I was a driver at Crewe but left in 85. Worked on crewe north box for a short while after leaving school then worked in Crewe south till I was 18 then transferred to saltley diesel depot in Birmingham to get on the footplate. Good to see the old APT still around. I used to do the test runs on it during the weekend's from Carlisle to oxenhome and back to Carlisle then back to oxenhome back to Carlisle, and repeat 😂 (I think oxenhome long time ago now) the hydro brakes took a bit of getting used to but I found them fine. I wasnt passed out on it just helped out driving as it was an 18 hour shift. I ran that crewe to Liverpool route a lot, it was the first route I signed for as well as the hollyhead route. Thanks for posting
@scotsguy422
5 жыл бұрын
Same here m8. Did my traction training, boiler training, worked on the job for several years. Saw the APT at Crewe and Preston a fair few times during trials. Always the most senior drivers got those turns! I was usually second man on a steam heat 47/2 or something similar! We did the Trans Pennine stuff, and leccies to Euston. Sundays was usually dragging diverted Class 1 jobs all around the countryside due to engineers possessions! Left in 85, went to college and worked in IT for the rest of my days. Where are you living now, as it looks very remote and wild! (The rock removal vid).
@Grid56
8 ай бұрын
Who'd have thought this would already be consigned to history ! 😭
@doncoffey5820
8 ай бұрын
It would have been hard to imagine a couple of years ago. Who knows, they may come back.
@caputostefano1053
5 жыл бұрын
The noise of genset is a heavenly music!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, they do make quite an unusual noise. Those locos are fantastic.
@Sam_Green____4114
5 жыл бұрын
A Bell was much better for the AWS on a green, it distinguish better from a yellow.I used to love riding up the front with the driver ,one excuse was to bring a pot of tea for the driver and secondman .Seeing people on bridges used to get me worried. One low point was when we nearly wiped out two track workers walking with their backs to the trains on the down slow where the tracks went from two to four at Woolmer Green.They just manage to get out the way by about two seconds! that shook me up slightly.I would have been in trouble cos I wasnt supposed have been travelling with the driver!!
@chriso8485
5 жыл бұрын
Huge well done to TPE for having the brains and balls to go back to loco stock. Will be so much more comfortable and quiet than a Pendo or Voyager
@Spookieham
5 жыл бұрын
Love the APT at 1:20 on the left side - I remember seeing it as a boy at Shields Road depot in Glasgow during an open day - showing my age now..
@johnkelly1813
5 жыл бұрын
I also remember that open day 1977/8 perhaps? i later went on to work on the dam thing!
@paulmivvi7828
5 жыл бұрын
Saw one Preston station around 1980. My Dad asked if I could step up in the cab which was agreed. I had a Hornby trainset of it - sold 10 years ago f4 hundred quid. (shame it never worked out - not enough government dollar compared to the French with the TGV)
@brucewilliams8714
5 жыл бұрын
@@paulmivvi7828 There were other problems which had no economic solutions: eg. the centrally-located power car could not be tilted and it also isolated the two halves of the train, requiring two refreshment facilities and staff. The quite different Pendolino tilt system avoided these problems.
@phutureproof
4 жыл бұрын
For the record the train has in fact never once been a boy. 🤣
@duxberry1958
5 жыл бұрын
Came back from Crewe Sunday one night back in the 1980,s i was out chasing class 85,s ...i was waiting for the ( i think it was a Birmingham to Carlisle ) you sometimes got a Class 85 working it ...this night a 87 working it and we got diverted via Hartford Junction back on to the WCML ...
@ramblingrob4693
3 жыл бұрын
Love to see a Cl68 for real. the colours etc make it look like a future loco
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
The best livery in my opinion.
@HenrysAdventures
4 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed watching this and love the sound of the class 68!
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Yes it sings a bit Henry. Of course it sounds much louder on the outside. You can’t hear yourself thing at Victoria or Leeds when those big diesel jockeys get excited ;-)
@RWL2012
5 жыл бұрын
The engine room shot was a nice surprise :)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
The Go Pro can’t be beaten for images but the sound is hopeless. The little soundbite is just something a bit different because I know many like sound but it is a high fidelity stereo recording taken with a different camera. It was actually done from just outside the internal cab door and not in the engine room.
@RWL2012
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 thanks for replying, like your videos :)
@derrickgreen9020
4 жыл бұрын
This engine sounds REALLY powerful. Must be a thrill to drive. Many thanks for the captions Don
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Hi and sorry for the very late reply. I did drive them for a very short time but then I had a slight change of job that took me away. They certainly pick their feet up.
@raysmith114
5 жыл бұрын
First class - thanks Don. Love the captions and the quality of the video. Super looking loco as well. I want one!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
If you have a few million burning a hole in your pocket? ;-)
@raysmith114
5 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately, just down to my last two - so I had better rein myself in a bit. (I wish!) @@doncoffey5820(
@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206
4 жыл бұрын
HOLLY CRAP ... An APT-E 01:20 Nice video ..So good to see locomotive hauled trains again...
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, the one and only I think Arsene!
@jamesrivis620
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome trip, Don. The enhanced sounds, especially as power is demanded from the fantastic engines and then lowered, ARE the ‘background music’ of the video and videographers who add unrelated music need to be ignored, in my view.What most viewers want, I believe, is what you give us, a REALexperience. Thanks again. What is Wavertree Junction, just a parking area ?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks James. I know that on the odd occasion where I’ve posted without sound it isn’t as well received and I totally get that. Using Wavertree Junction is unusual but brought about by a matter of convenience. Transpennine Express need to train a large number of drivers on them and there are no “paths” available over the Pennines where they will be used. For that reason, they were given slots on the WCML and as sending them into Lime St to change ends and go back would cause more disruption so that little spur at Wavertree Junction was ideal.
@JohnRodgers7390
5 жыл бұрын
Really like this loco and one of my favourites, great to see different units being shown here, 185's 158's and now the class 68 all my gifts coming at one time. Many things for the great work with the captions also they really do help the trip so much easier to understand.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
You never know, something else might pop up soon. Keep watching!
@Leonard_Smith
5 жыл бұрын
Good quality video 👍 Captioning makes all of the difference.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I’ve done it now - thanks. I’m at constant war with auto correct.
@demil3618
5 жыл бұрын
So on deceleration they switch circuits into deceleration mode, similar to changing into a lower gear and using the engine to brake (as wells the resistors here) hence the engine is speeding up? Would make sense and save fuel as well. Always wondered when this would be introduced. Interesting how protective some train companies are about filming though considering all those airlines allowing even pilots explaining cockpit controls. But nice intro of this machine!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thats exactly right about the braking mode. It keeps the brakes cooler for harder braking. I could probably post some stills inside the cab but I’ve been very lucky that TransPennine Express have allowed be to share the footage. Rather than cross a line I’ll play it safe.
@demil3618
5 жыл бұрын
That’s well engineered!
@TheBarnem13
5 жыл бұрын
wow it's quiet isn't it I mean compared t a shed Great video and I love your captioned vids keep em coming it's nice to see the North west being covered!!
@nickbulbeck3736
5 жыл бұрын
Just recently come across your channel, Don, and I'm really glad I did. I've never worked on the railways - just a humble overgrown schoolboy who loves trains! The videos and your answers are really informative. Great work, and thanks for your efforts.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Nick. I think most lads fancied being a train driver at some stage in their life. Anyone who has even a remote interest in railways should find something of interest but watching more of the videos will help fill in the blanks as they all cover slightly different subjects.
@julianjohnmeadows6071
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome post, as all ways . ..but as the loco first pulls away , did anyone else notice the curious looking rainbow cloud on the left of the sky view? Most curious . ..a lovely video though, does anyone else watch these to help with insomnia? They are magic, though I do love anything train related...it is most soothing for my soul to listen watch and learn from these beautiful videos that you and many others take the time and energy to create and share..Many thanks ☣️
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
Haha! I’m taking that as a kind of compliment - keeping in mind it might be boring ;-) Actually, I start nodding too after a while especially in parts where it is just covering miles. By the way Julian, that strange rainbow was entirely due to a cheap and cheerful Polarising filter which I’ve stopped using now. I suppose you get what you pay for! All the best.
@Micke120872
5 жыл бұрын
Anyone wants to see the cockpit of this great train, try this website : www.railway-centre.com/class-68.html. You will then understand why I use the word 'cockpit' - no spite Don, but that puts your security comment out on a very big limb. Sorry for that statement. Ab Fab video though - love watching them all. Thanks
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I’ve reviewed my conditions of filming and in fact I could have shown a picture but I’m not allowed to film it being driven. Whatever anybody else does is irrelevant as I’m bound by those rules. I’m lucky they allow me to share them.
@roykemp4941
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for uploading, enjoyed it.
@jezzaqc
4 жыл бұрын
Another brilliant video. Love the rainbow at the start and the sound in the cabin of this train. Sounds so smooth!
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Actually Jezz, that is a hue from a cheap polarising filter that I bought (since condemned) but yes, the loco is very smooth.
@robtrow6041
5 жыл бұрын
Was seeing 68 Brutus passing nearly everyday few weeks back on light engine from yard in winsford were I was working can hear it roaring has its coming up from winsford station amazing sound. Thanks for this great video much appreciated bud 👍👍👍
@Otacatapetl
5 жыл бұрын
Great video as always. Are these ever done with anything on the hook, or is it always light engine?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
On this route, only crew familiarisation. They run elsewhere getting the miles up on the coaches and they will run as fixed formations early in the new year.
@atlanticcoastexpress
5 жыл бұрын
Very interesting Don...what a tremendous rate of acceleration this locomotive has! Is the colour fringing I’m noticing on my iPad screen due to the locomotive’s electric windscreen heating element... it’s only faint but I’ve never noticed the effect from inside a driver’s cab before now...is it visible to the driver? The former Weaver Junction mini-panel signal box also looks very forlorn now doesn’t it? I suppose it will be demolished soon...a shame, the staff who worked there previously were exceptional. Many thanks, Rob.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
That rainbow effect came from a polarising filter Rob. I’ve stopped using it now. I don’t actually sign that route, I went especially to film it so Ikve not picked up much about the history of the route. I love the old structures and architecture and you’ll often hear me waxing lyrical about it.
@barryprice9962
5 жыл бұрын
Love your videos
@caliburn50a
5 жыл бұрын
Remember watchng the ATP come past AP Comercials in Garstang under its own power only to be dragged back to Preston behind a Diesl loco after yet another breakdown as the tlting system failed agan and again yet the Italians were able to solved the problem and now we have the pedilinos
@Spookieham
5 жыл бұрын
Not enough testing unfortunately and rushed into use before it was really ready.
@edwardbarnes2702
5 жыл бұрын
these are just fab recordings, brings new viewings to us, who we long to view upfront driver experience, can view a whole journey in real time. Fab.🤓
@sgkingly8392
5 жыл бұрын
I love the muffled sound of that engine. It sounds so cool!
@acleray
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, no matter how ever many times I see the viaduct at Runcorn, and the new road bridge, I am amazed at the architecture and design. To think there was a man in an office somewhere in Victorian times who drew that out on paper, passed by his boss and given to the works foreman, without comment, built and still standing. It's a great shame that members of the travelling public do not see it from carriage windows.
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely Ray. It’s a fine work of art.
@zekeallsopp6665
5 жыл бұрын
Hey mate absolutely love these videos I live in the East Midlands and have a massive passion for the railway just saying I’m only 17, was wondering as you’ve done East Midlands class 158 run is there any chance of having any more routes either in 153/6/8?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
The return journey is actually in a 156 and the Buxton to Ashton Moss is a 150 (although you can’t hear it).
@zekeallsopp6665
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much can’t wait to see the return journey soon mate!
@chinookhelomech4059
5 жыл бұрын
Love your videos.... and have a question about the track system. Every so often (a Mile or KM?) the train passes over a sensor sitting in the middle of the track, and a chime is heard in the cab. Is that some kind of RFID tracker to report position or speed of the train?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
If you notice, that sensor (AWS magnet) is on the approach to signals and speed restrictions. Its a magnet with switchable poles that the train passes over. When not energised (fail safe) it causes the buzzer that warns the driver to pay attention to a speed restriction, a signal at caution or at danger. When energised, it reverses the pole and it causes the ding which basically means, all well, no action needed.
@rogercrick9813
5 жыл бұрын
Another great video, thank you.
@TheCyberSalvager
2 жыл бұрын
I often see (And hear!) Class 68s passing through my home town of Bicester. I've taken to nick-naming them 'Boom-boxes' because they don't half kick out a lot of noise! (Seems pretty quiet in the cab, though.)
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Yes they are surprisingly quiet in the cab. They bring the roof down (figure of speech) in covered stations!
@radionorwick5011
5 жыл бұрын
EXCELLENT
@patmcdermott4832
5 жыл бұрын
As someone born & bred in Coppenhall it's great to see the 4 track line out of Crewe. For all you "youngsters" the 4 track section used to house water troughs on the 2 fast lines in the steam era! The fields on the left had a public path so you could watch a "Coronation" steamer at full speed picking up water! Odd that the 4 track overhead has been reduced to 2 tracks so early as operators are always complaining about congestion. Great video thanks for taking me back to my young days!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Interesting comments and observations - thank you.
@pburr1973
5 жыл бұрын
There are a few points where wide-span OHLE structures cover just two tracks (but where presumably there were four previously, eg. around Weaver Junction). I wonder how long it's been since an electric train used the short section of wired track leading off at Hartford Junction?
@modelsteamers671
5 жыл бұрын
Another great video Don :-) Do you ever get chance to video further afield than the Manchester hub? I'd be interested to see perhaps north of York or toward Birmingham. Many thanks.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
One of the York instructors has agreed to do North of York but he’s busy on new traction at the moment. If I get something new, I’ll post it up. Keep watching.
@modelsteamers671
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Thanks, I remember the old signalboxes north of York before electrification, I'd be interested to see what it is like now :-)
@coventrycitykid
5 жыл бұрын
Those Class 68's sound awesome machines, we sometimes get the occasional one on the Mountsorrel stone. Top video.
@AndreiTupolev
5 жыл бұрын
A Class 08 shunter shunting wagons at 30:50 is quite a nostalgic sight.
@alanmolyneux5957
5 жыл бұрын
There's usually a couple of 08's at the Alstom plant just west of Ditton and a couple at Speke Junction where the shunting was taking place. There's also one on Allerton depot which is the left as you leave Liverpool South Parkway on the CLC line to Manchester. Before it got rebuilt as a depot for DMU's (it's or iginal use when we had 1st generation DMU's)and now EMU's there were a large number of scrapped 08's dumped at Allerton depot.
@thetallyeti8398
5 жыл бұрын
Well I didn't think it was possible but you've totally out done yourself with this one, never expected to see a 68 cab ride. Really enjoyed this, can't beat some good old 68 thrash. Top stuff.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
You never know what opportunities arise and I had a lot of help from the instructor in getting it organised. He’s a top bloke and a keen railwayman.
@thetallyeti8398
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I can imagine but I think I speak for everyone watching your videos that we all appreciate the time & effort that goes into making these videos.
@timbarnes2259
2 жыл бұрын
Class 68.. First Time for me.. The longest straight track is in Australia, 100 / 200 miles long.. Thanks..
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Our country would get misplaced in the outback Tim 😉👍
@eLGibo
5 жыл бұрын
You get a great view of these bad boys from the little window you see on the left @ 1:05. Its the model railway room in the heritage centre. They have some nice chairs there for you to while away an hour or so watching 00 scale and full scale trains go by. Well worth a visit. The last time I was there I saw this train go up and down 5 or 6 times always wondered what it was.
@ianjones4116
3 жыл бұрын
Great vid thanks. Did like the engine room shot. What a difference to all the early Diesels. So clean and spacious. Thanks again 😀👍😎
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
It was quite new that loco but I think they stay quite clean.
@richardditchburn3853
2 жыл бұрын
At 27:22 a reference is made to a security problem if you show the controls of the loco you are in. Why is that, I would have thought that a control panel is a control panel?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Perhaps I worded it wrong Richard. I’m not allowed to show the panel being used. It was a condition of being permitted to film.
@johnbrown9092
5 жыл бұрын
Superb quality video. Brought back memories for me and BR when I worked in the Engineering dept and walked and worked most of that route.
@1960imp
5 жыл бұрын
Is this crew training run carried out with a rake of empty stock (not Mark Vs obviously) to give some weight or is it run light engine?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
No, just light engine Ian. At the time the MkIIIs were not signed off and the Mk5As weren’t delivered. The drivers are all out training the full fixed formations as we speak.
@sjpowermac
5 жыл бұрын
Cracking video. Thank you so much for sharing.
@gokceralp
2 жыл бұрын
Wish we could see the whole dashboard and the driver. Thanks for sharing though.
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
I’m afraid that won’t happen with my videos as it’s one of the conditions of sharing imposed by my company. It’s their choice so I’m not going against them 👍
@paul.-jj6yh
4 ай бұрын
this view is just like cing out of d window. show lever movement and brake movement
@doncoffey5820
4 ай бұрын
Not happening I’m afraid.
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
I notice that for much of the trip, up to 9:48, the audio is mono, the initial departure had stereo audio though, and the sequence with the still shot of the engine, but after that, reverted to mono. I can only guess you're using two cameras, one capable of stereo audio, the other just mono.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Maybe that was the old GoPro. They are in stereo now.
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I'm not really a fan of those "Go-Pro" cameras. The two that I'm using both have the flip-out monitor screen(Canon "Legria" HF-R506 and Sony "Handicam" HDR-CX405 which is my newest camera). I've always preferred that feature in a camera.
@TheDaf95xf
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don. Fantastic run up the west coast line in the 68 Top marks for TPE for putting on loco hauled trains to stop over crowding but 5 coaches still won’t be enough!! Look at our roads we widen them they fill before there finished 🙈 Cross country trains should do the same maybe with a 68 and MK3 coaches as there’s plenty stood up in sidings. Great video Dom cheers Stevie 😁
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
We’ve got big problems with short platforms.
@1960imp
5 жыл бұрын
Roughly how long does it take to learn a route, to the point where you are happy to sign off on it? I realise it might vary from route to route but what would be a reasonable average?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
It varies on how long the route is. As an example my “core” route is Manchester to York which has Manchester and Leeds as complex centres so maybe 30 trips plus a written exam and a route brief. That’s an approximation - it’s a long time since I did mine.
@PDUCKELS
5 жыл бұрын
Lovely locos Don,looking forward to seeing loco haulded trains on the Scarborough line.
@brrob8108
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Don. When route learning if you pass over the slow line can you also sign for the fast?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Rob. Technically yes in most cases but a driver will be expected to know the exact location of speed changes and line features, route possibilities and risks both in the written exam and in the accompanied ride out assessment. There are a few complex areas where they would insist you rode over it.
@amtrakharry
5 жыл бұрын
Wow, what that was really interesting !!! Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)
@harrymcandrew1447
3 жыл бұрын
class 68s are probly such locos i like due to the racket the engines produce when they eather idel or rev up or preferably at york were the 68s are loud as i remeber 68023 Achilles thundering down at york leaving me slightly confuzed
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, we certainly know when they are around Harry ;-)
@harrymcandrew1447
3 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I've got use to first seing the 68 locos to eventually getting use to there presence to am existent i can almost kmow of 1s arriving ay leeds before i see it
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
My colleagues like to raise the roof at Leeds but they won’t admit it!!!
@317Dan
5 жыл бұрын
Wow that was out of nowhere! Great video once again Don, it's a sign of things to come! Just a question: as a driver, how do you find these new 68/mk5 sets? I don't really like the look of them; I'm not used to a train without a yellow front! However, the 68s do make a good sound, and living in York I've seen quite a few on driver training between there and Scarborough. Still, it's good to get some more loco-hauled trains!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Get used to no yellow front ends, they are coming. That one in the video is the first I’ve set foot inside and never driven one but it seemed very nice. The MkV sets are still under development but will be out and about soon.
@Thunderer0872
5 жыл бұрын
I started watching the return but now I can't find it? did you take it down or am I going nuts?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
As above, I’m really sorry but had to edit some caption errors and there is no other way but take it down. It should go back tomorrow and none of the footage will be missing.
@Thunderer0872
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Ahh so I did see it. cheers no problems, surprised how loud those 68's are I had my first one a couple of weekends ago, going to Birmingham for the Class 50's to Tweedbank, Impressive pull away and thrash. keep up the good work.
@slotplayer50
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent ride and your location info is really nice. Thank You
@Neitherherenorthere970
5 жыл бұрын
Crewe to Liverpool isn't a TPE route, so: why is crew training taking place on it and how is route knowledge addressed? Great video by the way.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
There are no paths over the Pennines so we have to use that route for familiarisation.
@duxberry1958
5 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing a few days ago ...
@Senna-xi1gr
3 жыл бұрын
Brilliant & like everyone else yes the APT👍🇬🇧
@martinevans7090
5 жыл бұрын
0:30 - Forgive me for being a Grammar Nazi, but the apostrophe is in the wrong place - it should be Manchester's Railways. Sorry. Great video though!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
It is in all the other videos. Don’t know what happened there. I can’t alter it without uploading it again.
@christopherstubbs9333
4 жыл бұрын
Yes Martin. I was so glad you raised this. It was bothering me. Great video though.
@CaptainTransit
5 жыл бұрын
That CAT C175 purring sounds just like the ALP-45DP’s twin 3512C HD engines! Well, the muffled version does. I’ve never heard an ALP-45DP’s engines from inside the locomotive.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I might get some more footage soon.
@AvinashReports
4 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed
@AndreiTupolev
5 жыл бұрын
Seems reasonably quiet in the cab. Are there different sound eat each end, depending on whether you're at the radiator or the electronic gubbins end? Some good acceleration running light engine!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, one end is quieter than the other because there are secondary bulkhead doors between the engine room and the clean air room (I’m not an expert on them).
@EM-yk1dw
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 No 1 end is quieter, brake frame and electrical cupboards. No 2 end you have the compressor being behind the cab bulkhead.
@mrroobarb
5 жыл бұрын
Great stuff Don - I now have a Beatles song in my head (and in my heart lol). Keep up the good work - many thanks for creating and sharing, Bruce.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Goes to flippin’ bed with me some days when I’ve been over that route!
@joespud3727
5 жыл бұрын
Why did you only go as far as Edge Hill? If you're running passenger trains you go into Lime Street Station, aren't you allowed in there, yet?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Good question. Although the 68s will be running to and from Lime Street Station, they won’t be running to Crewe. There is no doubt that the preferred rout for trading might have been Liverpool to York or even Leeds as these are routes that the drivers sign but in fact that route has no extra capacity and the training loco would very likely cause delays to scheduled services. As the training is specifically aimed at handling the loco, it doesn’t need to include Lime Street Station as the drivers already sign it and again it is quiet and out of the way at Edge Hill. There may be locations in the country that are very quiet and the loco could run about unhindered and not effecting other traffic but the location has to be close enough to Manchester that the drivers can get there and back plus get some useful time. Our York drivers are running between York and Scarborough which is very convenient and has plenty of capacity.
@joespud3727
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Oh right, yes I see your point, thanks for the explanation.
@atlanticcoastexpress
5 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for the reply Don and okay about the filter! Keep waxing lyrical about your enthusiasm for the old buildings, etc.., we support you! Regards, Rob.
@russouk
5 жыл бұрын
Didnt realise Eddie Stobart was as big as that...100`s of trailers and wagons...and his warehouses are huge. worth a few bob considering he started with sweet F A .......when I was 19 worked for Wincanton \ Frigidaire,we did long weekend nights ( fri sat sun mon ) installing air conditioning at Halewood...in the offices that were being extended..me and 4 of our firm and about 25 other contractors..earned a few quid that week...back in late 80`s
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Russel Morgan - as I live and breath!!! Eddie Stobart is big into distribution of all sorts. The old chap dies some years ago and I knew his son Edward that built it up to what it is now (with his brother). We used to go to meetings together when I was in the truck industry but unfortunately Edward died at an early age too.
@kevinduval5751
5 жыл бұрын
So it's not just units you drive then? Have you started training on the 195's yet?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
195s are Northern units. I didn’t actually drive the 68, one of my colleagues did but I might be signing 802s when they arrive with us.
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
You didn't identify the station at 35:15. I assume it is Wavertree Junction.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Sometimes its because I couldn’t fit it in, it's mentioned in the text or I forgot!!!
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 No worries.
@bobmather3615
5 жыл бұрын
Sorry Don, forgot to say thank you for a great trip.
@simonpilk
5 жыл бұрын
At 13:25 or so you describe the running lines wrongly after Hartford Jn. They are from left to right, Down Fast, Down Slow, Up Fast and Up Slow. Brilliant video though and the 68s seem very fast in accelerating but I take it you were light engine only.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I knew straight away but couldn’t edit it. Thanks anyway.
@garycharles8649
5 жыл бұрын
Don. For a Manchester Picc based driver operating a service to Newcastle or Middlesborough how much of the route would you do without changing drivers? I usually notice a driver change at York for that particular route or would you ever drive the whole 3 hour + journey yourself from Picc?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
On the Eastern side, we sign either Scarborough of Hull. We all sign Liverpool so The Scarborough guys work trains coast to coast and we could in theory although currently there is no Lime St to Hull so we wouldn’t do it in one hop. None of us go North of York although one of the Instructors there has promised to film Newcastle and Middlesbro”. It will get done eventually but short days and new traction training doesn’t give a lot of scope at the moment. Stay tuned!!!
@elliesanders885
5 жыл бұрын
The 68 is abit of an odjob loco but it's growing on me :)
@tomskupham
5 жыл бұрын
its a shame it has not room for a transformer and Pantograph , then it would not need the Diesel engine when under the wires
@russouk
5 жыл бұрын
@@tomskupham that would be the Class 88 dml....
@tact86
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent video, captions and comments are great too. Thanks for sharing!!!
@rwm2986
5 жыл бұрын
So, if you start the journey in Cheshire, it doesn't rain! Another brilliant travelogue, looking forward to the return journey. Many thanks.
@LeoMartinDJ
5 жыл бұрын
Lovely video, do enjoy the 68 and will be overjoyed to travel on it with TPE next year. One question... why have that Alstom Facility at Ditton if Edge Hill Depot is just up the road?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
The depot at Edge Hill does servicing and light repairs but that facility at Ditton can do major re-fits and painting. You can get a full set out of the weather and in fact the one in the video has fresh paint on it.
@LeoMartinDJ
5 жыл бұрын
Don Coffey That does make sense!
@railfangig6699
5 жыл бұрын
Nice video do these locos have a central driving position like a 67 which was a pain in the arse on freight. There certainly been some subtle changes in the track layout on this route since I drove it about 13 years ago.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, central position but they have an AWS holdover button for shunting.
@raymondfoster4581
4 жыл бұрын
mr Coffee; enjoy your cab rides very much (part of my early morning); can I ask, is there a set distance between signals; does this depend on line speeds; many thanks; more cab rides please; Raymond
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
It’s a popular question Raymond. It all depends on the speed and the intensity or location so you get them very close on the approaches to Manchester as they are fielding many trains. Out on the east and west coast main lines they might be a mile apart for high speeds but there are no fixed rules. There are some going to Hull that seem light years apart given the line speed but they keep trains spaced and moving which of course is the goal.
@internet123ism2
5 жыл бұрын
Don't see my old birth neighborhood Wavertree mentioned often. Is Edenfield Road still there? Number 6 it was.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I didn’t notice it!!! The area seems surrounded by older properties.
@Thunderer0872
5 жыл бұрын
How come the controls are secret? surely we will see them in traffic or at an open day? and maybe a train sim in the future. I used to get cab rides on the Salisbury line, even drove a couple of times at the end of Locos and coaches. is it trade secrets between operators or just a case of worry about folks nicking one? I'm sure there's a master key for it which should prevent unauthorised operation. I don't even own an EP key, even though our supervisors office had a box full of them.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
When I first asked permission to film and pass on the videos, I was given a set of conditions and I don’t want to contravene them. To some extent, they would allow perhaps a little more than I show but rather than cross a line that stops me, I would rather stay on the safe side. If you find more information online or elsewhere that is fine but I am just following guidelines.
@Thunderer0872
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 oh sure just seems strange they didn't want it to be shown. I'm guessing the new breed of railway management?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
No, not at all. They’ve been very good - I don’t know of any other company’s that would permit sharing video of this kind. There are lots on KZitem but I don’t want to guess how many are official ;-) In this case, its the wording that may have meant it was OK but just in case I’m playing it safe.
@Thunderer0872
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Yeah I watch as many on YT as I can. Your Pennie route ones help in my route learning on the Dovetails game Manchester - Leeds game it's based in 1984 so a little hard with the 101 unit but more fun with the Peak and the 47. Keep up the good work.
@paulenglish5232
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Don do they ever use them for freight?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely Paul. Ours are leased from DRS who own them but occasionally you’ll see one of theirs on our trains or ours hauling freight. Those liveried in TPE colours have special controls for doors and cameras so they try not to swap them if possible.
@southeasttrainhub
5 жыл бұрын
Wow Don, very very, VERY good!! Super captions but of course the start of the show is the '68', my favourite diesel locos! Super work and super driving, well done! :D
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Not me driving this time. It was in the very capable hands of my colleague.
@southeasttrainhub
5 жыл бұрын
Don Coffey - Okey dokey :-) When will the return be uploaded? Looking forward very much to seeing that! :-)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Mid to late January unless I find myself relieved of other workload.
@southeasttrainhub
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you :-)
@Romans--bo7br
5 жыл бұрын
Great video!.... Looks (and sounds) like Caterpillar 3512 or 3516 power in that shot at the 8:45 - 9:03 mark.
@petermitchell7479
5 жыл бұрын
Caterpillar C-175 16 about 5.3 litre per cylinder. Also comes as V-20 spec as well up to 5300 HP.
@JimbobsTransportVideos
3 жыл бұрын
I saw one of these moves once, I can’t remember the headcode but I knew it begin with a 3
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
I thought they were Class 0 but you might be right Jimbob.
@jacksugden8190
5 жыл бұрын
Nice free cab ride, nice also to go somewhere, where I had never been, and possibly never will 😊.
@theguitarsurgeon6213
4 жыл бұрын
RAINBOW!!
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Its actually something the polarising filer threw up Ian.
@peterspencer1382
5 жыл бұрын
Won't the class 68s create longer journey times as their acceleration is slower than the current 185s?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Oou, no, I don’t think so Peter. The 68s are high torque 3800Hp engines driving a modern electric alternator and traction motors. The Mk 5s are light and by all accounts, they don’t hang around. The light engine is just a little hot rod.
@allanhirst3048
5 жыл бұрын
Think you have the up slow and fast the wrong way round between Hartford junction and Acton Bridge Don! Good vid though! They are good locos to drive and believe it or not, the 88s can accelerate even quicker!,
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes thanks for that, I do indeed. The only reason I added the comment was because of the slightly unusual layout and then I fell foul of cutting and pasting, being tired (too late at night) and clumsy proof reading. I made sure it was tight on the return journey!!!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Are you at Crewe?
@allanhirst3048
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 yes i am mate. based at gresty bridge now. was also at northern when you were! 😉
@allanhirst3048
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 haha! id assumed it ws something like that!
@allanhirst3048
5 жыл бұрын
haha!! Hows things at TPE?
@jensham1945
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another excellent upload. A signal question; what is the purpose of the two low level red signals between the tracks?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
They are for shunting Peter. I’ll be explaining those in more detail in another video in the new year.
@waldenhouse
5 жыл бұрын
Train-Sim is getting very good these days!
@martinmarsola6477
2 жыл бұрын
Another great video today. Always a comfortable ride. Thanks Don.
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Martin.
@Broadercasting
5 жыл бұрын
The video high frame rate gives a great amount of realism. Excellent. The 68 sounds very nice too.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, they do sound good. They should be out and about in passenger service this summer.
@MarkCSevenSixTwo
5 жыл бұрын
Its a very nice walk along the River Weaver under the viaduct by the Vale Royal locks. Great video.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
You’re not the first to say that. I must go one day and see for myself.
@TheDrumvader
5 жыл бұрын
Any chance of a video from man pic to stoke on trent (and beond if possible?) or crewe to Stafford? it'd be nice to see the area from a different perspective
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I used to sign it at Northern but it isn’t a TransPennine route so I don’t go any more. Maybe one day I can twist somebody’s arm. Bear with me!
@TheDrumvader
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 no worries. I appreciate you trying
@paulwhitear4983
5 жыл бұрын
If anything happens to engine on journey. Do you take train out of service, or try to fix it if minor problem. Great video.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, exactly that. There will be spare locos if something more serious happens.
@hornbytrainsets
5 жыл бұрын
Not sure if I missed a caption but is this engine running light? It's accelerating really fast
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I think it was in the introduction but yes it was light and yes, when the driver cranked it up, I had to hang on!
@hornbytrainsets
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Lol, don't mess with them 68s hahah
@ufx808
4 жыл бұрын
Now that I've got a couple of weeks enforced isolation, I'm going to be catching up on your videos. Great start listening to a '68. Thanks Don and the TPE driver for this video. How are things with you?
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
All good uff thanks. Adapting to the emergency timetable but otherwise fine. Glad you are following and the next one is Monday.
@ufx808
4 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Thanks Don, Eagerly anticipating your next video. Look after you and yours, keep safe. John
Пікірлер: 390