mine) get a mention but will need to give him a bit of a history lesson about much of the route so much he hasn't told you. As for Yarm viaduct it was a pleasure to let 2x37s let rip coming off it!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry about that Mr Lloyd, I don’t actually know where the depot was but it is clear that it has been rationalised significantly and the yard has gone into decline. The plan was for Aron and I to go through a lot of the route but we just never got chance. He is on until Sunday and that is my first day on for a fortnight so I didn’t want to leave it that long. He will be at the helm when we go to Newcastle in February all being well. Yarm viaduct has just been strengthened, I didn’t know it was you who broke it ;-)

[@swerve-ul3ss]

Yet another high quality production - as I'm sure we all expected. As well as insights into the disciplines required in driving on the national network, the rolling captions provide just enough information to trigger further research into the historic background of the route. Well done sir!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated - thank you.

[@Scottishboy-gg8bc]

Another superb video, Don and the history comments are what makes it special. Been on that line a few times but didn't appreciate the beauty of the viaduct over Yarm.

[@doncoffey5820]

It was my first run over the line so a new experience to me.

[@entroenbanda]

I really love your videos. And specially the text captions you display with rich information about almost everything we can see from the driver's eyes. As a rail enthusiast and in real life train driver in Spain I appreciate your content and explanations as well. Lovely trips on a lovely landscape and a really curious rail system compared to the Spanish one. Keep these videos coming. We appreciate them a lot.

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s much appreciated. I’m actually visiting Lanzarote as we speak.

[@catherinemyles5961]

My second time watching this another great road trip hope you will do more soon Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and family

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s an accolade Catherine. There will be some more videos but not quite as frequently.

[@anthonycorke5689]

As an ex brit living in Canada for 50 years brings back great memories. Thank you Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

You’re welcome Anthony.

[@raysmith114]

Another superb video. Thanks Don and Aron. Keep 'em coming please.

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do Ray!

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Excellent video. I loved all the information and historic perspective. Never thought I would ride the Stockton to Darlington, even just a part of it. Also, total respect to you drivers for the job you do. The level of concentration must be exhausting at times. Cheers.

[@doncoffey5820]

It can be at times Pauline. Thanks for the kind words.

[@valfaulkner648]

Brilliant, love it, another history lesson and pointing interesting sightseeing things out to us! Like the other videos, I will watch 2 or 3 times as I fine very relaxing. Thanks Don you are brilliant bloke.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Val and you always say nice things. Some credit must go to the many others that make these videos possible.

[@bartoncessna1]

Thanks Don for another brilliant video. Right past my house just north of York!

[@rubyait]

KZbin gave me the time an hour early, so here I am, my research on Middlesbrough finished, lunch eaten, and thumbs twiddled. My New Year’s resolution already broken with this message. Happy New Year, Don and trainees.

[@doncoffey5820]

Did I tell you wrong Thomas? Sorry if I did. I hope you enjoyed it eventually!

[@rubyait]

Don Coffey No, I don’t think it was you, but I don’t know enough about KZbin to know how the notifications are generated. On the plus side, I sure as heck didn’t miss it!! I enjoyed every minute, each mile. And I had plenty of time to research the destination. I was surprised that you didn’t mention that other “bridge.” It is the most unusual bridge in the civilized world and it showed up clearly near the end of the clip, although we weren’t very near it. Thanks for chatting. Looking forward to the year. (I suspected it was a time zone problem)

[@colincaulton3353]

Great Vidio being a Yorkshireman its good to see the railways I know in a completely different way that I would only rarely see or got to rarely in my Day Rover days as a young lad. I watch all your vidios and find them fascinating keep them coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m glad you enjoy them Colin.

[@blindpeteoz5673]

Thanks Don another great journey. Looking forward to the upcoming Newcastle trip. I moved to Australia as a kid, and came from Chester-le-Street, so will keep my eye out for the blast through there! Thanks again

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, hoping Aran has had his 802 driving course and all goes to plan.

[@ishkabiddle8930]

Excellent video, Don. As a Yank rail fan who is not that familiar with the British rail system, I find the captions, photos and map illustrations most helpful. Cheers.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m delighted it is of use.

[@earnielittle9453]

Great video Don, this is better than watching free to air television in New Zealand, TV is even worse during the summer holidays. A person that came to NZ thought UK TV was rubbish until he saw NZ TV now he thinks UK TV is great!

[@doncoffey5820]

Yeah but I envy you a bit Earnie - oil must be nice there.

[@doncoffey5820]

That was a little unexpected help from auto correct Earnie! I never mentioned oil!!! It should have said “it must be nice there”. I’m sure it is and would love to visit one day.

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Happy New Year Don .. Great video as they always are ... 03:34 Class 91 ..Soon to be no more .. I am quite fond of these and over the Years they "Grew" on me.Will miss them EDIT.... Class 43 07:21 in this video ... One of the most ICONIC locomotives ever built.. Entered service way back in 1976

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes a good mix of traction in that video Arsene. We were lucky in that respect.

[@jelofts]

Another fascinating, informative video. As ever, full marks Don!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jim.

[@neilsharpe7086]

Superb video (as usual!) Don. Many thanks to you and Aron.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Neil. Aron will see your comment.

[@Mark_Kenneth]

Another excellent thank you for sharing look forward to next one

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Kenny.

[@mikeclayton4439]

Another excellent quality and informative video don. Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Mike.

[@AmazeTase]

Fantastic in cab video Don! Very much appreciate all you do. Looking forward to the 802 cab ride idc. Regards.

[@iantaf5559]

A nice trip, that. Many thanks to Aron and I'm looking forward to the Newcastle run. Hope you had a good Christmas, Don and a very happy 2020 to you. 👍🏼

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ian. Aron will see your comment.

[@kevinspence6276]

great video I 'm from Teesside and have travelled this route a few times but didn't know about the lost stations between Northallerton and Yarm great historical facts.... Thanks Don and Aron a great journey

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Kevin. Aron will see your comment.

[@brettjones5041]

another top trip mate loved it brill.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ll be signing you up as a driver soon Brett 😉👍

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Another great video Don,here I am sat watching your video with emphysema that the dear old steam engines left me with.I send you and your family all the very best for 2020.Kind Regards.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear that Ramon. All the best to you too.

[@donsharpe5786]

Thank you for an enjoyable video over part of a line I have never travelled once I left the ECML. I found the historical comments very helpful.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Don. That was actually my first trip up there too so we have to thank Aron.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Another excellent and entertaining film! I so look forward to seeing them, especially when I’ve been unwell.

[@doncoffey5820]

Sorry to hear it Steve. I hope you soon feel better mate.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Don Coffey Actually I’m doing quite well now, especially since I stopped smoking last March!

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to hear Steve.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Don Coffey I’m hoping to be well enough in the spring to resume light duties on the North Norfolk Railway! Hopefully getting back to being a ticket inspector later in the year.

[@doncoffey5820]

Excellent. Let me know how you get on.

[@rumblefish2536]

Another triumph Don. Many thanks to you and Aron. Have a great 2020, and keep them coming.....please!

[@doncoffey5820]

Aron will see your comment Andy - thanks.

[@roboftherock]

Don, your channel is becoming so popular it is taking nearly as long to read the comments and the replies as it does to watch. (468 comments at the time of watching.) As always - thank you for doing them. One of my favoured fonts used on the opening caption!

[@doncoffey5820]

Takes me ages too Robbie! I read every one.

[@amtrakharry]

That was excellent Don ! And Aron too !! :):) Happy New Year to you Don and your family !!! :):):) Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see it Harry - I hope all is well with you my friend.

[@Saxon1947]

Thanks for another superb video, best wishes for 2020

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Bob - same to you.

[@philipalldred5038]

Very well done Don you have done it again, very informative and educational video. I do like to learn about our great country off ours. I hope you had a grand Christmas and the new year will take you far and wide up there in the northern parts on the UK.

[@doncoffey5820]

Newcastle soon Phil. Good to hear from you. All the best.

[@evelynjepson5955]

Middlesborough is where my da was born, so makes the trip extra special.

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one. Did you see the Newcastle run too?

[@pamfulcher6037]

Great informative video , I really appreciate the info along the bottom of the video 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@doncoffey5820]

Many thanks Ron.

[@brucewilliams8714]

Another great video. While visiting UK once, I alighted at Thirsk, walked into town to wallow in James Herriot memorabilia. Thanks Don, and best wishes from a fiery Australia.

[@mikegibson1100]

You are in our thoughts, Bruce

[@doncoffey5820]

I hope all is well for you over there Bruce. Its a horrible thing to have to endure.

[@brucewilliams8714]

A heartfelt thank you, Don and Mike. We're safe here, but potentially vulnerable: 60 years ago, our little town was nearly wiped out by fire. Reading the press accounts brings tears to my eyes. BW

[@williamparker3765]

Thanks again for an excellent video, I didn't get chance but I enjoyed the videos of London to Derby and Derby to Lincoln, many years ago I worked at the Derby Loco Works, but from your videos Derby Station area has changed a lot. Happy New Year and please keep those videos coming.

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do William - thanks.

[@williamparker3765]

Morning Don, this is nothing to do with the videos as such, but you talk about subscriptions and the money donated to you goes to various charities, tell me please how to donate to your charities? William

[@Piltdownpaul]

Loving all these vids as i slowly go through them. When i was 16 i travelled all over the country by train so this is great to see.

[@jamiemyatt5274]

Another great vid, many thanks Don & Aron...Happy New Year !

[@doncoffey5820]

He’ll see it Jamie thanks. Same to you mate.

[@phwbooth]

Thanks once again, Don, and a Happy New Year. The disused stations comments and photos were a bonus! Nice to see one of Dr Ben's pictures being used - the man is a legend.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, he provided some of the photos for the North Wales video. All the best Paul.

[@theovanstaden5766]

Very good video for the beginning of the year, thank You for sharing this video!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Theo. All the best for the coming year.

[@iangill8984]

I remember travelling between Leeds and Middlesbrough as a student in the early 70's. Rickety old DMU from Middlesbrough to Darlo. A decent rain to York than another rickety DMU across to Leeds. I had never used Yarm station until a few years ago because it had long been closed, nowadays there is a direct service from Manchester to Teesside on modern, comfortable rolling stock. That is the problem with progress, it gets in the way of nostalgia.

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, good point Ian.

[@sfb1964]

Another really interesting one, this Don. Fantastic job again!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Steve, thanks as always buddy.

[@johnhopkinson695]

Another excellent video. Not an area I know in person but there are (were?) other cab rides on KZbin in the Middlesbrough, Thornaby, Eaglescliffe and Stockton area - some with semaphore signals.

[@doncoffey5820]

Good to hear from you John. That was all virgin territory to me but Aron and I will be doing Newcastle soon too.

[@petersimons5675]

This channel has cab rides from that area but with out the great commentary kzbin.info/door/y-43RWfhEpRQVoUda8tFjQ

[@vorlonb3]

Fascinating one again Don, especially liked the entrance to the station and the way the signals control it in fog, very clever and very safe. Nice to see the NE again.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Russ.

[@vorlonb3]

@@doncoffey5820 i like the effort put in such detail don

[@johnny5057]

Excellent film as always. A large part of this route is covered by the Grand Central service from Sunderland to York, and onto KGX. The section from Sunderalnd to Eaglescliffe is one of my favourite routes as it hugs the Co Durham coast. Maybe one to consider in the future.

[@doncoffey5820]

Absolutely. Its all coming soon.

[@LONpaulDON]

I love your train drivers view videos Don they're fun to watch

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Paul.

[@chappelindh]

Thank you for making and sharing. Always informative. One learns a lot. Happy new 2020 wishes from Sweden.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very welcome thanks.

[@deejayholliday]

Thank you Don for sharing this. I have travelled this route many times as a passenger so was intersting to see it from the driver perspective. I have stood on the footbridge at Thirsk to video the trains thundering through at 125mph - quite something!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Darren.

[@josesal]

Missed Premiere, but still enjoyed with the full information on the trip. I do thank you good work Coffey.

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated José.

[@jimkerr9429]

Firstly all the best to you and yours for 2020 Don. Secondly, a big thanks once again to you, but also Aron, for a great video. Now the big admission. Though a Scot by birth, I have lived in York for over 30 years now and just recently retired from driving taxis there for over 25 years. The last 5 years plus at York station. Especially as I latterly covered rail replacement work, I knew every station you stopped at. The bad news was, other than some stuff fairly local to York, in reality I hadn't a "Scooby Doo" where I was as such the rest of the time !! It just really shows the differnce between driving to Teeside area up the A19 and going by rail I suppose. So thanks for the geography lesson!!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’ve probably seen you many times Jim. Glad you’ve found us - we’ll be doing the Newcastle run in February so keep an eye open for that!

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

The line from Picton was the original route to Whitby via Battersby joining the line from Whitby to Pickering at Grosmont. The current route via Nunthorpe and Battersby opened around 1865 when the line joining the Middlesbrough to Guisborough line to the line from Picton opened. The Nunthorpe route opened to make it easier to transport iron ore from Rosedale and the other ironstone mines in the area. When the Leeds Northern opened its route they shared the station at Eaglescliffe with the S&D. The S&D used the other faces of the 2 island platforms, the Leeds Northern using the inner faces. The junction for the Middlesbrough route until the late 1980s/early 1990s used to be immediately north of Eaglescliffe. The running lines passing Tees Yard were shifted to the south when the yard was being constructed. Unfortunately the 2 hump yards never handled more than about 5500 wagons per day instead of the 7500 they were designed for. This kind of yard was designed to handle goods that the railways were losing to the roads. The original S&D station now lies under Middlesbrough Goods Depot, the line for this station leaves the current route at about the 56:25 mark. The cuurent station serves the 1864 (IIRC) line to Redcar, but not the current Redcar Central, used to have fine arched roof until the H. Göring Rennivations GMBH carried out an unauthorised rennovation c. 1942.

[@doncoffey5820]

Very interesting Neil. I often wonder if the railway had just hung on into these days of rising congestion whether we would have a thriving freight network. So much was lost in this run up to the railway revival.

[@petergroves9343]

Many thanks Don & Aron, happy new year to you both & everyone else on here 🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank Peter.

[@jbz2079]

Thanks again Don, Really enjoyed this one too, you comments and captions make it so interesting. also it's good to know where you are, as many train videos are just a blur of passing stations the go by so fast you can't read their names. I shall watch this again when I haven't been sampling the Grants and Coke.

[@doncoffey5820]

Easy on the Grants! Then again - cheers.

[@johannperaus6890]

Hello Don! I always have to mention how well you explain everything in the subtitles. Because I don't speak English very well, I have to think a little longer, but somehow it works. You really learn a lot here. Thank you from Hans from the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria.👍☺

[@doncoffey5820]

Your English is absolutely fine, thanks for watching.

[@johnestowell]

Another great informative video from The Don (not Bradman). The Sydney Harbour Bridge photo shows why it's called the Coat Hanger. Happy New Year to you and your family Don.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks John, much appreciated.

[@tomward3656]

Thank you Mr Coffey love the journeys very informative.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Tom.

[@mikegibson1100]

Another wonderful video Don, from my own area too! Loved the additional map work too. Thank you so much

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Mike.

[@tonyfurnandiz4637]

another great video don. I really like the information texts along the way, cheers

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Tony.

[@andrewpalm2103]

Always a pleasure to ride along with you, Mr. Coffey. Happy New Year from Wisconsin!

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m grateful you joined us. Best wishes Andrew.

[@travellifewithjobo5740]

The historical info is a great bonus,thank you from Joe

[@doncoffey5820]

Cheers Joe.

[@a.butler8908]

Hi Don ... A very happy New Year to you, yours and your collaborators at TPE and elsewhere. Thank you for yet another of your excellent, well informed and well presented, pleasurable journeys. I just have the feeling there is so much detail here I'm going to have to "digest" this several times over to better appreciate the finer details!! A Butler

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I suspect once to read it all and another to just watch the footage is probably a good idea.

[@trainmanbob]

And 2020 continues where 2019 left off, with another superb video from the maestro of cab footage!! Thanks Don, really enjoyed this. Happy New Year to you and yours. Cheers, Bob

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Bob and of course, the same to you.

[@nickweiserfolz]

Another masterpiece of Yours! Thank You und vielen Dank from Germany. Immer eine gute Fahrt! Have always a good ride (and always produce other excellent videos, of course). Ich werde mich immer darüber freuen, means: I´ll always enjoy that. A good 2020 and carry on! Ein gutes 2020 und mache so weiter!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated and thanks for following.

[@feaky44]

Brilliant video as always. Been looking forward to this one I really hope one day to be behind the controls!. I have an assessment day on 8th of jan for a conductor roll with TPE that I really wasn't expecting, a bit worried but ill give it my all

[@doncoffey5820]

Best wishes - keep me informed.

[@feaky44]

@@doncoffey5820 thank you but unfortunately I failed I lost a life I didnt realise conductors had lifes I thought it was only a driver thing

[@doncoffey5820]

You know what to watch for next time.

[@feaky44]

@@doncoffey5820 yes hopefully passed just annoyed I lost a life, hope it's not the same lifes as drivers though