Theale to Bedford
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2022
- Our mission on this trip is another special - special in that it ran with a “Z” headcode. 6Z91 was a positioning move from the yard at Theale through to Bedford. 66607 was deployed to return 26 empty HIA hoppers to Tunstead as they were needed for quarry work there. Some lovely footage covering the GWR, round the freight only line from Acton to Cricklewood and I’m informed that this is so far the only CZcams video to feature the North Brent Curve and Hendon Line through to Coldstream Junction. Onward on the MML Down Slow where we witness many more trains whizzing by on the Fast Lines. I suspect that this video features more trains than any on this channel. We arrive at Bedford where our relief is waiting and of course you can see the rest of the journey in the Bedford to Earles video.
WARNING. The CCTV/CGI images just following Southall Station may be distressing to some viewers.
Addendum
Oh my word, how could I get the master’s name wrong. Isombard should be Isambard!
The footage at Southall is partially computer generated.
Coldstream Junction - eh? Should of course be labelled Silkstream Junction. Thanks to John Webb for pointing that out from the wonderful St Albans South Signal Box Group.
I’m advised that Sonning Cutting was quadrupled after the end of the broad gauge. In fact, the fast lines were broad gauge, which had been converted to mixed gauge in the 1880s when the quadrupling was done. The relief lines were always standard gauge but were added before the abolition of the broad gauge in 1892. Thanks John Speller.
Really enjoy all the "commentary" about the route and what's happening. Makes these videos much more interesting than just a cab ride. Thanks.
Thanks, it’s the kind of “stuff” I’d be telling you about if you were with me.
Going to be another epic video, well done to Don & the team for putting this out for all of us to see.
And yet another one next, the next one to hit the editor is Tunstead to Bedford via Corby with a loaded stone train.
Don, glad to see you venturing south ! Your annotated videos are always a joy - in this case on a Sunday afternoon near Philadelphia. Grew up in Reading, 1942 to 60. Trainspotted 1951 to 54. There used to be a water trough the length of Sonning Cutting. Lotsa good steam era pics from those hand-hewn banks !
Thanks, much appreciated. Did you read Adrian Vaughan’s books. They were based along the GWR.
This is another high quality cab ride with tons of information about the route. 👌
Glad you liked it David 👍
Thank you, Don. Yet another excellent video - photography, commentary, all so well coordinated that it feels as if one has made the journey in the flesh!
Thanks Martin, that makes me feel like I’ve achieved my goal 👍
Journey from my patch (born not far from Theale and went school there) along the Paddington line which I used countless times over the years mostly travellnig to football in countless lcoations! Also used Didcot to Reading then on to work for Wokingham for a good number of years. Fascinating to see the developments to line and stations in recent years.
First memory of catching a train at Theale station was an early morning school charter train in the early 70s which took us to the now closed (but restored structure)Folkestone Harbour station from whence we got the ferry to Boulogne for the day out in France! Train took the 'Olympia loop' to get across to Southern Region lines.
Sounds idyllic Rob. Glad it brought back memories for you 👍
Once again Don many thanks for this splendid video and the amount of detail is really helpful, back in the 1960s when I was a young fella, I used to love many of the late Ian Allans railway books and with all the relevant detail regards train times etc and lo and behold all these years later, we have someone in the same mould, you truly are an inspiration to all of us train `buffs`.
I consider that an accolade Terry, thank you 👍
Excellent video as always. It's over 25 years since I left the UK but had spent many years commuting into London from Reading West, Bedford, and Kettering. Seeing the changes in scenery over time are amazing. Seems to be a lot less urban squalor next to the tracks than back in the 70's, 80's and 90's ...
Looking forward to your next video, Don.
Thanks Nick, yes they’ve cleared a lot of older buildings now and development tends to be largely domestic. All the best and that next one will be as soon as I can 👍
Great to see the layouts around Reading from the Taunton line and Acton over to Cricklewood. Thanks Don
Yes, it was an eye opener for me too.
Looking forwards to this - much appreciated as usual
It’s a real gem this one Chris 👍
Really like videos take in and around the Greater London area - lots of yellow and red aspects; plenty of traffic on the routes. Thanks
I’ve got another coming soon that you might like Dan. It’s Dagenham to Bedford via the North London Line.
Another excellent production
Much appreciated Steve 👍
Thanks for a great ride and excellent commentary. Most enjoyable and I will look for the continuation as indicated. Cheers from Australia.
Thanks for following Geoffrey.
Absolutely brilliant, looks so realistic and lifelike, thoroughly enjoyed watching.
Much appreciated Steve.
Thank you Don for this really enjoyable and very informative video.
Much appreciated Robert.
Beautiful!! This has been well anticipated 💯
Glad it lived up to your expectations Duaine 👍😉
I’m probably not the first, but I now (Dec 2023) run the vid with split screen and OS map alongside. Fascinating to watch the journey, predicting what is ahead, and knowing what is outside the boundary fences.
Yes, it’s an interesting way of watching them. Others have said they do it that way but as long as you enjoy them that’s all that matters to me 👍
Love the Dudding Hill Line, then the moseying about around Hendon. One of the best of these videos. Freight always hits the spot.
More freight to come. I’d never seen that line so I enjoyed it too.
@@doncoffey5820 You do a wonderful job Don. As do those who help you out. It's much appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time x
My pleasure Richard, thanks for watching.
Thanks Don, and to both the driver and Freightliner, for another great video. The commentary gets better and better. Sorry I missed it live!
Never mind Christian, you can catch us next time.
So relaxing to sit and watch. Many thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it Jan. You are becoming an expert now 😉
Absolutely loved the video. Your annotations and interesting facts kept the whole video highly entertaining. Going to check out your other videos right away!
Oh glad you found us. By watching more of the videos, you’ll pick up more and more as I try to cover different subjects. We’ll have you signed up as a driver in no time 😉
Another awesome Coffey production, though I will admit, had to stop and go back after reading the comment to not miss the passing scenery. Thanks for the ride!
Hi José. You know what? I’m thinking of running a “lite” version of that with no ticker captions, just the locations.
theale...nice video,,like👍
Fantastic footage and route info. Many thanks 👍
Thanks Steve, much appreciated 👍
Just to say how much I appreciate the captions - they add so much value and information. Thank you
The captions will be staying Mark 👍
thanks so much for this Don, you are a legend mate
It’s very nice of you to say Derrick 👍
This brings back memories of my youth as a young Driver's Assistant at Eastleigh in the late 1970s.... we had plenty of work over the North London Line... & occasional work to Cricklewood, where we would be relieved, but mostly to Willesden FLT/South Western Sidings.... We had work to Willesden "G" sidings & to Barking Ripple Lane/Dagenham Dock, Temple Mills Yard via Gospel Oak & Coppermill Jn, Stratford via Camden Road & Woodgrange Park... we went everywhere, even to Ferme Park. We used to go to Acton Wells Jn/Willesden via Basingstoke/Reading & Western Main Line, & also via Byfleet Jn, Staines, Feltham Jn & Kew East Junction & even via Clapham Jn/Kensington Olympia/North Pole Jn, if necessary.... memories, memories.... now happily retired...
Enjoy your retirement. I’ve got another video you’ll like, Bedford to Dagenham via the North London Line. Watch out for it soon. Tunstead to Bedford via Corby soon.
Brilliant, Don, as always I find something i didn't know about railway ops! many thanks!
I try to include a new subject in every video John.
Great.Video Don lovely to all the different layout around the country. Already looking forward to the one
Coming soon Mark 👍
That was another "Kick Ass" video Don !!! Thank you for sharing this with us...😃😃😃
Thanks Harry. Good to hear from you 👍
Another great freight video - more please!- Thanks
Coming soon Michael 👍
another awesome video, many thanks for sharing
Much appreciated 👍
Delightful and informative.
Thank you John, that’s very kind.
Really good to see some footage of a very under-heard of route between Acton and Dudding Hill Junction. I think this is probably the last bastion of Absolute Block Signalling in the London area.
I was thrilled to get this footage John and couldn’t wait to get it out. 👍
Another good one Don especially as it down where i worked into Theale with a stone train from Thyrington quarry to Theale in the 1980s.
Those were the days. Class 56’s or 47’s I’d guess.
I really enjoy your freight videos - thanks for this one.
Also - kudos on the Adele knowledge :)
Thanks Stuart. I wonder if she mentions my videos in the arenas 🤔😉
Thanks for that video, it was a trip down memory lane for me. I used to fish the holy brook at the bridge 14:58. If the fishing was off I could watch the steam and diesels go past. I was also born and bred in Neasden. There was also an steam engine shed there, it was also a good place to Train spot when the FA cup was on, when the teams were from the North or the midlands. Of course Cricklewood was the main coal distribution center for London so there was quiet a lot of train movement on that Dudding hill line. I have watched a video of the North Brent Curve but going in the opposite direction.
Thanks Dave. I used to work away and often took the opportunity to stay anywhere along the east end of the GWR. Pangbourne was a favourite so a walk by the Thames while keeping an eye on the railway sounds similar to your escape.
Hello Don! Thank you so much - a video from Theale, where I now live on a train up to Derbyshire, close to where I started out! I often cross the line at the level crossing just after the M4 so interesting to see it from a drivers perspective. I hadn't realised the line speed was 100mph there - you do keep a *very* good lookout crossing! I'll watch with very great interest!
In my motor industry days, I’d try to find an excuse to pass through Theale. I’d be watching out for Class 59s!!! All the best David 👍
This is going to be a good Sunday outing👍👍
That Holy Brook certainly meanders! Great video.
It certainly does Ian. These rivers that fallow the railway (probably the other way round 😉) can be a nuisance at times!!!
Another great video! Good to see a line local to me!
Surprised we didn’t see you out Henry 😉👍
Hi Don,a really exciting journey, it appears to a layman like me that each working day for a freight driver is more of an adventure with lots of “ off the cuff” moments than a set route, how similar would the same trip be if repeated the next day, great viewing,thanks.Mike.
As you suggest, often things change. I personally love the variation.
very interesting. Thanks
Much appreciated 👍
Thanks Don, great video of some previously unseen areas. I can't help but think that the driver of that Thameslink 700 on the Up Slow line in the station saw us coming and was praying "Please have the points set properly so he crosses over to the Down Slow!!" :)
Haha, yes I think you’re right. We have a junction at Slade Lane near me where we approach each other at speed then veer off like the red arrows!!!
Brilliant video
Much appreciated 👍
Loving your channel
Much appreciated 👍
First time on any GWR line cabride I've seen an aircraft in the circuit at White Waltham airfield, right next to the line just W of Maidenhead. The short final to runway 03 passes low over the tracks, drivers should give a wave to any aircraft ahead, passengers may be watching the train, although the pilots should be concentrating on nailing the landing! Great video, so many familiar places seen from a different angle, thanks.
Glad you liked it Steve 👍
52:48 HMV(His Master's Voice) is not separate from, but is part of EMI(The Gramophone Co.) Ltd., Hayes Middlesex England. EMI? Electric & Musical Industries, of course!
I’m doing my best 🙂😉
Great to see you covering an area close to me! Excellent footage and explanations as usual. I wondered whether you were going to mention Welsh Harp station, between Cricklewood and Hendon, although it was closed in 1903. Also, the flying junction north of Hendon is called Silkstream Junction. Thank you and keep them coming please!
I didn’t know about Welsh Harp, I’ll look that up thanks. I did label Silkstream Junction though 👍
Excellent video
Much appreciated David 👍
I couldnt believe was I was seeing my hometown in the UK is Baldock which is pretty close to Hitchin but in the US for along time having rode the train mentioned it was great seeing that, thanks
We aim to please Ann 👍
❤❤❤❤ two class 66 loco including yours❤❤❤ I love freight trains, got any trains travels planned for 2024!
Keep an eye open for Vinny, Lee or Roger on your travels.
Between Bedford and Fitwick was Ampthill station, reputed to have one of the longest rural platforms in the country, for troop disembarking to camps at Ampthill park, and for for wood loading, pit props etc for the WW1 conflict from what is now caller the firs, but was once a pine plantation called coopers hill wood.
Excellent thanks, I love factoids like this 👍
This is a totally excellent journey, Don. I've never seen anything of the Great Western main line before, and I was surprised to see how many sidings and crossovers there are on this particular section. The absolute block line connecting with the Midland Main line is also interesting too. There has been a lot of modernisation on the Midland Main line especially at the stations, and it's nice to see that old signal box finely restored. I'd totally forgotten about those clay pits, which are now lakes for leisure. I wonder what did become of the famous London Brick company. I remember seeing their old red classic trucks up and down the main roads of Southern England years ago. Anyhow, Don, many thanks for this program and all the details of the locations, nice to be able to see a journey on the Bedford to Brighton Thameslink with one of those class 700s, some time.
Cheers Frank. London Brick still exists in name but hardly at all by comparison to what it used to be. I remember all the chimneys from the kilns as a landmark of where I was on the M1. I might have something on that Brighton line. By the way, our mutual friend Mr F is now at Avanti 😉👍
I live in Theale so interesting to see what goes on 'up there' at the goods yard, which is well hidden! They've actually used the goods loop platform (Platform 0 ??) for passenger services in the past - from memory when they were running a Theale-Reading shuttle when the line towards Newbury was shut
Thanks Patrick. Yes I’ve seen several examples over the years where they’ve either created or utilised platforms for special reasons.
Great video as ever. I didn't realise that there was a freight-only line in North London (To think of the times I passed under it heading to and from Marylebone!). I'll start studying some railway maps in more detail.
I know, I was thrilled to get the footage. We can thank my mate Vinny for that.
A GWR green 800 was our first UK train this year on holiday after coming into London on the Eurostar. I also thought it looked immaculate stood in Paddington station.
They turn their trains out very nicely.
The line which goes through Theale et al is known as the 'Berks and Hants' line and includes the 'Westbury Cut-off'. A minor 'slip-up' in your reference to the Derby - St Pancras video. You referred to the journey as 'hurtling down the fast line. . .', I think you meant hurtling UP the fast line. . .'!! Enjoyed the journey, Don. Thanks to you and your collaborators!!
Thanks Phillip. I’m limited in how many captions to add before it becomes overload and therefore difficult to watch. When heading away from London, the direction is Down. All lines go Up to London or when travelling east to west, Up is towards a theoretical centre line of the country. 👍
Great video, but re: Radlett, it’s another Shadow who lives there, drummer Brian Bennett. Hank has lived in Perth Australia for quite some years now!
He does and I knew but I’m limited to what I can cover in the captions so I tend to stick with the popular ones 👍
i use your youtube videos as my white noise to help me sleep at night. also I am autistic. i like 15 passenger vans, and Airbus A321 aircraft as a hobby. i also like Yamaha stereo equipment.
Thanks for sharing your hobbies Joey. I’m really pleased that the videos help you relax 👍
Thanks Don, drive and cameraperson. Another fab video.
Thanks Jess, they’ll see your comments 👍
Correction. After Iver Station, and as you go under the M25, you come into Greater London not Middlesex. Since the mid 1960's most of Middlesex became part of Greater London, with a smallish part (Staines, Sunbury & Shepperton) going into Surrey. Great video. Thank you.
Yes thanks Stuart. It’s the same with Greater Manchester up here. I prefer the old style 😉
I always thought it was Silkstream Junction just North of Hendon not Coldstream (unless they've moved it lol). Really fascinating Videos Don. Keep up the good work.
Ah yes Neil, you’ve spotted the deliberate mistake 😉. There is an amendment in the video description but always tell me in case I’ve missed it 👍
Now I get it! They're going to be filled! I knew Derbyshire is not short of aggregate.
That’s it Donna, in fact the next video covers a loaded stone train from Tunstead to Bedford but it goes via Corby.
Radlett: ex home of Hank Marvin who now lives in Perth. Hone of Brian & Warren Bennett.
Correct Paul, I did notice it when researching 😉👍
59:00 Warncliffe Viaduct's hollow piers colonised by bats? Okay, you have the bats, now all you need are balls, bails and wicket stumps and you've got a cricket game happening!😁😁😁
Nobody mentioned grasshoppers 🦗
I love your journeys and commentary. Just one thing - it's Elstree & Borehamwood - with an "e" in the second name. Why do I tell you this - because I lived there for a very long time and I like to see E & B 'on the map' Sorry to be so pedantic!
Pedant away Geoff. Unfortunately I can’t edit them once uploaded but there’s often a correction in the video description. It makes me feel better when I watch the BBC News and their mis spelt ticker even after the license fee and fancy equipment 🙄😉👍
I noticed the signal entering the main lines changed from red->Yellow->green as the signalman established the route. From other videos I was under the impression that British signaling used colour light signals, where each colour had a separate lens. I never knew they had what is known in North America as searchlight signals. These have one lens and bulb, but the coloured discs change inside the signal.
As to the resonating hot plate, it made me laugh. Most locomotives seem to have paper towels wedged in places to stop it. Wait until the Class 70 start to age. GE isn’t happy until the driver is forced to the pub for a half dozen pints straight away off duty, after hearing that all day.
Those are Dorman LED signals Brian. They have arrays of different colours within one head allowing us to show four aspects with two heads as you’ll see in numerous locations.
Hanwell station was the only gas lit station on GWR untill well into the 70's if not later.
That’s interesting Grahame. It reminds me of New Mills South when I was a kid and the signal lamp man used to come every week.
Another great video, but one factual mistake I picked up on is that Crossbow House (The Office) on Slough Trading Estate was knocked down several years ago. It is now the site of Premier Inn, Slough West.
Thanks Stevie. I am aware it’s gone and I thought I’d said it was in that location but I’ll check and add a correction to the video description if needed 👍
Is the AWS gap on the Dudding Hill branch because of the semaphore signalling?
Good question Ian. It usually happens in freight only locations or in areas of intense signalling where magnets can be confusing or impossible to place. Sheffield and Chester are such locations. I think that Dudding Hill line basically missed out and was never updated. It could never see regular passenger traffic in that state.
🚂👍
Is this “the” Diesel Dave that Karl is mates with?
Z head codes use to be used a lot on specials for rail enthusiasts.Usually 1Z's and I don't recall seeing many 2Z's.. Quite a lot of 0Z's when they had more light engines.I can't remember seeing many freight Z's(4,6,7) but I suppose that there must have been .I remember when they put that platform on the Theale loop and it was during major works on the Berks and Hants.but I don't suppose it's used much a bit like the third platform at Newbury Racecourse?
I occasionally drive a 2Z service to York via Calder Valley on a Sunday. That back platform looks like it’s largely a turnback location judging by the “rear clear” markers. There is also the option of terminating a passenger service 👍
There used to be a 'waiting loop' off the Up Relief at Ruscombe, but it appears they didn't remove the old lines, just put up the electrification infrastructure on top of them.
Aye that happens occasionally Rob.
well this is one simmer who has now realised, when on yellows it is far better to go slow and ride them ( the yellow aspect ) rather than be stuck going nowhere on a red light. love the crossrail trains btw and the odd crossrail station.
That’s it Chris, as instructors, we teach trainees, “don’t chase reds”. That tends to be more applicable with freight trains for obvious reasons. 👍
Honestly, you must have Gladys Knight riding with you..... I keep hearing "Pips!" 😁😁😁
She’s a regular subscriber Neil 😉
goodmorning don
Hi Julie. Good to see you.
Don, your masterpieces are moving south. Can I look forward to seeing a freightliner heavy haul working out of Newhaven on the East Coastway area of the Southern?
I can’t promise it Steve. Freightliner have recorded all of their routes but a lot of footage is shot through filthy windows or with no sound, neither of which meet my usual standard.
Really enjoy watching these videos. Have you got any videos planned on any of the Anglian Railway lines? Specifically through Needham
No but I’m open to offers if they would permit it 👍
Great vlog as usual Don,I noticed that when leaving Toton Yard there seemed to be a lot of ground clearing,are they extending the yard at all,or is it for other use,cheers
I think Vinny mentioned it but I’ve asked again. Stand by!
He’s reported back. It’s for HS2 Phillip 👍
You always travel with very experienced, professional drivers, who make good decisions with regard to speed and economy. It would be interesting to go along with a relative newcomer and compare the different decisions and outcomes.
In theory it shouldn’t make much difference Donna. During training, drivers are taught appropriate driving techniques and rushing with a freight train isn’t encouraged. Loaded freight takes it to another level.
The other little detail I have to point out is on the final approach to Bedford station, it appears it looks like you labelled the carriage sidings as Bedford St John Depot which isn't quite right, those sidings to the immediate right of the train are called Bedford Carriage Sidings which is where that TL Class 700 is stabled and out of sight even further to the right of the train is Jowett Sidings.
Other then that, I've really enjoyed the run from Acton and up to Bedford.
I hope there's plans for a Peterborough to Horsham cab video in the future too btw
It’s possible Martin. I don’t sign down there and I have to do all my research from the Network Rail maps and my own collection so there may be errors. I try my best to avoid them but in this case, I’ll put an amendment in the description. 👍
Hi Don, that CCTV footage isn’t real. It’s CGI that was made for a documentary about the accident 👍
OK Paul. I’ll put a correction in the description. 👍
I wonder what happens to all that aggregate in Tunstead?
very interesting video. do you know where and when "evening star" can be seen in the Reading area?
It travels the country Owen but it tends to stick around in an area if you hear where it’s operating 👍
I often wonder if drivers look at the points just to make sure they are actually set correct direction.
The true answer is mostly not but there are occasions where the rules insist we do (like passing signals at danger) or it’s wise to do for example when shunting.
Operational question after the immediate start... may be of interest to others, too. "Our relief driver" - is the relief needed due to the shift time of the driver taking this leg, or because the relief has route knowledge needed between Bedford and Tunstead ? Thanks.
Both Damian. The Theale driver is forbidden to drive on a route he doesn’t sign and north of Bedford would take him way off patch. He’ll probably sign a large area in the South like our usual driver Vinny does in the north. Even so, hypothetically, if he signed the whole route, he’d probably run out of during hours. He has to get home too.
2:39:00 You think you have problems with trains trailing back over crossovers with just 20-odd hoppers, *HAH!* Australian coal and grain trains will number 83 or more hoppers! Passing through Maitland Station, the last hopper would clear the Maitland Platform 4 as the Loco engine reaches High Street Station!
Mr Forbes, as I live and breath. Our little island doesn’t have room for such leviathans, the front would be at John O’Groates and the back at Lands End!
You are not correct in your statement that Sonning Cutting was quadrupled after the end of the broad gauge. In fact, the fast lines were broad gauge, which had been converted to mixed gauge in the 1880s when the quadrupling was done. The relief lines were always standard gauge but were added before the abolition of the broad gauge in 1892.
I’ve put a correction in the description John.
Great video Don,
I've always been interested in how much time a driver gets to learn a route?
Given that there is so many variations, detours, passing loops, bidirectional running, not to mention darkness and bad weather, is a new driver put with an experienced one for a few days or a few weeks, And then after pass-out left to fend for themselves ?
It's one aspect ( pardon the pun ) of the driving job that would be a big problem for me,,,
AIDO
Route learning and route retention is a big part of train driving. If you take a passenger train, we run at high speed in thick fog and an experienced driver can apply the brake and stop in a station they can’t see until they are in it. How much route learning is required depends on the length and complexity and each one is ranked. That equates to a number of trips. Usually a driver is given some time to “consolidate” the route after signing it. The route pass out consists of an exam and an accompanied ride. If a driver can’t get over a route for a period of time they are required to request a refresher otherwise it will drop off a route card after a period of time.
So were we coasting most of the last 16 miles into Bedford? There did seem to be a bit of an engine rev coming into Flitwick.
Yes, once rolling they will coast for miles if the gradient is with them. Watch out for the next video where I go into that in more detail.
Seems a bit daft to me that, almost all of the route is overhead electrified, but you have to use a diesel locomotive because a few miles in the middle aren't wired up. Not good for the environment.
Keep in mind, it’s heading for the Buxton area and most of the route is not under wires. I agree that it does look unacceptable at first.
One small error though with the video and that's the incorrect spelling of Isambard Kingdom Brunel which is spelt wrongly as Isombard Kingdom Brunel.
Other then that, appreciate the run on it entirely.
Thanks Martin. Yes I was aware and there is a correction in the video description. Always worth pointing it out though in case it’s one that should be in the video description!
31:23 "Abbey Wood"...... but I won't!😄
You might if you saw her.
2:42:37 Railcam Bedford on the right :)
Nice one, I didn’t know that Adam 👍
"Hotplate"? What's cookin'? 😁😁
Something we don’t get in a 185!
Very enjoyable. Thanks! And you include maps! Is such a journey given a schedule? Or is it a case of 'Well, it's going to take about 3 hours...' Does the driver taking over know when to expect arrival? And would he be local to Bedford? Questions, questions...!
It runs to a published schedule and they are usually quite close to it. You’ll notice they get held in loops quite a lot, that is to get them back on time. They put slack in the schedule in case they run slow and by putting them back on time they will pass through a complex area without interfering with other trains. If a signaller can predict them having a clear run they’ll sometimes “give them the run” and you’ll see them arrive maybe 100 minutes early.
@@doncoffey5820 Thank you Don. As a teenager I lived at Henlow Camp (Bedford - Hitchin line), now in NZ. Amazing to see all the changes.
I take it the long lengths of spare track you see periodically will replace what is already in place? What are the shorter pieces for?
It’s explained in one of the later videos Richard. They snap it into short lengths ready for recycling.
Why is this route not utilised for passenger services like part of it once was for the Basingstoke-Woking-Staines-Brentford-West Hampstead-and points East service?
Probably a number of reasons Dan. Most arterial routes terminate in the capital and it depends on demand too. It will almost certainly not meet current Network Rail requirements for a passenger service without significant investment. Seems daft but that’s the way very often.