Bedford to Earles
2022 ж. 7 Қаң.
585 994 Рет қаралды
Follow this epic journey of a Class 66 and empty bogie tanks from Bedford, up the Midland Main Line and right into the sidings at Earles. See the route via Toton and the sensational Hope Valley.
Addendum
Thermaston should read Thurmaston.
I have always been slightly frustrated by the number of cab videos on YiuTube with no commentary of any kind, This is a whole new level for me. Brilliant
Its been an evolution Robin. The first ones had none then after feedback I added locations. I then decided to add the stuff I would be telling you if you were riding in the cab with me.
Love your Videos , its been a long time since my ancestors immigrated from the UK to here in the US but i still feel a connection.
I’m pleased it does Keith, thanks for joining in with us.
The best cab ride I have been on, many thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! More soon.
Pure excellence.......what a journey......lots of info.....Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it wizard, more soon.
I came across these videos by chance and now I can't stop watching. Keep them coming
Good, I’ve got you booked in for your Rules exam Steven 👍😉
I've only come across this on my suggested videos (as I play Train SIM World 4) I find watching trains and how the driver is extremely focused on the upcoming signals a very good watch 😊
Glad you found us Scott.
The time and trouble you put into these terrific videos are very much appreciated. (The informative captioning is wonderful.) Very many thanks Don and everyone involved. Great stuff.
Glad you like them Mike, much appreciated.
I am currently suffering from Covid and unable to get out of bed. Your videos are bringing me something else to concentrate on are relaxing. Something about the drone of the class 66. Thank you for uploading such wonderful videos.
You know David, there was a time that for various reasons I very nearly stopped producing these videos (politics) and it was comments just like yours that saved the day. I’m really pleased they ease things for you.
Even on a purely aesthetic basis this video was beautifully satisfying to watch. Perfectly centred, the horizon dividing the image perfectly in 2, the edge of the trackbed meeting the bottom corners of the screen, even the clouds looked beautiful. Bravo.
A lot of thought goes into it. My mate at Freightliner who filmed it has got my cameras and we discuss it a lot because he wants good footage for a project of his. This footage from Bedford is about as good as you can get with a Gopro. You’d need broadcast standard to improve on it. I’m really pleased you appreciate it.
Love the sound of an EMD! Another great video, Don!
Yes, amazing aren’t they 👍
I really enjoyed this one. I particularly appreciate the commentary; learnt a lot! You really created an atmosphere Don. Full of suspense. Probably the best train video I’ve seen to date. Thank you!
How do you mean “probably” James? Haha, just kidding, your feedback is much appreciated because that’s exactly what I’d aimed to achieve. Best wishes.
Since watching your videos, it has given me a good insight and a better understanding of the workings of the Rail Network. Plus brilliant footage any geographical position. Thank you Don, be assured that your hard work is appreciated by all Rail enthusiasts.
I consider that an accolade Peter, thank you.
Thank you for reminding us of the hard circumstances people worked on those days. Uptil in the fifties. As a kid I noticed some of the most poor dwellings and up in the seventies less poor were demolished or rebuilt and modernised. Working-conditions also got better. But indeed...even around 1900 there were companies with a heart and sound brains to realise healthy labourers do more work better.
Yes, it’s hard to conceive just how much these people contributed to the prosperity of the country.
Great video. What a privilege to get to see parts of the country from the aspect of a train driver.
Interesting isn’t it 👍
I have watched many cab rides Don but i think this is one ,if not the best i have seen.Please keep them coming,i really enjoy.Edward
You’ll like Tunstead to Bedford Edward - coming soon 👍
Great stuff Donny, many happy memories of the Erewash area lines and the iconic Toton TMD when MGR was King.
I remember lines and lines of MGRs with 56s and 58s on the front Rick.
I think this one was probably my favourite to date, love the sound of the ‘66, I find some a bit irritating. Many thanks for what you do
Certainly my favourite footage of all time. Vin did us proud there.
Really enjoyed this one Don, some very interesting info plus great views of countryside. Thanks to your video's I'm slowly picking up how signalling works.
Yes, that’s it, the more you watch you’ll fill in all the little gaps. Much appreciated.
Once again a fantastic video with fascinating captions and wonderful quality filming.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video once again Don, thanks to all concerned for the effort and time needed to produce them - much appreciated. I found the comments about the driver approaching stop signals very cautiously in case the wagons suddenly pushed the loco forward interesting. I didn't realise that this was still such a problem these days unlike years ago when loose coupled freight trains (with up to a 100 empty wagons) were the norm and the driver had to exercise a lot of caution when braking and relied upon the actions (and reactions) of the guard at the rear of the train to keep the couplings taut at all times by use of the handbrake in the brake van.
It depends on what is happening Peter. With the brakes applied, they all stop together, its when the brake is off and the wagons either recoil or respond to gradient that it becomes a risk.
Another great video love these freight videos. Once again very imformative. It was good to see Toton yard and going through Ilkeston and Alfreton. I live in Derby and haven’t been along them lines to get to Chesterfield. Already looking forward to your next video Don Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it Mel.
Thanks for getting all the permissions to film. Thanks for letting me come for the ride. I used to blag cab rides before the Cowden disaster. I was always silent in the second man seat. Thanks for the captions I never talked to drivers. Just watched.
You were very lucky. Before I joined the railway I had only been in a cab when I was a kid and things weren’t so strict.
Hello Don - Thanks for another great freight video. More please!
More to come soon Michael.
I was never the one for trains videos but times have changed and after watching a few train videos I must admit I rather like them keep up the good work thank you.
Thank you very much Fran.
Thanks for another superbly informative video Don, professionally captioned as usual. I watched it with OpenTrainTimes live track maps open on another device, watching freight trains taking the same route in real time. I was an armchair signaller!
Good work Andy. A track atlas is useful too. www.amazon.co.uk/TRACKatlas-Mainland-Britain-Comprehensive-Geographic/dp/1909431265/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29U8ZKG7N3V6&keywords=track+atlas&qid=1647782734&sprefix=Track+at%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1
Another great production , information and anecdotes . Grand video 👍🇬🇧
Much appreciated Stephen 👍
Love all your videos thanks for putting these up it always relaxes me and makes me happy
Glad to hear and appreciate the comment.
A pleasing start to the New Year - looking forwards to this
Hope you like it Chris.
Excellent footage on an interesting UK route - thanks to all involved in its production. I often watch the Railcam Chesterfield cameras and it was good to view the surrounding trackage.
Glad you liked it. I think I may have some more footage going the opposite way.
Wow that was truly amazing trip. Fantastic thank you kindly for posting it.
Glad you enjoyed it Bob.
Thank you Sir For this great video Really Enjoyed it Very Interesting Something new everyday and your Commentary just great. Thank you again.
My pleasure John, thanks for following 👍
Great work! I'm not necessarily a 'train guy' yet but your videos are making me reconsider that.
I’ll consider that an accolade Chris. The more you watch, the more you’ll pick up as I try to vary the content.
Well done as usual Don. There is a video on youtube celebrating 150 years anniversary of the completion of the joining up of the 2 halves of the Railroad in America. It features a long Rail journey trip By a massive Steam Engine known as ''Big Boy'' with another Steam Engine called 844 and a Diesel Electric Titled ''Union Pacific'' for backup. It was very informative of the Train system I guess world wide roughly. I realise that you would not need this to learn about the service. Best wishes and Thank you again. Sean Ireland. The video is called. ''Big Boy 4014 return to the Mainline''' Retired for 60 years and restored to former glory to lead the cross country celebration trip.
Thanks Sean, I’ll certainly look for the video, I’m always impressed with those gigantic steam engines.
Yet again, many thanks, Don for the quality upload. I had to split my viewing pleasure up into a few sessions, but it was worth it! :)
Very welcome. It’s what you might call an epic - Ben Hur style!
It's Coffey Time. I'll grab a Kit Kat and sit back and enjoy.
Have one for me Richard ;-)
Thank you for posting this video due to ill health I am not able to travel much I look forward to your videos. I love the captions which I find informative
Sorry to hear about your health and I’m pleased the videos help take your mind off things 👍
Another brilliant video Don, thanks very much. I've been saving this one until I'd got time to watch it. I thought the journey from Bedford to Leicester might get a bit tedious, but no such thing. I watched the whole route & followed it with my Track Atlas & been absolutely spellbound.👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it Laurie. I think knowing what the driver is doing and why he’s doing it adds some interest.
Love these videos Don. Eagerly await your next one! I love getting lost in the scenery. I always have a Google streetview page open while I'm watching so I can follow the route through the different towns.
Thanks Ian. A Track Atlas is a good investment too.
Great video! I've never considered myself a rail enthusiast (I couldn't tell you one train from another) but watching your videos has sparked an interest in me! I find them relaxing to watch as well as informative. I always look forward to the next text at the bottom. I've even found myself googling what the signals mean and such so I can test myself while watching! Keep up the great work 👍
I’ll have you signed up as a driver soon Ashlee. Have a little flick through this module of the rule book for signage but keep in mind your exam is next week 😉😀. www.jonroma.net/media/rail/opdocs/world/uk/RS521%20Iss%205.pdf
Thanks for the ride along. Happy New Year
Same to you Rod. Happy new year!
Excellent video Don, crisply filmed and full of interest. At the risk of hair-splitting, the location between Leicester and Syston is spelt 'Thurmaston' rather than ' Thermaston'. Really enjoyed the cab ride, great that it was slow line all the way from Bedford to just before Glendon and included the Wymington deviation - nice to see it's been re-doubled.
That might have come from my route map Peter but thanks for pointing it out. I’ll add a correction to the description 👍
many thanks to the driver great clear views keep it up cheers
Vin will see your comment David - thanks mate.
Great video. I am learning so much today. Thank You 🙏 Thank You 😊 Thank You ☺️
Most welcome, glad you’re enjoying it.
Love the explanations, Mr C !
Much appreciated 👍
Love your work fella...on many subtle levels
Much appreciated 👍
Fantastic, I line in Morton literally at Morton Junction great to watch and very informative. Thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it Andy!
Don am from Australia. Have watched a lot of your videos. Enjoyed the lot. Was over your way a fair while ago, and am looking to going back. One of your videos' you mentioned the engineer had the go signal, and you mentioned how he would give his train ''the berries'', a great expression, not heard over here. All best..
Glad you’re enjoying them Noel. If you do get over, let me know your schedule and I’ll try and say hello 👋👍
Speaking of Cossington, the bridge at 1:30:01 (of which I have taken many photos from myself) was the site of the old ‘Cossington Gate’ station. The ‘Gate’ part of the station name simple denoted the presence of a level crossing. Cossington Gate opened in 1845, but sadly was not well served by the Midland, and it never saw consistent passenger footfall, with many Cossington residents at the time choosing to start their journeys from Sileby due to the greater number of trains serving that station. With the quadrupling of the MML, Cossington Gate met its demise. The station and level crossing officially closed in 1873 and the bridge you see today was installed. A local informed me that the bridge was made from the platforms and station building, though I’m unable to verify this claim (would be amazing if that is true though. How’s that for recycling!). Great drivers eye view, Don 👍
That’s very interesting Tim, thank you. It is hard to imagine just how important these little wayside stations were to communities. In the mid 19th century you couldn’t just order goods from other areas because there simply was no means to get it there without considerable expense. They became a community hub and a Stationmaster was an important person. Then of course things changed over time and it all looks different.
very well put together video.thank you Driver
Thanks Mic.
Such a beautiful day. There were times when it was so perfect I thought it was a CGI.
Yes, it had that look about it Donna. Did you see the screenshots I posted?
Happy New Year Don! Let's start as we mean to go on. Loving train rides..
Same to you Donna.
Good jog and precious informations . Thanks so much .
Much appreciated Luzia.
Another great cab ride! I really enjoyed it!
Thanks as always Henry.
An Epic production! Thank you so much Don. I've often wondered about the moves to Earles Sidings up the midland main line. There's a mammoth move between Theale where I now live and Earles Sidings near where I grew up. Often thought it would be fun to ride along on that rather than driving north! Now I've seen most of it :-)
Thats it David, our train originated from Theale. I’ve got Brighton to Bedford which will show a good part of the southern section. I’ll get round to it soon.
Very informative & enjoyable.👍👍👍
Thanks David, mor Freightliner videos very soon.
Ik heb respect voor de oplettendheid van de machinist tijdens deze lange rit. 😅
Once again Don a splendid video, I would like to raise two points, firstly my hat goes off to the Signallers who man all these various boxes etc they do a tremendous job and secondly were these lines especially around Toton used by the old Beyer Garratt locos on the on their huge coal trains.
The signallers don’t get enough credit Terry, they work away in the background and we wouldn’t move without them. I had to Google the Bus at Toton but yes, they had special facilities to cater for them. What a sight eh?
Very enjoyable video Don (not sure how I'd missed this one when it was released in Jan 22). I travelled on the London to Nottingham and Sheffield line a few times in the 1990s and never noticed that the fast and slow lines diverge at Wymington. I'd also forgotten about the different levels of them in the Sharnbrook area. I seem to remember the government withdrew the funding to electrify north of Corby. A great pity.
We’ve got a very interesting premier on Sunday - Theale to Bedford but the next one to hit the editor is Tunstead to Bedford via Corby with a loaded stone train.
hi Don thanks for another great video I have to comment about the over growing trees at track side especially all the way north of Leicester station many trees extending above the tracks in my opinion they are a major health and safety concern also many trees have over grown the track sess and causing poor sight lines for some signals I hope network rail watch this video and take some urgent action to rectify these severe health and safety concerns before someone is injured from a train accident happens that could have been avoided. I hate to be a bore but i love our railways and only wish them well just a last note 50 years ago our railway in todmorden employed a team of 20 plus men (length men) whose jobs were to inspect local railway tracks and carry out minor repairs cut back all vegetation keep drains clear and report concerns that may become major repairs pity the acountents took over and sacked the lot to look better on paper looking forward to the next video kind regards ralph
Thanks Ralph. Network Rail have a rolling program of “de-vegetation” but they get what amounts to hate mail from residents and the media. The gangers that walked the track have really disappeared with welded track as its virtually maintenance free. I still see a lone scout every now and again but he’s basically filling out report forms and most of the work is done during “possessions”.
Love all these video's Don, it still intrigues me how these frieghts use some quite circuitous routes, makes it more interesting.
Yes, it’s all a question of pathing Pete, a very complex system of route planning.
absolutely wonderful
This is heaven for me as I love the track crossing turnouts an sidings not the train itself at all!..
Yes I do too. I find it all fascinating.
I have talked to the Samaritans and thankful for it.
I sincerely hope everything is good with you Ellen.
Really enjoyed this quality video Don, even more so as I live in the Wellingborough area. Please keep them coming when you can 🙂
Yes, I’ve got it via Corby and the wonderful Harringworth Viaduct. It’s in the pipeline 👍
In the mid 70's, used to work a coal train from Barrow Hill to Earles, propel to Tapton then straight away up the bank. Loved winter when you entered Totley on a beutiful sunny spring day and came out the other end in the deep snow of a harsh winter. No headlights then, some of the iciles used to make you jump when you whacked them. Seem to remember it only ran on a monday, and Dore curve was double track. Yep, those where the days.
Crikey, that’s going back a bit! I’ve got footage from Earles to Barrow Hill which I’ll post up some day. Watch out for that one Ratty ;-)
Excellent video, but it is heart breaking to see how the railways have become in the past 40 years, some stretches of line are like driving through a jungle. No wonder there is leaf fall problems every October/November.
Yes, you are right Gus, it does suffer from a lack of investment but its balancing costs with public demand.
Hi Don a superb video as usual
Many thanks as always Paul.
Thanks Don for filling a very wet Sunday aftenoon (13/2/22) all aspects of your video were attracrive!
Thanks Paul, much appreciated. Sorry for the delay in responding to you.
I Lost interest in railways soon after the demise of steam but so glad I found this site, riviting stuff and hooked again, so sad to see so many stations closed.
Much appreciated John. We are partly to blame for the loss of the railways. The lack of interest and investment in the early 60s and the age of road transport and personal transport all came together at once. Now we all regret it and the railways are stretched to cope.
Hi Don, I thought, blimey, Train Sim World graphics have taken a massive leap in realism ( I was watching a TSW 4 video before this popped up ) then I realised it was footage of a real train journey !!
They have that look sometimes but there was no CGI involved in the making 😉
Hello Friend, I'm from Brazil, I live in Rio de Janeiro, I dream of being a machinist since I was a child, watching your videos makes my dream even bigger, congratulations for the video.
Olá Marcos. Fico feliz que você goste dos vídeos e exorto você a seguir seu futuro na ferrovia. é uma excelente carreira e tenho certeza que você vai gostar.
Coucou et coucou j'aime les trains manifique vidéo très jolie adore boucoup paysage ce merveilleux à bientôt Merci 💓💞💕💌 sentiments dévoués 👍💌👍👍
Merci Baptiste 👍
The bridge at Braybrook isn't for the mobility impaired - it's for moving cattle! Great video through my home territory, thank you
That explains a lot, thanks Rich.
Excellent! Thank you....
My pleasure!
beautiful piece of country
Looking forward to this one, seeing the completed electrification up to Kettering and hopefully if filmed recently the start of the electrification onwards to Market Harborough....
I thi9nk it currently fizzles out around Market Harborough but at least it has the green light for Sheffield now.
Such a educational video, love it. Shame industries are no longer used on some lines.
100% agreed Ian.
Thank you don fantastic insight into the daily workings of our railways .just a quick question ..at clay cross and with a slight incline the meeting of two freight trains would the signaller know or prioritise a fully freighted train over an empty one .? Is that something they would know.?
They wouldn’t normally prioritise by weight unless there was some particular operating instruction. For instance at Manchester Victoria they wouldn’t normally send a loaded train up Miles Platting bank (1:47) but if there was no alternative, they would make every effort to give it a clear run otherwise stoping it might require it being assisted. You saw on the Chester to Birmingham video, the timber trains must be guaranteed a clear run. In this case, it was purely a matter of getting the express to Chesterfield on time so we could follow it.
Nice video🙂
stunning
Hi Don, brilliant video - can I correct a caption please? Whittington viaduct occurs at approx 2h 40, the viaduct labelled Whitting is actually Unstone, and as you run into the south end it marks the start of the Unstone colliery branch that rejoined at Drontield. Passing over the viaduct, then under the road bridge the white factory marks the site of the old Unstone station. As a bye-the-bye, the old colliery sidings at the south end behind the signal be remained in use well into the 60/70's as restaurant/dining car storage when Heeley Bottom carriage sidings were full. I know, spent many happy hours watching trains here and spotting in this area as a nipper.
Yes, I did struggle to locate it as viaducts aren’t listed in most maps - thanks Paul.
Absolutely fantastic video Don and for me it was so informative and the best so far. I loved the East Midland section in particular and of course Totley south junction. Can I ask if it would be possible for a tour of the cab if the driver is agreeable showing controls etc, prior to any train movement of course.
It’s an awkward one Denis. One of the conditions of filming is that we don’t give any clues to how the train is operated. Of course, many cabs are visible on simulators but at least we didn’t assist the inevitable loony who attempts to trespass and move one.
At 2:27:00 I was held at the same signal on Train Sim, doing the same Scenario. The Scenario starts just before EM Parkway and finishes at Earles via Erewash. Nice run.
That’s it John, a very typical and realistic scenario 👍
When I was young I would have dismissed a yard full of class 47 and 56 locomotives without a thought. Now a line up like that "on shed" at Leicester is a sight to behold...
It is, even not running they are a valuable reminder 👍
Wonderful video Don. Seems that aren't any remains at Market Harborough of the line to Northampton. Those connections would be really useful to move traffic between the main lines when there are problems ( same to a Leicester Coventry ).
So much was lost Oscar, it’s a crying shame.
This is the one, the trip over Wellend / Harringworth Viaduct will be a beauty, nipping in all the rabbit warren of tunnels up to Manton.
Yes AJ, I’ve got it and I will bring it to you at some point soon.
Magnificent!
Very kind. Good to see you Jan
Happy New Year, Don!
Same to you Frits 👍
Great to see a cab video of the MML stretch between Bedford and Kettering since the 360s started passenger service (I watched the 222 video when the new OHLE was a work in progress). That you went via the Wymington Deviation on this occasion was even better since most passenger services stick to the fasts barring engineering works or some other issue necessitating a diversion. Just for future reference - the OHLE isn't Series 1 F+F, but a Series 1/2 F+F/Bonomi hybrid labelled UKMS; specifically UKMS125 to Kettering (and onwards to Market Harborough*), plus UKMS100 on the Corby branch. It's mostly Bonomi but the F+F stuff appears at wire run terminations, mid-point anchors and stations; design speeds are reflected in the name. [* I know the IRP promises further extensions to Sheffield/Nottingham but there was talk of the Treasury putting the brakes on last month. Maybe the extensions will happen, but for now I'll assume no more than what's currently underway.]
Thanks Timothy and thanks for the clarification of the OLE. I’m hopeful the electrification will go ahead. I don’t think the powers that be could stand the backlash of another cancellation - hopefully 🙏
Such a contrast to the way rails look and are run in the US. And I love the sound of the 2-stroke EMD's (if that's what it is.) Such a straight route, seems to ignore terrain. Was that a Roman road?
We pass Watling Street in several of the videos Andy - it is so long or are you talking about the rail route? The main engineers like Stephenson and Brunel kept the routes as straight as their land purchasing powers and terrain would allow. Watch for the next video which has a big GE powered loco in charge.
Living in South Africa but enjoying your videos tremendously! What fascinates me is the mentioning of the preparation for the track to be electrified. How on earth do they raise the many bridges to accommodate the coming electrification? Access roads have to be altered too then? Sad that the once thriving rail system in South Africa are now only a ghost of what it once was. I envy you!
Thanks Hermann. Electrifying an old line like this is a mammoth task. The amount of unseen surveying and engineering is unbelievable. Many bridges and viaducts have to be altered and then of course all the electrical supplies have to be upgraded. The cost is very high. Take it from me, our railway is only a shadow of its former past too.
Another first class presentation. Quick question, on entering Sharnbrook tunnel we hear a beeping sound every few seconds. It tails off as we get further into the tunnel. It seems too frequent to be a vigilance warning. I have heard it before on other class 66 presentations. Any idea what it is?
Yes, our driver had the window open and can’t hear the vigilance alarm as well as the camera can. He keeps resetting it rather than risk a brake application.
Another fantastic video. Thank you, Don. I particularly enjoy the freight videos. They give another dimension to the skills needed to drive a train. I am curious as to the percentage of recommendations implemented by the Beeching report that were eventually reversed.
Its a good question Michael although I can’t answer it. Before Covid, the government was keen to reopen railways but I suspect finance will be an issue now. Fingers crossed more will benefit from reopening.
Interesting journey
Glad you liked it Pete.
Freightening!
I see what you did there 😉👍
Hi Don, another most informative video! You will be pleased to know that after watching your videos I passed my Heritage Railway PTS test today with flying colours! Many thanks and keep up the good work :)
Well done. I’m out filming on the Worth Valley next month as it happens.
Even if it is August it will still be worth waiting for.
Its not August!!!! Its this Saturday, honest ;-)
First time watching your videos and my neighbour saw me through the window... He asked what edition of train simulator I was playing 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Cheek, tell him it’s the real thing 😉
If you watch at 2x speed it's like taking a HST ride 👍 Do you still upload these Don? It's nice to see some of the UK countryside I've not seen ;)
Yes, I try to get at least one a month done but the next won’t be until the end of February due to other commitments.
I like the round patches of light on the ballast in the Sharnbrook Tunnel, I assume coming down from the ventilation shafts. They look like sky projections.
They look super if mist has formed in the tunnel!