This is to much of a coincidence for me not to comment. This premiered on August 11th (my birthday) and covers the journey from Hazel Grove (where I lived age 1-5 and again age 11-14) to the place of my birth (Blackpool - Victoria Hospital). Thank you for this video and especially thanks for the well timed tickertape explanations along the bottom of the screen on this and others of you excellent videos :-)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I heard it was your birthday Paul, that’s why it ran on that day! Well, not really but glad it had some significance and thanks for the feedback on the other videos too.
@charlesshivoder2887
5 жыл бұрын
Hi from Pennsylvania. Thank you Don for another of your fine, informative videos. I see directly ahead of the train at the end the notable Blackpool Tower, which I remember from videos of Blackpool’s unique streetcar line. Blackpool’s streetcar line is the only one which ran uninterrupted through the dark days when tram lines were in ill repute throughout the UK and were all abandoned. Now modern streetcar systems, called Light Rail Transit (LRTs) are being installed worldwide. Blackpool’s system was recently renovated to modern standards, although great care was taken to retain its unique history and character. You do such a great job on these presentations. Thank you again!! CAS
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Charles and thanks for the interesting feedback. Blackpool trams were an important feature of the tourism industry for the town. LRTs have a place but they have converted a couple of heavy rail lines around Manchester which seems an unnecessary cost to me.
@martinmarsola6477
2 жыл бұрын
An interesting video and the historical arches in restoration. A unique video today. Thanks Don. 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
That was my core route when I worked at Northern. Thanks as always Martin.
@MartinMiller1
5 жыл бұрын
Another great job Don and very well researched. It was nice to see the developments at Bolton but caused an "all our yesterdays" moment! Spent a delightful period there as Assistant Area Manager (Parcels) with my 100 ladies who sorted and loaded parcels from the surrounding mills serving the mail order industry long before Amazon.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Rail was the premier parcels carrier. Thanks Martin, very interesting.
@PNEKarl
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the ride. It was good to see the BNFL Springfields plant at Salwick where I served my apprenticeship in 1977. I had 20 wonderful years there. I'm now going to travel with you from Preston to Carlisle. Thanks for taking us along.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for coming Karl and it all helps charity too.
@tiplady44
4 жыл бұрын
Bolton to Blackpool journey was epic and very informative (my world not done that journey since the early 60s) Just loved the whole journey.Thanks for the memories 👍
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Francis.
@peterg957
5 жыл бұрын
Not just a great video but a fascinating history lesson too... Thank you Don... Lovely Jubbly...
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Peter and thanks for being a “regular”.
@peterg957
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I have watched every one some twice and even thrice... Absolute Magic my friend...
@mickyg1953
5 жыл бұрын
Fascinating video Don, especially liked the description of the engineering works at Chorley Tunnel and the Flying Arches. Back in the late 1950s I used to travel on steam trains from Oldham Mumps to Bolton via Manchester once a month on a Saturday with my Mum to visit my Dad who worked in Bolton.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael. That would have made an interesting cab ride!!!
@raysmith114
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent. They just keep getting better and better. Great captioning especially at the points of historical or technical interest. keep 'em coming.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Cheers Ray.
@AndreiTupolev
5 жыл бұрын
Does a very good job of explaining why upgrade projects can run so late. It's not just a case of stringing the wires up, the whole line is upgraded as well. In fact, it does a better job of explaining the difficulties that can arise than Network Rail do themselves.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, Network Rail and the train companies came under heavy criticism over that but a lot of it was out of their control.
@dobbinism
5 жыл бұрын
You've just stolen 90+ minutes of my Saturday morning because I was transfixed by your video, complete with ordnance survey map open on another tab to identify the landmarks. Truly fascinating, thank you for a most interesting and educational production, well done!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Best 90 minutes you’ve ever spent David! Thanks for watching and the best part - you donated to charity.
@Xenogeek2
5 жыл бұрын
I'm a Brit who has lived in the States most of his life. Americans think the phrase "Mind the Gap" is enormously funny. I have never understood why. Great vid, anyway. Very informative.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
We take it for granted but it’s surprising just how many people manage to fall down between the train and the platform.
@henryilenekeutmann1046
4 жыл бұрын
In my travels around the UK I've always admired the Stockport Viaduct, now I see what it's like to cross it! Dramatic urban views going through Manchester also, and the story of the Chorley arches is fascinating! Chance to travel about with you is a perfect escape from our current quarantine...Thanks so much!
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated Henry.
@wobnif123
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don for another excellent video. The extended feature on Chorley tunnel and the flying arches gave a real insight into the complex engineering work that was undertaken there. You also mentioned the line from Preston via Blackburn and Copy Pit summit to Hall Royd Junction and I wondered what the chances were of you getting permission to film this fascinating route. I’m guessing it’s a bit off the beaten track for you.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the positive feedback. Actually, I believe I can twist somebody’s arm for that route - leave it with me, it could take some time!!!
@martinjh999
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 :) Would love Preston to Blackburn myself or even further to Colne maybe?
@Bigbro28
4 жыл бұрын
You’re a good man, Don C. Your efforts to entertain and inform us are much appreciated. This video is a fine example of that. Thanks for doing a great job. 🐨🇦🇺
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks martin and don’t forget that by watching them, you donate to charity.
@edwardbarnes2702
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don what another great film! Your route knowledge is amazing, love the compassion between the the two Aldlington stations think correct spelling, think also the Cheshire one is far the prettier one! plus the information on the flying arch’s was very informative brilliant what they did plus the fact that no one will really see it. Good on Network Rail. Enjoyable journey on a very wet day here on the Kent coast. Eddie 🤓
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Hope things improve down there Eddie. Glad you enjoyed the video. I’m just editing a run out of St Pancras to Derby that you might like.
@paulbutterfield4867
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all your hard work in producing yet another great video.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul. It does indeed take a lot of time up.
@arnoldspottingvideos5269
4 жыл бұрын
I agree
@davidneesam2626
5 жыл бұрын
Really enjoy watching your videos. Especially with the comments and historical and technical information.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks David, much appreciated.
@rydermike33
5 жыл бұрын
Really excellent Don. Thanks so much. A great cab-ride and loads of interesting facts. (Especilly liked the restoration of the 'Flying Arches') Thanks again.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I hoped it would be of interest and then number of comments shows it was a success. Thanks.
@Gazvegslayer7
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate the obvious time and effort that has gone into the production of this video.
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated.
@HenrysAdventures
4 жыл бұрын
Another brillaint video! I found the section on the Chorley Flying Arches very interesting!
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@peterg957
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don... Can't wait my friend... Thank you...
@geoffreystevens663
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent production, really enjoyed it, many thanks
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gregory.
@atgordon1948
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don, I always enjoy your very well produced and annotated videos. keep up the good work!
@gb5uq
5 жыл бұрын
Fantastic video Don. The information is great. Some of the catenery at skew bridge junction is amazing. Don't think I've seen fizzy knitting so intricate and that signalling is a marvel. Many thanks.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
We take it for granted but it really is amazing engineering. Thanks for the kind words.
@ianr
5 жыл бұрын
Great video again Don. Very enjoyable ninety minutes. 👍🙂
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks as always Ian.
@calopes68
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing such a great vídeo. Indeed very informative for a bloke living faraway from UK...the story of the arches in Chorley is touching, considering that here in my country all the intercity passenger services have stopped. The lines and stations are mostly ruined or abandoned. By the way, you English railroad engeneering long ago built the early railroad system of my state São Paulo: Santos-Jundiaí (São Paulo Railway), Sorocabana, Noroeste, Mogiana, Cia Paulista de Estrada de Ferro. Cheers from Brazil.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for commenting Carlos and I’m glad you enjoyed it. The British were involved with the railways in many countries. Our railway is nothing like it used to be but at least we still have the main routes.
@LeShark75
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, this has been very very entertaining and thank you so much for the Text Commentary, very informative. I've not been on this route to Blackpool North for nearly 25 years now. I have a vivid memory of a day trip to Blackpool with my Mum back in 1983 , we pulling into the station and walked inside to be greeted by a giant poster for the new Bond Movie Octopussy. Good times and thanks again for the video.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I remember it well. Glad you enjoyed it.
@petergates5170
2 жыл бұрын
Facinating rail travelogue....very informative comments...all round ...very good video...Well Done
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it Peter 👍
@phwbooth
5 жыл бұрын
Another excellent video, with really good comments. Thanks, Don.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul. Much appreciated.
@peterlindop4491
8 ай бұрын
Excellent video. Peter Lindop.
@doncoffey5820
8 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it Peter.
@bazza945
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Don, your videos are a great comfort during this time of "stay at home" lockdown.
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
@paulsouthall3096
5 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video as always Don. Thanks
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Paul.
@thomasnorton2679
5 жыл бұрын
What a wonderful trip Don, thanks for sharing
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you Thomas.
@ozbo54
5 жыл бұрын
outstanding video one of Don's best it's all the extra iofo that makes his videos so good
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks ozbo, much appreciated.
@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS
5 жыл бұрын
This is one hell of a fantastic video. Thank you so very much
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it.
@Cookie2k
5 жыл бұрын
All we need Keith was to have you as a passenger on this train filming outta the window!
@1951GL
5 жыл бұрын
Don, this is my old stamping ground. The line through Bolton in the late 60s was unobtrusive through the bridges and cuttings from Moor Lane to Trinity Street. You could have hidden an army and its equipment in there and no one would have known Travelling from Bolton, Horwich Fork Junction was 200 yards before Blackrod Station, while the second part of the fork went north just past the far end of the station platform. The branch went to the works (umpteen relatives were employed there} and on to the single platform terminus in Horwich. The station closed in 1965. ROF Euxton was a major employer, as was Leyland Motors - both paying one shilling an hour more than Horwich Works for qualified fitters. I had relatives at both. One great uncle was an AA gunner on the ROF site during WW2. The electrification problems you describe did not surprise me. Soft ground was an issue along most of the "Lanky" line's length - at Farnworth and across Horwich Moss between Lostock and Blackrod. Superb video and, as always, thoroughly informative.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, the first junction was through that storage/warehouse facility and I knew the works was up there but not the terminus until I was researching it for the video - I learn a lot from these! I think the worst problems were between Adlington and Blackrod for soft ground. There were a couple of stanchions left abandoned for many months. Glad you enjoyed it GL.
@Geeves8612
5 жыл бұрын
I was in the announcers that day hoping they brought that 86 round to Vic. It had been a 47 the other days and did come. Sadly it was routed to Oxford Road at the last minute where your camera caught it, hope to see one at Vic under power one day. Great video as always Don!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Many Thanks, yes it was on that route learning job - a stroke of luck for the video.
@MrAuriga67
5 жыл бұрын
Another great and informative video Don,thank you for uploading it. Its my local line and my local station (Chorley), nice to view it from this angle....
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I told you I would get round to it!! ;-) Glad you enjoyed it.
@rodgermoss8975
5 жыл бұрын
Super vid. as usual please keep up the good work. P.S. Nice to see since the electrification that the Chorley cakes are now made with currents and not currants. !.Thanks again.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Somebody else got me on that Rodger. I’m better at eating those cakes than spelling ;-)
@Mortimer50145
Жыл бұрын
I travelled many times on 319s when they provided the Thameslink service across London. Nice to see that they are now having a new life "up north".
@doncoffey5820
Жыл бұрын
They are coming to an end now Mortimer. A few have been converted to bi=mode but the rest are being displaced by new 331s.
@G0RXA
5 жыл бұрын
Cracking video Don. I hope they do manage to resurrect the Fleetwood line. Once again, thanks.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks to you too Nigel. One of the respondents said they are looking at light rail for it. I’d be quite happy if that were the case rather than build on it.
@G0RXA
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Indeed, I heard a story about a heritage line. www.pwrs.org/
@rotman1288
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for another enjoyable and informative video. Both Network Rail and Northern Rail copped a lot of flak last year for the timetable 'fiasco", which you acknowledge in your commentary. While some of this adverse coverage was no doubt justified, your video brings out very clearly the scale of the work in connection with both Farnworth Tunnel and at Chorley. If this aspect had been better brought out in the national news coverage of the timetable issues, it might have led to more balanced coverage.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I think they did but it falls on deaf ears when it comes to tabloids and TV - a sensible reason doesn’t make good reading.
@yjg8245
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don, another excellent video. That's refreshed my route knowledge Slade Lane Junction to Blackpool. By the way I am meant to be working on a VAT return, not watching videos !!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Sorry about that Alan. I’m equally captivated by VAT returns ;-) Thanks for the positive feedback.
@kenunderwood8621
4 жыл бұрын
Hi Don! Brilliant videos as per usual. I think being in the dead centre of the tracks is far superior. :)
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
It gives a view much better than inside the train. Glad you liked it Ken.
@dereklund2321
3 жыл бұрын
At 1:01:30 you mention the Royal Ordnance factory. I can remember as a child on the train going past the siding and seeing the brooding presence of the blast walls. Mum was drafted to work at the factory during WW2 packing shells. She hated it. Anyway, she managed to get a transfer to the railway and ended up operating Newhey signal box on the Oldham loop. She trained at Hunts Bank on the "model railway" which is now at York Museum. Mum loved it.
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Derek. Very interesting thanks. I bet your mum knows Alan Lewis who was the chief trainer on that signalling model. I’ve got something coming that you will both enjoy soon. Keep your eye on the channel.
@stevehallam0850
5 жыл бұрын
Another goodie, thanks Don.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Cheers Steve.
@sidney001
5 жыл бұрын
I d like your video's not only for the high quality Drivers view footage, but for the informative commentary as well. The Chorley arches being a perfect example. One really does have to feel for network rail sometimes having to come up with engineering solutions way beyond what would be considered reasonable. I still don't like the scrolling banner as it detracts from the film but I assume your viewers who are slow readers prefer it to the block text. If you ever get the chance to mount a camera at rail head height that would be fascinating as I've only ever seen one video ever do that, but the results were spectacular. I look forward to the next video Don and thank you for sharing all this great work with us.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback Sidney001. The captions have been very controversial and its hard to please everyone. Some get quite emotive about them. I tried still captions but my software is limited and the white letters get lost on bright backgrounds where the scrolling “ticker” runs on a translucent dark background. I know some people have mounted cameras on the outside but my company would stop me from filming if I did it. Its very good of them to allow me to share the videos so I don’t want to upset them.
@sidney001
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Thanks for the reply, I assumed as much regard the external camera. I quite often watch your videos twice, once to read the captions and once to ignore them and just enjoy the view. As a thought have you ever considered a narration of the caption instead, that way we can absorb the interesting information you provide while enjoying the view
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I sound a bit like a cranky Fred Dibnah. I think you’d find it more of a distraction!!!
@squeaksvids5886
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great video with some fascinating information. And that photo of the accident between the ballast train and DMU looks horrendous.
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, it was very unfortunate.
@keninblack
5 жыл бұрын
Look forward to watching this one.
@geoffreymoore1510
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Don. Most enjoyable and lovely weather throughout. am still working on opening public access to my videos. I don't know why they are restricted! Have clicked on Notification bell.
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
I think these days they have to check your credentials but I could be wrong.
@AndreiTupolev
5 жыл бұрын
That's also very interesting. I never knew that Leyland was the exact halfway point of the WCML.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks as always Andrei.
@ljbyrne7
5 жыл бұрын
No problem with cab ventilation noise on this one Don, as you suggested. Thanks
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent news Leo.
@AndyGabrielPowell
5 жыл бұрын
Jeez.... Did I see a Class 86 just past Deansgate somewhere? If I did that must be at least 50 years old by now!? (Great video yet again btw!)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
You did indeed Andy - cancel that eye test! They were about to close Acton Grange lower down the WCML for engineering so all the company’s were running crew training locos/trains for diversionary work.
@AntonyShannon
5 жыл бұрын
I remember the Windsor Link opening and the transformation it made to Blackpool services (where I was living at the time)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Its a busy little stretch of railway Antony.
@trainmanbob
5 жыл бұрын
I think >magnificent< sums this video up very well. Many thanks for sharing. I have subscribed. Cheers, Bob
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Very flattering - thanks Bob, much appreciated.
@mal_752
5 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fabulous videos. Thank you.
@dizzydevil547
5 жыл бұрын
Brilliant Video thank you! ....@21:19 i would like to say that i'ts a shame that they decided not to reopen the old Mayfield station across from Piccadily it would have made sense for extra platforms ect but i guess the cost ended up being to much ! would have made a great addition to the existing platforms ...but then again would make it a LONG journey dragging luggage across even if they popped a bridge in .....its bad enough trying to get a connection when your train pulls into platforms 13 or 14 and you have mins to get to another platform or visa versa! I know as iv done it on visits home ...train from Stalybridge then have to belt it right across Piccadilly station for the train to Bristol ! ( I'm from Ashton u lyne originaly) so know the route to Blackpool well good to see how much has changed over the yrs ....last time i traveled by car to there abuot ten yrs ago from Bristol ...but allways used the train when i lived up north !
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Sean. There have been various plans for Mayfield Station but in truth, it needs vast quantities of money spending on it. They don’t want any more junction problems in Piccadilly Throat so that wouldn’t fly either. They’ve mad an outdoor stage at the back of the station - Ariana Grande performed there a couple of weeks ago.
@dizzydevil547
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Oh i know they have done that with Mayfield ! was done for this years Manchester Pride and it caused a LOT of anger splitting it up between mayfield and the gay village ! just the cost of a weekend ticket this year was scandalous! iv been to many Manchester prides ect right from the begining when it was free ...then they brought wrist bands in ect £30 for the weekend ect but a lot of the cash raised NEVER went to the charities after cost ect ! this year they Upped it to £70 plus booking fee ...made it out of reach for a lot of folks plus they over sold too so a LOT of people that paid that didn't even get into mayfield to see ariana grande! .....its down right disgusting that they take cash off folks that's supposed to go to charity ect and then they turn up to the event after spending a large sum of money and find they can't get in! just wrong on so many levels! ...thats why tbh i ain't been to manc pride in years ...the fact im down Bristol now for 15 yrs ect , would cost me around £70 return on train plus ticket price was too much! ....i do miss my home town and manchester though! only come up one a year now to see family as dont drive ect
@amtrakharry
5 жыл бұрын
Very interesting don ! Thank you for sharing !!! :):):)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
My pleasure Harry. I trust you are well.
@amtrakharry
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I am well !!!:):):)
@class87srule
5 жыл бұрын
Impressed with the quality using the GoPro! I assume you use some sexy post-production to get that picture-in-picture simultaneous with the front view. Excellent!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I’m the nearest thing to sexy Ian, I have to eyeball the PIP to synchronise it!!! Thanks for the kind words.
@jimkerr9429
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks yet once more for a great informative video Don and also one to you driver who had to do a good job riding a lot of yellows at tmes too ! One of my main thoughts was how much at times, perhaps occasonally warranted, Network Rail are maligned, often due pressure from the media. Yet when you see some of the wonders they produce in constructng rail infastructre , it is really unfair and they deserve a slap on the back really. I often think the public are both ignorant of and ungrateful for the work that goes in to making a railway work. If they did perhaps they may appreciate it more and, in turn, use it a bit more too. Thanks again JK
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Exactly Jim, of course standards are very high now which improves things too but they do some fantastic work.
@tonymurphy30
5 жыл бұрын
Great video, I know a lot of the stations around Chorley and especially Leyland where I live which I now know is exactly half way down/up the WCML :-)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I used to spend a lot of time at Leyland Trucks in my motor industry days.
@tonymurphy30
5 жыл бұрын
Don Coffey Whats left of the factory is only 100 yards behind my house!
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
The Tech Centre was up Moss Side (I think it was called). Happy days but I prefer what I’m doing now.
@daveelliott5855
5 жыл бұрын
Nothing better to sit down and watch this as therapeutic therapy for the mind when you've spent two days listening to England getting Aussie bashed in the cricket 😂😂. Some wonderful history and local lessons. Brilliant and thanks for your efforts in producing videos like these
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I don’t do cricket Dave but I think you might have had quite a nice surprise since you wrote this! I’m flattered to compete with England cricket though!!!
@davidowen5295
4 жыл бұрын
enjoy watching your videos
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
@terrybailey2769
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you Don, another fantastic video, I love the extra info on the flying arches. I am surprised at the amount of platforms and the sidings at Blackpool. Do you every run the route to Blackpool South?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I don’t Terry and never did although I did sign Blackpool North. Its the way the work is split up at Northern. I might get that footage at some stage if I can twist somebody’s arm ;-)
@dave1001
5 жыл бұрын
Didn't this route used to be a TPE route or am i mistaken? When i lived in Manchester i always got a TPE service to Blackpool North that had originated at Hazel Grove. I noticed 2 really long platforms as well, those being Bolton and the town of Lostock, which i thought was strange to have such a long platform
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Dave, yes you got a TPE service but it originated at the airport and not Hazel Grove. That service to Blackpool along with the ones to Barrow and Windermere have gone back to Northern under the current franchise arrangements.
@dave1001
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, well given i now live in Australia i wont be nipping to Blackpool often and if i do come home to Manchester to visit friends i know i wont be able to take a TPE service to Blackpool North as TPE don't go there anymore.
@rickmeyrick4357
2 жыл бұрын
"Top Marque" again Donald, are those Registration Arms on the OHLE colored white for the mitigation of Solar Heat/Radiation purposes, as are Rails when painted White ?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure they are white Rick. I think they are bright aluminium but I agree they look white in the footage.
@adrianjohn8767
5 жыл бұрын
very good video rely enjoyed it
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks John.
@vwgolf9826
2 жыл бұрын
Do you remember the run away 47 hitting the 158 out Stepping Hill Don?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
I wasn’t on the railway when it happened but yes, I’m very aware of the event. Luckily it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
@MrKeyboardCommando
5 жыл бұрын
I do believe the Chorley cake used to be filled with currants. I assume this is also their current filling.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Whichever it is, I like them with Custard (or is it custerd?) ;-)
@MrKeyboardCommando
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Kusturd⁉️ Yer obviusly not frum Chorli‼️ Oh, by the way, your videos are marvellous, but, then again, you already know that.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@horseheadvulcanite7013
5 жыл бұрын
Superb, only way to describe it......... Educational, intellectually stimulating, and visually entertaining, in a huge way...... You have a natural talent for producing visual entertainment........I urge you to submit this video, to one, or all of the Big 5 TV channels for their consideration. Sorry, don't know how you do that, but this high class, and educational material should be made available to a much wider Public... I enjoyed 25 years as a pilot in the RAF and the airlines......I envy you the really demanding, dynamic environment you have as a Driver.....never thought about it much before, but your working day is much more demanding, on a continual level, than mine ever was..... Long retired now, but at 78.......I want to drive trains!!....didn't realise it had such an Adrenaline rush!!...... Many thanks......do submit........you never know.....a fortune may lie in wait!!....... If the Beeb produced documentaries of this quality, I would happily pay my licence fee...... Once again.......Thank you for the experience.....Paul......
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you Paul, thats very kind. Vulcanite - now there is a clue. I live on the old flightpath to Woodford and used to watch them go to defend the Falklands. There was no point starting a phone call until the entire line was well and truly gone! You never know, I might help pay your license bill one day if I get spotted. Thanks again.
@horseheadvulcanite7013
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Yes.......Vulcans and Victors long while ago......lots of fun, and sadness too I guess........lost a lot of friends.....but was for Britain.....nothing bigger than that......... Thanks for the video.....PLEASE try to get them to take it on board.....be so good for kids who want to learn......they can from this......and enjoy it....... I remember Woodford, and the delivery flights, a long while ago....sign here, and here, and here......ha ha ha......if it went tits up on the way to Coningsby.........nothing to do wirh us.......such happy days....... Above all......be happy , my friend....buy you a pint any day..... Thanks for the experience......Paul......
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
There isn’t much left now Paul. I suspect we were a drain on the RAF over the last couple of weeks by having the Chinook up here on the reservoir.
@horseheadvulcanite7013
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 A drain on the RAF ???...what we were there for, although admittedly the funding isn't the same now....... I really hope that your lives are restored from the dreadful things you have sufferedd.......... If I knew how to fly a Chinook.........I'd be up there myself....... Hope it all pans out well mate........ Best wishes , Paul
@johncollins8071
3 жыл бұрын
Don, is the Oxford Road widening project still alive, or has it been canned? Not read anything recently about it.
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
Hi John, good to hear from you. No, they’ve just agreed a plan to rationalise the number of trains through that area rather than spend the money that it should have had to justify the Ordsall Chord. It should have had platforms 15 and 16 at Piccadilly too.
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
That sequence showing you coming into Adlington Station, Cheshire, I'd have timed that to match the arrival(and passing through) the Lancashire Adlington Station, with the Cheshire station approach on the overlay image.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
With the luxury of time I might have Neil but I’m hampered with basic software. I bought a brand new Mac with Final Cut Pro installed but it will take me months to learn it so went back to Imovie!
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 For myself my computer is Windows 7 Home Premium-based and my editing software consists of Cyberlink Power Director 8 and 14(Ultra builds) as well as Cirel Video Studio Pro X9 Ultimate and Pinnacle Studio 18. My "workhorse" software is the Power Director 14 on which I do much of my work. It's also(as I understand) compatible with Apple Mac, as are the latter Power Director versions and are very easy to learn, but though Mac-compatible, I'd still suggest installing on a Windows-based computer as it's much easier with a mouse with left- and right-click functionality for several of the procedures.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
While agree it might be worth a try, I can’t see me getting time to learn it. I’m semi retired and my days are full. Maybe one day!
@neilforbes416
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 I've had my Cyberlink Power Director 15 Ultra on my computer for probably 5 years and I'm still learning its little tricks and features even now(or some features I've used before but forgot about). One feature I'm starting to use more is the timeline marker. You set it at a given point and it puts a vertical black line on the timeline(video tracks) that you use to align the start or end of your overlay sequence to a given point on your video's main screen image. It would work thus: Mark the point on the main timeline where your train arrived at and passed under the road bridge at Lancashire's Adlington station. on the video to be inserted, temporarily split the video at the point where the train's driver cabin appears to stop just at the road bridge at the Cheshire Adlington station. Align the end of the sequence to be inserted with that marker and the job's done. You can then retrieve all or as much as you want of what you've deleted on your inserted sequence by placing your cursor at the end of that sequence and, holding the left mouse button, drag out the length of the video as much as desired. you can then make the insert fade in and out or move on or off screen in any direction.
@flyingporker100
4 жыл бұрын
Hello Don Yet another excellent and informative video. Did you notice the semaphore at Poulton peeking out of the foliage of the overgrown Fleetwood Branch? Thank you for you detailed description of the work at Farnworth Tunnel, the burst water main that caused so much trouble, and the work on the flying arches. James
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, I often used to peer down that line when I was a regular driver to Blackpool. Glad you enjoyed it James.
@jack_2000
2 жыл бұрын
What is that bell that is rung before departing each station?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
That’s the signal from the conductor that all is well and the train can proceed Jack 👍
@lesleyvick5164
5 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed the video, I really hate going through Farnworth tunnel, it always hurt my ears as the train goes through. More so then the Chorley tunnel.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Morley Tunnel does my ears but Standedge Tunnel doesn’t. I guess its the way the train creates air pressure.
@Bobrogers99
5 жыл бұрын
I realize that the points are governed by a computer, and that the computer knows where you are and where you are going, but I still marvel that they are always properly set, and I never hear of a train accidentally being shunted off to West Overshoe, never to be seen again. You can barrel through a complex array of switches in full confidence. It would have been a bit more risky back when it was all done manually.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
They’ve evolved over the years Bob but they do occasionally cause problems. Thankfully not too often.
@None-zc5vg
5 жыл бұрын
How much of the signalling along the route to Blackpool North from Piccadilly is controlled from the Ashburys signalling-centre.?
@stephenbagwell8275
5 жыл бұрын
21:22 they should be building platforms 15 & 16 at Manchester Piccadilly
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I couldn’t agree more Stephen. The whole concept of the Manchester Hub revolves around it.
@bfapple
4 жыл бұрын
I think the attitude of central government is that they’ve basically run out of money after the Ordsall Chord.
@mikedoddgliding3005
5 жыл бұрын
Another great video Don!....Quick question...In this vid you point out the two signals short of Preston that are showing 4 aspects each for the junctions ahead. Is there anywhere that you know of that has one signal showing all 6 aspects?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I’m racking my brains Mike. I’m sure there is but I can’t think where. They certainly exist around the country.
@petes48
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent as always. Before Manchester you highlited passing a single amber signal incase the next is red. If the next was green, can speed be increased straight away or must you wait until green signal is passed? Thanks.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
As soon as you see green, the risk is gone so its OK to open up. Thanks peter.
@leathandrubb
3 жыл бұрын
What is the unit that we are on Don?
@doncoffey5820
2 жыл бұрын
That was a 319 👍
@andydickey
5 жыл бұрын
At 27:44 there is a line going off to the right - but I don't see that line on my map or google street view - am I bonkers?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
It’s the Ordsall Chord. It tells you in the caption.
@andydickey
5 жыл бұрын
@@doncoffey5820 Yes - thank you - I see that now and looked it up - new construction not on my map or in Google street view.
@glenmatteson149
4 жыл бұрын
These videos are a great discovery. I've long had a fondness for your far-away British rail system . Question: Some rails seem to be painted white. Was this like the images I saw of Italian railways treated to reduce thermal expansion during an exceptionally hot spell?
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
Yes Glen, that’s exactly what it was. They reduce the rail temperature and it also spalls off if the rail buckles making it very visible. Glad you found us!
@limeyfox
5 жыл бұрын
Another great video. Out of interest, are you instructed to wait for the double-yellow before entering Piccadilly P14 or is it the driver’s choice?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
No, not instructed but if we stop at the first signal we can’t move again without being dispatched so it causes delay when all the passengers have to walk up the platform.
@BladeRunner21577
5 жыл бұрын
Hey Don. Do you ever go over the Springs branch from Liverpool to Wigan or maybe over the Crow next jn route from Manchester?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I used to sign that rout and via Westhoughton - both as diversions. I might get them again when I do the Southport run. I will also be doing Wigan via Goldborn Junction at some stage. Time is my enemy!!!
@peckelhaze6934
5 жыл бұрын
Most enjoyable.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Walt!
@dukestt5436
3 жыл бұрын
Say what you will about Blackpool, it will always bring back memories of childhood holidays and days out too the seaside , with hot summer weather and donkey rides on the beach. Good days, long gone. oh, I meant that the train journey was part of the enjoyment, at least for me. I think my sister had other things to say about it, lol
@doncoffey5820
3 жыл бұрын
Well I had some good times there in my youth too.
@mikegibson1100
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, another excellent video. Can I ask what camera do you use?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Of course, a GoPro 7 Black is the main camera. It gives good definition and it allows me to partially zoom which improves the perspective. Interestingly, I use Samsung high speed SD cards and the camera processes so much data as the train speed increases, it gets unbelievably hot. Occasionally it shuts down and I lose the footage!!!
@mikegibson1100
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, thanks for the info
@ryantolls2207
5 жыл бұрын
Great video Don how many types of trains have you driven and are you going to be driving the class 68s
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Let me think. 142, 150/1, 150/2, 156, 158, 170, 175, 185, 323 are the ones I’m admitting to ;-) I started learning 68s but had to stop due to a change of plan. Maybe those or 802s one day.
@timdaugherty5921
4 жыл бұрын
Hi Don. How can I get in touch with ya? I Am coming to the UK in May and June!
@truckermylouk
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Don, first off, I love the content you provide! It combines my two biggest interests/ passions. Those being the railway/traction and geography. Now, I have an assessment day for Trainee Train Driver with GWR in October! Never thought I’d ever be saying that.. what would your advice be? I would really appreciate some tips please! I know that the selection process changes a lot but the smallest things can help. I have bought and been using the “How2Become” Train driver psychometric tests such as OAT2, AART, CT, and Vigilance test. This has been useful with the practice. I also use a simulator at home with realistic physics, effects, sounds etc.. I am very familiar with their network and landmarks already from being around since a young age. I am 19, and the intake it 2020 so I’d just qualify to be old enough to start training at 20. Thank you.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Send me a message on Messenger Myles.
@truckermylouk
5 жыл бұрын
Don Coffey which messenger would that be? If you are relating to Facebook messenger I can’t find you.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Yes, facebook. I’ll see if I can find you.
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
There are several. What is you avatar like?
@truckermylouk
5 жыл бұрын
Don Coffey pic of me wearing green hoodie n hat. Nickname is mylo next to my name. My cover photo is of me riding my motorcycle. It has yellow wheels. I live in Launceston, Cornwall. Hope that helps sir.
@OfficialRyanx
5 жыл бұрын
At 5:50, is the signal set to red to slow the train down to traverse the junction?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
No, not really as the line speed is only 25 there. Its because a train has just passed on the main line. You do sometimes get green to pass that signal.
@lenniecapuano6010
4 жыл бұрын
hi don another brill video.question do trains still go through st annes station.the reason i ask is early 50s as poor kids we were sent to st annes childrens home for holidays and i remember the steam trains running at the rear other side of the wall and the station being prob 200 yards away thank you
@doncoffey5820
4 жыл бұрын
They do indeed Lennie. Its on the Blackpool South line and is still well patronised although the route is absolutely nothing compared to its heyday.
@avgfree21
5 жыл бұрын
where did the now gone lines that diverged to the left at 21:05 go?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
They went into the old Mayfield Station which is just about visible on the far left.
@AndreiTupolev
5 жыл бұрын
I thought you were going to say "So until we get to Ordsall Lane, here's some music." (cue Thomas the Tank Engine theme)
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
It wouldn’t take long before I got called the fat controller!
@Rapidsnap1984
5 жыл бұрын
Another great and informative video Don, it was great to see the changes made to the line thanks to electrification. Quick question has the route from Bolton to Wigan been electrified or do the wires only go so far down as a run off at Lostock Junction?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I’ve just asked my mate at Northern and he says that it isn’t wired but there is a long run off. It will be used by “Flex” bi-modal trains when they are ready.
@madspaniel4271
Жыл бұрын
It's astonishing how many birds like to play 'chicken' with trains isn't it! ?
@doncoffey5820
Жыл бұрын
It is and it doesn’t always end well 😳
@TheJohnscot
5 жыл бұрын
I believe Blackpool South has been pushed back to the Pleasure Beach. Why?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
Oh, they rationalise things to save money usually. There may be a very valid reason but I’m not sure about that line.
@stevenmoran4060
Жыл бұрын
Class 319 life expired on old NSE network so sent up north where we will have them another 30 years.
@doncoffey5820
Жыл бұрын
Certainly the 769 incarnations Steve. They spent a lot of money making them bi mode!
@ianboyle1621
5 жыл бұрын
Would it be possible to add a speedometer?
@doncoffey5820
5 жыл бұрын
I cut to them now and again but my Imovie software doesn’t allow a permanent one.
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