York to Newcastle - NOVA 1

[@EASYTIGER10]

13:44 Thirsk 18:27 Northallerton 24:04 River Tees 26:44 Darlington 43:56 Durham 49:00 Chester-Le-Street 54:56 King Edward Bridge 56:17 Newcastle

[@antikoerper256]

My grandfather worked in our royal railways here in Bulgaria pre-1945. Ive always had fascination for trains but Ive never been to the UK and man do I wish that I could go or live there! Love your commentary sir, thanks for offering people like me the virtual trips they couldnt take otherwise IRL. Great stuff!

[@doncoffey5820]

It sounds very patronising but I would love to see your railways too. Thanks for following the channel, its much appreciated.

[@mariacornwallis1602]

Notice how the overhead electric cable zig zags from pylon to pylon to prevent it cutting a groove in the pantograph

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats it Maria, exactly.

[@winco68]

Excellent video. At roughly 46:25 was the location of the former Newton Hall Junction. Here the long closed Sunderland line veered off the ECML to the east crossing over Belmont Viaduct high above the River Wear and the spectacular wooded Kepier Gorge. It then joined the former ECML ( latterly known as the Leamside Line) at Belmont Junction. Here the line continued in a North Easterly direction through Penshaw into Sunderland. This entire route has been lifted except the last 5 miles into Sunderland which was reinstated in the late 90s to form the southernmost part of the Metro network between Sunderland and South Hylton.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s such a shame so much was lost. Very interesting thank you.

[@grahammace5060]

What an achievement - from Stevenson to the present day technology and routine high speed travel. I'd love to see the reaction of Stephenson, Gooch, Brunel at al if they could be placed in a modern train cab. I think they would approve. Great video, Don. Loved every minute of it.

[@doncoffey5820]

Aye, apparently, the public thought you might die at 30 mph!

[@MyrtleBeach123]

Watching this excellent video from Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Thanks so much for the high quality video. The clear sunny weather makes a difference at these speeds.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for joining us David. I visit Florida most years (Covid excluding). I think the nearest I’ve been to you is Chattanooga. I worked in Nashville for a year or so in my motor industry days.

[@LonegunmenNZ]

Just wow. I just watched this a second time. The first was at work on an ancient pc. Today, I'm watching it on a brand new laptop with a 4 gig video card in HD. This is like being there without the wind in my face. Thank you so very much for this excellent production.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it! It has a full stereo soundtrack if you have some matching audio ;-)

[@ZL54JK8]

Brilliant! Absolutely stunning photography and extremely well-presented and informative running captions. Thank you!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamfulcher6037]

I have my sandwiches and flask of coffee and I’m sitting in my living room in Canada looking forward to this video 😄 Thanks in advance Don .🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿⚒🇨🇦

[@doncoffey5820]

Enjoy Ron!

[@jamesfranklin5410]

Don, this is a superb production. I really hope the Ministry of Transport is aware of the sterling work you are doing. Thank you so much.

[@paulfearn4905]

What an amazing video. I loved it, very clear and great detailed comments all the way through. A a pleasure to watch. Thanks to all.

[@iansuehooper7542]

Another enjoyable ride on the rails with beautiful weather and scenery to complete the ride. Liked your comment on Whittaker’s classic song, reactivated my (Ian) dormant musical grey cells, still humming the tune!! Thanks for your video, never tire of any of them.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Ian. Quite a few of my videos leave you with an “earworm”. Oh no he’s got me at it now!

[@rogerdorrington]

Think I've caught all your videos Don. They are very educational as well as teaching a lot about railways and just how complex they are. Can't make up my mind if the returning Binliner to Wakefield or the North Wales coast to Holyhead is favourite. The 113 thumbs down must be competitors without hope!

[@doncoffey5820]

Haha, you never know Roger, maybe they searched for Wakefield and got a cab ride and maybe they just didn’t like it!! I’m glad you liked them though 👍

[@cypher50]

I was wondering why watch the return trip but I was glad I did. This line is well worth watching both ways and I was also glad to watch the EVR snippet at the end. Great job...

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, that’s nice footage. I save some of the captions for the return so glad you stayed 👍

[@PRDIGM]

Beautiful! Watching from the USA. Done this trip mny times.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you come back again Patrick.

[@brianeynon5406]

This is some racetrack out of York another wonderful video I.

[@doncoffey5820]

Certainly is Brian and you’ve been treated to the best view on the train!

[@chips1641]

Great Video I noticed the three bridges out of DARLINGTON the Thompson Street bridges and Green Lane I remember them as a boy during the days of steam I am now 73 and live in Western Australia..cheers

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s interesting. Look after yourself over there.

[@charlesmaguire8836]

I have traveled the globe. Love traveling your train and thoroughly enjoy the scenery. Wonderful experience and most appreciated.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Charles, I appreciate your feedback.

[@curlewatblacktoft]

Fantastic. Love it as the Nova 1 powers its way through Northallerton station.

[@doncoffey5820]

Stand well back Paul!!!

[@boogiegirl4276]

Hello!! I am relaxed in my home in American watching this view, as though I am riding in the cab alongside you. I am inspired to take a vacation train tour in Britian. Thank you for posting these amazing videos. 😊😊😊

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m glad you appreciate them. I try to mix the subject matter between what the train is doing and history and all sorts of “interesting stuff”. You’ve hit the nail on the head in so much, it’s the kind of stuff I’d be telling you if you were sat beside me in the cab. I’m really pleased you’ve found us.

[@mibi1946]

Love this video, very high quality. The ticker is great. This line is a real race track. Thanks for posting.

[@philipalldred5038]

Thank you Don for another interesting and educational video. Your videos are always full of facts of local interest. It was a pleasant surprise when I saw information of another video from your stable to watch on these cant do this or that days, what a great way to spend two hours watching English country side going past at a rate of knots and learning so much to. A big thank you Don and the driver for a great trip.

[@doncoffey5820]

And Phil, thanks to you for your continued support. You look after yourself.

[@valfaulkner648]

Loved it, Loved it, Loved it! Loved Darlington station and after the Freight trains to go fast was great! I'll watch again over the weekend! Also to see snow was nice as it's warm here down south! Thanks Don and thanks to Aaron.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks as always Val and hopefully in a couple of days it won’t pixelate as much. Thanks for your continued support.

[@Mark_Dyer1]

Between 1971 - 74 I used to take the train from Ramsgate, Kent, to Durham, for the University. Those were three of the finest years of my life: and Durham's glorious cathedral has been a favourite ever since. All English people should visit Durham at least once! Mind you, a recent long weekend in Newcastle was also an amazing experience: what a dramatic cityscape! Thank you for this post.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can do it free Mark and I never have but I’ll make a point when the lockdown is over.

[@birdman4274]

26:30 I'm glad the points were set correctly

[@doncoffey5820]

I wouldn’t be here to discuss it with you if they weren’t ;-)

[@robertspillman2845]

Wonderfully done! I appreciated not only the commentary but also the references to the map. I watched from Boulder, Colorado. I travelled London-Newcastle once in 1969 or 1970; my main memory was of the very nice dining car! Thank you.

[@doncoffey5820]

I would love to visit Boulder one day. Glad you enjoyed the virtual trip.

[@msparry1]

Don you truly are the King of the cab view. Well done

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats very nice Martin thank you.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Superb as usual Don, thank you very much. Please do not take this in any way other than an idea, but watching yesterday the TGV trip from Toulouse via Bordeaux to Paris the speed limits and actual speed were on screen. I marvelled at the accuracy of the driver de-accelerating down to hit the new limit at just below the required speed! Keep up the excellent work.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can get away with the odd clip of speed but I can’t show a full transcript under the conditions I was given to be allowed to share the footage. Its all about security as some nutter will try to drive one. I don’t want to upset my bosses as they were very good to allow me to do it.

[@tallyhochaps3216]

A great production, informative, enjoyable & no insect splatter to spoil the view!

[@doncoffey5820]

We go to great lengths to keep the screen clear.

[@nickyaerobones]

I live about 300ft away from the ECML and I remember watching the electrification works going up and having a closer look as I went over the bridge to see school friends.

[@doncoffey5820]

I bet you’ve seen some sights over the years. Excellent!

[@jasperj1000]

Another enjoyable video .Vey well shot and captioned . Well done and many thanks !

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks. I wish it would stream as clear as it is uploaded but I think the server struggles.

[@12crepello]

The Sidings Hotel on the right at 5:20. Stayed there once and would highly recommend. Especially if you enjoy watching trains pass by from a warm conservatory accompanied by a glass of wine or beer!! Handy for the NRM too.

[@doncoffey5820]

I could handle that very nicely 🍺🍻🍸🍹🍷

[@tspenceriii]

What a splendid way this is to "get out".

[@jackie0604oxon]

Thank you for this Don, such memories. I used to live near York and had quite a few train trips to Durham and Newcastle. My grandad was a goods clerk at Darlington station before and after his war service, later moving to Barnard Castle until that closed.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Jackie. Glad it brought back memories for you.

[@TheNorfolkThunderbolt]

Another excellent entertaining film! And folks, don’t forget to support the appeal at the end!

[@doncoffey5820]

Much appreciated Steve. Keep safe and well mate.

[@richardditchburn3853]

Nice video Don. As a teenager I lived in Thirsk, at 13:38 on the video, and spent a lot of time at Thirsk station. Back in 1967 it still had four platforms and actually had trains stopping on the centre platforms. On my last trip to England (1984 ish) the middle platforms had gone, but the space was still well manicured. Nature has taken over this unused space. When I lived in Thirsk there was still on old steam loco used to switch goods wagons in the freight yard just to the north of the station. It is good to see that trains still stop at Thirsk. I came across a video that was shot at the north end of the south bound platform and was impressed by the number of trains that still stop at Thirsk, in one afternoon. A lot more trains stopped here that at my Canadian major city station where we see six trains a week.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Richard, very interesting. Did you see the Middlesbrough video in which Aron and I stopped? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaqsdJeqi9Bnras

[@themightywhoosh123]

Thameslink driver here. Love your content!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad to hear it my friend. Keep safe buddy.

[@pamflint3595]

Thank you for these videos. Love seeing the UK and the information you provide along the way. The view from the drivers cab is awesome. Thanks again.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m really pleased you enjoyed it Pam.

[@atlanticcoastexpress]

Absolutely wonderful Don....as I expected. Many thanks to yourself and the driver. While enjoying this video I’ve been comparing the overhead catenary style to the new overhead line system between Paddington and Bristol (thanks to a cab ride video) and the new overhead on the GWR seems to be far more intrusive and heavily engineered compared to the ECML system. Things have changed so much over the last few years haven’t they? Keep up the good work...your style has become the ‘standard to achieve’ in my opinion. Best wishes , Rob

[@doncoffey5820]

Several people have commented on the Great Western mainline OLE structure. I’ve not see it yet but at some stage I’ll be going out with GWR and will have a better idea.

[@artfedigan5543]

Don, have enjoyed riding the rails with you from here in the states. Enjoy your time off. You are definitely going out on top mate! Thanks very much.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you Art, that’s much appreciated my friend.

[@a-fl-man640]

i like the info tidbits as well as the camera work, well done.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them!

[@richardprovenzano894]

Very nice trip. I really love all the explanations, it really ads value to the discovery. Thanks a lot !

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard, thank you.

[@richardfurness7556]

I'm saving the return trip for later, so please accept my apologies if you've already covered this. The line diverging to the right at Tursdale Junction formed part of the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway, built in the 1830s. For several years it acted as the main line between London and Edinburgh, crossing the River Wear by means of a spectacular viaduct just south of Washington. Later known as the Leamside branch, it carried freight and was used as a diversionary route until as recently as the 1990s. It hasn't been abandoned altogether; the tracks are gone, partly because people kept stealing them, but mainly because they'd have to be relaid anyway if the line was ever to re-open. The ballast remains, in an attempt to stop vegetation encroaching. There are still hopes that some of this route might one day be made into an extension of the Tyne & Wear Metro system.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks, yes, Aron told me about that.

[@seanfagan6022]

Loads of current AND Ancient history on the return trip..Which brings it all to life. Brilliant trip at speeds I have naver been at on the ground at least...Up in the Air probably. The York to Newcastle leg was the most entertaining with loade of information and a few more stops. Magical.??

[@doncoffey5820]

That’s very kind Sean. I try to bring that mix to all the videos so the watcher can benefit in one way or another.

[@ufx808]

I've been waiting for this moment all day and having had a very nice chicken biryani and bombay potatoes for tea, I'm now going to settle down for some thrilling entertainment.

[@doncoffey5820]

Well I wasn’t hungry but now.......

[@teresajaneou5538]

I just don't want to stop watching, the point of singularity is genuinely hypnotic ... Especially after acceleration thx for bring to us this experience... I m loving it...

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it Teresa.

[@alanreid3063]

great video, love the comments explaining thing rather than endless line views

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you liked it!

[@graemetessier7888]

Thank you for this intelligent, informative and enjoyable video! You certainly put the hard work in to make the video as enjoyable for the viewer as possible.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you very much!

[@newtonjardine8455]

Travelled this section of line many times on DMU’s, Class 45/47 loco hauled, Class 158’s, HST’s, Class 91’s and Class 185’s. Still to make the trip on a Nova 1 or Azuma though! Acceleration looks impressive compared to the stock of old. This section of line was electrified 1988-89 with electric services officially commencing in July 1991.

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for the info. They are very nice to ride on.

[@r.m.9450]

Very good video. The Tech information along with the tourist information was great, Keep up the good work,

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Leopardtankfan]

The quality is spot on! Thank you Don :)

[@eversunnyguy]

Fantastic view of the journey. Got a great idea of UK train travel. Great preview.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomasgibson2003]

Hey , I love your video , I watch every single one , I love them , keep doing what your doing cause your video are lovely to watch 😊😊!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you! Will do!

[@shadowhusky2250]

been on part of this route when i stayed at a friends house many years ago - as far as Thirsk - stayed in the village of Kirklington- views of moors from one window and dales from the other - never been beyond Thirsk sadly. nice to see beyond Thirsk - great video , so far {: love the snow] time to complete the journey [ : noticed the large bag i think of Yorkshire tea in the mess area - [1.29.46 seconds ] yellow train .

[@doncoffey5820]

Its gorgeous up there. There is more to be done if I can restore normality - bear with me ;-)

[@antonv.]

Wow this is nice!!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like it!

[@kaliprasadchinam236]

Superlative. This quality and amount of information sets the standard for train videos. Thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate your comments.

[@MeesterMichelM]

Thanks for, once again, a wonderful trip around the eastside of the UK (as well to you Don, as to Aron ofcourse). I never understood the difference between the 800's and the 802, and now I finally do! Great to once again see the architectural wonders of the UK with your personal in-depth look, as well as seeing a little bit more of the 802's driver cabin. Last summer I went on a vacation to Newcastle with my father (who happens to work for our national railway; NS), and neither he nor I realized the number of tracks on top of us, when taking a few beautiful pictures on the below deck of the King Edward Bridge. This was quite the surprise for both of us, and we loved to see it from this perspective! By the way, are you being assigned to drive the Nova 1's in the future? I remember seeing in one of the last livestream feeds, you're usually only assigned to the TPE 185's. Just wondering, that's all! I'd love to know what it is like, driving such a giant at speeds up to 125 M/ph. Thanks again, and I wish you all the best in these times of the coronacrisis. Cheers!

[@doncoffey5820]

My pleasure Michel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks very much indeed wow...Speed at last....l live in Middlesbrough Kentucky USA of the same name...Same people settled here....Many many years ago.....! l forget the whole story now...Something about iron oar here and ivestores from Middlesbrough your side...l am 77 years old now... Love you video mate....Keepum comming...State side USA...!

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks for watching Steve. Look after yourself.

[@jasonmudgarde286]

As Einstein asked "Does York stop here" Strangely satisfying in an ambient way, many thanks.

[@roadie3124]

Thanks for showing this. I traveled on that line quite a few times in the 1960s, but this is the first time I've seen it from the front. York to Darlington was quite quick in those days, but not as fast as this 😁 Darlington was my local station in 1965/66. The area near the end of platforms 2 and 3 (South) looks naked without The Rocket. I did Darlington to Cheltenham at the beginning of every school term and back again at the end of term. I did the stretch north of Darlington in 1968/69/70 when traveling from Cambridge to Edinburgh to visit my innamorata. Memories.

[@doncoffey5820]

I bet you saw some fantastic sights in the days of both steam and diesel.

[@mrmessy7334]

Whenever the train stops at York, it always sounds to me like the announcement says Björk 😂

[@doncoffey5820]

Its our Northern accent!

[@josephkarl2061]

6:23 is the reason I'd never want to be a train driver. Having a foot crossing over a high speed main line like that is just - I can't find words to describe it. On a more positive note, many thanks for this Don! I've heard of these new trainers and seen outside views, but it's amazing to see these from the cab. I think they're a huge improvement over what has come before. Just as soon as I finish work, I'll sit down in front of my home theatre and I know I'll have a ball watching this 👍👍👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Pleased to know. Thanks for being a regular Joseph.

[@Mortimer50145]

I've walked over the foot crossing just north of Northallerton where the Wensleydale Railway merges at 18:50 (I went for a walk to kill some time while I wanting for my car to be serviced) and it is a scary feeling, even though I know I've checked and triple-checked that there is no train in sight on any of the lines before leaving the fenced-off refuge and crossing the two tracks (and then the two of the Wensleydale Line). When I got to the other side I stood (behind the fence) and timed how long it was from first being able to see a train's headlights in the distance under Zetland bridge until it arrived. I forget how long it was, but not very long...

[@transportationuk7656]

9:30 Convoy of Class 66s

[@ianbracking226]

Hi Don I have only recently come across your cab ride videos. They are superb being both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

[@doncoffey5820]

Welcome aboard! Thanks Ian.

[@neilforbes416]

44:59 Funny you should mention that song, I was thinking of it as you came into the station at Durham. The song dates back to 1969.

[@doncoffey5820]

I’m afraid I remember it well Neil!

[@neilforbes416]

@@doncoffey5820 I've got an MP3 audio file of it tucked away on an external hard-drive.

[@winco68]

Very enjoyable video. At 52:48 the Carlisle line can be seen veering off to the left. Look closely and a spur can be seen branching off to the left of that. That line runs into a platform at the Royal Mail Tyneside processing plant in Team Valley. When the plant was built in the mid 90s several Mail trains arrived and departed from there every weekday evening at least 2 of which were TPOs. Sadly this is no longer so the TPOs are history and most other mail travels by road or air. The platform there now handles only one arrival and departure of a 4 coach train per day carrying direct mails to and from the south of England.

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, it does, I thought I’d mentioned it. I occasionally observed operations from that road bridge that spans the yard.

[@EM-yk1dw]

Lovely Don. Line off to the left at Darlington was also the North Easterns route over Stainmore Summit to Tebay on the WCML, and also the Middleton in Teesdale branch too. Any chance of getting Newcastle to Edinburgh please?

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, its on the cards be we aren’t allowed to double man a cab just at the moment. Bear with me!

[@chriswright1021]

Fantastic picture,so relaxing to watch,👍😄

[@doncoffey5820]

Many thanks Chris.

[@jasinere35]

22:54 the richmond & catterick garrison joins mainline also this was the site of dalton station

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

Very nice "up & down" ride and thanks Don for all the information.

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it GBE, all the best mate.

[@dewiz9596]

As always, informative AND relaxing! British Rail is so far in advance of North America. . .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thanks Bram.

[@davidcowie2462]

Thanks Aron for allowing us in the cab, and seeing what you see, and Don for providing the additional information and pictures that make the journey so interesting. I feel sorry for the passengers! It must have been an interesting calculation for the surveyors to decide when it was cheaper to bore a tunnel rather than dig a cutting. We travelled along the line faster than any of the LNER steam locos could achieve. Thanks again. Look forward to the next ride.

[@doncoffey5820]

Our pleasure!

[@drummingriffin]

Excellent quality as ever Don, now I've just got to make my way home from York....When's the next train to leeds? ;-) Stay safe and well mate.

[@doncoffey5820]

We’ll find you a ride 😉

[@johnlawson5787]

Great production video. Came across this and will now view the others you have made. Great....many thanks

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you like them John.

[@blissful351]

How nice to go on a train journey and get away from all this s**t

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes it does help to bury the head in the sand doesn’t it ;-)

[@calotadaniel5063]

Hy , this is absolutely superb , great video quality , great detail about the route and the trains , great side view , nice detail about cabin data , absolutely super hard work put on the video editing and it deserve all the credit in the world , thank you for sharing and keep up this great video's they are on different level .

[@doncoffey5820]

Thank you, thats much appreciated.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

AND WE'RE OFF‼️

[@keithjones4427]

Fantastic, I think you have put the camra in the best position I have ever seen, smack in the middle thankyou.

[@doncoffey5820]

It’s not actually Keith, it was well over the second man”s side hence the view of the wiper but it still gave a good view.

[@skippybingham5715]

When switching to diesel power how much time is needed for pre-load warm up?

[@doncoffey5820]

Its very quick Terry - maybe 20 seconds but they will eventually do it automatically. It needs some track belize’s.

[@andrewholloway231]

This has been a superb video. Great to see The Sidings hotel at 1:53:17. I stayed there way back in 1994 and was fortunate enough to see D172 'Ixion' on its mainline run.

[@doncoffey5820]

Brilliant. I will have seen it loads of times in my younger days as I lived near the Midland Line at New Mills.

[@pererikakerjordet1735]

Excellent video again Don! Are you acctually together with the driver on the trip? Best wishes in this corona-times!

[@doncoffey5820]

Mostly Per but not always.

[@mazariqbal9514]

Beautiful video Don, and an amazing experience from the cab drivers view, I really love it...these train driver's must be getting a good pay packet for their services I bet....

[@doncoffey5820]

I won’t try to kid you, yes we get paid very well. It is quite a responsibility though, it isn’t impossible to have considerably more people onboard then you can get on a jumbo jet.

[@raybrown2197]

You may have left "old Durham town" but there was no "fog on the Tyne" for you

[@doncoffey5820]

Thats done it, ruddy Gazza in my brain now ;-)

[@apexqc04]

My mum was a Roger Whittaker fan and we used to go to visit Durham in the summer where we'd stay at a friend's house that was rented out to students during term time. Until you mentioned it I'd never made the song connection. And yes it's stuck in my head now. Curse you Don Coffey lol Bloody nice video though. I zen out to these now and have learnt so much.

[@doncoffey5820]

Oh now it’s back in mine!!!….. there’s a ship lies rigged and waiting in the harbour……. 😂🤪👍

[@robertturner4526]

As impressive as this train is, it reached Thirsk in 13 mins. I remember hst in the early 90s passing in just over 11 mins.

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t comment on that Robert but maybe the speeds have changed and certainly the way drivers stick to the rules is possible. All trains have data recorders on them now so they never go above the speed limit. I’d have to look at the similar footage to know for sure but rest assured an 802 can out perform a HST.

[@123WelshDan321]

Beautiful scenery there! I would love to drive trains but with a view so relaxing I'd probably nod off and miss pressing the button! 😂

[@doncoffey5820]

No you wouldn’t Dan, it’s different when you’re driving.

[@chriswilkes236]

Absolutely terrific video, Don. I would have preferred the speed showing permanently, but that's just me. Excellent commentary and detail. Probably the best train video I have seen. Two things I don't understand. Is the poor signalling and the poor track that keeps speeds down? And with this wonderful new train, why are the interiors so damned uncomfortable and unwelcoming. The seats, as everyone says, are like ironing boards. Surely we can do better?

[@doncoffey5820]

I can’t put a permanent speed up Chris because my software won’t support it. Regarding the speed, you mean at 125 or below 125? Th signal sighting, structures and curves usually account for lower speeds but they will eventually get modified. The ride is intentionally stiff as these units were intended for speeds up to 140mph for which they need very good track and probably wouldn’t show the bumps. Modern seating is invariably firm as it is proven that they are better for comfort over longer periods. I guess we slump into soft seats. It sounds contrived but it is true.

[@GarththeVader]

125mph!! Corking speeds! And I remember the mass floods last year too, and happened this year as well! Love the videos! Keep up the great work! 💯

[@doncoffey5820]

Will do. Glad you liked it.

[@lolroflpmsl]

We really could implement 140 mph running on these straight bits of the ECML without too much difficulty...

[@doncoffey5820]

Yes, I get what you are saying but there are a multitude of signalling regulations that prevent it. It can be done but it needs to be upgraded. The track is nowhere near as smooth as the cameras would imply.

[@lolroflpmsl]

@@doncoffey5820 I know they tested the flashing green aspect as an extra block on top of the normal steady green to account for the longer braking distance (given the somewhat crap braking performance on the IC225 vs modern EMUs, if Train Sim is anything to go by), so I don't know whether that would work as a typically British kludge for it. Either that or fitting in-cab signalling as they do on the continent, which is an entirely different undertaking.

[@jimkerr9429]

Thanks again Don fo a great video to keep me amused during lock down .Also to Aron too of course. A sction of road I know extremely well as a passenger but a cab ride is something else. I can see the new 802s (and 68s) pass my house but, partly due to lock down, not yet expeienced them but this has made me want to even more. I shall tackle your longer frieght vids shortly too !!

[@doncoffey5820]

You’ll need to do those in instalments with plenty of tea and biscuits Jim ;-)

[@mariacornwallis1602]

It has always struck me to think that for about 20 years after the Battle of Waterloo that all these surrounding flat fields were exactly that , a backwater of a rural society with peasants and yokels slaving away on the land to make a living, probably having no knowledge of worldly events beyond their horizons.. Then , sometime in the 1830s men wearing tall top hats arrived to measure up followed soon by navvies who started to dig up the land to make ready for the great rail road , then life and scenery were never the same again

[@doncoffey5820]

Very eloquently put and absolutely correct.

[@komatsu65]

Fantastic.....What a job..... great video......

[@doncoffey5820]

I enjoy my job very much Oliver. Glad you liked it.

[@mikecaird5554]

Another great & informative video, Don. Many thanks to you, and Aron, of course. You can easily see why the Darlington - York section was regarded as a racetrack in steam days.

[@doncoffey5820]

Well said!

[@sigil5772]

Thanks for another great one Don. See, there are so many things that I love about your videos - nostalgia for childhood (riding a single car diesel unit, no idea what class, on Middlesbrough to Whitby where you could see out of the front window in the early 70s); love of Victorian architecture and civil engineering (the man hours involved!); fascination with the mechanics and physics of rail travel and stock; and just a love of the British countryside. Looking forward to more!

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it and glad you see all the elements that I try to include.

[@robhardie6687]

Thanks for this Don, excellent quality with great facts along the way. Very proud to have been selected to become a driver on the ECML, starting my training next month, so doing a bit of early studying!

[@doncoffey5820]

Congratulations Rob. I’m sure you’ll find it’s the best decision you’ve ever made.

[@ClarkeDurrant-ti3uk]

This is amazing iv done this journey many times it takes 1 hour to get from York to Newcastle

[@SuperRecordman]

This train goes through my part of the world! Ferryhill! Great video! :)

[@doncoffey5820]

Nice one!

[@andrewwardle7634]

I've subscribed. Thanks for a very informative clip. I love watching this type of stuff and your little side tid bits of information makes for a well rounded presentation. Thanks heaps. From New Zealand.

[@doncoffey5820]

Hope you are all good over there Andrew, you seem to have a good system for coping with the virus. Glad you’ve found us.

[@RichDavey]

Brilliant video with excellent description on the way. Top marks to all involved. Well done 👍

[@doncoffey5820]

Many thanks Rich.

[@raymojets]

A very very well produced video...Felt in the cab real time...Thanks keep up the good work..

[@doncoffey5820]

Glad you enjoyed it Ray, thanks. One of my main aims when asking permission to film was to share the experience. Most of us at some stage dreamed of being a train driver so having you ride along is a pleasure.